Looking for a Sustainable Alternative to Lululemon? Why Circular Activewear Is On the Rise
Looking for a Sustainable Alternative to Lululemon?
Explore how circular design, smart materials, and honest trade-offs make athleisure better for people and the planet.
Lululemon gets a lot of things right such as the fit, feel, and style. But as more people ask questions about what clothes are made of and what happens after we stop wearing them, a different conversation is starting about the future of athleisure.
Why “sustainable” isn’t always enough
The word sustainable appears on packaging and product pages everywhere. But recycled polyester still sheds microplastics. Organic cotton may reduce some harms but isn’t automatically circular. Circular design goes further: it means designing clothing so it can safely return to nature or be fully reused, leaving no trace.
Performance vs. planet: the real trade-off
Natural fibers like hemp and wool, and newer cellulose-based options like TENCEL™ Lyocell or Modal are renewable and biodegradable. They perform brilliantly for many garments. Yet for certain high-performance pieces like leggings, or sports bras, natural fibers sometimes lack the stretch, recovery, and durability required.
Smarter synthetics: a pragmatic step forward
That’s where biodegradable synthetics come in. Not all synthetics are equal. Innovations such as ROICA V550 offer the stretch and function of traditional synthetics but are engineered to break down in natural conditions. Without leaving microplastics or toxic residues. These choices aren’t a shortcut; they’re a considered compromise when performance matters.
Circular activewear is about balance: choosing natural fibers when they work, and responsible synthetics when they’re needed.
Want the details? Our Material Guidelines
Our detailed Material Guidelines explain exactly how we make material choices: when we choose natural fibers, when we select biodegradable synthetics, and the standards we use to minimize impact.
Read our Material Guidelines (coming soon)
Why people look for alternatives to Lululemon
Lululemon is respected for a reason. But if you want activewear that blends style, performance, and end-of-life responsibility, circular options are worth exploring. Many shoppers now expect transparency about materials, production, and disposal. Not just great design.
How to start your sustainable wardrobe?
- Try one circular piece first. Maybe a tee or a light training layer.
- Look for clear material labels and end-of-life options.
- Ask brands about take-back, repair, or composting programs.
Small steps add up. And if you ever want to know more, we’re happy to share what we’ve learned.