Ethical & Sustainable Leggings
a review
Before I wrote this post, I didn’t realize how different black leggings could be! After testing all of these, I think I’ve got my favourites and I know what makes a good pair of black leggings for me. I hope this review helps you find the perfect pair for your body type and lifestyle! I often get questions about my favourite ethical, sustainable activewear so today I’m finally sharing with you my thoughts on six different pairs of ethical/sustainable black leggings. I’ll be touching on fit, fabric, where it’s made, and price point.
Nimble Activewear - Moto Mesh Full Length Leggings
Nimble is an Australian, female-founded brand I discovered and purchased from a few years back when I first started learning more about sustainable fashion and capsule wardrobes. I have the Moto Mesh Full Length Leggings, which I believe aren’t available anymore, but I still wanted to throw this brand in as an option.
Fit & Fabric: Unfortunately because I’ve had this pair for a long time, the size has rubbed off the tag, though I typically fall between XXS-S. I’d say the waist is like a mid-rise and it’s full-length. The fabric is 73% Polyester‚ 27% Spandex and is made from post-consumer used recycled plastics. The majority of their products are made in Taiwan.
My Thoughts: These leggings are my most “active” looking pair that I’m reviewing today. They have mesh panels along the leg making them look more like an athleisure piece. I’ve worn them to hot yoga, for at-home workouts, and at the gym and they’ve held up very well. I personally prefer a higher rise on the waist and a bit of a more cropped length, but if you are taller, the length of these would be great.
Price Point: $$$
Everlane recently came out with these leggings and I was curious to try them out…read on, for my thoughts!
Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the size XXS because I find that Everlane pants usually run a tad large for me. However, for these, I think I could have gone with XS. That being said, the XXS still fits because the material is extremely stretchy without being see-through. I absolutely love the high waist on these because, if you know me, you know I live in high waisted anything. The fabric is 58% Recycled Nylon, 42% Elastane and these are made in Sri Lanka.
My Thoughts: These are superrr stretchy, which I love because it makes it easy to move around in. The key thing is that they are stretchy but not sheer. It has a hidden interior side pocket which is different than the traditional slip pocket at the front of the leggings. They’ve got a very simple look to them with the minimal seams which I personally think makes them more versatile for working out or for every day casual wear.
Price Point: $$
I could not write a whole blog post on activewear and not talk about Girlfriend Collective. I bought these ones last winter because I had heard so much about them and I had been wanting to try them out for a long time.
Fit & Fabric: I have the standard Black Compressive High Rise Leggings in a size XS. The fabric is made up of 79% RPET and 21% spandex and they are made in Vietnam.
My Thoughts: I think these leggings have the perfect blend of stretch and softness. They honestly feel like butter and are so comfortable to move and work out in them. They have been perfect for all things active and are also extremely comfortable to lounge around in. They are more athletic looking with the extra seam detailing. The pocket placement is also not the typical pocket you find in leggings. It’s actually a small interior slip pocket at the back of the pants.
Price Point: $$
Encircled - The Dressy Legging
Now to move on to classic leggings to be worn from day to day — these are the Dressy Leggings from Encircled!
Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the leggings in a size XS. These are made of the softest rayon bamboo material! They don’t feel as moisture-wicking as some of the more athletic-looking leggings, but these are great more for casual, every day outfits or for lounging. It is definitely a full-length fit on me and is a great option for those of you who are taller. These are made right at home in Toronto, Canada.
My Thoughts: I don’t normally wear these for vigorous exercise mainly because of the material. However, these hit all the right points if you’re looking for something that offers style and comfort. I love the high waist and the simple, yet functional features like the pockets! I wore these on the plane and they were the most comfy thing ever — not to mention the pockets on the side of the pants that are great for holding cards or your phone.
Price Point: $$$
Boodywear - Full Leggings
These are a more recent pair that I’ve tried from Boodywear. They make eco-essentials like undergarments, loungewear, and activewear.
Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the size XS in these leggings. The material is 80% rayon made from bamboo, 13% nylon, and 7% spandex. I noticed that this pair is not as elastic as some of the other ones I’ve reviewed. This one also has more of a mid-rise, if you’re not a fan of high waisted leggings. For me, I would’ve preferred a higher waist on these. These are also quite full-length so they’re a great fit for anyone who is taller.
My Thoughts: Overall, these are comfortable, but compared to some of the other ones, they are not the most comfortable pair I’ve tried. They are however, the most affordable pair on this list and they do the job as a pair of activewear leggings. It’s a very classic pair of leggings and has the pocket at the front of the pants.
Price Point: $
I received these high waisted leggings from Miakoda a few winters ago and am still loving them!
Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing these leggings in a size XS. The material is 60% bamboo 30% organic cotton and 10% spandex. The rise is a mid-rise and sits just under the belly button. These are another great option for taller people as you can see from the photo above that there is still quite a lot of material at my ankles. These are made in New York, USA.
My Thoughts: These are a very classic pair of black leggings. They are an extremely soft bamboo cotton blend and are the perfect leggings for lounging around or for every day outfits. On me, I would have preferred a more cropped look at the ankles, but having them longer makes them a better fit for others who are taller. These are very minimalistic with no extra seams or detailing on the pants, so if you’re looking to invest in a pair of classic black leggings, these would make a great choice!
Price Point: $$$
I hope this review was helpful for you if you’re on the hunt for a pair of black leggings from sustainable/ethical brands. These are only the few that I’ve tried and I’m sure there’s tons of other ones out there! Let me know your favourites down below, I’d love to check them out!
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