If you've been meaning to make the switch to low-tox activewear for a while but haven't quite made it yet, recent headlines involving Lululemon may have brought it front of mind.

In case you’re not up to speed, in April 2026, Lululemon came under scrutiny after the Texas Attorney General launched an investigation into whether PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), more commonly known as “forever chemicals”, may be present in some products and whether the company's marketing accurately reflects its chemical management practices.

PFAS are often used in textiles to provide water, stain, and grease resistance. They're known as "forever chemicals" because they are extremely persistent and can take many years to break down in the environment and the human body. Exposure to some PFAS has been associated with a range of health concerns, including certain cancers, hormone disruption, reproductive and developmental effects, and impacts on the immune system.¹

The investigation of Lululemon remains ongoing and no findings have been released, but regardless of the outcome it’s prompted many people to consider what exactly is in the activewear we wear against our skin every day?

The reality is that this isn't just a Lululemon conversation.

Over the past few years, growing awareness around PFAS, microplastics, textile dyes and chemical finishes has led more people to take a closer look at the fabrics they wear every day. Activewear has become a particular focus because it's worn close to the skin, often for long periods, and exposed to heat, sweat and friction during exercise. As interest in low-tox living continues to grow, more people are seeking out PFAS-free activewear and non-toxic activewear made from natural or lower-tox materials.

At the same time, brands have become increasingly skilled at marketing their products using terms like "eco", "natural", "cotton", "bamboo" and "sustainable". While some brands are doing an excellent job of improving transparency, others don't always tell the full story about how a garment was made, what treatments have been applied to it or whether the finished product has been independently tested for potentially harmful substances.

So should you consider making the switch? And can you trust a brand simply because it uses words like "eco", "natural", "cotton", "bamboo" or "sustainable" throughout its marketing?

Navigating the world of low-tox activewear can be surprisingly complicated so we’ve put together a guide that dives into everything you need to know to help you make an educated and empowered choice when shopping for activewear and workout gear including:

• The different kinds of fabric that are used in activewear (both mainstream and low-tox) and how each is produced and dyed.
• The specific things and certifications to look out for when shopping for activewear.
• A list of the best (mostly Australian or New Zealand owned) activewear brands for men and women (completely unsponsored) that are leading the way when it comes to low-tox alternatives.

After reviewing multiple brands across Australia and globally, it’s very clear that while many claim to use “natural” or “sustainable” fabrics, very few provide transparency around dyes and finishing processes- and some don’t even disclose the fabric composition of their women’s leggings. In some cases, brands may offer lower-tox pieces alongside products that are still heavily synthetic or chemically treated, which is why it’s important to assess each garment individually rather than assuming an entire brand is automatically “clean” just because they have one item that may be. 
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What Fabric is Activewear Generally Made Of?

Before we get into anything else let’s have a quick education lesson on what fabrics most mainstream activewear brands are made with, and then take a look at what fabrics are often used in low-tox activewear. 
 
It’s important to understand this because just like with supplements and clean beauty products great marketing goes a long way, so whilst a brand may market itself to be “low-tox” when you take a closer look it’s not always the case because whilst a material may be “natural” the way it’s produced or dyed requires the use of harsh chemicals. 
 
We also wanted to flag that a brand saying they use “recycled” or biodegradable materials might be better for the planet, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a healthy option for your body. 
 
Polyester
Polyester is the most common material used in mainstream activewear, it’s a synthetic fibre made from petroleum-derived chemicals. Yes petroleum. In plain terms, it’s a form of plastic - specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used in plastic bottles. It’s created through a chemical reaction between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which are combined under heat to form a molten polymer. This polymer is then extruded and spun into fibres that can be woven into fabric. Because it originates from crude oil and undergoes intensive chemical processing, polyester sits firmly in the category of man-made, plastic-based textiles.
 
