If you’re springing into action this lockdown—whether you’re going for a run around the block or working out in your living room—you may be intrigued to know that oil is one of the main components of your workout.
Over the past century, sportswear brands have focused their research and development on engineering polyester. In terms of performance, polyester is a no-brainer: it’s durable, lightweight, breathable, and non-absorbent. But polyester isn’t great for the planet, as it’s made from petroleum.
So what happens when a brand endeavours to create a material made from a majority of natural fabrics?
Enter Allbirds, which set out to prove that nature can compete on the world stage. Creating their new apparel range was no easy feat: during a two year period, Allbirds put more than 70 fabric iterations to the test by people of different body types and fitness levels.
The result is a buttery-soft material made from natural and recycled fibres like eucalyptus tree fibre and New Zealand merino wool—to help keep your cool for every squat, stretch, and stride.
The range of form-fitting leggings, tanks, and shorts are available in a sleek black, soothing grey, ‘shadow’ blue, and a limited-edition ‘aubergine’. And with their super-soft feel to the skin, they’re perhaps just as perfect for lounging in as they are for performance.
Speaking exclusively to sustainability manager at Allbirds, Hana Kajimura, she says: “for decades, consumers have been presented with the false choice between optimising their own physical fitness and caring for the health of the planet. At Allbirds, we’ve always believed in the inherent performance potential of nature, and the Natural Run collection proves that natural materials can go toe-to-toe with high-polluting plastics – and win. So while we may be one of the first brands to shine a spotlight on nature-powered performance, we hope we won’t be the last.”
Discover the Natural Run collection for yourself at allbirds.co.nz, and participate in a Fluidform x Allbirds Stretch & Movement Series via Instagram here.
While we are in lockdown, on Saturday 28 August at 9am, Allbirds will be hosting an exclusive HIIT class over zoom with Studio Box.
Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75351499245?pwd=N29XNk4yMXRiWEJseHhPc1RWZ2Vndz09
Meeting ID: 753 5149 9245
Passcode: SBAB
