Your low impact workout wear has a high impact on the planet
Does Your Barre Wardrobe contribute to climate change?
Barre fitness in Madrid has become one of the city's most stylish and empowering workout trends. With its elegant blend of ballet-inspired movements, Pilates, and strength training, it’s no surprise that many barre enthusiasts want to look as on point as they feel during class. But while cool leggings and matching sports bras can enhance your confidence at the barre, they might be harming the planet more than you realize.
The Fast Fashion Crisis
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of low-cost, on-trend clothing — and yes, that includes the latest barre outfits you see popping up on Instagram. Many barre studios in Madrid, like others globally, stock brands that use synthetic materials that are worn briefly and tossed aside for the next trending set once it is released.
These garments, often made from polyester, nylon, and elastane, are produced using fossil fuels and release harmful microplastics into the environment. As barre classes in Madrid become more popular, so does the demand for new activewear — and the environmental cost keeps climbing.
4 Ways Fitness Clothing Contributes to Climate Change
High Carbon Emissions
Most barre leggings and tops are made from synthetic fabrics that require a significant amount of energy to produce. A single polyester top worn to your barre class in Madrid could generate over 5 kg of CO₂ emissions.Microplastic Pollution
Every time you wash your barre outfit, it sheds microplastics that end up in Madrid’s water systems. These particles pollute rivers and oceans and harm marine ecosystems.Overconsumption and Waste
With new barrewear collections constantly launched on social media, it’s tempting to keep buying. But this fast-paced cycle contributes to overflowing landfills — even in fashion-conscious cities like Madrid.Toxic Chemicals in Fabric Processing
From dyeing to finishing, performance wear often contains chemicals that contaminate water supplies and put factory workers at risk. These issues are global but felt locally as fashion waste becomes harder to manage.
How to Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint — Barre Edition
Being eco-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing your style at the barre studio. Here are three ways to stay sustainable while showing up for your barre classes in Madrid:
1. Buy Less, Choose Quality
Invest in high-performance pieces that can be worn across multiple barre sessions. mix-and-match pieces and buy block colours that will stay in style regardless of seasonal trends.
2. Shop Eco-Friendly Brands
Support labels that are working to reduce their carbon footprint. These brands use recycled materials, adopt low-impact manufacturing processes, and often give back to environmental causes.
3. Care for Your Clothes Wisely
Use a laundry bag like Guppyfriend to reduce microplastic shedding when washing your barrewear. Wash your clothes less frequently and in cold water to preserve fabric quality and save energy.
4 Sustainable Activewear Brands You’ll Love
so we´ve outlined the problem, lets be oart of the solution! hare are 4 nrands we love who put their money where their mouth is offering the best sets at less cost to the environment
Premium Picks:
Girlfriend Collective
Offers sleek, high-performance leggings made from recycled water bottles — perfect for your barre fitness sessions in Madrid.Ecoalf is a Madrid-based brand committed to sustainability, using recycled materials to create high-quality activewear. They have a flagship store in Madrid!
Believe Athletics (Made in Spain)
Believe Athletics offers eco-friendly activewear crafted from recycled fabrics. Their products are designed for comfort and performance, making them ideal for Pilates and barre workouts.
Pact
Known for its breathable organic cotton leggings and tops. While not barre-specific, they work beautifully for low-impact classes and stretch sessions.Tala
A favorite among barre influencers and fitness lovers alike, Tala makes affordable activewear from upcycled materials, with a mission rooted in sustainability.
Final thoughts
Barre fitness in Madrid is more than a workout — it’s a movement rooted in grace, strength, and intentionality. It makes sense that what we wear to class should align with these same values. Choosing sustainable barrewear isn’t just a fashion choice, it’s a climate-conscious one.
So next time you're heading to a barre class in Madrid, wear your values as boldly as your leggings — and take pride in knowing you’re moving toward a more sustainable future!