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We’ve all had that one piece of yoga gear we’d rather forget, right?
This was mine:
My first yoga mat - a $10 "bargain" from Kmart. It was an experience. Slippery, somehow too thin AND too thick at the same time, and so squishy that it let me feel every single crack and crevice in my floor. I still remember my hands cramping as I clung onto downward dog while the mat literally stretched in opposite directions. Safe to say - not the peaceful, grounded practice we aspire to.
But here’s the kicker - it wasn’t just bad for my practice. It was bad for the planet, too. Most cheap yoga mats are made from PVC, one of the most toxic plastics out there. In fact, PVC can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals along the way (source). That ‘affordable’ mat? It’s probably still out there, sitting in a landfill, refusing to decompose.
Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to connect with high quality, sustainable yoga brands through my work as a yoga photographer and my own personal practice. Not only do I feel the difference in my practice (who knew grip could be so life-changing?), but I feel better about the impact I’m having on the planet.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been thinking about upgrading your yoga gear in a way that feels good for both you and the planet, you’re in the right place. Here are five brands offering sustainable yoga gear in Australia that are actually worth investing in.
1. Indigo Luna
Indigo Luna crafts clothing that celebrates the evolving female form, blending ethical fashion with sustainable materials. Rooted in Bali’s natural beauty and traditions, each piece is thoughtfully created to evoke feelings of comfort, serenity, and empowerment. The brand’s commitment to slow fashion means everything is made in small, sustainable runs with attention to ethical production practices.
2. Studio K
Studio K blends ethical design with sustainability, offering soft, sophisticated movement and loungewear made from organic, biodegradable fabrics. Committed to eco-conscious production, the brand ensures every garment is crafted in a small, woman-owned factory where fair wages and safe conditions are a priority. Using OEKO-TEX® certified low-impact dyes, they minimise environmental impact, while packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable.
3. Pinky & Kamal
Designed for women who are always on the go, their pieces mould to your body and offer comfort, support, and a fashion-forward look. Beyond just great gear, Pinky & Kamal fosters inclusivity and diversity, building a community that celebrates all kinds of beauty. Plus, with their reforestation project already planting 14,000+ trees, they’re making a real impact on the planet. Perfect for both the studio and the street, these pieces have got your back - literally.
4. Luna & Soul
Luna & Soul is an Australian yoga and lifestyle brand dedicated to ethical, sustainable, and toxin-free fashion. Founded by ex-fast fashion product developer Raja, the brand emerged from a desire to create high-quality, eco-conscious clothing without harming people, animals, or the planet.
Designed for mindful movement, Luna & Soul offers a curated range of organic cotton yoga wear, pilates apparel, and ethically sourced accessories, including meditation tools and mala beads. Committed to sustainability at every level, the brand prioritises natural dyes, biodegradable fabrics, and cruelty-free practices.
5. Zone by Lydia
Now obviously I’m a TAD biased as the ZONE photographer, but ZONE truly hits the sweet spot between sustainable materials, top-notch quality, and performance. Think leggings made from plant-based fibres like hemp, organic cotton —non-toxic, breathable, and yes, with pockets (because let’s be real, we all need them). Their mats? Made from natural, biodegradable materials like cork and natural rubber that provide solid support and seriously good grip.
I’ve used countless mats in my work and travels, and this one is hands down my favourite. The quality blew me away, and it arrived in completely plastic-free packaging—something rare and beautiful. Beyond mats, they craft sturdy cork yoga blocks, cork massage balls, and jute yoga straps, all inspired by natural materials and designed with the same thoughtful approach.
Founder Lydia never set out to create a fashion brand. But when she learned about hemp’s potential to clean up our planet, she thought: I need to make something with this amazing plant and began her hemp clothing brand. That mindset drives everything at ZONE. They prioritise full transparency across their supply chain, from raw materials to ethical production, with Lydia personally visiting makers to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. As a 1% for the Planet member, they also donate a 1% of their revenue each year to environmental causes.
So not only do you get gear that’s good for you—it’s good for the planet too.
The Verdict? Your Practice Deserves Better. So Does the Planet.
We spend hours on our yoga mats, moving, breathing, evolving. So why not invest in yoga gear that’s built to last and better for the planet? By choosing sustainable yoga gear, you’re not just upgrading your practice – you’re voting with your dollars, supporting brands that care about ethical production and the environment.
So, if your current yoga mat is making you slip and question your life choices (been there), consider this your sign to make the switch. Invest in eco-friendly yoga gear that supports your practice and the planet for years to come. Your future self - and Mama Earth - will thank you for it.
If you’re looking for sustainably made, high-performance yoga gear that feels as good as it looks, explore ZONE by Lydia and their range of hemp clothing, cork yoga mats and eco friendly yoga props. Thoughtfully crafted, ethically made, and designed to support both your practice and the planet.
About the Author - Amy Fraser
I’m Amy - founder of Yogaroo Photography & Yogi Web design with 550 hours of yoga teacher training under my belt and thousands of hours spent on the mat, both in my own practice and in classes. Over the past few years, I’ve traveled all over, testing out countless studios and mats along the way. Now, I get to bring that experience into my work with ZONE by Lydia—first as their photographer, and now through creative projects like this. Safe to say, I know good yoga gear when I see (and feel) it.
