Active wear is big business. Just ask the legions of yogi/nis wearing Athleta, Lululemon, and other well-known brands. But how good is the yoga business for the environment? At PrAna, that question matters a great deal – and as a result, those who patronize the company can rest easier at night.

Founded in 1992, PrAna prides itself on using recycled materials. In a world where straws are used once, thrown away, and loaded into landfills, that’s an important ethical consideration. Recycled polyester means the use of fewer toxic chemicals; recycled wool and organic cotton have similar benefits for the Earth. And have you considered the welfare of the animals that provide down for jackets? PrAna has, and thus uses feathers that aren’t pulled from live birds or farmed through the use of force feeding. While the final product may not be vegetarian, it is created with the consideration of ahimsa.

Beyond the final product, however, the company also considers the environment when manning its offices and warehouses. This means that printer paper and shipping boxes are also made from recycled materials; it also means that those who work for or with the company are considered. The clothing industry today is rife with human rights abuse, and it’s nice to find a company taking a stand for human dignity. PrAna started offering Fair Trade Certified clothing in 2010, and received a Fair Labor Association accreditation that same year.

The company offers clothing for both men and women, and has recently begun to include extended sizes in its offerings (although this group of products is still small.) The standard capris and leggings are available, but so are looser pants that work for asana. Similarly, it’s possible to find tight bras and formfitting tanks, but also relaxed tops, both with and without sleeves. Men will discover short-sleeved and sleeveless tops as well as shorts and long pants.

Beyond yoga, PrAna offers clothing for climbing, hiking, fitness, and travel wear (this last category including items that work very well on weekends at home.) Swimwear is also available, and well-endowed women will be pleased to see that the company offers some choices labeled “D-Cup.”

There are drawbacks to every product, and it must be said that PrAna clothing is rather expensive and somewhat hard to find. REI stores carry this line, and it’s worth checking out sales there as well as online at prAna.com. Once bought, the items are durable and easy-care. In general, I find that PrAna items are softer and more comfortable than those from other active wear lines; while I usually have to go up a size to find pieces that fit, I am very pleased with what I eventually purchase. The company also makes yoga mats, mat bags, straps, blocks, headbands, tote bags, and scarves.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the PrAna company and have bought my items with my own funds.