Non-Toxic Natural Fabric Activewear Brands
Q: Can your activewear impact your health?
A: In short, yes. Read on to find out how.
Your skin is your largest organ and can absorb that which it comes into contact with. Studies have shown that chemicals can run off of fabrics upon contact with the skin. A 2018 study even found that prolonged exposure to a chemical commonly used in clothing dyes called benzothiazole (BT) resulted in the uptake of BT into the body, raising a growing concern for the ability of chemicals to run off of fabrics into the body upon contact with the skin. This is especially true when you sweat, as sweat can pull chemicals off fabrics and into the body.
This is where activewear comes in, as it sits closest to the skin and to your most sensitive and highly absorbent assets when you are sweating. Unfortunately, most activewear is made out of petrochemical-based, synthetic (read: plastic) fabrics and treated with toxins, without a disclaimer of “wear at your own risk” attached. Many pieces by big brands have even tested positive for endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA (Nike, Pink, Athleta - to name a few. Read more here.) and PFAS (ahem, Lululemon). This is why it is best to opt for natural fibers that are not processed with toxic, synthetic chemicals.
p.s., don’t forget to wear your non-toxic underwear while working out! See our guide on recs here.
Instead of working out in synthetic fibers doused in endocrine-disrupting chemicals, check out these natural brands!
MATE The Label designs activewear from organic cotton, free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and PFAS. Super sustainable, very breathable, ultra flattering.
Impact level: Low to moderate
Reprise Activewear uses the non-toxic, plant-based fiber Tencel Lyocell. Their pieces are great for high-impact workouts, from running to tennis and pickleball to your daily walk.
Impact level: Low to high
Happy Earth also uses organic cotton and non-toxic dyes.
I especially love their workout jacket, which is a great non-toxic and ethical alternative to the Lulu Define Jacket!
Impact level: Low
Outfitted in Happy Earth
Outfitted in Happy Earth jacket
Indigo Luna ~ A yogi’s dream, Indigo Luna uses PFAS-free LENZING plant-based, linen, and organic cotton fabrics treated with GOTS certified low-impact dyes.
I love their mantra: “At the heart of Indigo Luna lies a profound vision: to create clothing that celebrates the complex and evolving female form, making all women feel safe and held. Our journey is one of slow, sustainable creation, beautifully intertwined with nature and rooted in the artistry of Bali.”
Impact level: Low
Groceries Apparel makes plant-based pieces treated with 100% non-toxic plant dyes (think: upcycled carrot tops, onion skins, avocados, coffee - from your kitchen to your workout!
Impact level: low
Use code LYDIADUPREE for 20% your first order of $100 or more.
Pangaia is a material sciences company using biobased materials and treatments like peppermint for anti-odor.
Impact level: low to high
Outfitted in Pangaia
Maro designs 100% organic cotton, 0% plastic. Organic cotton pieces made without plastic, naturally breathable - perfect for any workout! MARO is a performance wear brand combining design, functionality and sustainability to create optimal sportswear.
Check out their organic cotton toe socks - meant to optimize foot function to get the most out of your workouts and help with foot health.
Impact level: Low to moderate
15% off with code LYDIA
Wayve Wear takes a holistic approach to well-being, where what you wear is as important as what you eat and how you move. Their mission is simple yet profound – to provide you with thoughtfully crafted clothing that aligns with your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
They create our clothing from natural materials because they’re better for your health, more sustainable for the Earth, and offer superior quality that outshines synthetic fibers. They strive to create high-quality, timeless apparel that you can enjoy for years to come.
Impact level: Low to high
Use code LYDIA10 for 10% off
Don Kaka is an LA-based designer on a mission to rid the fashion world of plastics and toxins. His latest initiative, ‘The Yogi’, features merino wool crafted into a yoga set sans petrochemicals, dyed with plants, meant for daily wear. He is one to watch as he has so many plans for the future of fashion!
Definite Articles treats their clothing with CiCLO to increase their biodegradability and tests the final products to ensure they are free from BPA and PFAS.
Impact level: Low to high
Use code DAYINTOEVE for 20% off
Outfitted in Definite Articles
Ryker is on a mission to put an end to plastic gym clothes once and for all. Instead, they use organic cotton and merino wool for their gym wear. Merino wool is thermoregulating, making it a great fabric for high-impact and climate workouts. It also is said to have a high frequency, which has a better feel on the body than polyester!
Impact level: Low to moderate
Boldwill believes that in both sports and life that incremental progress is the key to moving forward in the most natural way. Understanding that great things take time, and that experiencing the journey itself is what brings true fulfilment in life. This is what they call Natural Progression.
Certifications: GOTS, bluesign®, and OEKO-TEX®. They also adhere to REACH and the ZDHC MRSL, which means that they only work with chemicals that are not harmful to either people or the environment, and that they test for this at multiple phases. Their products are tested for and are free from PFAS, BPA, and AZO dyes.
Impact level: Low to high
Use code LYDIA10 for 10% off!
Outfitted in Boldwill
Aktiiv is pioneering the use of biobased materials and treats their clothing with algae to make them moisture wicking (instead of using PFAS!).
Impact level: Low to high
Outfitted in Aktiiv
PAKA is an all-natural brand innovating alpaca fiber into all-purpose clothing, promoting outdoor adventures, conscious consumption, and creator support.
Impact level: Low to high
Zen Running Club is pioneering the world of biobased materials, developing running shoes out of eucalyptus, sugarcane, and castor beans (so you know you have a low environmental footprint!). Their mission, “Made from good decisions™,” is at the core of everything they do.
Impact level: Low to high
Enjoy 30% off with code LYDIA30
Outfitted in Zen Running Club
