Perform Your Best With These Top Rated Women’s Running Clothes
Shopping for new running clothes for women can be more challenging that it seems—you want to find gear that is practical, comfortable and breathable—but one that is still stylish and makes you feel good as well. The right running gear can keep you as cool or as warm as you need to be and keep you comfortable as you train. However, while good running gear is important for athletes, not all running gear is very eco-friendly or environmentally conscious.
The good news is—there are several companies out there who are dedicated to creating stylish, functional running gear that is not only on-trend, but ethical and environmentally-conscious. These running gear and clothes brands are ones that eco-friendly shoppers can feel good about shopping from.
Our updated 2021 Guide to Women’s Running Clothes includes:
Best running shorts
Organic and natural runners leggings and tights
Warm and cold weather running clothes
Sport clothing brand certifications for sustainable and eco-friendly running apparel
Moisture wicking shirts and tank tops
What’s even better is that we have taken much of the legwork out of the equation for you and curated a list of the best eco-friendly running clothes for women—so you know where to start when you begin shopping for items such as this. So, whether you are looking for new running shoes, tights that will keep you warm on those chilly morning runs, or breathable running tanks that will help you beat the heat—we can help you shop.
Take a look below at these top running clothing brands that not only offer on-trend, comfortable and stylish running gear, but gear that is as ethical as it is functional.
1. Lole
Type of Ethical Women’s Running Clothes | Ruched Running Tank
Care | Machine Wash
Running Clothes Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Handcrafted, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Made in the USA
Price of Tank | $40
The Anya Runners Tank Top from Lole is a great everyday running basic when you need a top that is not only lightweight and comfortable, but flattering as well. We love the thin and comfortable material of this tank top, and the side ruching that makes it just as great as a piece of athleisure as a training top.
This organic running tank top is made of Viscose and Elastane, so it has a bit of stretch in it that keeps it comfortable and non-restricting. However, in addition to its comfort, this tank top also comes from one of the fashion industry’s biggest ethical brands. This particular tank is OEKO-TEX Certified, so you can rest-assured that it is completely free from harmful chemicals.
Lole is a company that is dedicated to have a positive impact, and to not only offer modern, mindful and meaningful athletic gear, but meant to offer intelligent consumption. This can be seen with the brand’s Yellow Label Program, which empowers users to give a second life to gently worn outerwear for women in need while helping to fund food banks throughout North America.
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2. United By Blue
Type of Ethical Women’s Running Clothes | Running Shorts
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Sustainable
Price | $55
The United By Blue Westray Shorts are the perfect foundational basic for any woman’s running wardrobe. It is not only machine washable, and comfortable, but it is designed to be breathable as well, so it can keep you cool no matter how hard you train.
These natural hybrid running shorts are the perfect length for runners and are short enough to not get in your way, but long enough to offer plenty of coverage while you move.
These moisture wicking runners shorts come with mesh-lined pockets so you can bring your essentials with you on-the-go and is responsibly made in China—so you can feel good about how these fashionable and functional shorts were made. Our favorite feature from United By Blue is the company’s mission, a company dedicated to responsible, durable goods, every product you purchase removes one pound of trash from our planet.
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3. Bermies
Type | Drawstring Shorts
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Recycled Polyester, Sustainable, Imported
Price | $50
This Bermies drawstring eco-friendly shorts is another great basic that is just as functional for running as it is for weight-lifting or even running errands. This versatile natural women’s shorts isn’t just breathable and stretchy, but it has an on-trend UPF 50+ drawstring shorts that keeps it stylish as well.
This versatile beach shorts is made overseas, and all of the brand’s prints are designed in house, while all garments are produced overseas.
This is all part of the brand’s dedication to leaving behind a small carbon footprint. Simply put, when you choose to buy your running gear and beach apparel from Bermies, you know you are buying from a brand that truly cares about reducing their impact.
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4. Vuori
Type | Short Sleeve Running T-Shirt
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly running shirt, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Made in the USA
Price | $38
Looking for a great graphic tee to run in? This breathable Vuori t-shirt is a runner’s dream and a great update on a classic cotton t-shirt.
