My corner of the internet is abuzz with health-conscious women searching for synthetics-free activewear made from materials such as cotton, linen, and hemp in an attempt to prevent endocrine disruption. I first saw this as MAHA-adjacent hysteria, not wanting to believe — especially as a person who wears some form of stretchy activewear every day — that most of our clothes, especially those that promise moisture wicking, are made with “forever chemicals,” otherwise known as PFAS. These substances (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) are a class of thousands of chemicals that have been linked to a wide range of health issues (infertility, thyroid problems, cancers) and take, as their name implies, forever to degrade. But after just a few more minutes of research, I found some pretty unsettling evidence that garments from many major activewear brands are laden with these endocrine disrupters. After discovering a thyroid issue of my own, I decided it was time to take this seriously, pledging to purchase activewear made only of wool, cotton, and other earth-derived materials.
The problem with natural-fiber workoutwear, though, is that it tends to be dorky. I’m not necessarily thinking too hard about what I wear to sweat in — a sports bra, leggings, and an old concert T-shirt tend to suffice — but I also really don’t want to wear linen balloon pants while going for a run. Plus, I’m slightly concerned that I’ve been babied by the slickness of nylon garments and that even the slightest bit of grit in a natural fabric will make me itchy and uncomfortable. I’m determined, however, to find the best non-synthetic, non-ugly, highly functional activewear so my highly sensitive endocrine system and I can sweat in peace. Here’s everything my search turned up.
