The Best Sustainable Activewear Brands for a Non-Toxic Workout Routine
Finding sustainable, non-toxic activewear can feel like a workout in itself. Between hidden synthetics, chemical finishes, and greenwashing, it’s tough to know what’s truly safe for your skin and the planet. While finding 100% plastic-free workout wear is still a challenge, there are a few brands getting very close - and many others making meaningful strides with safer fabrics, non-toxic dyes, and low-impact production.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us! Cover Image: Tripulse
Prioritizing Safer, Skin-Friendly Materials
Most activewear on the market is made with polyester, nylon, or spandex - materials derived from fossil fuels and often treated with harmful chemicals. But some brands are swapping these out for organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™ - offering breathable, soft, and safer alternatives for your skin. While performance demands still require some stretch (like elastane), these brands are minimizing synthetics wherever possible and opting for Oeko-Tex or GOTS-certified fabrics that skip the toxins.
Brands Moving Toward Plastic-Free Performance
Completely plastic-free activewear is rare, but a few brands are getting impressively close. Look for small-batch labels using natural rubber, plant-based elastics, or organic cotton blends that prioritize skin safety. While these pieces may not have the same stretch as traditional leggings, they’re perfect for low-impact movement like yoga, pilates, or everyday wear - and they won’t leave microplastics behind.
Say No to “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals,” are sometimes used in activewear for water resistance or stain repellency - but they come with serious health and environmental concerns. Linked to hormone disruption, immune issues, and even cancer, PFAS have no place in our everyday wear. Thankfully, more brands are now pledging to be PFAS-free, ensuring your workout gear doesn’t come at the cost of your long-term health. Always check labels or brand commitments, and prioritize pieces that explicitly state they are free from these harmful chemicals.
Our Top Picks for Non-Toxic & Sustainable Activewear:
1. Tripulse
Materials: 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell and 84% TENCEL™ Lyocell/16% Roica® V550 (more eco-friendly version of elastane) Blend
Sizes: XXS-6XL
Price: $82-158
As a sustainable brand based in Sweden, Tripulse’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and ethical labor standards is evident throughout their entire supply chain.
Crafted from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, Tripulse's activewear is made from sustainably sourced wood. These fibers are processed in a closed-loop system, which minimizes waste and avoids harmful chemicals, resulting in biodegradable, plastic-free, and toxin-free products - ideal for both intense workouts and everyday wear!
Tripulse upholds stringent social and environmental standards, with all production taking place in Europe under certifications such as GOTS and - of course - OEKO-TEX®. They also source materials from forests managed responsibly, certified by FSC and PEFC, and they have achieved Climate Neutral Certification by measuring, offsetting, and reducing their carbon footprint.
2. Pact
Materials: Organic Cotton, Elastane
Sizes: XXS-3XL
Price: $34-68
Pact’s activewear sets and leggings provide a clean, conscious choice for workout gear. Made with certified organic cotton and a bit of elastane for stretch, these pieces are soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Pact avoids harmful dyes and finishes, ensuring their activewear is free from toxic chemicals like PFAS. Their entire process is guided by Fair Trade and GOTS certifications, promoting both human and environmental health.
Whether you’re doing yoga or running errands, Pact’s non-toxic sets keep you comfortable while aligning with your values. They are simple, sustainable, and safe for daily wear. This brand is an absolute favorite of mine and I'm usually always wearing at least one of their pieces daily.
3. MOVE by MATE
Materials: Organic Cotton, Spandex
Sizes: XS-XL
Price: $58-108
MOVE by MATE is the activewear line from MATE the Label, designed for those who want a clean and eco-friendly alternative to typical workout clothes. Each item is made from 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex, providing breathable comfort with a bit of stretch.
This collection is free from harmful substances like PFAS, toxic dyes, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors, making it a safer choice for your skin and the environment. The minimalist design and soft fabrics are perfect for low-impact activities, relaxing, or everyday wear.