This organic women’s runner shirt is made of a blend of cotton, polyester and cotton, so you never have to worry about over-heating when you are out on a run. It is also moisture-wicking and super comfortable.
This is also an ethical brand that anyone can feel good about shopping at. This is because Vuori operates with their “investment in happiness” policy, which includes their commitment to helping others and the planet. Vuori strives to explore new textiles and manufacturing processes that will lessen the company’s impact on the earth—so they can continue to make workout gear for customers while keeping their carbon footprint small.
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5. Patagonia
Type | Running Shorts
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking running shorts, Natural running shorts, Eco-Friendly, Sustainable, Made of Recycled Materials
Price | $49
Most people know Patagonia for their quality outdoor clothes and equipment—but this company also has a lot of running gear and apparel as well, including items like these running shorts.
With a 3 ½ inch inseam, the moisture wicking running shorts are the perfect length for long runs and are short enough to stay out of your way, and long enough to keep you covered.
However, this isn’t the only thing we love about these running shorts. These lightweight, fast-drying shorts are made of recycled polyester. These sustainable running shorts have been BLUESIGN approved as well, which means the construction of these shorts have met the vision and mindset of the Blue Way’s responsible and sustainable manufacturing of textile consumer products and are powered by a holistic approach that is dedicated to changing the environmental impact of textiles for good.
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6. New Balance
Type | Short Sleeve Running T-Shirt
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic Running Shirt, Sustainable, Recycled
Price | $27
When it comes to running brands, very few companies can hold a candle to New Balance. However, while many people love this running brand’s clothes and shoes, including pieces like this Printed Accelerate Short Sleeve running top, many of the brand’s biggest fans don’t even realize how committed this brand is to sustainability.
In fact, this breathable, soft and comfortable running shirt is one of the many New Balance runner’s products that is made from recycled materials. This shirt is 100% Recycled Polyester, making it a great running basic that you can feel good about wearing.
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7. Stio
Type | Long Sleeve Runner Shirt
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Recycled, Made in USA
Price | $69
This STIO long-sleeve running shirt is breathable, quick-drying and designed to help protect you against sun rays while you train. This Natural Running Crew Shirt is made of UPF 50+ fabric to help keep you protected—but it isn’t the only thing we love about this shirt.
Stio created their company with a commitment to the mountain life in mind. This is why they not only create gear for running, hiking and exploring mountains—but they use Bluesign approved textiles wherever possible.
They also audit their supply chains to make sure they are only using the best practices and are always operating their workplaces responsibly. Stio is also a company that is dedicated to advocating for conservation, climate change and sustainability.
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8. Cotton:On
Type | Run Tank Top
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Recycled, Made in USA
Price | $15
This simple, basic running tank is a must-have in any woman’s closet. It is simple, comfortable, breathable and designed with running in mind. It is also a piece from Cotton: On—which means it is an item you can feel good about buying.
This company not only gives back to children in need, with a foundation that powers educational opportunities in underdeveloped companies, but they are committed to creating positive change in other ways as well.
The company is currently working toward their goal to only use 100% sustainable cotton by 2021. This brand was one of the first Australian companies to join the BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) which is committed to sourcing better cotton and investing in local sustainable farmers.
They also have a program that delivers recycled water bottles throughout Australia. Simply put, buying this functional and fashionable tank is just one way you can support more a more sustainable Australia and a more sustainable world.
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9. Evolve Fit Wear
Type | Running Leggings
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural Running Leggings, Eco-Friendly, Organic Running Tights, Sustainable, Recycled, Made in USA
Price | $96
These Evolve Fit Wear printed running leggings are sure to turn heads when you get out and train—however, they are more than bold and beautiful. These natural runners tights are made with breathability in mind and are quick-drying, moisture-wicking and ultra comfortable. We love the look of these leggings but also love that this company makes their leggings right here in the USA.
This should come as no surprise as Evolve Fit Wear is dedicated to finding eco-friendly sustainable, US-based companies, such as the maker of these leggings: GoldSheep.
