Low-Tox Activewear Clothing Brands That Are Actually Worth It
Why I ditched Alo & Lululemon for clean, plastic-free workout clothes
Let’s talk about something most people don’t even think twice about: the materials in your activewear. That buttery soft leggings set? It’s probably made from plastic. And if you’re someone who works out without underwear (no shame, many do), then your most absorbent part is in direct contact with polyester, rayon, and synthetic dyes… and we wonder why infertility is on the rise (among sooo many other possible reasons, of course)…
And yes, our skin does absorb what we put on it, especially when we’re hot, damp, and our pores are wide open. We’re told to be mindful of skincare ingredients, but what about the full-body skin contact we have with our clothes?!
Most activewear today is made from synthetic plastic-based fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex blends. Even when brands market themselves as “sustainable” or “clean,” they often use recycled polyester and slap some greenwashing language on the tag. Sorry, but just because it’s recycled plastic doesn’t mean it’s suddenly non-toxic… come on, people!
Here’s the deal: recycled or not, polyester is still plastic. It can still shed microplastics, still release endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and still trap heat and bacteria against your skin (hence, one of the reasons why your clothes smell bad even after washing them). And don’t even get me started on rayon, which is basically a chemically processed semi-synthetic that’s often marketed as “eco-friendly” when it’s anything but.
People are spending $100 to $200 on a pair of Lululemon leggings or an Alo Yoga set, which are made entirely from petroleum-derived materials. Please make that make sense to me… top dollar for PLASTIC because of a trendy logo slapped on it??
Look, it’s never about perfection; it’s about making swaps that actually make a difference. For me, that means wearing clothing made from natural fibers throughout my day, especially my activewear.
No shame if you’re not there yet. This is an invitation, not a lecture (I will never be that all-or-nothing extremist wellness influencer, ok!? Your life, you choose).
Below, I’m sharing a roundup of brands I trust, use myself, and have partnered with. These are brands that walk the walk when it comes to sustainability, fabric integrity, and transparency. Some are ultra-minimalist, others are fashion-forward… see what sparks your interest!
Namarie — discount code: CLAUDIA
I just ordered a set from here and I’m excited to try them out! I’ve heard great reviews so far. Their Sylvendel® fabric is made from 91% hemp and 9% bio-based elastane (from corn!).
Groceries Apparel
Food-grade dyes. Yes, really! They literally use waste from avocados and carrots to dye their organic cotton sets, which is incredibly cool IMO. Based in California with complete transparency, these pieces are pure and planet-loving. I have a handful of leggings and bras from them and LOVE. So soft. Fits great. Probably one of the cutest-looking low-tox activewear options.
Paka
This one’s for my earthy hikers and cold-weather movers. Paka uses alpaca fibers that are incredibly soft, temperature-regulating, and totally natural. Their designs are functional and flowy, perfect for the outdoors or even just grounding walks.
Branwyn
Merino wool MAGIC. Their bras and underwear feel light, breathable, and actually odor-resistant thanks to superfine merino. No synthetics. No chemicals. Just nature doing her thing. Fun fact: wool is one of the rare fibers that can both keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat!
Mate the Label
A classic favorite. Mate is the clean fashion leader. GOTS-certified, non-toxic dyes, no greenwashing. Their sets are minimal, wearable, and made for low-impact movement or just being cozy. I stock up whenever they have a sale.
Glas Active
No polyester, yet somehow still stretchy and supportive. Their HumanMovement™ fabric blends bamboo, organic cotton, and a tiny bit of elastane. Honestly, it feels like a second skin. Love it.
Allwear — discount code: CLAUDIA
Your new everyday go-to. Compostable and recycled materials, no PFAS or formaldehyde. They use OEKO-TEX certified bamboo and have an actual “conscious basics” vibe.
Imbodhi — discount: HEALING15
Combining conscious design, earth-friendly materials, and ethical craftsmanship into elegantly simple pieces that fit all your movement and life moments. Beautiful off the mat, too.
Pact
The best budget-friendly transition brand. Organic, fair trade, and GOTS-certified. If you’re starting to shift your wardrobe, this is a great low-stress entry point. Their leggings receive mixed reviews about their fit—personally, I really like mine, but everybody is different.
Maggie’s Organics — discount code: HEALING10
A true OG in the ethical clothing space. Maggie’s uses GOTS-certified organic cotton in their leggings, bras, and socks, made with transparency, fair labor practices, and zero greenwashing. Simple. Clean. Affordable. And they actually feel good on your skin.
Sorted — discount code: HEALINGTHESOURCE
They create essentials for your wellness lifestyle using 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and avoiding synthetic dyes and plastics. Every piece is made to be worn, reworn, and lived in, without compromising your health. Their focus on purity and simplicity is what clean clothing should look like.
Lezat
Sleek, fashion-forward, and still rooted in sustainability. GOTS-certified organic cotton and plant-based spandex for stretch, without the usual toxic baggage.
Let’s stop normalizing $130 plastic leggings and sports bras and start normalizing doing a little label reading. You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe today, but maybe you can buy one pair of organic cotton leggings instead of another polyester pair that’ll eventually shed into your wash and end up in the ocean… or your bloodstream (queu eerie music).
We vote with our dollar, our body, and our energy. So let’s choose wisely and give our skin and endocrine system a little more love while we’re at it.
With love,
Claudia