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We tried Allbirds' new sustainable activewear collection: Here are our honest thoughts

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The Natural Run Collection is a sustainable upgrade on traditional activewear. Images via Allbirds.
The Natural Run Collection is a sustainable upgrade on traditional activewear. Images via Allbirds.

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Allbirds started out on a mission to transform the footwear industry into a more sustainable place, and now the brand has its sights set on activewear.

After two years of testing and dozens of iterations, the Natural Run Collection is Allbirds’ answer to sustainable activewear. Like their signature sneakers and running shoes, the new collection is designed with the environment in mind.

Made up of five pieces for women and two styles for men, the collection is crafted from a blend of sustainable fabrics like Eucalyptus Tree fibre and Merino wool rather than the oil-based polyester that’s typically used in activewear.

Women's Natural Legging

Women's Natural Legging. Image via Allbirds.
Women's Natural Legging. Image via Allbirds.

SHOP IT: Allbirds, $140 CAD/$98 USD

In addition to being better for the planet, these natural fibres offer all the benefits you’d want from your activewear: wicking moisture, resisting odour, and regulating temperature.

Ahead of the new collection’s launch, we had a chance to try out a few pieces from the Natural Run Collection. Read on to see what we thought.

Elizabeth Di Filippo, Lifestyle Editor

As a longtime fan of Allbirds, it's been really amazing to see the brand expand beyond footwear and into apparel — specifically athletic apparel.

There are two things that's always safe to assume about the brand's pieces: they're insanely comfortable and great for the planet; both of which are true for the brand's new line of activewear.

The first thing I noticed about the Natural Legging sand Run Form Tank was the material. The pieces are made from the eucalyptus tree fibres as their running shoes, which create a very soft and breathable fabric. I might be one of the rare few who actually enjoys compression leggings, so I was happy that the they were a mid-weight fabric that delivered the same kind of sculpting and tummy support that I prefer (and they make the bum look great!).

I really enjoyed that the Run Form Tank was made with the same kind of compression. I wouldn't say that I have a large chest (36C) but when it comes to working out, I prefer a lot of support. The tank has a built-in shelf bra and is designed to fit snuggly so that there's no need for layering sports bras underneath.

Allbirds Natural Legging and Run Form Tank.
Allbirds Natural Legging and Run Form Tank.

As a personal preference, I tend to not rely on the built-in bras in workout tanks since I find that they don't keep the girls in place enough during a workout. As for Allbirds's tank, I would definitely wear this around the house or on a walk or hike, but it might not be my first choice for high intensity workouts where there's a lot of jumping or running.

Another thing to note about sizing: I'm typically wear a size 6/8 in clothing, which can make shopping for clothing a little bit of a guessing game. To size up, or not to size up? That is the question I ask myself whenever I'm ordering clothing online.

My advice to anyone who like me, isn't quite sure how to order online would be to size up in the Allbirds clothing. I wore the leggings and tank in a small, but they were a bit snug. I most likely would have been more comfortable in a medium — especially in the leggings.

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Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

When my Allbirds package arrived, I was super excited to see how workout clothes made using wool would hold up to a sweaty workout, as well as how they wash compared to other activewear. To find out, I first put the Women's Natural Legging and Women's Natural Run Form Tank to the test with a circuit workout at home.

I received the tank and leggings in my usual size small, and found that they offered plenty of support without feeling too constricting - which is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to workout gear. Both pieces felt extremely soft, but are a heavier weight than I normally reach for in terms of activewear. Since it was the middle of the summer, I did find that these pieces were a little too heavy for my preference, but I definitely plan on turning to these picks for fall hikes and other activities once the weather cools down.

As for the Women's Natural Run Tank and Women's Natural Run Short, these two pieces have become a summer wardrobe staple in my closet. I wore them on a recent beach outing, and was a huge fan of the ultra lightweight fabric that kept things breezy even through the August heat and humidity.

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As for washing, everything came out of the laundry smelling fresh as a daisy (and not at all shrunk!), although to be extra cautious I did let them air dry rather than put them in the dryer. Personally I find that the pieces are a little on the pricey side, but they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a more sustainable activewear alternative.

You can shop both pieces below, along with the entire Natural Run Collection from Allbirds.

Women's Natural Run Form Tank

Women's Natural Run Form Tank. Image via Allbirds.
Women's Natural Run Form Tank. Image via Allbirds.

SHOP IT: Allbirds, $90 CAD/$68 USD

Women's Natural Bike Short

Women's Natural Bike Short. Image via Allbirds.
Women's Natural Bike Short. Image via Allbirds.

SHOP IT: Allbirds, $90 CAD/$68 USD

Women's Natural Run Tank

Women's Natural Run Tank. Image via Allbirds.
Women's Natural Run Tank. Image via Allbirds.

SHOP IT: Allbirds, $65 CAD/$48 USD

Women's Natural Run Short

Women's Natural Run Short. Image via Allbirds.
Women's Natural Run Short. Image via Allbirds.

SHOP IT: Allbirds, $90 CAD/$68 USD

Men's Natural Run Tee

Men's Natural Run Tee. Image via Allbirds.
Men's Natural Run Tee. Image via Allbirds.

SHOP IT: Allbirds, $75 CAD/$58 USD

Men's Natural Run Short

Men's Natural Run Short. Image via Allbirds.
Men's Natural Run Short. Image via Allbirds.

SHOP IT: Allbirds, $90 CAD/$68 USD

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