On Instagram, we get it SO often: the demand for truly sustainable sportswear. Mainly from athletes who like to move in natural materials and prefer not to wear plastics while sweating. The honest answer is: we are still looking for it. Many more sustainable sports brands opt for (recycled) polyester. But we are out. As far as we are concerned, Boldwill is the sustainable sports brand of the moment. Conceived in the Netherlands, honestly made in Europe and manufactured from certified natural materials. Yes, even their sports leggings. And you don't see that very often!
Our experience with Boldwill
In partnership with Boldwill
In our search for sustainable sportswear we actually pay attention to three things. As with ‘normal’ clothes, by the way. What is it made of? Where and how is it made? And who makes it? Fortunately, you can find more and more sustainable sports brands. But sportswear that is both fairly made and made of natural (certified!) materials as much as possible is still rare. Many sports brands, even the more sustainable ones, still choose synthetic fabrics. Logical in itself, because they are light, stretchy and nice to work out in. At the same time, they are plastics, made of petroleum.
At Boldwill, they ask the very question: can that fine, light sport feel also be achieved with natural materials? Their answer is yes. By cleverly choosing and testing with fibres like Tencel, they show that sportswear doesn't necessarily have to be synthetic to be comfortable to wear. For example, much of their sportswear is made from a combination of organic cotton and Tencel. The latter is made from wood pulp from eucalyptus trees from sustainably managed forests in Austria. We tested a pair of leggings and crop top and the material is light, strong and even feels softer than cotton.
Materials, materials, materials
So at Boldwill, they make very conscious material choices. In doing so, they work with certified fabrics as much as possible. The devil is in the detail, because they have thought about it down to the last detail: even the dyes and finishes comply with renowned labels. For example, they use organic cotton that is GOTS-certified and sourced in Greece and Turkey. That means no harmful pesticides, less strain on the soil and better conditions for the people working with it. They also use hemp, one of the most sustainable - and undervalued - fibres available. Its naturally odour-resistant properties make it suitable for products like towels (although it is less suitable for sportswear as it retains heat). The hemp they use comes from Lithuania. Where stretch is needed, such as in elastic bands, they choose natural rubber instead of synthetic alternatives. And the rubber is also FSC-certified and sourced from Malaysia.
Looking for sustainable sportswear made from natural materials? Then definitely check out Boldwill's collection. They also have sportswear for men.
The devil is in the detail
The attention to detail does not stop there. One of the brand's main goals is to eventually become completely plastic-free. Currently, about 95% of the collection is already plastic-free. Some products, such as sports leggings, still require some form of elastane for a little stretch. For this, Boldwill chooses a partly bio-based elastane, a spandex made from plant-based raw materials (Creora). To minimise the emission of microplastics, they use a specially developed yarn for this that is encapsulated so that wear and friction cause as little microplastics as possible. Wow. You don't see choices like that, but they do make a difference.
Fairly produced sportswear
Boldwill's sportswear is designed in the Netherlands and produced within Europe. This is a conscious choice. By producing close to home, the brand keeps a better eye on the manufacturing process and the lines of communication remain short. Materials and end products have to travel fewer kilometres, which saves on emissions and makes the chain much more manageable than with sports brands that spread their production over several continents.
But ‘fairly produced’ goes beyond location. Boldwill works with established factories and is committed to long-term partnerships, rather than always shopping around for where it's nice and cheap (which is unfortunately common in the fashion world). The factories Boldwill works with operate under strict European labour laws, with a focus on safe working conditions and fair pay. Workers there not only earn the legal minimum wage, but are paid a wage that is higher and meant to make a decent living. Many of the production partners are family businesses. By establishing long-term partnerships, knowledge is retained and there is room to improve together. In short, this is truly an example of how to operate as a clothing brand and treat your suppliers and garment makers equally and with respect.
Also looking for sustainable sportswear? Check out Boldwill!
Finding truly sustainable sportswear with no plastic, no vague promises and no greenwashing is still tricky. But Boldwill shows that it can be done. With natural materials, European production, fair wages and a seasonless model, they make sportswear that is timeless and thoughtful. Add to that their attention to detail and willingness to keep experimenting and you can see why we'd love to recommend this brand to you. If you're looking for sportswear that's comfortable AND feels better, including for the planet, then this is a really nice place to start.
Find out more about this sustainable sportswear brand.
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Photo credits: Boldwill.
