Hey there, fellow fashion lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for clothing brands that not only make you look and feel great, but also align with your values. That‘s why I‘m excited to share my honest review of Prana – a sustainable activewear brand that‘s been taking the outdoor apparel world by storm.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you the lowdown on Prana‘s background, commitment to sustainability, and most popular products. I‘ll also share my personal experience with Prana clothing, along with customer reviews and expert opinions. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if Prana is the right fit for your wardrobe and wallet.
So grab a snack, get comfy, and let‘s dive into this Prana clothing review together!
What Is Prana? A Brief Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Prana‘s clothing, let‘s start with some key facts about the brand:
- Founded in 1992 in Carlsbad, California by Beaver and Pam Theodosakis
- Name comes from the Sanskrit word for "breath," "life force," or "vitality"
- Mission is to create clothing that "inspires" and "provides a lifeline to sustainability"
- Offers a wide range of activewear and outdoor apparel for men and women
- Committed to using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices
- Certified B Corporation since 2010
- Donates portion of annual sales to environmental and social causes
- Sold in over 1,400 specialty retailers across 60+ countries
Pretty impressive, right? But what really sets Prana apart is their dedication to sustainability. Let‘s take a closer look at how they‘re working to minimize their impact on the planet.
How Sustainable Is Prana? Materials, Practices, and Certifications
One of the first things that drew me to Prana was their use of eco-friendly materials. Instead of conventional cotton or virgin polyester, they prioritize organic cotton, hemp, recycled poly, responsible down, and Tencel – a biodegradable fabric made from wood pulp.
Here are some key stats on Prana‘s sustainable materials in 2020:
| Material | Percentage of Total Fabric |
|---|---|
| Organic Cotton | 74% |
| Recycled Polyester | 44% |
| Responsible Down | 100% |
| Hemp | 8% |
| Tencel | 5% |
Source: Prana‘s 2020 Sustainability Report
But Prana‘s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just materials. They also hold several third-party certifications for ethical and eco-friendly practices, such as:
- Fair Trade Certified: Ensures safe working conditions and fair wages for farmers and factory workers
- Bluesign Approved: Sets standards for safe and sustainable textile manufacturing
- GOTS Certified: Verifies organic content and responsible production for textiles
In addition to these certifications, Prana is a member of the Outdoor Industry Association‘s Climate Action Corps and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. They also have a robust repair program to extend the life of their garments, and they donate returned items to nonprofits like Outdoor Outreach.
Clearly, Prana is walking the walk when it comes to sustainability. But how do their actual clothes measure up? Let‘s take a look at some of their most popular pieces.
Prana Clothing Review: Best-Selling Products
As a self-proclaimed Prana fangirl, I‘ve tried my fair share of their activewear and outdoor apparel. Here are my honest thoughts on some of their top-rated items:
Prana Halle Pants
The Halle Pants are hands down my favorite hiking pants ever. They‘re super stretchy and comfortable, thanks to the recycled nylon/spandex fabric, but also durable enough to withstand rugged terrain. I love the mid-rise waist and straight leg cut – it‘s flattering without being too tight or constricting.
I‘ve had my Halle Pants for over a year now, and they‘ve held up beautifully through countless washes and outdoor adventures. No pilling, no weird smells – just quality, performance, and style. They‘re definitely worth the $85 price tag in my book.
Prana Brion Pants
My husband swears by the Brion Pants for everything from casual Fridays at work to weekend hikes. They have a nice, relaxed fit that‘s not too baggy or too slim, and the stretchy Zion fabric is really comfy and breathable. He also likes the streamlined 5-pocket styling and hidden zip stash pocket.
The only downside is that they‘re a bit long for his 5‘9" frame – he has to cuff them or get them hemmed. But overall, he says the Brion Pants are a versatile, well-made staple that he reaches for again and again. At $79, they‘re comparable to other performance pants on the market.
Prana Foundation Crew Tee
For a basic tee that‘s anything but boring, check out the Foundation Crew. It‘s made from a soft, lightweight blend of hemp and organic cotton that feels amazing against the skin. The fit is just right – relaxed but not sloppy, with a flattering crew neckline and short sleeves.
I have the Foundation Crew in a few different colors, and they all look great dressed up with jeans or dressed down with leggings. They‘ve also held up well in the wash without shrinking or losing their shape. At $35, they‘re a bit pricier than your average tee, but the quality and feel are worth it IMO.
