Girlfriend Collective is a U.S-based sustainable activewear brand. The brand is widely recognized for its strong commitment to ethical manufacturing, recycled materials, and transparent supply chains. Let’s take a closer look at where Girlfriend Collective products are made.
1. About Girlfriend Collective and Its Product Lines
Girlfriend Collective is an US eco-conscious activewear brand founded in 2016 by Ellie and Quang Dinh. From the beginning, the brand has been built around three core pillars: sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and size inclusivity.
The brand gained widespread recognition by turning recycled materials into high-quality activewear, proving that performance, comfort, and environmental responsibility can coexist. Its clean aesthetic and functional designs have helped Girlfriend Collective stand out in the global activewear market.
A key part of Girlfriend Collective’s sustainability strategy lies in its material choices. The brand primarily uses recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles (RPET) and regenerated nylon such as ECONYL®. All fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring the garments are free from harmful substances and safe for long-term wear.
Beyond materials and manufacturing, inclusivity plays a central role in the brand’s identity. Girlfriend Collective offers an extended size range from XXS to 6XL and features diverse models across its campaigns, reinforcing its message of body positivity and accessibility.
Across all categories, Girlfriend Collective products are defined by minimalist design, a modern color palette dominated by earthy and neutral tones, and durable, high-stretch fabrics that offer structure, support, and a sculpting, compressive feel. Key product categories include:
- Activewear: Girlfriend Collective’s core offering includes performance-focused essentials such as leggings, sports bras, and bike shorts, designed to support movement and provide a secure, compressive fit.
- Loungewear: The brand also offers comfortable loungewear pieces, including sweatshirts and joggers, suitable for both at-home wear and everyday casual styling.
- Athletic Dresses & Skirts: Sporty dresses and skirts are designed for activities such as tennis and pickleball, combining functionality with a clean, modern aesthetic.
2. Where is Girlfriend Collective Clothing Made?
Most Girlfriend Collective products are manufactured in Vietnam, a country that has become a key global hub for high-quality and responsible apparel production. Vietnam offers strong advantages in garment manufacturing, including a skilled workforce, well-developed textile and apparel infrastructure, and growing alignment with international compliance and sustainability standards.
Girlfriend Collective does not partner with just any factory. Instead, the brand applies a strict set of manufacturing “filters” when selecting and maintaining production partners, ensuring that ethical, social, and environmental standards are consistently met.
SA8000 certification is a non-negotiable requirement for Girlfriend Collective’s core manufacturing partner in Hanoi. This internationally recognized standard guarantees:
- No child or forced labor: Employment is strictly voluntary, with zero tolerance for coercion.
- Safe working conditions: Facilities must meet requirements for ventilation, lighting, fire safety, and personal protective equipment.
- Freedom of association: Workers have the right to organize and form unions to protect their interests.
- Regulated working hours: Legal limits on working time and rest periods are enforced, preventing excessive overtime.
In addition, production partners must operate wastewater treatment systems ensuring that dyeing and washing processes do not pollute local water sources. In addition, all raw materials and components must comply with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, guaranteeing that finished garments are free from harmful chemicals and safe for both consumers and factory workers.
3. Thygesen Textile Vietnam – Girlfriend Collective’s Reliable Manufacturing Partner
With more than 90 years of experience in the global textile and apparel industry, Thygesen Textile Vietnam is proud to be a long-term manufacturing partner of Girlfriend Collective, supporting the brand from its early days through its growth into a globally recognized sustainable activewear label.
The relationship between Girlfriend Collective and Thygesen goes beyond a typical brand–factory setup. It is a strategic partnership built on shared values, technical capability, and long-term commitment.
Activewear is Thygesen’s strongest product category. We specialize in knitted fabrics and stretch garments, with deep expertise in performance-driven construction techniques such as flatlock seams, high-compression silhouettes, and seamless products.
From a compliance perspective, Thygesen operates with a high level of transparency and responsibility, holding internationally recognized certifications including SA8000, WRAP, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, GRS (Global Recycled Standard), and ISO 9001:2015. These standards align closely with Girlfriend Collective’s ethical manufacturing requirements.
Beyond manufacturing, Thygesen actively participates in product development and R&D, working closely with Girlfriend Collective to test, refine, and scale sustainable material solutions.
Equally important is the working environment. Thygesen emphasizes safe, respectful, and people-centered workplaces, reflecting its Scandinavian management philosophy and reinforcing Girlfriend Collective’s commitment to ethical and responsible production.
In conclusion Girlfriend Collective is a sustainable activewear brand. Its main products are manufactured in Vietnam with Thygesen Textile Vietnam, an SA8000 & WRAP-certified factory. Check out our website at thygesenapparel.com or send us an email at sale@thygesen.com.vn to start your next production project with a partner you can trust.
