Your questions answered

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to email us at hello@zero18.com — we’re happy to help!

How can I ensure longevity of my activewear?

To help extend the life of your activewear, follow these simple care tips:

Wash your clothes promptly after each workout to prevent odour and bacteria buildup.
Ensure you follow the washing instructions carefully.
Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent.
Turning clothes inside out before washing can protect logos, as well as keep the fabric cleaner and fresher, especially when washing synthetic fabrics.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat when drying, as they can weaken the fabric’s fibres over time.
Avoid overcrowding drawers or hangers: overcrowding can damage the fabric and cause it to lose shape.
Use a laundry bag if washing with heavier items, to protect your activewear from snagging and abrasions.

Does your production chain consider sustainability?

Sustainability goes beyond just the fabrics we use — it’s also about where they come from, how they’re made, and who we choose to work with. It’s about building local connections and supporting other small businesses that share our values.

Wherever we can, we work with suppliers local to us here in Devon — and when that’s not possible, we aim to source as close to home as we can, thus reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local, and UK, businesses.

As a female-founded brand, supporting other female-led businesses is especially important to us. That’s why from our branding, to our photography; from our pattern cutter to our factory, we’ve partnered wherever we can with businesses led by women.

We also carefully consider the ethical and environmental practices of all our suppliers, ensuring we’re aligned in our commitment to a more sustainable future.

I can buy cheaper activewear elsewhere, why should I buy from Zero18?

At ZERO18, we’re taking a stand against fast fashion. Our commitment to ethical practices begins at the design stage and continues through to the moment you receive your beautifully made activewear.

As a small, sustainability-focused business with a dedication to local production, our costs — including the individual cost of each garment — are significantly higher than those of mass-produced clothing. But we believe it’s worth it. Our limited production runs help us minimise waste, and by using deadstock, recycled, and other sustainable fabrics, we ensure every piece is created with the planet in mind.

Sustainability is just one part of our mission. We’re equally passionate about quality. Every item is made from premium fabrics to exceptionally high standards — because better quality means longer-lasting wear. No more clothing that falls apart after just a few washes.

When you choose ZERO18, you’re not just investing in durable, ethical activewear — you’re also making a positive impact. A portion of every purchase goes directly to our chosen charities, so each order helps support meaningful causes.

Is your packaging eco-friendly?

Yes! Our mailers are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable. In fact, each mailer features double adhesive strips, making it easy to reuse — whether for returns to us or sending something on elsewhere.

All our zip lock bags (used to package up your precious buys), labels, our thank you cards and the packaging used to wrap our socks are also made from recycled materials.

Unfortunately, one of the down sides of living on a small island, is that there are certain supplies we simply cannot source from within the UK. However, we have carefully selected our packaging supplier based on their sustainability practices. For every purchase, they plant trees, with the number of trees calculated automatically based on the specifics of each order, so that we are all working towards offsetting our carbon footprint.

Aside from deadstock, what other sustainable materials do you use?

Our preference has always been — and will always be — to use deadstock fabric. However, sourcing deadstock suitable for activewear comes with its challenges: it's only available in limited quantities, and what we can get (and how much) is never guaranteed. That unpredictability is part of what makes this journey exciting but also means we have to consider other options.

To ensure we maintain a stable, reliable stock line while staying true to our values, we also use recycled fabrics — and in time will expand this to other sustainable textiles. These sustainable alternatives allow us to consistently offer high-quality pieces, without compromising our commitment to the planet.

What about the clothing labels – are they recycled too?

All the labels used in our tops — including the size labels, care labels, and swing tags — are made from recycled materials. We're committed to ensuring that every detail, inside and out, reflects our dedication to sustainability.

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