Why you'll love it: Girlfriend Collective first made a name for itself with its recycled water bottle tights, but the brand's staying power comes from its versatility and durability.
Working out makes you feel good, and working out in these leggings can be good for the planet, too. Girlfriend Collective's tights are made from 25% recycled water bottles, and while that doesn't sound all that comfortable, you'll be shocked by just how dreamy these bottoms really are.
The company uses a compression-esque fabric that is well-suited for workouts, and the leggings are actually surprisingly warm. So much so that I wouldn't necessarily recommend that for a session of hot yoga or a long cycling class — these are probably best for a shorter, intense workout, or an outdoor run.
The material is also very soft, which means that they're not only comfortable for your workout but also comfortable enough to be worn all day. Really, Girlfriend Collective is all about wearing leggings both in and out of the gym, and you'll certainly have no problem in either setting. Plus, because this material doesn't pill, no matter how often you wear and wash your pair, you'll find that they resist age.
While you may expect such a pair of leggings to set you back an arm and a leg, Girlfriend Collective is actually quite reasonable when it comes to pricing. Remember, this is the company that once gave its leggings away for free (you just had to pay for shipping). Today, they'll cost you just a bit more, but not a ton — you can get a pair of full-length tights for $68.
Girlfriend Collective is now in the business of making more than just tights. The Cupro line of tops is breathable, hypoallergenic, and versatile. Made from the eponymous material "Cupro," this fabric is made from cotton linter — a super soft fiber that sticks to cotton seeds and is usually either down-cycled or dumped into landfills.
Cupro is soft and silky, commonly drawing comparisons to rayon and silk. It's lightweight but drapes more than cotton, which makes it a beautiful choice for the various wraps and halter top tanks that Girlfriend Collective now offers.
The tops as a whole cling to your body in just the right way, without feeling sticky or inappropriate. And while most athleisure tops come in either pedestrian colors or crazy prints, Girlfriend Collective manages to strike a balance with interesting hues that are still appropriate for any setting.
Pros: Ethically and sustainably made, affordable, long-lasting, versatile
Cons: Because of the relatively thick material, some may find the tights a bit too warm for workouts
Shop Girlfriend Collective's collection here