We Inquired, They Responded: Is It Truly Essential to Replace My Leggings and Sports Bras with Nontoxic Alternatives?

      It’s not only those residing in Los Angeles or within wellness-oriented "blue zones"; people everywhere are becoming more conscious of the products they use on a daily basis. Consumers are adopting a cleaner, non-toxic lifestyle that encompasses the food they eat, the skincare products they apply, and the cleaning supplies they choose. This shift is now extending to activewear. With more brands offering non-toxic options, a pertinent question arises: Do we really need to transition to non-toxic workout clothing, or is this just another fleeting wellness fad? The non-toxic activewear sector is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating a 12.5% increase from 2025 to 2030. As demand for transparency and sustainability surges among consumers, more brands are exploring eco-friendly workout apparel and revealing the materials and environmental impacts of their products. Established activewear brand Athleta is advancing its sustainability-focused collection, which features activewear made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other eco-friendly materials. Likewise, Reebok has embraced the trend with its Cotton + Corn line that incorporates organic cotton and plant-based fibers. However, it is the smaller, niche brands that are truly spearheading this change. Companies like Mate, based in Los Angeles and committed to organic wardrobe essentials, are setting a high standard by focusing on microplastic-free athleisure that promotes environmental health and prioritizes consumer well-being, an area that larger brands often overlook. "Mate was born from a profound concern about health implications throughout the fashion supply chain,” states Kayti O'Connell Carr, the brand's founder. "In 2017, I began to learn about the risks of toxins in our clothing, which led to the launch of our Dress Clean initiative—a pledge to produce garments with minimal environmental and health consequences, from seed to skin." Carr’s vision was straightforward: to create a brand anchored in transparency and health-conscious design, avoiding harmful synthetics. The result is a range of organic, GOTS-certified cotton essentials made with natural fibers and non-toxic dyes. Mate’s comprehensive restricted-substance list eliminates carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, PFAS, formaldehyde, BPA, and other hazardous substances from every stage of production, from agriculture to garment finishing. This dedication to non-toxic materials takes on added importance as research continues to reveal serious health risks linked to chemically laden clothing. "Our skin is our largest absorbing organ, meaning anything in contact with it, such as phthalates, PFAS, chlorinated paraffins, or aromatic amines, gets absorbed," explains Dana Ariele, a holistic hormone health coach based in New York City. "These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pose significant problems, particularly when combined with friction or perspiration during exercise. At that moment, skin pores are open, allowing EDCs to seep into the body." "Once inside, these chemicals disrupt hormone signaling by interfering with synthesis, metabolism, and hormone binding—especially those that regulate the HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis," Ariele elaborates. "For example, phthalates are antiandrogenic, leading to concerns like diminished sperm production, reduced ovarian reserve, menstrual irregularities, and increased infertility risk. Additionally, PFAS have been associated with altered menstrual cycles, thyroid dysfunction, and negative pregnancy outcomes." New studies suggest that the hazards of synthetic activewear extend beyond reproductive and endocrine health. "Research is now showing that microplastics are appearing in organs such as the brain, heart, placentas, and even breast milk," Carr observes. "Furthermore, dyes and processing chemicals found in workout apparel, such as Azo dyes, can be toxic and result in allergic reactions and long-term health toxicity." Despite these health concerns, the non-toxic activewear industry faces numerous challenges in expanding its reach. A key obstacle is the higher production costs. Sourcing sustainable, organic, and non-toxic fabrics, along with dyes and finishes, is significantly more expensive compared to conventional synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Perhaps the most significant challenge is the ongoing conversation about toxins in our clothing—particularly activewear—still being in its infancy. Many individuals may not be aware of the dangerous chemicals in their workout apparel or may not fully understand the long-term health repercussions, causing some to perceive non-toxic activewear as an unnecessary luxury or a temporary trend. Nevertheless, Carr remains hopeful about the future of non-toxic activewear. "I believe we will continue to see more research being conducted," she shares. "I am optimistic that the industry will keep innovating and developing solutions, and that consumers will recognize the need for non-toxic clothing as the next logical step following safer food, beauty, and household products."

      Shop the Best Non-toxic Activewear

      MATE the Label

      Organic Stretch Sports Bra

      MATE the Label

      Organic Stretch Biker Shorts

      Athleta

      True Cotton Slim Tank

      MATE the Label

      Organic Stretch Racer Tank

      MATE the Label

      Organic