Finder Green Fave: Flo Dancewear eco leotards
These leotards are made from fabric that's more sustainable and gives young dancers the flexibility they need.
If you're getting your children ready for the first term of dance classes, a leotard is pretty essential. While some dance schools sell a small range, not all of them are made using sustainable material.
Flo Dancewear is an Australian company founded by Felicia Palanca, a former senior artist with the Australian Ballet.
The brand launched its eco range in 2021, which includes leotards, skirts and dresses. The leotards are a classic design, with slight gathering at the centre of the neckline in the front and a scooped back.
They come in pink, blue and black designs that are all made from a greener type of viscose fibre that has the same soft, luxurious feel that Flo Dancewear is known for.
What makes Flo Dancewear leotards green?
These leotards use a new type of viscose fabric that is made from certified renewable wood. Known as LENZING ECOVERO, the fabric uses up to 50% less water than regular viscose and is up to 50% lower in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
As a natural fibre, it's also biodegradable. According to the LENZING ECOVERO website, once the fabric has reached the end of its use, it takes 3 months to break down. In comparison, it takes 20 to 200 years for non-biodegradable fabric to break down.
LENZING ECOVERO is certified by EU Ecolabel, which means it meets an internationally-recognised standard for textile products.
According to the EU Ecolabel website, this certification is "awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their life-cycle: from raw material extraction, to production, distribution and disposal."
Flo Dancewear has taken other steps towards sustainability as well. It carbon offsets online orders and also uses Heropack sustainable packaging. These shipping bags are made of plant-based materials and can be reused or placed straight into the compost bin. It then takes about 3-4 months for the packaging to break down into fertiliser.
What's also inspiring is that Flo Dancewear has made these green changes during the pandemic, a time when dance schools (and the whole performing arts sector) has had to navigate tough restrictions and uncertainty.
As Flo Dancewear founder Felicia Palanca said when the company launched this season's range: "Nothing will make me happier than seeing dance schools return and flourish, and little ballerinas twirling towards a safe and vibrant future."
Where can I buy it?
With a recommended retail price of $29.95, you can buy Flo Dancewear's eco leotards through the brand's website, as well as from retailers including Myer, David Jones and THE ICONIC. Overseas, you can also buy Flo Dancewear products through Macy's.
Finder Green Fave is a regular column that highlights our favourite sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical and cruelty-free products. Looking for more information about eco-friendly choices? Check out Finder Green .
Images: Supplied (Flo Dancewear)
