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Is it just me, or is activewear the new everyday wear? It seems activewear has gotten so stylish that it’s acceptable to wear just about anywhere (though I do have to question workout clothes as “office attire”). Over the past few years this market has become quite saturated – and it’s a tough one for newcomers – but a few brands have quietly risen to the top.
Girlfriend Collective is one of them. With the cutest line of sustainable, ethically made activewear in sizes XXS to 6XL, this brand has something for everyone. Plus, its fabrics are cozy and comfortable, making for a seamless transition from workouts to daily life.
The Squat-Proof, Supportive Legging That Started It All
Let’s start at the beginning. Girlfriend first launched a few years ago with its flagship product, the Compressive High-Rise Legging. This legging is so good, it’s still one of the brand’s best sellers today. At $78, it’s slightly cheaper than the competition, but offers premium performance, keeping you sucked in and sweat-free. Plus, all of Girlfriend’s leggings come in three different inseams, practically guaranteeing a perfect fit. Pair with the matching Paloma Racerback Bra ($46) and get ready to hit the gym.
Taste The Rainbow
While I love an all black workout set as much as anyone walking down the streets of Manhattan, it’s also fun to…have a little fun. On Girlfriend’s ‘Shop All’ page, you can filter by color and quite literally choose from a full rainbow of colors (hot pink shorts, anyone?). From Lilac to Lagoon, Geranium to Matcha, there’s a color for everyone and every season. Girlfriend’s fabrics are dyed with eco-friendly dyes and rather than dumping the waste into the local water table, the brand donates the dye mud to a local pavement facility where it is turned into sidewalks and roads!
Representation Matters: Made For Every Body
My favorite thing about Girlfriend is that the brand is truly inclusive. Not like, we make XXL, but literally 6XL and XXS. So you can recommend items to everyone you know and they can all actually try them. It doesn’t just stop there, though. Girlfriend makes a point to highlight models of all sizes throughout its website and social media, so the brand feels truly representative and approachable to people of all shapes and sizes.
As Eco-Friendly As It Gets
Girlfriend is great for a million reasons, but the brand’s big claim to fame is sustainability. From 100% recyclable packaging, to clothes made from recycled “waste” (think water bottles, fishing nets and more), its commitment to eco-friendliness is second to none. You can read more about it here, but the gist is basically: no waste. Girlfriend even sells a Microfiber Filter that you can attach to your washing machine to capture microfibers (aka tiny pieces of plastic) that all synthetic fabrics shed. Umm, so cool.
The brand also runs an incredible program, ReGirlfriend, which aims to solve one of the world’s biggest sustainability problems: only 1% of all clothing worldwide is recycled (most ends up in landfills). Girlfriend’s proprietary recycling program turns old activewear into new Girlfriend clothing, creating less waste and more cute clothes!
Don’t just take our word for it. Girlfriend Collective is beloved by celebs like Ariana Grande and Kendall Jenner and won PEOPLE’s 2022 Style Awards. Count us in! Check out the full product lineup here.
Five More Reasons to Love Girlfriend
- Free shipping and 30 day returns. Need we say more?
- Let’s start a racket – we love the brand’s new tennis line (perfect for amateurs and professionals, alike).
- Girlfriend’s factory in Taiwan is SA8000 certified, meaning working conditions are safe and fair for all workers. The brand also provides lunch and dinner!
- I’m no TikTok star myself, but I do love a casual browsing sesh, and with exercise tips and insider info, Girlfriend’s account is a must follow.
- A 20% discount for hospital employees, first responders, medical providers, nurses, military, teachers, and students makes the brand all the more accessible.