Another season of dance is starting and you’re going through your closet evaluating what your dancewear looks like. Could you get a few more months out of that leotard? Is there another thrifted sweatshirt lying around that could be cropped into an additional T-shirt? 

Maybe you resort to the process of elimination– you can’t wear that; when you sweat you don’t feel, look, or smell cute. (There’s a reason for that, more on that later.)  Or perhaps you’re at a point where you want to stay frugal; doing a clothing haul on cheap workout wear, already knowing the quality won’t be the greatest and it won’t last that long. 

Since specialty dance clothing can be a bit more pricey than the generic sweatpants, even when you do buy the featured dance set, you find that you go through it more quickly than you’d like. You like having it SO much, you opt to wear it everyday.  

What if I told you there was a better approach to creating a dance wardrobe that you could take this year? One that could be more beneficial for the planet and your wallet?

Here at Second Stage Dancewear, we are always passionate about spreading the word on sustainability and want to guide you towards how to be a more conscious consumer. It not only is better for the planet, but it will leave a positive impact on your wallet as well. No more having to cut old clothes, or replacing your fav expensive outfit after wearing it consistently throughout the week. 

Start with conscious consumption and know your dancewear inside-out

Our hope is that when you are finished with this article, you will be more knowledgeable about what you’re purchasing, happier with the quality you’re selecting and aware of how to get the most out of your dance items.

So, first… What does conscious consumption mean? Here, we are referring to having awareness around the environmental impact of your (dancewear) purchase and by consumption we mean not taking home more than what you actually need. 

Why should this matter?  With conscious choices, you are opening up to being aware of all the effects the item that you’re consuming has on the planet and people. It’s about thinking for the good of others, the future of the planet and in-turn what’s best for yourself. 

To get an idea of how intricate this can become, first start at the method of how they produce your clothes. Since production of any item typically includes a full supply chain behind it (like an assembly line, think of a factory), if you are buying from a mass clothing brand. Think, how many people would that workplace involve and the number of hands touching the garment before it’s even sent away. Once you connect yourself to this process, wouldn’t you want to support ethical businesses,  that put in the effort to adhere to high standards? A place that is clean, supportive to their workers and is conscious of their impact? Not only this, but if in the end you don’t agree with their production process, imagine their practice for sourcing the materials that you’re wearing. 

By remaining oblivious to all this, you are not only contributing to the detriment of the environment (if you’re shopping at places that turn a blind eye), but you’re also harming your health. Garments made and sourced from poor conditions can actually be hazardous to your wellbeing.  To put it simply, your clothes touch your skin, and when you sweat any toxins or chemicals collected from the production process, they are released and actually absorbed into your body–as well as the surrounding environment. Have you ever worn a shirt after you purchased it and noticed that there was a bit of an “industrial” smell to it? That’s what I’m talking about.

We know that most dance studios often have some sort of uniform; if they have ballet it’s the requirement of having the classic unitard and tights. Most of the time the uniform chosen could be as a result of a close partnership with a company known to design to an industry standard, but have you ever researched the fabric they are using, or where they are sourcing their material from? If you are training at the studio multiple days a week, for hours on end… Do you want to worry about potential health issues from the clothing you’re wearing? If you haven’t taken a chance to look, that’s okay… It is our hope that by reading this article, it will shed some light on how to begin embracing a more conscious choice.

Before expanding on the 4 most eco-friendly fabrics for dancewear, let’s share what materials are most commonly used and what the issues are with them. Given that convenience sometimes takes priority and that these available materials have proven durability, they are easy to be found and you probably have many pieces created from them. However, we now have the opportunity to prioritize quality fabrics that would contribute to a more environmentally conscious dance community. We just want to spread the awareness of how to make a better choice.

