Having just come back from the gym, I couldn’t think of a better time to introduce you to Sundried activewear – after all, I’ve just been wearing their leggings.
Sundried is a relatively new brand that has its background in triathlons and outdoor pursuits. I first found out about them ahead of training for the Great North Run and it was their ethical values that interested me.
Like Pala Eyewear, Sundried put sustainable living and ethical codes at the heart of their business. As well as maintaining a low carbon footprint and looking after their staff – they have a thing called Every Hour on the Hour, where staff exercise for five minutes to offset sitting on their bums all day! – they work with the charity Water for Kids to help give children in the developing world access to clean water.
It works like this: you buy a Sundried product and receive a unique code. The code leads to a pledge page that shows you how the money Sundried donates to Water for Kids from your purchase is being used – from buying bricks to build dams to harvesting rainwater.
What really tickled me, though, is that their products are made from plastic bottles and coffee! Yeah, I know!! Used coffee grounds usually end up in landfill. However, they can be processed in such a way as to make yarn and from that, you can make fabric.
As well as helping save the planet, this really helps when you’re working out – benefits include odour control, better sweat-wicking and it is also naturally anti-bacterial. Plus it dries quicker.
What I really like about it, though, is that when you’re doing squats or lunges, the material has a four-way stretch which means it doesn’t become see-through and show your knickers with each dip!
My leggings are incredibly comfy and two years after first getting them, look and feel as good as day one – that’s the beauty of sustainable fashion.
And they look really good. The designers previously worked at the likes of LuluLemon and Sweaty Betty so they’re stylish and flatter. (I actually prefer these to my Sweaty Betty gym leggings. They give better support and feel more substantial.)
In addition – most of their ambassadors are women! How great is that?
If I had one complaint to make, it’s that I wish activewear companies would realise there are little people around and design a range of leggings for those of us struggling to get over 5ft! (Oh, and develop a way to take sports bras off that isn’t another workout in itself!)
Apart from that, I always recommend Sundried when people are looking for gym clothes. They have a whole range of clothing, including Tri Suits that really make me think I should get over my aversion to cycling. And swimming. (Okay, I just want to wear the suit.)
But don’t just take my word for it. I asked Sundried founder Daniel Puddick to tell us a bit more…
Tells us about yourself…
I’m a father, entrepreneur, triathlete and personal trainer with a big love for the outdoors and keeping active.
How and why did you start Sundried?
Sundried first started out as a cool little skate brand many years ago but as my love for triathlon and ethical production grew, I knew I had to change my focus. I wanted to create a brand that had longevity and that my children would be proud to be associated with in years to come as I strongly believe the next generation will be focused on ethical production.
What does ethical sportswear mean?
Activewear that gives back! Sundried respects its staff from the supply chain to the office, we boast a low carbon footprint, use recycled materials and we support charities such as Water For Kids and Surfers Against Sewage. Please read more about our values here.
How do you support women in sport?
We have a great team of female ambassadors such as triathlete Alice Hector and professional duathlete Claire Steels (just to name a few). Alice is the face of Sundried, we kit her out for all her training and races.
Everyone should be treated equally, especially in sport. Our female ambassadors are inspiring to women and men.
How do you choose your ambassadors?
As well as athletes, we also have personal trainers on our team. We choose ambassadors who are inspiring, share the same ethos and have a genuine love for the brand.
Why would you recommend Sundried activewear?
Because we deliver highly technical sportswear with all the eco-credentials! Watch this space we’re working on a biodegradable T-shirt!
Main photo: Sundried
I’d love to hear your thoughts about sustainable fashion – or your top workout clothes. Leave me a comment below. And don’t forget, if you’ve enjoyed this, please like and subscribe and share with your friends
