Colorado Threads’ approach to Eco-friendly, adventure-ready, sustainable fashion
By Kristen West
Colorado Threads, a Denver-based activewear brand, is sustainably making strides. The retailer produces its yoga pants using recycled, BPA-free water bottles, aiming to reduce plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and energy consumption compared to conventional polyester. Its manufacturer is also locally based, allowing the team to ensure workplace safety and maintain quality standards.
Owner Haley Lucero, who acquired Colorado Threads just over a year ago, is passionate about eliminating forever chemicals in clothing and saw the company was moving in the right direction. “One of the first things I latched on to about Colorado Threads was that it was making sustainable efforts. There are a lot of fabrics made from plastic, but it is unique to be from actual recycled material rather than just synthetic,” she says. While there are no forever chemicals in the brand’s current and most recent lines of yoga pants, Lucero says she wants to do even more and is sourcing organic materials that are good for the environment and skin.
Colorado Threads’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. It donates clothing to organizations like The Action Center, which provides clothing free of charge for those in need. It also supports other organizations such as Roundup River Ranch, a summer camp for children with serious illnesses; various dog rescues; and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. Customers can also opt into a small donation at checkout powered by Ecodrive, which uses funds to remove consumer waste from the oceans.
In addition to its yoga-focused apparel, Colorado Threads is shifting to a stronger emphasis on Colorado-influenced outdoor wear, including warming layers, ski wear, hoodies and jackets. The retailer is an exclusive merchandise sponsor for Yoga on the Rocks and has five souvenir-focused retail locations and multiple gym partnerships where customers can browse activewear gear. These partnerships help the brand connect with both outdoor adventurers and fitness enthusiasts.
Lucero acknowledges the environmental concerns associated with consumer waste in the clothing industry and is excited to initiate a new buy-back program to create a more circular economy. Customers can buy and sell used apparel rather than discard quality clothing.
Looking ahead, Colorado Threads is working toward B Corp Certification, a designation that signifies a company’s commitment to high social and environmental performance standards, accountability and transparency. “It would really solidify some of our efforts on paper and verify to the world what we’re doing,” Lucero says.
Beyond its sustainability efforts, Colorado Threads focuses on strengthening connections with its customers. The company is hosting more events this year, inviting the community to “come hang out.” Lucero says the gatherings will feature raffles and giveaways, but more importantly, they will be a way to bring people together. “It’s more about the connection to the community,” she says.
By integrating sustainable and organic materials, supporting local manufacturing, and engaging with the community, Colorado Threads exemplifies how a boutique retailer can make an impact both locally and globally.
Colorado Threads
coloradothreads.com