The familiar and non eco-friendly choices

1. Nylon: Favoured for its durability, stretch and moisture-wicking properties. It’s a lightweight fabric that provides dancers with full freedom of movement, making it one of the most popular materials used.  BUT it’s essential to recognize that the production of nylon involves the use of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels. Additionally, nylon is not biodegradable, meaning it can persist in the environment for a long time. By transitioning to sustainable materials, dancers can reduce their reliance on fossil fuel-based fabrics and minimize their impact on the planet. 
2. Spandex: Also called Lycra or elastane, it is renowned for its exceptional elasticity and form-fitting qualities. It’s widely used in dancewear to provide dancers with the flexibility and support they require.  BUT like nylon, spandex is derived from non-renewable resources and is not biodegradable. Its production process involves chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and the people involved in its manufacturing. 
3. Polyester: This is a popular one because of its affordability, durability, and easy care. It’s widely used because of its ability to retain shape, resist wrinkling, and dry quickly.  BUT, the production of polyester involves the use of energy-intensive processes and petroleum-based chemicals, contributing to carbon emissions and pollution. 

While conventional fabrics have their place in the dancewear world, opting for sustainable fabrics isn’t only about choosing a “better” substitute–it’s about taking advantage of their numerous benefits as well. Through choosing recycled or organic materials, you actively contribute to reducing waste, minimizing pollution, and conserving natural resources. If more dancers advocated for this, the industry would continue to evolve promoting a higher standard for dancewear along with creating a positive environmental impact.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of supporting a healthier planet for future generations.

Choosing the eco-friendly

Sustainable fabrics not only reduce the reliance on non-renewable resources but also promote recycling, minimize pollution, and support fair labor practices. They offer an opportunity for dancers to align their values with their passion and make a positive impact on the planet. By transitioning to sustainable dancewear, dancers are not compromising on quality or style but rather embracing change and championing a greener future for the dance community. So, here are the 4 best fabrics for eco-friendly dancewear, lookout for these on the label when you start your return-to-dance shopping as a conscious consumer:

1. Recycled Polyester: It is not only eco-friendly, but it is extremely versatile. You may have heard, but companies like Addidas, H&M and Target have already started using it in their main streetwear lines. Made from recycled plastic bottles, this fabric reduces waste and keeps plastic out of landfills. It retains all the qualities from traditional polyester fabrics, such as durability, breathability, and flexibility. 

2. Organic Cotton: Yes, cotton you may have heard of, but have you ever considered it has an organic counterpart? Most noteably in the world of high-fashion, Stella McCartney uses this to maintain her commitment to sustainability. Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it safer for the environment and the farmers who grow it. This fabric offers softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring comfortability and feeling fresh during any sweat session. Choosing organic cotton supports sustainable farming practices and helps reduce the environmental impact of cotton production. We understand it’s not a sexy look or realistic for competition, but it does have it’s place–training at the studio.

3. Tencel® (Lyocell): If you’re seeking a fabric that combines sustainability with a luxurious feel, Tencel® is the perfect choice. Derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel® is a regenerated cellulose fiber that feels incredibly soft against the skin. It boasts excellent moisture-wicking properties, keeping you dry even during the most intense routines. This fabric is also biodegradable, making it a fantastic option for dancers who value the environment as much as their performance.

4. Bamboo: Let’s not forget about bamboo, a renewable resource reknowned for its softness and sustainability.  Bamboo fabric is created from bamboo pulp and offers excellent breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. It’s naturally antimicrobial, keeping odors at bay, and provides UV protection—a bonus for outdoor dance practices or performances. 

So, why the push to transition to sustainable, eco-friendly dancewear? The dance community, like many others, is recognizing the urgent need to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry, especially on the mass production of activewear. Fast fashion, characterized by inexpensive and quickly produced clothing, has led to excessive consumption and disposal of garments, resulting in vast amounts of waste. Not only that, but it can involve the exploitation of workers in poor conditions to keep production costs low and sale margins high. By embracing sustainable materials, dancers are making a conscious choice to support ethical and environmentally friendly practices, along with advocate for a healthier choice for themselves… And the planet.

Remember next time you’re shopping for the upcoming dance season–conscious consumption is all about understanding the story behind your dancewear. By checking the tag and looking for sustainable materials, you’re showing that you care about what you wear and the impact it has on your body and the environment. So, the next time you shop for dancewear, take a moment to think about the materials you’re choosing. It’s a small step that can make a big difference!

Let’s dance our way towards a greener future, one tag at a time!