Our Story

As Pacific Northwesterners, we're no stranger to utilitarian clothes. Staying active and basking in nature is in our DNA. Transitioning from the gym to the office to the mountains is a high priority for us, which is why activewear dominates our wardrobe.

But as we began to learn about the threat posed by microplastics and the unsustainable way much of these mass-produced clothes are manufactured, we realized that all of these sleek, high-tech, "performance fibers" that make up the majority of activewear were having an adverse impact on the environment, and possibly our health. We found ourselves asking, when did we all resign ourselves to wearing plastic during workouts, and what alternatives are out there? We thought there must be a better way.

After intensive research, we realized that the answer was under our nose the whole time. It turns out another high-performance fiber had already been in use for centuries. And best of all, it was renewable, biodegradable, and plastic-free. We acquainted ourselves with the humble spool of wool. The more we learned, the more enchanted we became. A natural, sustainable fiber that's thermo-regulating, breathable, and odor-resistant? Why were we wearing anything else?

But sadly the options available on the market fell short of our standards. Activewear marketed as merino wool more often than not is made from a blend of wool and synthetic fibers like polyester or spandex, to reduce cost. While this may feel similar to merino wool and does reduce microplastic shedding, it does not have the same biodegradability as 100% merino wool. We dreamt of a high-performing activewear clothing line focused made from all-natural materials. So we made one.

At Aiua, we believe performance and sustainability shouldn't be in conflict—they should be companions. We create activewear that:

  • Leaves zero microplastics in our waterways
  • Fully biodegrades at the end of its lifecycle
  • Requires fewer washes, saving water and energy
  • Comes from a renewable resource that regrows annually

Our wool is Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)-certified, ensuring the highest standard of animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility throughout our supply chain.

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From sheep to shirt, farm to label, we're committed to creating performance wear that works as well for the planet as it does for your body.

Live naturally. Your body and the planet will thank you for it.

Why "Aiua?"

Aiua (eye-YOU-ah) comes from the Sanskrit word āyu, meaning life force, a living being, or humanity. At the heart of everything we do is a dedication to living life to its fullest and doing our part to create a world where that's possible for everyone, no matter their background. By encouraging the use of sustainable and natural materials, we hope to make the world a healthier and happier place, so that future generations can enjoy life just as much as we do.