7 sustainable cycling clothing brands

Getting outdoors on your bike allows you to experience the wonders of the planet. Whether cycling on your doorstep, taking a trip abroad or starting a mountain biking challenge, you'll want the apparel to match.

The chances are that sustainability is also high on your agenda, which may impact your purchasing habits. If that's the case, you're in the right place — here are all the sustainable cycling clothing brands you need to know about.

1. Isadore

It's one of the go-to brands for eco-conscious cyclers. Of course, we're talking about Isadore. This brand takes sustainable cycling clothing to new levels and invests heavily in improving its impact on the environment.

Isadore believes cycling can only happen if we look after the planet. Global warming is leading to extreme weather conditions, pollution and the degradation of our natural landscapes, which, in turn, poses problems for cyclists.

One of Isadore's leading factories is in the hometown of the brand's founders. It focuses on using sustainable materials to produce cycling clothing ethically. Both factories are also located near its warehouse, significantly reducing logistic emissions. Isadore's Alternative Line is made from 100% recycled materials, and all its products are made in Europe to OEKO-TEX and bluesign standards.

The brand also takes things one step further by focusing on its packaging rather than just its clothing. In 2020, Isadore replaced all FSC paper packaging with fully compostable alternatives, minimising the amount of damaging waste heading to landfills.

2. Matchy

French brand Matchy was founded in 2016 with one core goal  —to create sustainable cycling clothing. Since then, the brand has made impressive strides in providing cycling apparel that doesn't detrimentally impact the environment. Matchy's products are made from 30-100% recycled materials, contributing to a circular economy.

Here are just a few initiatives Matchy follows to produce sustainable cycling clothing:

• Zero plastic in shipped orders.
• 100% recyclable tissue paper and envelopes in packaging.
• All products are made from 30-100% recycled materials.
• Follow a circular approach.
• All designs are timeless so as not to fall into the fast fashion cycle.
• All jerseys and shorts can be repaired after an accident under its 'crash policy' to increase the lifespan of garments.

3. Universal Colours

Putting sustainability at the centre of cycling, Universal Colours is a firm favourite among cycling enthusiasts. The sustainable cycling clothing brand focuses on blending garment performance with sustainability, meaning their apparel is of the highest quality without impacting the environment.

Each of Universal Colours' factories is vetted and certified to ensure sustainability is present at every stage. The brand has developed clothing made entirely from waste plastic bottles and is a member of the 1% for the Planet initiative.

When it comes to packaging, Universal Colours invests in eco-friendly alternatives such as swing tag hanging loops made from 100% post-consumer plastic waste. It also uses a wide range of compostable packaging throughout its supply chain.

4. Vaude

Not just a cycling brand, Vaude is an outdoors brand that puts the planet first. Its mission is to create environmentally friendly, climate-neutral outdoor products with fair production methods.

"Future generations will only be able to enjoy the mountains and a pristine planet if we conserve what we love."

There's a full range of sustainable products built to last, whether you like hiking or cycling. The products are designed and made in Germany, reducing the brand's carbon emissions due to reduced logistics.

The garments are built to last. Considered design and high-quality materials mean that once you buy a Vaude garment, you won't need to repurchase it, reducing the trend of hyper-consumerism and excessive waste.

5. Grity

Grity makes it simple — if you buy a product from the brand, you can rest assured that it's friendly to the planet. Its primary focus is creating a circular economy, ensuring no excessive waste is generated and resources are reused and recycled to reduce Grity's climate impact.

Here are Grity's core initiatives:

• Its factories use 100% renewable energy sources.
• Most materials are from recycled plastic bottles or end-of-life fishing nets and carpets.
• Use paper packaging tape, jute hang tag strings and biodegradable stickers.

6. Howies

Since its beginning in 1995, Howies has been on a mission to create conscious clothing. Its sustainable cycling clothing has won numerous awards for its performance and eco credentials.

You'll find garments made using organic, recycled and natural fabrics, including Better Cotton Initiative and OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton.

For packaging and trims, the brand invests in paper patches for its jeans, recycled paper swing tags and compostable garment bags.

7. Patagonia

It's one of the most iconic outdoor brands, so we couldn't talk about cycling apparel without mentioning Patagonia. The brand has invested in protecting the planet ever since it began, paving the way for sustainable-focused brands to follow.

Whether investing in eco-friendly, recycled or reused materials, developing a repair service or partnering with grassroots organisations, Patagonia's commitment to sustainability stretches beyond the product itself.

To get all the details on Patagonia's sustainability standpoint, read our deep dive blog here.

Looking for the tools to become more sustainable?

Our sportswear hub has all the details. Whether you're looking to be inspired by other sportswear brands, want to up the sustainability credentials of your packaging and trims or simply want to browse our range, you'll find everything you need here.