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.
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.
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.
| 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.
Athleta is one of few major yoga brands certified as a B Corp, proving measurable environmental accountability.
Key initiatives:
📈 By 2025, Athleta aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% per product.
| 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.
Modern recycled fabrics rival virgin fibers in both stretch and shape retention.
Athleta’s signature lines, like Powervita™ and Sculptek Light, offer:
🧘 They prove eco-friendly apparel can be both comfortable and high-performance.
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.
At FuKi Yoga, we help yoga and activewear brands produce eco-friendly apparel with transparency and precision.
Our services include:
We share Athleta’s mission — building a more responsible, ethical, and high-quality future for activewear.
👉 Learn more at fukiyoga.com