Non-Toxic Activewear Guide
Let’s delve into one of the toxic fashion industry’s most pressing issues: activewear.
Activewear often tops the list when it comes to my inquiries about non-toxic clothing brands, and it's not hard to see why. In today's world, we practically live in athleisure. From morning Pilates to a day of remote work to lounging in bed before bedtime, slipping into leggings has become second nature.
The proliferation of fast fashion has only fueled this trend, making it feasible for us to sport a different colored workout ensemble every day of the week. But before you slip into that $30 matching set from Amazon for your hot girl walk, let's reconsider that choice.
I'm here to shed light on what makes traditional activewear toxic, guide you in discovering non-toxic clothing brands, and give recommendations for my personal favorite non-toxic activewear, for everything from chill yoga sessions to intense Barry's workouts.
Let's dive in.
What Makes Activewear Toxic?
First off, let's talk about the fabrics and dyes. The quest for "moisture-wicking" and "odor-free" properties in activewear often leads to the utilization of synthetic fabrics and chemical coatings. And those vibrant colors? They're often achieved through chemical dyes.
Moreover, the snug fit of compression fabrics means our activewear is in constant (and close!) contact with our skin. Leggings crafted from recycled water bottles might sound cool, but exposing those materials to any sort of heat is essentially melting plastic bottles onto your skin. Recent studies have even unearthed alarming levels of BPA and PFAS in popular activewear brands. Not exactly what you want on your skin, is it?
Adding to the complexity, greenwashing runs rampant in this industry. Buzzwords like "eco-friendly" and "ethically made" are often thrown around to mislead consumers into believing the product is non-toxic. While I believe in supporting clothing brands that are eco-conscious and ethically produced, those words don't equate to non-toxicity.
With all these considerations, how can we ensure our activewear is genuinely non-toxic?
How to Vet Non-Toxic Activewear Brands
As with most products in the non-toxic world, truly understanding the materials in a product requires additional research on our part:
Certifications like Okeo Tex and bluesign serve as promising indicators that a brand is non-toxic. Granted, there may be loopholes and criticisms of these organizations, but given the current lack of regulation in the fashion realm, they're our best bet.
Most reputable brands, particularly those mindful of their materials, dedicate entire pages on their websites to describe their sourcing and practices. That being said, it’s really difficult to ever truly know the exact chemical makeup of every single dye and fiber used to make a piece of clothing. Unlike food, clothing isn't mandated to have an ingredient list.
I understand the overwhelming nature of all of this information, especially for someone like me who practically lives in athleisure. But trust me, once I overcame my separation anxiety from my Lululemon leggings, I discovered non-toxic alternatives that are infinitely more comfortable. I had to wear my Lulus the other day (laundry day delay), and they actually made my legs itch! Needless to say, they've found a new home at Goodwill.
I’ve also found most non-toxic activewear to be extremely affordable, with most being comparable or even lower price than Lululemon.
Having delved deep into the realm of non-toxic clothing brands, here are my top recommendations for a variety of activities.
Jungmaven
If you like comfortable, eco-friendly basics, definitely check out Jungmaven. Their lineup is mostly crafted from a super soft hemp/cotton blend (with a touch of jersey for stretch in activewear), and is locally made in Los Angeles. It’s super affordable and high quality, plus they have great mens and kids clothing.
My favorites are the High Waist Orosi leggings (the high waist is amazing and really holds you in), the Biker Short (just the right length and equally high-waisted), and the Big Tee – perfect for pairing with the leggings or biker shorts for running around town. The unitard and skort are on my wishlist.
Paka
Paka makes outdoor essentials from materials like organic cotton, baby alpaca fibers, and GOTS-certified natural dye, all ethically made in Peru.
While most of their clothing isn’t really my vibe, I am truly obsessed with their ankle socks—the perfect amount of cushion and ankle height that you can wear to workout or with more casual shoes.
SOKOI
SOKOI makes organic, loose fit yogawear from materials like cotton and linen, and it’s all ethically crafted by a small California brand. Their cotton yoga pants were an easy replacement to my much loved Vuori joggers, and I can confidently say Sokoi’s are WAY comfier and definitely more elevated. I can’t wait get the linen pants once they restock.
They typically sell out quickly, so snag what you can whenever it’s available!
Vivo Barefoot
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Vivo makes barefoot shoes from premium materials using ethical manufacturing practices. Not only are they incredibly comfortable (they don’t restrict your feet like traditional running shoes), but there's also a ton of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of wearing barefoot shoes. I personally have not looked back ever since I made the switch.
They offer a range of stylish options, with my personal favorites being the Primus Lite Knit and the Magna FG.
Branwyn
Branwyn makes cute, ethically made activewear from merino wool.
While I haven't had the chance to try their products yet (they've been sold out), I like the neutral colors and their leggings look promising, especially if you’re looking for some with the convenience of pockets.
Pangaia
Pangaia makes activewear crafted from nylon sourced from castor beans and treated with peppermint oil for its anti-odor properties. Available in good colors and full matching sets.
I personally haven’t tried their products, but I usually recommend Pangaia to friends looking for non-toxic activewear for more intense workouts. I think their products are cute and the materials seems relatively non-toxic.
If you've tried Pangaia before, please post any feedback in the comments below – I'd love to hear your thoughts!
