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
- 1. Does Athleta Use Recycled Fabrics?
- 2. What Types of Recycled Materials Does Athleta Use?
- 3. Athleta’s Sustainability Goals & Certifications
- 4. Athleta vs. Lululemon: Which Is More Eco-Friendly?
- 5. How Recycled Fabrics Perform in Activewear
- FAQs
- FuKi Yoga: Supporting Global Sustainable Manufacturing
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.

💬 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 Type | Source | Common Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Polyester (rPET) | Plastic bottles | Leggings, bras, tops | Moisture-wicking, quick-dry |
| Recycled Nylon | Fishing nets, carpets | Yoga pants, shorts | Soft, durable, stretchy |
| Organic Cotton | Certified farms | Tanks, tees | Breathable, biodegradable |
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | Wood pulp | Lightweight tops | Smooth, 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?
| Brand | Recycled Material Use | Certifications | Sustainability Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athleta | 70%+ recycled fibers | B Corp, GRS | Sustainability & inclusivity |
| Lululemon | ~50% recycled fibers | Bluesign®, FSC | Technical innovation |
| FuKi Yoga | 80%+ eco fabrics | GRS, 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
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🧘 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