If you’ve been on a journey to reduce toxic chemicals in your home (like swapping out harsh cleaners for gentler options), here’s a surprising fact: your workout clothes might be exposing you to some pretty nasty stuff.
It's something most of us don’t think twice about—what we’re actually wearing while we move our bodies. But recent news headlines have got us thinking about what we're wearing for our workouts, and we thought you might like to think about it too...
The Hidden Chemicals in Your Activewear
Many popular leggings, sports bras, and athletic tops are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex. These materials are stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking—but they often come with a side of chemicals that we really don’t want near our skin.
Recent testing by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found that some athletic wear—including big-name sports bras and tank tops—contained bisphenol A (BPA) at levels up to 22 times higher than what's considered safe. Yikes.
BPA is a chemical known to mess with our hormones, and it's been linked to issues like infertility, certain cancers, and developmental problems in kids. And it’s not just BPA—other substances like phthalates and PFAS (also called “forever chemicals”) are often found in these clothes too.
Why It’s Worse When You Sweat
You might be thinking, “Okay, but I’m not eating my leggings.” True—but here’s the thing: when we sweat, our skin becomes more absorbent. And sweat itself can actually help some of these chemicals leach out of the fabric, making it easier for them to get into our bodies.
So, the very moments we’re trying to be our healthiest—working out, moving, sweating—it’s possible we’re being exposed to toxins that undo some of those good intentions.
So What’s the Healthier Choice?
Luckily, you don’t have to give up your workouts—or your comfy athleisure outfits. You just need to be a little choosy with the fabrics you wear.
Better options include:
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Organic cotton – soft, breathable, and grown without toxic pesticides
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Hemp – durable and naturally antibacterial
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Merino wool – temperature-regulating and odor-resistant
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TENCEL™ / Lyocell – made from wood pulp in a closed-loop, non-toxic process
Look out for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX, which guarantee the fabric is free from harmful substances.
Where to Shop Safer Activewear (That Ships to the UAE!)
If you’re in the UAE and looking to switch up your activewear drawer, there are a couple of brands that offer non-toxic or more sustainable options that do ship to the UAE (if you know of any others, let us know!):
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Ryker Clothing Co.: This brand offers natural fiber activewear and includes the UAE in its list of shipping destinations. They provide free shipping on orders over $150.
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dk active: An Australian ethical activewear brand that ships to various countries, including the UAE. They offer free shipping, free returns, and easy exchanges.
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Organic Basics: Based in Copenhagen, this brand ships internationally and offers timeless, minimalist activewear made from organic and recycled materials.
Final Thoughts
Just like swapping out toxic cleaners or choosing safer skincare, being mindful of what’s in your clothing is another way to protect your body and the environment.
At the end of the day, your skin is your largest organ—it absorbs more than you might think. So if you’re sweating it out on the yoga mat or chasing your toddler around the house, you deserve to do it in clothes that are as healthy as your home.