Recycled active wear. It was only a matter of time. Because really, when it comes to active wear, it really has to go the extra mile. Aside from being comfortable, supportive and flexible when exercising, it also has to look good, thereby making us feel good. On top of that, it also has to be eco-friendly, and preferably, made from recycled materials or waste that may have otherwise wound up in our waterways.
Enter, Muscle Nation, an Aussie activewear and supplement brand, has released its first sustainable collection – HBXMN, totally recycled activewear. Inspired by and created in conjunction with former WBFF world champion and brand ambassador Hattie Boydle, the ‘HBXMN’ line is created from a minimum of 75 percent recycled polyester, made of consumer waste and recyclable materials such as plastic bottles. The bottles have been collected, sorted by colour, and then melted down and formed into chips which are then sent to spinning mills. Here, they are further melted down and turned into yarn to create new fabric.
Our resident yogini, Trudy Vains, took new Motion Ultimate Racerback Top and 7/8 leggings women’s wear for a spin and stretch!
Being a Yoga Teacher, my ‘work clothes’ are literally put through the ringer. I have high expectations if I am to wear something day in, day out. So I actually love the idea of recycled active wear.
Recycled Active Wear That Puts Up With A Lot
I like my active wear to be high waisted and snug. I prefer a material that keeps me cool and not leaving me feeling hot and sweaty. I also like legging lengths to be just above the ankles and not bunched up at the bottom. It’s also really important to have freedom of movement without having to pull leggings up or adjust while teaching.
Muscle Nation has a good range of products, sizing, and colours, so it was easy for me to choose what I thought would work well for me.
The Motion Ultimate Racerback Infrared top in size Medium is true to size and exactly what I had hoped for. I’m quite broad across the shoulders and this can hinder the purchases of tops if I can’t try on in-store. This top has a perfect fit, it feels lovely and is so comfortable that I could wear it all day.
Leg Work
The Motion 7/8 leggings were again true to size, and I have no issues at all. They are not as high waisted as I am used to, but they’re so comfortable that I will be buying more for myself. There was no ‘twister dance’ or ‘jumping around’ to get them on. They are easy to put on and take off.
They passed the yoga ‘freedom of movement’ test. I felt comfortable and I am happy to report that there was no need to pull the leggings up, the waist band was perfect. Nor did I need to adjust the top at any point during class. I did not feel hot at all from the material, that’s a big bonus for me.
My Verdict
I think these pieces by Muscle Nation are great, very well thought out pieces of active wear. They are true to size and genuinely nice selection to choose from. My students also commented on them, admiring them, which I loved.
When I was washing them daily during my review, they stood the washing machine test. Even after several washes, they are in good form, with no wrinkles or pillage. This is pretty unusual. A lot of brands tend to lose that ‘newness’ after the first or second wash. I would definitely recommend to anyone.