Overall, if you value non-toxic, plant-based materials, MOVE by MATE is a great option to consider!
4. Girlfriend Collective
Materials: Recycled Polyester
Sizes: XXS-6XL
Price: $52-108
Girlfriend Collective makes high-performance activewear that is sustainable, inclusive, and safe. Their designs are crafted from recycled materials, like post-consumer water bottles and fishing nets. This helps reduce waste while providing great stretch and support.
All their fabrics are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, which means they are free from harmful substances and safe for your skin. They also don't use toxic PFAS finishes and apply eco-friendly dyes through a carefully managed wastewater process.
With a wide range of sizes and timeless colors, their non-toxic activewear allows you to work out comfortably and responsibly.
5. Organic Basics
Materials: Recycled Nylon, Elastane, Organic Cotton, TENCEL
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Price: $33-83
Organic Basics is a Danish brand that creates stylish and simple activewear focused on sustainability and comfort. Their SilverTech™ Active line includes items like leggings and sports bras made from recycled nylon, which offers great breathability and support. The fabric is treated with Polygiene®, a recycled silver salt that prevents odors, so you don't need to wash your clothes as often.
The brand is committed to ethical production, and uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell materials in addition to their SilverTech™. They make sure their supply chain follows strict environmental and social standards.
Additionally, as a member of 1% for the Planet, Organic Basics donates part of every order to environmental initiatives.
6. tentree
Materials: Recycled Polyester, Elastane, Organic Cotton
Sizes: XS-XL
Price: $29-98
Tentree offers a women's sustainable activewear collection that combines comfort, performance, and eco-friendly design. The clothing is made from responsibly sourced materials, like recycled polyester and organic cotton, making it lightweight, breathable, and durable.
Thanks to eco-friendly drirelease® technology, the activewear helps manage moisture and odor, keeping you fresh during your workouts. Plus, Tentree prioritizes health and the environment by ensuring their activewear is free from harmful PFAS chemicals.
With every purchase, Tentree plants ten trees, allowing you to contribute positively to the planet while enjoying stylish and functional activewear.
7. Patagonia
Materials: Regenerative Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester and Nylon
Sizes: XXS-XL
Price: $39-169
Patagonia's activewear is known for its focus on sustainability and performance. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and Regenerative Organic Certified™ cotton, with a goal of eliminating all virgin polyester by the end of 2025.
Patagonia is also moving towards PFAS-free products, making their gear safer for both users and the planet. With Fair Trade Certified™ sewing and a transparent supply chain, Patagonia ensures that their activewear is both durable and ethically produced.
Whether you enjoy trail running, climbing, or practicing yoga, Patagonia provides reliable and sustainable options for your active lifestyle.
8. BAM
Materials: Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Elastane
Sizes: XS-L
Price: $19-120
BAM Clothing creates eco-friendly activewear mainly using bamboo viscose and organic cotton blends. Their clothing is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for various activities.
The designs focus on comfort and functionality, featuring supportive leggings and yoga pants with wide waistbands and seamless construction to avoid sagging or discomfort while moving.
As a certified B Corp, BAM is dedicated to sustainability. They use circular design principles and offer recyclable garments. The brand also ensures full traceability in its supply chain and has certifications from the Fair Wear Foundation and OEKO-TEX STeP, showcasing their commitment to ethical production and environmental care.
9. Boody
Materials: Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Elastane
Sizes: XS-XL
Price: $8-85
Boody’s activewear line provides a sustainable and comfy alternative to regular workout clothes. Made from a mix of organically grown bamboo viscose, organic cotton, and elastane, their activewear is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for low to medium-impact activities like yoga or pilates.
The bamboo used is EcoCert certified and sourced from FSC-certified fields, which highlights its environmental responsibility. Furthermore, Boody’s garments are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances.
With features like wide waistbands and hidden pockets, Boody blends functionality with eco-friendly design, making their activewear a smart choice for both you and the planet.