How this UK brand is turning ocean plastic into high-performance gymwear

Posted by author February 5, 2025 Sports

It’s not every day we come across an activewear label that stops us in our tracks. So when I discovered Certified Sports, I knew it was something really special.

The UK sportswear brand was first founded back in 2018 by former academy footballer, Max Noble. Who set out with the goal of creating a brand and movement that highlighted the psychological and systemic challenges faced by child athletes. After Max’s football career ended abruptly, he witnessed first hand the struggles faced by athletes when navigating life after sport and set out with an initiative to make a difference. It is this initiative that became the foundation for the brand that is Certified Sports.

In addition, the brand had the mission to create sustainable and ethically made training gear that didn’t compromise on quality.

Made entirely out of recycled ocean waste, Certified Sports’ range of gear spans both men’s and women’s kit and covers sports bras, crop tops, shorts, leggings and outerwear in a uniform colourway of all-black. This was done to reduce the use of harmful dyes – and also makes for a more cohesive workout wardrobe.

‘When it comes to design, our mission is simple: to deliver the best quality fabric, in a well-thought-out design, all to help you maximise performance during each session, whilst also protecting the planet,’ said founder Max Noble.

Not only are they made with sustainable materials, but the pieces also feature UV resistance, sweat-wicking and odour-resistant properties, along with breathable mesh panelling. The labels, made from bamboo and organic cotton threading, further reinforce sustainability as the throughline of the collection.

Now, if you’re as obsessed as we are, make sure to snap up the pieces you like best while you can. The label flags they only make enough products to fund their mission to reduce wasted product.

On the website, you can also report instances of injustice in the world of sports to help the brand’s mission to investigate and bring change in the space.

The collection features 22 pieces split between men’s and womenswear starting from £38 and is available on certifiedsports.co.uk.

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Isabelle Knevett is the Fashion Features Editor at Women’s Health. With her keen insight into the worlds of both fashion and fitness, she explores their intersection to help women feel their best when they work out and do it in style. Transitioning from a career as a full-time dancer into the realms of fashion and media, she understands the importance of reliable activewear. Her work has been published across Marie Claire Australia, ELLE Australia, Australian Women’s Weekly, and more. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her in a dance class, or with her nose in a fashion mag.