Tentree is a lifestyle apparel company that’s known for their natural, sustainable clothing, all of which are made from animal-free materials. Aside from activewear, they also sell loungewear, underwear, and accessories such as hats, bags, scarves, and masks.

More About Tentree

Tentree was founded by Kalen Emsley and Dave Luba in 2012. Ultimately, it’s their business model that sets them apart from other brands—for every item of clothing sold, they would plant 10 trees somewhere in the world. Currently, their goal is to plant 1 billion trees by 2030.

Based in Vancouver, their products can be found at many local retailers including Boathouse, Below the Belt, MEC, Bella and Wren, and more.

About Their Activewear Collection

Tentree offers a wide array of activewear including leggings, bike shorts, bra tops, joggers, and tank tops, all of which are ethically manufactured.

And for what you get, their prices are very reasonable. You’re looking at around $50 for a pair of shorts and about $70 for a pair of leggings. They also have a sale section where you can take advantage of their ‘dirty deals’ which range anywhere from 20% to 50% off.

As for shipping, it’s free for all orders over $85.

Taking Care of Tentree Clothing

Their products might be durable but that doesn’t mean that they won’t get damaged or wear out. Fortunately, you can prevent that by taking proper care of your clothes. In other words, don’t keep everything in a pile on the floor. Make sure to do the laundry—that way, bacteria won’t be attracted by your sweat.

Don’t blindly toss your tops or leggings into the washer, though. There are certain steps that you want to take to ensure that they won’t get damaged during the cycle…and that’s what we’ll be going over below!

What Materials Are Their Clothing Made Of?

Their activewear collection is made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester and elastane. We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about these textiles below.

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester is made by melting down used plastic; it’s broken down into small chips, which are then processed into yarn. Unlike cotton and other natural fibers, it’s incredibly strong—it won’t stretch, tear, or pill easily. It’s also moisture-resistant and retains its shape well even with regular washing. The main drawback, however, is that it’s not very breathable. For this reason, it’s sometimes blended with other fibers.

Elastane

Elastane is a stretchable fiber that’s much more durable than rubber. Not only that, but it’s soft, smooth, and lightweight. And when used in clothing, it prevents bagging and sagging. That’s one of the reasons why it’s such a popular option for sportswear. However, it tends to trap in moisture and sweat.

Tencel

Tencel is an eco-friendly material that’s derived from wood pulp—usually from eucalyptus, spruce, and birch trees. Also known as Lyocell, it’s gentle on the skin and has great color retention. It’s also highly breathable. The only thing is that it’s highly sensitive to temperature. For example, it tends to harden in hot and humid environments.

Tentree Leggings: What’s the Best Way to Wash Them?

Tentree leggings are made from recycled polyester and elastane. In other words, it’s perfectly fine to put them in the washing machine. Or if you want, you can be extra gentle and wash them by hand—either way works, and we’ll be going over both methods below!

Machine Washing Tentree Leggings

Turn your leggings inside out before washing—that’ll keep them looking newer for longer. And if you can, use a laundry bag. It’ll act as a physical barrier so that they’ll be protected from your other clothes. If you don’t have one, you can improvise with a clean pillowcase.

Throw the leggings into the washer once you’ve zipped up the bag. For those who are washing a mixed load, put in the rest of your clothes (use extra laundry bags if necessary). 

Tip: You can wash Tentree leggings with other similar items such as shorts, tank tops, and active bras. Avoid washing them with jeans and other coarse fabrics as they can damage the leggings. And don’t forget to sort the colors before throwing everything in the washer.

Measure a scoop of ACTIVE detergent and add it to the washer—either directly to the drum or into the dispenser. Don’t use fabric softener. Not only will it make your clothes harder to wash (it’ll trap in dirt and oils) but it can also trigger allergies in some individuals. Consider using white vinegar instead; it’ll act as a natural softener and deodorant. Just add half to one cup during the rinse cycle.

Set the machine to a cold-wash cycle and run it on a delicate setting. That way, you won’t be exposing your leggings to unnecessary agitation. 