Polyester can shed microplastics as the fabric breaks down over time. This shedding is most likely to occur during washing, when garments are agitated in water, but it can also happen with regular wear, particularly when fabrics are exposed to heat, friction, or stretching ie when you’re working out or sweating it out in a sauna or hot yoga class. Once released, these microplastics can enter waterways and, on a personal level, may come into contact with the skin, or be inhaled.
 

Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is a synthetic fibre made by repurposing existing plastic materials such as plastic bottles rather than creating new polyester from virgin petroleum. The plastic is cleaned, melted down, and re-spun into fibres that can be used in fabrics, including activewear.
 
While this reduces reliance on new fossil fuels and helps divert plastic waste from landfill, the end result is still a plastic-based fabric. Like virgin polyester, it can shed microplastics, particularly during washing and wear. It also typically can’t be recycled indefinitely, meaning most garments will still eventually end up as waste.
 
Recycled polyester is a step in the right direction for the environment, but it’s still a plastic based fabric. You’ll find many brands marketing themselves as “eco-friendly” use polyester which is why it’s never safe to assume that a brand marketing themselves as eco-conscious is a healthier option for you that doesn’t carry consequences for your health.
 

Nylon 
Nylon (also known as polyamide) is a fully synthetic fibre made from petrochemicals, meaning it’s derived from crude oil. It’s created through a chemical process that combines compounds such as hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid to form a polymer, which is then melted and spun into fibres. The result is a lightweight, smooth, and highly durable fabric which is one of the reasons it’s so widely used in activewear.
 
Like polyester, it is a plastic-based material, which means it does not biodegrade and can shed microplastics over time, particularly during washing and regular wear.
 

Elastane
Elastane (also known as Spandex or Lycra) is a synthetic fibre designed specifically for stretch. It’s made from polyurethane, a plastic-based polymer created through a chemical reaction involving petroleum-derived compounds. The result is an extremely elastic fibre that can stretch multiple times its original length and snap back into shape. This is what gives activewear its signature compression and flexibility.
 
Elastane is rarely used on its own and is typically blended with fabrics, even in small amounts (often 5–10%), to enhance fit and movement. However, like other synthetic fibres, it is non-biodegradable, chemically intensive to produce, and contributes to microplastic shedding over time, particularly as garments age, stretch, and break down through repeated wear and washing.
 
 
Bamboo (Viscose, Rayon, Lyocell)
Bamboo fabric is often marketed as a natural, eco-friendly alternative, but the reality depends entirely on how it’s processed. While bamboo itself is a fast-growing, renewable plant, most bamboo textiles are not made by simply spinning the raw fibre. Instead, they are chemically processed into viscose or rayon, where the plant is broken down using strong solvents to create a pulp that can be re-spun into fibres.
 
This means that even if the bamboo is grown organically, the manufacturing process can still be chemically intensive. The term “organic bamboo” typically refers to how the plant is cultivated (not how the fabric is processed) so it doesn’t automatically guarantee a low-tox final product.
 
You may also come across branded bamboo fibres such as Tanboocel®, which is marketed as a more environmentally controlled bamboo fibre produced using a closed-loop or highly managed manufacturing process. It’s still a regenerated cellulose fibre rather than raw bamboo, but it’s generally considered a cleaner alternative to conventional bamboo viscose, particularly when paired with certifications like OEKO-TEX® (more on this later in this article).
 
A more advanced alternative is bamboo lyocell, where the fibre is produced in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, significantly reducing chemical waste and limiting environmental impact. The solvent commonly used in lyocell production (NMMO) is generally considered less toxic than traditional viscose chemicals and is largely removed during processing. Even with bamboo lyocell, the overall “cleanliness” of the final garment still depends on additional factors like dyes, finishes, fabric blends and certifications.
 
In summary, bamboo itself isn’t inherently low-tox or high-tox. The processing method is what ultimately determines how clean the final fabric is.
 
 
Modal
Modal is a semi-synthetic fibre most commonly made from beech tree pulp. Like bamboo viscose and rayon, it’s a regenerated cellulose fibre, however Modal is generally considered softer, more durable, and less prone to shrinking than traditional rayon fabrics.
 
