The Sports Edit is Europe’s leading destination for premium, stylish sportswear and aims to inspire you to get out there, get sweaty and create a more balanced life. The Sports Edit stock a diverse range of carefully curated brands, including some leading ethical innovators- a few of which I’ll be focusing on in this ethical gift guide.
Ethical Gift Guide
Getting out there and getting active can be a challenge. Deciding what to wear for exercise can be even trickier. If you’re anything like me, then you’ll most likely have one ‘gym kit’ that you’ve had for years and have worn to the point of disintegration. On a quest to live a more sustainable life and given my innate lack of enthusiasm towards shopping, investing in long-lasting, quality pieces is key. Whether you’re investing in yourself or buying a gift for a loved one, The Sports Edit offers a wide variety of premium sportwear with an emphasis on style, fit and performance.
Eco-Friendly Sportswear
The Sports Edit stock eco-friendly sportwear brand the Girlfriend Collective, an eco-conscious brand that make the greatest sustainable activewear out of recycled plastic bottles. I’ve been blown away by the Girlfriend Collective Leggings, they have such a luxurious, high-quality feel, fit beautifully and to top that- each pair is made using 25 recycled plastic bottles! I’m wearing the Compressive High-Rise Legging in black, which is remarkably flattering and gives you the flexibility and support necessary for running and yoga alike.
Along with the Girlfriend Collective leggings I’m wearing the Paloma Bra in classic black. Each Paloma Bra is made from 12 plastic bottles! The support is perfect and the fabric is super soft against the skin. The Paloma Bra can be worn alone or under another top, depending on what kind of exercise you’re doing. I’d typically wear the Paloma Bra under a lose fitting tee for yoga, for maximum support and comfort. Girlfriend Collective have a whole range of colours available in sizes 6-18- couldn’t recommend highly enough.
Sustainable Trainers
When opting for a more conscious, sustainable lifestyle, the concept of shopping for trainers would typically be a total contradiction. Thankfully, French-born shoe company Veja is on a mission to create cultural change by producing ethically and ecologically grounded sneakers. Veja promote a different vision, one which links fair trade, ecology and economy, social initiatives and the environment. Using organic or recycled and fairly traded cotton for the canvas of the shoes and wild & fairly traded rubber for the soles. Recycled plastic bottles are also used to create technological fabrics. All products are made in a high standard factory, with full transparency in Brazil. Veja believe in sustainability and great design that doesn’t break the bank.
I’m wearing the Veja V10 – Extra White Nacre, that were designed to celebrate the brands 10th anniversary. The Veja V-10 have the chunky sole, wider fit and breathable upper, meaning they are comfy. The Sports Edit stock a wide range of Veja Trainers from classic running shoes to seventies-inspired tennis shoes.
Reusable Water Bottle
If you’re looking for a more ethical and sustainable water bottle for the gym, then S’well has got your back. S’well Founder and CEO Sarah Kauss is on a mission to rid the world of plastic water bottles. It’s S’well’s ongoing mission to create products that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. S’well® is a proud partner of UNICEF, committing $1.4million since 2017 to help provide clean and safe water to the world’s most vulnerable communities. I love the S’well Teak Wood Water Bottle which holds 750ml. The S’well bottles will keep liquid cool for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours, meaning they’re particularly useful for in or outside of the gym. The 750ml bottle fits a whole bottle of wine, so if you fancy admiring the view with a chilled bottle on your next hike- go for it!
The beauty of The Sports Edit is that you can shop a range of premium sportswear brands all in one place, you can read about each brand, shop by activity and also pick up nutritional supplements. Hopefully this ethical gift guide will help any of you looking to invest in sustainable activewear.
Christine
*Special thanks to The Sports Edit for sponsoring this post
