Does Athleta Use Recycled Fabrics?

As sustainability becomes more important in the fashion industry, many consumers ask:
Does Athleta actually use recycled fabrics?

Here’s everything you need to know about Athleta’s materials, certifications, and how it compares with other yoga brands — plus insights from FuKi Yoga, a global OEM manufacturer focused on sustainable activewear.


Table of Contents


Quick Answer

Yes — Athleta uses recycled fabrics in over 70% of its collections.
The brand’s materials include recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and organic cotton, all verified through GRS and OEKO-TEX® certifications.

As part of Gap Inc., Athleta operates independently as a Certified B Corporation, ensuring responsible sourcing and ethical labor standards across its production chain.


1. Does Athleta Use Recycled Fabrics?

Athleta’s sustainability mission is clear: by 2030, 100% of its fibers will come from sustainable sources.
Currently, over 70% of their activewear uses recycled or low-impact fabrics — including yoga pants, sports bras, and jackets.

Athleta leggings

💬 From a manufacturing standpoint, Athleta’s recycled fibers maintain excellent durability and stretch while significantly reducing waste.


2. What Types of Recycled Materials Does Athleta Use?

Fabric TypeSourceCommon UseKey Features
Recycled Polyester (rPET)Plastic bottlesLeggings, bras, topsMoisture-wicking, quick-dry
Recycled NylonFishing nets, carpetsYoga pants, shortsSoft, durable, stretchy
Organic CottonCertified farmsTanks, teesBreathable, biodegradable
TENCEL™ LyocellWood pulpLightweight topsSmooth, sustainable fiber

All materials come from traceable and audited suppliers, following strict environmental standards.


3. Athleta’s Sustainability Goals & Certifications

Athleta is one of few major yoga brands certified as a B Corp, proving measurable environmental accountability.

Key initiatives:

  • 70%+ products use sustainable fibers
  • 100% renewable energy in HQ & stores
  • Water-saving and low-impact dye processes
  • Ethical factory partnerships worldwide

📈 By 2025, Athleta aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% per product.


4. Athleta vs. Lululemon: Which Is More Eco-Friendly?

BrandRecycled Material UseCertificationsSustainability Focus
Athleta70%+ recycled fibersB Corp, GRSSustainability & inclusivity
Lululemon~50% recycled fibersBluesign®, FSCTechnical innovation
FuKi Yoga80%+ eco fabricsGRS, OEKO-TEX®OEM sustainable production

While Lululemon focuses on technical performance, Athleta leads in social and environmental responsibility.


5. How Recycled Fabrics Perform in Activewear

Modern recycled fabrics rival virgin fibers in both stretch and shape retention.
Athleta’s signature lines, like Powervita™ and Sculptek Light, offer:

  • Second-skin softness
  • Sweat-wicking performance
  • Long-lasting elasticity

Athleta leggings

🧘 They prove eco-friendly apparel can be both comfortable and high-performance.


FAQs

Q1: Are Athleta’s leggings made from recycled plastic bottles?
Yes — many Athleta leggings use rPET made from post-consumer bottles.

Q2: Are Athleta’s fabrics certified?
Yes, all sustainable fibers meet GRS and OEKO-TEX® safety standards.

Q3: How does Athleta compare to Lululemon in sustainability?
Athleta leads in eco-certifications, while Lululemon invests more in material innovation.

Q4: Can small brands use recycled fabrics too?
Yes — OEM manufacturers like FuKi Yoga provide recycled fabric options for startup brands.


FuKi Yoga: Supporting Global Sustainable Manufacturing

At FuKi Yoga, we help yoga and activewear brands produce eco-friendly apparel with transparency and precision.
Our services include:

  • OEM/ODM production with recycled nylon & polyester
  • Low MOQ (100 pcs) ideal for startups
  • Certified sustainable fabrics (GRS, OEKO-TEX®)
  • Private label customization & sampling

We share Athleta’s mission — building a more responsible, ethical, and high-quality future for activewear.
👉 Learn more at fukiyoga.com


Fuki yoga wear author

👋 Hi, I’m Owen Yang, the founder of FuKi Yoga.
With years of experience in custom activewear manufacturing, I’m passionate about helping brands create functional, stylish yoga apparel that inspires daily movement. Let’s build something exceptional together.

Free samples are only offered to verified brands and established businesses. Please include your brand name and website for review.