Take them out of the washer once they’re done washing and let them dry on a clothesline (a laundry rack or hanger works as well). Avoid using the dryer. Don’t leave them out in direct sunlight. 

Handwashing Tentree Leggings

Fill a large tub or sink with lukewarm water. Add 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE detergent as it fills and gently agitate the water with your hands to get a soapy solution.

Turn your leggings inside out and place them in the tub. Swish them around gently as needed and make sure that they’re fully immersed in the solution. Soak them for up to 30 minutes.

Remove the leggings from the sink after soaking. Open the drain and release the dirty water and close it again before refilling it with clean water. Place the item back in the sink and swirl to rinse away the soap suds. Repeat until all of the detergent is gone. If necessary, you can also run them under the faucet.

Never wring your leggings—that’ll cause permanent damage to the fibers. Gently press the water out instead. For example, you can press them against the edge of the sink to get the excess water out.

Lay them flat to dry or use a clothesline or laundry rack. Don’t tumble dry.

Tentree Sports Bra: How Should You Wash Them?

Sports bras, in general, are more delicate than regular clothing, which is why you want to be extra careful when you’re putting them in the wash. Here are two ways that you can wash them.

Using a Cold-Water Wash

Place your sports bra in a mesh laundry bag. Never put it directly into the washing machine—the agitation will stretch out and damage the fibers. And make sure to turn it inside out. That way, your bra will look new for longer.

Tip: You can wash Tentree sports bras with other activewear such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, etc. You just have to make sure to separate the lights from darks so that you won’t end up with dye transfer.

Close the mesh laundry bag and put it in the washer. Add your other laundry if you’re washing a mixed load. Measure one scoop of ACTIVE detergent and pour it into the dispenser. As with their leggings, you want to skip the fabric softener. It’ll only make your bras harder to wash clean. Use white vinegar instead, if you have to. 

Next, select your settings. As with all activewear, you want to run a cold-water cycle on a gentle setting. The lower spin speed will ensure that your bra won’t get damaged during the wash cycle.

Wait for the washing machine to finish running before retrieving your bra and other clothes. We recommend laying them flat on a clean surface, however, you can also use a drying rack or clothesline. Avoid hanging your sports bra up with a hanger as that can stretch out the straps. And don’t expose them to direct sunlight.

Handwashing Tentree Sports Bras

Turn on the tap and fill a clean sink with water. Pour in half a scoop of ACTIVE detergent as it fills to create a bath.

Turn your sports bra inside out—that’ll expose the dirty layer to the detergent. Carefully place it in the water and give it a few swirls to loosen any debris. Once you’ve done that, soak it for 20-30 minutes.

Take the bra out of the sink and get rid of the dirty water. Refill it with clean water and use it to rinse off the detergent. Repeat until there’s no soap film left on the bra. You can also run it under the faucet for a couple of minutes to rinse off the soap suds.

Press the bra against the edge of the sink to remove the excess water. Never twist the item as that’ll permanently damage the fibers. Once the excess water is out, lay it flat to dry on a clean towel. You can also let it air dry on a laundry rack or clothesline. Never use the clothes dryer.

Tentree Tank Tops: Washing Them the Right Way

Using a Cold-Water Wash

Their tank tops can be washed with a cold-water wash. Start by turning the item inside out. Next, place it in a mesh laundry bag (not required, but will keep your tank looking new for longer).

Make sure that the bag is closed and place it in the washer, along with the rest of your laundry (you can wash them with other activewear). Add one scoop of ACTIVE detergent and run a gentle cycle. Skip the bleach and fabric conditioner.

Let the tank top air dry after washing on a clothesline, hanger, or drying rack. Do not tumble dry.

Handwashing Tentree Tank Tops

Prepare a bath. Fill a tub or sink 3/4 full with tepid water and mix in half a scoop of ACTIVE detergent powder.

Turn the tank top inside out and submerge it in the soapy solution. Give it a few swirls in the water to loosen any debris and leave it in to soak for up to 20 minutes.

Rinse the tank thoroughly afterward with cold water. Continue until all of the soap film has been washed off and let it air dry on a drying rack or clothesline.