Prana Cozy Up Buttoned Fleece
When the temps drop, I reach for my Cozy Up Buttoned Fleece time and time again. It‘s made from a plush, organic cotton sherpa that‘s like wrapping yourself in a warm hug. I love the oversized buttons and slouchy, cocoon-like fit – it‘s perfect for snuggling up on the couch or running errands on a chilly day.
The only thing I don‘t love about the Cozy Up Buttoned Fleece is the price – at $129, it‘s definitely a splurge. But considering how often I wear it and how well it‘s held up over time, I think it‘s a worthwhile investment for cozy, sustainable style.
Those are just a few of my personal faves, but Prana has a huge selection of activewear, outerwear, dresses, and accessories for both men and women. I encourage you to browse their website or visit a retailer to see and feel the quality for yourself!
What Do Other Customers Think? Prana Clothing Reviews
Of course, don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s see what other customers have to say about their experience with Prana clothing. I scoured reviews on Prana‘s website, as well as third-party sites like Amazon, REI, and Zappos, to get a balanced view of the brand‘s pros and cons.
The Good
- High-quality, durable materials that last wash after wash
- Comfortable, stretchy fits that allow freedom of movement
- Sustainable, eco-friendly practices and materials
- Versatile, timeless styles that can be dressed up or down
- Inclusive sizing from XS-3X
- Easy, hassle-free returns and exchanges
The Not-So-Good
- Higher price point than some other activewear brands
- Limited color options for some items
- Inconsistent sizing across different styles
- Some items are not true to size
- A few complaints about worn seams and zippers after extended wear
Overall, Prana seems to have a loyal customer base who appreciate the brand‘s quality, comfort, and commitment to sustainability. The most common complaint was around pricing – Prana is definitely an investment compared to fast fashion alternatives.
But for many customers, the higher price is justified by the durability and longevity of the pieces. As one reviewer put it, "Prana clothes are expensive, but I‘d rather buy one pair of pants that lasts for years than three pairs that fall apart after a season."
How Does Prana Compare to Other Activewear Brands?
So how does Prana stack up against other popular activewear and outdoor apparel brands? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| Brand | Sustainable Practices | Avg Price (Pants) | Sizing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prana | Organic cotton, recycled poly, fair trade, Bluesign approved | $85 | XXS-3X regular, tall, petite |
| Patagonia | Recycled poly, organic cotton, fair trade, B Corp | $99 | XXS-XXL |
| Athleta | Recycled poly, fair trade, B Corp | $89 | XXS-3X regular, tall, petite |
| Lululemon | Some recycled poly, Bluesign approved, clothing recycling program | $98 | 0-20 |
| Outdoor Voices | Some recycled poly and merino, responsible wool | $88 | XXS-XL |
| Zella (Nordstrom) | No info on sustainability | $59 | XXS-XXL |
Based on data from brand websites and third-party retailers as of April 2023
As you can see, Prana falls in the middle of the pack in terms of pricing, but has some of the most comprehensive sustainable practices. They also offer the widest size range, including petite and tall options.
Of course, there are other factors to consider like style, fit, and performance – but if sustainability is a top priority for you, Prana is definitely a leader in the activewear space.
Prana Clothing Pros and Cons: My Final Thoughts
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this Prana clothing review, so let‘s recap the key takeaways:
Pros 👍
- Sustainable, eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices
- Fair trade certified and socially responsible
- High-quality, durable pieces that last
- Comfortable, stretchy fits for a variety of activities
- Timeless, versatile styles that can be dressed up or down
- Inclusive sizing with petite and tall options
- Free shipping and returns on orders over $49
Cons 👎
- Higher price point than some other activewear brands
- Limited color options for some styles
- Inconsistent sizing across different items
- A few reports of wear and tear after extended use
All things considered, I‘ve had a fantastic experience with Prana clothing over the years. Their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices aligns with my values, and the quality and comfort of their pieces is unmatched in my opinion.
Yes, they are an investment – but for me, it‘s worth it to support a brand that‘s doing right by people and the planet. Prana‘s clothes make me feel confident, comfortable, and ready for any adventure – whether that‘s scaling a mountain or running to the grocery store.
Of course, your experience may vary depending on your body type, budget, and personal style. But if you‘re in the market for high-quality, eco-friendly activewear and outdoor apparel, I highly recommend giving Prana a try.
Start with a versatile basic like the Halle Pants or Foundation Crew Tee, and see how they perform and hold up over time. I think you‘ll be pleasantly surprised by the difference that sustainable, ethically made clothing can make.
Thanks for sticking with me through this Prana clothing review! I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or want to share your own experience with Prana, drop a comment below.
Until next time, happy shopping and namaste! 🙏
