Recycled Polyester vs Recycled Nylon

This month, we've been talking a lot about ReActive with more additions to Women's ReActive and new Men's ReActive launching this week. We use both recycled polyester and recycled nylon to create an activewear line that is a sustainable alternative to regular activewear, with no loss in quality or comfort. So, what's the difference between the two fabrics?

Recycled Polyester

Recycled poly is what most of our existing leggings are made out of. This fabric is created from recycled plastic bottles. The plastic bottles are ...

1. Collected from recycling plants,

2. Shredded into small flakes,

3. Melted into colored pellets,

4. And then spun into yarn!

This yarn is then sewn into the designs we carry on our website. These leggings are perfect for yoga, as the recycled polyester is a soft, comfortable fabric, while being durable at the same time. 

Recycled Nylon

Recycled nylon is what our newest leggings are made out of! This is our first large-scale launch of recycled nylon pieces. Recycled nylon is made out of other recycled waste: mostly fishing nets. Other materials include fabric scraps and industrial waste that is dumped into the ocean and landfills. To create the fabric, the recycled materials are ... 

1. Rescued from oceans and landfills,

2. Regenerated and purified, returning the recycled nylon to the quality of virgin nylon,

3. And then processed into yarn!

Because recycled nylon is returned back to its original quality, the fabric created has all the properties of nylon. This calls for a garment that is sweat-wicking, breathable, quick-drying, and most notably, durable. We refer to them as our performance leggings, and they are great for intensive workouts.

Proper Care

Recycled garments come with proper care instructions to ensure that we are truly making a difference in the world by considering all the results of our actions. With the recycled materials being broken down into smaller particles in the process of production, microplastics are a serious concern when laundering. In the washing machine, microplastics can be released into the water from the garment. To avoid this, a Guppyfriend bag should be used when washing anything made from recycled fabrics. The Guppyfriend catches all the microplastics that would've entered the water, which can then be disposed of properly. In most locations in the US, microplastics can be recycled if placed in the proper recycling bin.