The Best Non-Toxic Activewear Brands
Groceries Apparel
At Urban Wellness Mag, we only share what we truly stand behind. Every product or brand we mention is something we’ve personally tried, researched, or fallen a little in love with. If it’s in here, it’s earned its place.
When it comes to activewear, it’s important to pause and consider what you’re putting on your skin, especially when you’re planning on breaking a sweat. During exercise, your skin becomes more absorbent, making it easier for harmful substances in clothing to be absorbed into your body. Unfortunately, many activewear brands, even those marketed as high-quality, are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, a type of plastic. Not only can these materials be irritating or harmful to your health, but they also contribute to pollution and microplastic waste.
Why Polyester and PFAS Are Problematic in Activewear
Most conventional activewear is made predominantly of polyester, a synthetic fabric derived from petroleum. While it’s lightweight and moisture-wicking, polyester is not breathable and can trap heat and sweat against your skin. The real concern arises when the fabric breaks down from friction, body heat, and sweat, potentially leaching microplastics and harmful chemicals directly into your skin.
Even more alarming are PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These are added to activewear to make it water-resistant, stain-resistant, or quick-drying. PFAS don't break down easily and have been linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, immune suppression, and certain cancers. According to research published in Environmental Science & Technology, PFAS can be absorbed through the skin, especially during perspiration. And since your skin is your largest organ, it's important to know what might be having an impact.
The Guide
Why 'Sustainable' Isn’t Always 'Non-Toxic
When it comes to activewear, “sustainable” and “non-toxic” aren’t always the same thing. Many eco-friendly brands use recycled materials—which is a step in the right direction for the planet—but those fabrics can still carry residual chemicals, plastic-based fibers, or synthetic finishes that aren’t ideal for your skin, especially during a workout.
That’s why we created this guide.
We know it can be confusing to sort through greenwashing, ingredient lists, and marketing buzzwords. Maybe you’ve wondered: What does non-toxic really mean? Can I trust what this brand says about their materials?
You’re not alone—and we’ve done the digging for you.
Check out the Non-Toxic Activewear brands our editors have recommended, and the reason we trust them. Consider this your sign to make the switch to non-toxic activewear that supports your movement, your well-being, and your values.
MATE THE LABEL
MATE the Label stands out as a truly non-toxic activewear option, perfectly aligned with the concerns around synthetic fabrics and harmful chemicals in workout gear. Their pieces are plastic free and are made with organic yarns and non-toxic dyes–making them free from carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and PFAS. With certifications like GOTS, Climate Neutral, and B Corp, MATE backs up its commitment to health and sustainability with verified standards.
We absolutely love MATE the Label for yoga, pilates, morning walks, or just those easy, everyday moves that keep you feeling good and grounded. It’s the kind of activewear that moves with you. It’s gentle on the skin, kind to our planet, and perfect for embracing your unique flow.
If you’re looking for activewear that respects both your body’s needs and the environment, MATE the Label is a brand you can trust to keep things clean, ethical, and consciously made.
Best for: Low-impact workouts
TOAD&CO
Toad&Co is a sustainable slow fashion brand known mostly for its stylish lifestyle and casual wear, with a few cute activewear options perfect for light movement and everyday comfort. They prioritize low-impact fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™ Lyocell, creating breathable, soft pieces that are gentle on your skin and the planet.
NOTE: While some of their clothing pieces do contain recycled polyester, their select activewear items such as the Terrane Longline Bralette and Terrane Bike Short feature blends of TENCEL™ Lyocell and organic cotton, offering a more natural, low-tox option for your movement needs.
With certifications like OEKO-TEX® and bluesign® and a commitment to ethical production, Toad&Co is a great choice if you’re looking for stylish, sustainable pieces that balance comfort, casual wear, and occasional active moments.
We’ve been loving their matching sets for strolling around the farmers market, attending a yoga class, or laid back daily activities.
Best for: Low-impact workouts
ORGANIC BASICS
Organic Basics is a non-toxic activewear brand that is dedicated to reducing environmental impact while keeping your skin safe from harmful chemicals. They use organic cotton, recycled nylon, and responsibly sourced wood-based fibers like TENCEL™, all certified by trusted standards like GOTS, GRS, and OCS. This means their clothes are free from synthetic pesticides, toxic dyes, and harmful finishes, giving you peace of mind with every wear.
We love Organic Basics for everything from a nature jog to casual weekend outings and those days where your comfort is priority. Their pieces are soft on your skin, kind to the planet, and designed to support your lifestyle with lasting quality.
If you want activewear that honors your body and the earth, Organic Basics is a brand you can confidently choose for clean, conscious, and sustainable style.
Best for: Low-impact & Medium-impact workouts
TRIPULSE
Founded in Sweden, Tripulse is reimagining activewear with a commitment to true sustainability and health-first design. Built on innovative natural fibers like TENCEL™ Lyocell and compostable Roica® V550 elastane to deliver real performance and movement-friendly stretch. Partnering with GOTS‑certified and bluesign®‑verified European supply chains, and certified Climate Neutral and “GREAT” by Good On You, Tripulse ensures transparent, ethical production every step of the way.
Some supportive styles include a small percentage of Roica® V550, a non-toxic, compostable elastane alternative that provides stretch without compromising the planet, rather than conventional spandex, making them a great alternative, even in stretchwear.
We love Tripulse the most for sweatier sessions because their breathable, odor-resistant fabrics keep you feeling fresh and comfortable during more intense workouts. Tripulse is designed for all levels of workouts, including HIIT, running, yoga, and everyday movement.
