THE WELLICIOUS WAY TO ‘FEEL GOOD’ FASHION
By: Zibah Olabode
Maria Cassano set out to shake up the yoga wear scene with Wellicious—a brand rooted in style, sustainability and self-expression. Her mission? To prove that looking good does not have to come at the planet’s expense. The seeds of her eco-conscious mindset were planted early, inspired by her grandmother’s zero-waste way of life and her parents’ 20-year residence in Eastern Africa, where nature’s raw beauty left a lasting impression. Today, that vision lives on through the Wellicious ethos and feel-good designs that speak to a new generation of mindful fashion lovers.
Wellicious is the world’s first circular and Cradle to Cradle Certified® yoga and activewear brand. They offer a take-back system for customers, which ensures that no waste is produced in the creation of their clothes. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a rigorous, science-based standard that evaluates products across five key categories: material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship and social fairness.
Image courtesy of Wellicious
The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its production methods, which are safe for the environment and utilize only GOTS certified organic cotton which is sustainably sourced from Peru and is renowned for its exceptional and durable cotton fibers. This guarantees that Wellicious clothing feels amazing while you wear it and does not irritate your skin.
Cassano also wanted to create a brand that follows ethical and moral rules throughout its supply chain. Yogis would appreciate that her determination was to build a brand that makes conscious choices, ultimately having a positive impact on the planet. used organic, non-toxic materials that are safe for the environment and customers’ skin.
At first, Cassano’s vision of a transparent yoga and activewear clothing brand was to ensure it was safe for biological systems and that each garment would break down into nutrients for other organisms. Through much research and development, Wellicious has gone above and beyond allowing her dream form into a reality largely because of her resilience, patience and her willingness to always try again. Wellicious is beyond just making a profit, it has become a mission to do good for the planet and good for the people who wear it.
“Our mission is clear: we want to build a brand that can produce long-lasting and circular yoga clothing and activewear, while promoting the reuse and recycling of all materials and eliminating fashion waste and pollution.” - Cassano
Wellicious is not just a sustainable yoga wear brand, it is a lifestyle that allows their customers to experience the joy of exercising with a conscience. It is free from harmful microplastic shedding, which means it is better for people and kinder to the planet.
Image courtesy of Wellicious
By preventing microplastic pollution, Wellicious activewear supports cleaner oceans, healthier ecosystems and helps keep microplastics out of our food chain. These particles have even been found in the human placenta, brain, and lungs, making the commitment to microplastic-free clothing a choice that truly benefits everyone.
Because of the brand’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, it was named the runner-up in the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards 2024 for its fashion supply chain. Wellicious has also been successfully shortlisted for the prestigious Future Icons Award 2025 by Country & Town House in the UK. This recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry. They have been nominated in two key categories: best sustainable fashion brand and best circularity initiative for fashion brands.
“I would like to encourage people to think about the impact of their choices on the environment.” - Cassano.
In February 2025, the Wellicious plans to host a yoga retreat in Mauritius, to offer a serene eco-conscious escape, while creating an experience where wellness and sustainability comes together beautifully.
Wellicious has been recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable fashion and Cassano hopes that the brand can inspire others to follow in its footsteps.