Update: Free Shipping on all US orders (no minimums) + Free Returns, Orders outside the USA are $15 flat rate for 7 Day FedEx.
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10. Figleaves
Type | Short Sleeve Running Tee
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Recycled
Price | $30
This Figleaves Under Armour Tech Short Sleeve V Neck Twist T-Shirt is made out of 100% polyester and designed to be cool and comfortable with plenty of stretch. This eco running t-shirt is also made out of Under Armor’s signature sweat-wicking material that will get rid of sweat fast so that you can stay cool and comfortable as you train.
This isn’t the only perk of ordering this running t-shirt from Figleaves—when you order you are shopping from a company that is part of the Ethical Trade Initiative—a program that looks out for those making their clothes, so that they can improve their work conditions. This organization ensures fair wages and fair working conditions, no matter where workers may be located.
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11. Tree Tribe
Type | Eco Moisture Wicking Running Leggings
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Recycled, Made in USA
Price | $60
These Tree Tribe running leggings truly have it all, and are a great, stylish addition to any athlete’s closet. These winter running leggings are made out of high-quality fabric that is made from upcycled polyester.
These moisture-wicking leggings are hand-crafted in the USA and designed with quality in mind. Plus, when you buy these bold and stylish organic runners tights, you can really feel good about your purchase—as every purchase results in 10 trees being planted.
The company isn’t kidding with their Tree Tribe name—and has already planted more than 400,000 trees around the country from their sales.
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12. Nike
Type | Organic Running Shorts
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Recycled,
Price |
These organic running shorts for women from Nike come in an on-trend camo pattern that is sure to turn heads. Features like moisture-wicking fabric, a quick-drying pattern and an elastic waistband all make these shorts a functional addition to your running wardrobe—but there is more to love about these shorts.
These Nike natural athletic shorts are made out of 60% organic cotton and 40% recycled polyester, meaning these are shorts you can feel good about buying, knowing that your athletic gear is made of sustainable and recycled materials.
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13. Brooks
Type | Graphic Heather Running Tee-Shirt
Care | Machine Wash Separately
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking running shirt, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Recycled
Price |
If you are an avid runner, then chances are you know about the brand Brooks. This fun and lightweight t-shirt will have you loving the brand’s tees as much as you love their shoes.
The organic runners shirt is made of lightweight, wicking material that is perfect for those warm running days. We love the positive “run happy” message on the shirt—but even more, we love that it is made of recycled materials.
This women’s running tee shirt is made of 86% recycled polyester and 12% lyocell. This is one of the many things that Brooks is doing to help sustain their commitment to the environment and to helping with sustainability within this industry.
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14. Reebok
Type | Knit Shorts
Care | Machine Wash
Benefits | Eco Friendly, Moisture Wicking, Natural, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Sustainable, Recycled
Price |
This Reebok Crossfit Knit Shorts is a great piece for running, training and of course, doing Cross Fit. No matter where your workouts take you, this shirt is up for the challenge. It is made of anti-microbial and wicking materials that will keep you cool, clean and dry no matter how hard you workout.
However, our favorite feature of this t-shirt is that it is made with recycled materials. This is just one of the many ways that Reebok is doing their part to be more eco-friendly in their practices and to deliver quality running gear that isn’t just good for you—but good for the environment as well.
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Run in Style with These Top Eco-Friendly, Natural and Organic Women’s Athletic Running Clothes
While buying new running clothes for women can be a fun way to ramp up workout wardrobe if you are careful about where you buy from, it can also be an eco-friendly purchase that you can feel good about making too. These eco-friendly women’s running and training pieces are a great place to start as they are made with environmentally-conscious materials and come from companies that are dedicated to doing their part to give back. All you need to do is decide which piece of running gear you want to start with!
Karen A Mulvey is a personal social blogger and mom with 14 years of experience in the every day world of motherhood and sustainable product research. Karen is on a mission to help everyday families select sustainable, non-toxic organic products, stop stressing about uncertainties on sustainable home goods and apparel, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.
Follow Karen at @karenAmulveycs | Karen A Mulvey