Best for: Low-, Medium- and High-impact Workouts
Use code UWM for 15% off your first purchase!
NAMARIE
Namarie blends earth-first innovation with deeply regenerative practices. They are committed to reversing the rapid ecosystem collapse we are facing–starting with what we wear. Their proprietary Sylvendel® fabric, a breakthrough in performance wear, is made from 91% hemp and 9% bio-based elastane (from corn), making it entirely plant-based, non-toxic, and free from polyester, nylon, and PFAS.
While most performance fabrics shed microplastics with every wash and wear, Sylvendel® offers stretch and durability without polluting your bloodstream or the environment. The hemp is grown regeneratively, meaning no irrigation, no pesticides, and always in a way that actively rebuilds soil and fungal networks. Finished with natural, non-toxic dyes, every Namarie piece is as clean as it is conscious.
We’ve been wearing their breathable, plastic-free leggings, bras, and dresses, as they are perfect for going out and about or simply lounging. They’re also a great option for activities like yoga, pilates, stretching, or slow flow workouts due to their fabrics breathable, durable nature.
Best for: Low-impact & Medium-impact Workouts
GROCERIES APPAREL
Groceries Apparel designs every piece with both people and the planet in mind. Based in Los Angeles, they use non-toxic materials, steering clear PFAS and synthetic dyes. Instead, heir fabrics include organic cotton, eucalyptus-derived TENCEL™, and recycled cotton, all dyed naturally with food waste like avocado pits, onion skins, and carrot tops.
Every garment is made locally in their own California factory, allowing for full traceability and strict control over environmental and labor standards. Their vertically integrated model ensures no shortcuts when it comes to ingredient safety or transparency.
We love Groceries Apparel for an everyday, effortless feel. Their breathable, plant-based fabrics are ideal for daily errands, lounging, or working from home, offering comfort without synthetic materials or chemical exposure.
Best for: Low-impact workouts
AKTIIV
äktiiv is redefining performance wear–focusing on material safety, traceability, and true circularity. Their proprietary Proterra™ and Element™ fabrics are crafted from certified non-toxic, plant-based, and biodegradable yarns, including castor bean–derived nylon, eucalyptus lyocell, and Roica™ V550 degradable elastane. All fabrics are free from polyester, PFAS, BPA, azo dyes, phthalates, and formaldehyde, and are third-party tested at the finished-fabric level by an ISO-accredited U.S. lab. This means their commitment to toxin-free lives all the way through the final product.
äktiiv’s apparel is also packaged in certified compostable, non-toxic, and microplastic-free film, and shipped in plant-based compostable mailers. They commit to plastic-free practices from design to delivery.
We’ve noticed that äktiiv’s apparel is both supportive and comfortable, making it suitable for not only everyday wear, but for low to medium impact workouts. Especially their Proterra™ fabric, which is compressive, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it suitable for medium-impact movement.
Best for: Low-impact & Medium-impact workouts
INDIGO LUNA
Indigo Luna is a Bali-based slow fashion brand crafting elegant, earth-conscious yoga wear with a strong focus on non-toxic materials and ethical production. Their collections feature natural fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX® certified bamboo viscose, ensuring their garments are free from harmful chemicals like azo dyes, formaldehyde, and heavy metals.
Their vibrant plant-dyed colors are achieved through low-impact, non-toxic dyeing processes, and everything is made in women-run studios in Bali, reinforcing their values of community, transparency, and slow creation. While they use some synthetic materials, they lead with intention and integrity, offering a cleaner, safer alternative to conventional activewear, making it clear they do not green-wash.
NOTE: While Indigo Luna is not entirely plastic-free, they’re committed to reducing synthetic use and producing in small, intentional batches to limit waste.
We love Indigo Luna most for yoga, Pilates, and slow movement, but their breathable, soft sets are also perfect for everyday fashion, travel, or mindful everyday wear.
Best for: Low-impact workouts
PRANA (LOW-TOX MENTION)
prAna is a California-based brand rooted in sustainability, known for using organic cotton, hemp, and responsibly sourced materials across much of its collection. While not fully non-toxic or plastic-free, prAna offers a growing number of lower-toxicity options thanks to fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal, produced in closed-loop, low-impact systems.
While many prAna items still include recycled synthetics, their use of Fair Trade Certified™ factories and PFAS-free finishes reflects a meaningful commitment to safer and more ethical fashion. Their TENCEL blends are also soft, breathable, and OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring they’re free from substances like formaldehyde and azo dyes.
We love prAna especially for hiking, travel, and outdoor activities. Their gear offers moderate support and durability, making it ideal for movement that’s active but not high impact.
Best for: Low-impact & Medium-impact workouts
Patagonia (Low-Tox Mention)
Patagonia is a longtime pioneer in environmental responsibility and ethical production. While many of their activewear pieces still include synthetic fibers, the brand is working to eliminate PFAS by 2025 and offers select styles made from organic and recycled materials. If you're looking for durable, responsibly made gear with a clear sustainability roadmap, Patagonia is a strong option—especially for outdoor and hybrid performance wear.
Best for: Hiking, travel, low- to medium-impact activity
conclusion: go beyond the label
Your activewear should support more than just your workouts–it should also support your well-being. Not all “sustainable” brands are created equal, and terms like “eco-friendly” don’t always guarantee safety for your skin or health.
Whether you’re looking for new yogawear, everyday comfort, or you're just someone who just wants to feel good in what they wear, the brands in this guide prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style or performance to keep your wardrobe clean.
So as you refresh your activewear drawer this year, let this be your gentle nudge, because moving well and living well should always go hand-in-hand.