Clean & Conscious Activewear: What You Wear Matters

When you think about your healing journey, your activewear may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But what we wear—especially when we’re sweating, stretching, or resting—isn’t just a comfort issue. It’s a healing issue too.

Most athletic wear today is made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex. These fabrics are praised for their stretch and sweat-wicking power—but there’s a hidden cost.

The Problem with Conventional Activewear

Let’s take a closer look at what makes many popular activewear brands potentially harmful—especially for someone navigating cancer or supporting their body through recovery:

• Petroleum-based fabrics: Polyester and spandex are derived from fossil fuels.
• Toxic treatments: These fabrics are often finished with dyes, PFAS (the “forever chemicals”), anti-odor agents, and flame retardants.
• Microplastic shedding: Every wash can release microplastics into our waterways—and even our skin.

If you’re working to reduce toxic load or heal at a deeper level, these red flags matter. Remember: your skin is your body’s largest organ. What touches it enters your bloodstream.

Over time, chronic exposure to certain chemicals can disrupt hormone balance, strain your immune system, and create more internal “noise” for a body already trying to rest and repair.

What to Wear Instead: Healthier Fabric Alternatives

Thankfully, there are cleaner, safer, more sustainable options available—and they don’t skimp on comfort or style. Here are some natural fabrics to look for in your activewear:

• Organic Cotton: Soft, breathable, and grown without pesticides.
• Bamboo: Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial.
• Hemp: Durable, temperature-regulating, and gentle on sensitive skin.
• TENCEL (Lyocell): Made from wood pulp, biodegradable, and produced in a closed-loop process to reduce waste.

These fabrics allow your skin to breathe while minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and environmental impact.

Key Certifications to Look For

When shopping for cleaner workout gear, check labels for these important certifications:

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Confirms the use of organic fibers and low-impact dyes.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – Verifies that the final fabric is free from known harmful substances.
• Bluesign® Approved – Ensures safe, responsible manufacturing practices.

These standards take the guesswork out of shopping so you can feel more confident about what you’re wearing.

Brands We Love (and Trust)

We’ve done some digging and found a few standout brands making activewear that’s clean, conscious, and healing-aligned:

• Pact – GOTS-certified organic cotton basics and workout wear.
• Boody – OEKO-TEX certified bamboo-based activewear.
• Groceries Apparel – USA-made and vegetable-dyed pieces.
• Threads 4 Thought – GRS-certified and ethically produced styles.
• Organic Basics – Minimalist, sustainable designs using GOTS-certified materials.
• MATE the Label | Dress Clean® Clean Essentials made with Organic, natural, and non-toxic materials.

(Affiliate links available on our Brands We Love page – thank you for supporting healing-focused choices!)

One More Step: Wash with Care

Even natural fabrics can shed tiny fibers over time. We recommend using a microplastic-catching laundry bag like the Guppyfriend to reduce microplastic pollution when you wash your clothes. It’s a small action that protects both your body and the planet.

Healing Isn’t Just About What You Remove

It’s also about what you invite in. Clean, conscious clothing choices are just one of many small decisions that can help your body feel supported—especially when you’re working toward deeper healing.

You deserve clothing that aligns with your health values. We hope this guide empowers you to shop—and move—more intentionally.