What is adidas doing for sustainability?

*This article features gifted clothing from adidas.

adidas recently reached out to Healthy Vix to see if we wanted to receive some of their clothing to sample.  It’s been a long time since I personally bought anything from adidas and the last thing I remember buying was a pair of running trainers around ten years ago!  I do remember they lasted well and were really comfortable, so don’t ask me why I didn’t get another pair once those wore out.  Anyway, we decided to accept the offer and I was able to order some clothing from adidas for both Ben and me.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as aside from having some adidas trainers I can’t remember having any clothing from adidas previously, even as a youngster.  I do remember it being a cool brand to have at school, but a brand that would have been too expensive for my mum to afford for us.  I used to envy all the other girls in P.E. with their adidas and other branded sportswear, whilst I usually had plain, generic unbranded stuff!

adidas sustainability collection review

Anyway, we decided to take adidas up on the offer, but with a twist.  I wanted to see what they offered in terms of sustainability ranges and only order clothing that used recycled materials or other sustainable methods.  Amazingly this was easily done as when filtering women’s clothing for products made with recycled content there were over 3000 options!  Pretty crazy that they have so much clothing available, but good to know adidas are using recycled materials in so many products and not just a teeny tiny range. 

Not only are they producing a substantial amount of their range using recycled materials, but adidas also have a vegan footwear range featuring some of their most iconic trainer designs, as well as an organic cotton range and clothing made in partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative.

Click here to check out the women’s adidas products made with recycled content!

What are the clothes like from the adidas sustainable ranges?

I was really surprised by all the clothing I received from adidas.  I received several items and usually when ordering online, half the clothes don’t fit me or look right in real life.  Almost everything I ordered from adidas fit me and I liked the style of everything I chose. There was just one sports bra that was too tight, so I’ve requested an exchange for the next size up.

Most of the clothing I picked is for working out at the gym, so had the benefit of being rather stretchy which may have helped with the fit!  I’m a size 8-10 and mostly ordered size small in all the clothing, aside from gym tights which I ordered an XS as they always last longer that way.  Gym tights seem to get baggy otherwise and start pulling down so if you’re unsure what size to order for gym leggings I always recommend a size down to allow for them stretch with use!

The gym tights are so comfy and soft to touch.  I’ve worn them to the gym several times now and they’re my comfiest workout leggings so far.

For Ben we chose some adidas shorts in size medium and they fit fine.  We weren’t sure which size to order at all so measured his waist and used their online size charts to help us decide.

I picked a couple of essential items created in partnership with The Better Cotton Initiative and they are incredibly soft.  They feel like organic cotton.

I was, at first, disappointed to see the clothing wrapped individually in plastic bags, but then noticed the bags are actually made from 100% recycled plastic.  These will end up in people’s landfill waste though, so it would be great if something compostable or totally plastic-free can be used instead, especially for the high volume of clothing they must dispatch on a daily basis.

Oh, and delivery was quick.  I was told a delivery date, but everything arrived much quicker than they originally predicted, some items within a couple of days when I was expecting ten days at the time of ordering.

Overall we are impressed with the fit and the quality of the clothing received from the adidas sustainability ranges.  Being made with recycled materials does not affect the quality or feel of the clothing at all and only makes it more desirable for us and better for the planet.  Ideally all large producing brands like adidas should use recycled materials and sustainably produced organic materials as their first choice, making it the norm.

What is adidas doing for sustainability?

·         Primeblue

The adidas Primeblue range uses Parley Ocean Plastic which “is a material created from upcycled plastic waste that was intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before reaching the ocean.”  The yarn contains 50% Parley Ocean Plastic.

·         100% recycled polyester by 2024

“Plastic waste is a problem. Innovation is our solution.”  adidas have stated on their website they will shift to 100% recycled polyester by 2024 in all their products.

·         Primegreen

The adidas Primegreen range is made using recycled content from a mixture of sources: “adidas Primegreen is made with a series of high-performance recycled materials and represents our commitment to phase out all virgin polyester by 2024 to help end plastic waste.”

·         Better Cotton Initiative

adidas has been sourcing large quantities of cotton in partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative since 2010.  “The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a global not-for-profit organisation and the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. BCI exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future.”

·         Vegan ranges

Not all adidas footwear is vegan, but they have launched vegan versions of some of their most iconic shoes which is a step in the right direction (excuse the pun!)

Click here to find out more about what adidas is doing for sustainability!