Stylish, Safe & Sustainable: Black-Owned Athleisure Brands

In light of recent investigations into potentially harmful chemicals like PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals,’ in popular athleisure brands like Lululemon, many consumers are rethinking their activewear choices. Concerns about kidney disease and certain cancers linked to these substances have prompted a closer look at what we wear during workouts. If you’re looking for alternatives that prioritize style, sustainability, and safety, several Black-owned brands are stepping up to the plate.

Concerns Over Mainstream Activewear

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Lululemon, questioning the presence of PFAS in their products. While the brand maintains they phased out these chemicals in early 2024 and adhere to global safety standards, the investigation highlights a growing demand for transparency in the activewear industry. Adding to the scrutiny, Lululemon has faced past accusations of racial discrimination and its founder has made controversial remarks about diversity and inclusion, further prompting shoppers to seek out more aligned brands.

This situation presents an opportunity to support brands that are not only committed to ethical production but also owned by individuals from communities often underrepresented in the fashion industry. These brands offer inclusive sizing, sustainable practices, and stylish designs that empower you to feel good, inside and out.

5 Black-Owned Athleisure Brands to Watch

1. Scorpion Fit

Scorpion Fit is a sustainable activewear brand founded by a Black woman. They focus on eco-conscious products crafted from organic and recycled materials. Their commitment extends to small-batch production, minimizing overproduction and waste, ensuring each piece is made with care.

2. Aliya Wanek Sweats

Founded in 2016, ALIYA WANEK offers stylish, comfortable, and ethical womenswear. The brand utilizes organic cotton and hemp for its sweatpants and sweatshirts, manufactured in small, local factories to reduce environmental impact. Their dedication to sustainability is woven into every piece.

3. Vertical Activewear

Tia Robinson launched Vertical Activewear with a mission to create clothing that “looks good, feels good, and does good.” After her own health diagnosis, she focused on creating size-inclusive activewear (XS to 5XL) from recycled and plant-based fabrics. This brand proves that ethical choices don’t mean compromising on style or fit.

4. Stript

Stript is a Black-woman-owned fashion brand known for its high-quality, stylish, and empowering clothing for women of all sizes. They are particularly recognized for their compressive bodysuit styles, which are versatile enough for workouts or dressing up. Stript emphasizes lean production and fair pricing, avoiding the pitfalls of fast fashion.

5. Season 10

Created by content creator Shayla Mitchell (@makeupbyshayla), Season 10 Activewear is designed to empower women of all sizes. Embracing every body type with sizes ranging from XS to XXXL, the brand celebrates curves while delivering comfort and style, making fitness journeys more inclusive and fashionable.

Empowering Your Fitness Journey

Choosing activewear from these Black-owned brands means you’re not only investing in high-quality, stylish, and potentially safer products but also supporting entrepreneurship and diversity within the fashion industry. It’s a powerful way to align your values with your purchasing decisions and feel confident during every workout.