As with bamboo-derived fabrics, knowing the manufacturing process of the modal fabric is important. Conventional Modal production still involves chemical processing, but more advanced versions like TENCEL™ Modal are produced using highly controlled systems with significantly higher solvent recovery rates and stricter environmental standards.
 
TENCEL™ Modal in particular is widely considered one of the stronger lower-tox regenerated cellulose options currently available, specifically when paired with certifications like OEKO-TEX®. It’s known for being breathable, lightweight and soft against the skin, which is one of the reasons it’s increasingly being used in activewear and loungewear.
 
That said, looking at the final garment as a whole is still important as fabric blends, dyes, finishes and chemical treatments can all influence the overall low-tox profile regardless of how the base fibre is produced.
 

Cotton and Organic Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre that has been used in clothing for centuries, but not all cotton is created equal. Conventional cotton farming is one of the most chemically intensive agricultural processes, often relying heavily on pesticides and herbicides.
 
Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified seeds and typically uses more sustainable farming practices that prioritise soil health and reduced environmental impact. It also tends to undergo fewer chemical treatments during processing, especially when certified by standards like GOTS (we’ll dive into this more in the next part of this article).
 

Hemp
Hemp is one of the oldest natural fibres used in textiles and is often considered one of the lower-tox options available when it comes to clothing. It can typically be cultivated with minimal pesticides or herbicides because the plant is naturally resilient to pests.
 
The fibre itself is derived from the stalk of the hemp plant and processed into yarn that can be woven into fabric. Hemp fabric is naturally breathable, durable and moisture-wicking, which makes it appealing for activewear and lifestyle clothing. It’s also naturally resistant to odours and tends to soften over time with wear.
 
From a low-tox perspective, hemp has strong potential, but again, the processing is important. Some hemp fabrics are mechanically processed, which is generally considered the cleaner option, while others are chemically processed into softer hemp viscose blends that may involve more intensive manufacturing methods.
 

Wool
Wool is a natural animal fibre and is valued for its temperature-regulating and moisture-managing properties. Unlike synthetic activewear fabrics, wool fibres are naturally breathable and can absorb moisture without feeling wet.
 
Wool is generally considered a better option than petroleum-based fibres like polyester and nylon because it doesn’t shed plastic microfibres, however there are still some important things to consider. Conventional wool production can involve pesticide use on sheep, chemical treatments during processing, and synthetic dyes or anti-shrink coatings applied to the finished garment.
 
One treatment to be mindful of is “superwash” wool, which is commonly used to make wool machine washable. This process often involves either chlorine-based treatments or polymer coatings that alter the natural fibre.
 
 

How To Shop For Low-Tox Activewear Without Falling For Greenwashing

Fabric is only one part of the picture. As we alluded to earlier, even garments made from lower-tox fibres can still be treated with chemicals during processing, dyeing, and finishing. 
 
To make the process of identifying what’s truly low-tox vs what’s just good marketing when you’re putting your hard-earned dollars towards activewear, we’ve created a step-by-step guide below highlighting what to look for when shopping. 
 
Once you understand a few key things, it becomes much easier to spot the difference between genuinely low-tox activewear and clever marketing.
 
 
Step 1: Start With The Fabric Composition
 
The first thing to look at is the fabric breakdown on the label or product description. This tells you what the garment is made from and is often the biggest clue as to whether it’s likely to be lower-tox or heavily synthetic.
 
Most mainstream activewear is made primarily from synthetic fibres like polyester, recycled polyester, nylon and elastane. 
 
Lower-tox alternatives are generally made from fabrics like:

• Organic cotton
• Hemp
• Merino wool
• Bamboo lyocell
• TENCEL™ Modal

 
That said, most activewear won’t be made from a single material because stretch is usually needed for comfort and movement. This means even low-tox garments will often still contain a percentage of elastane (also known as Lycra or Spandex).
 
What matters most is the overall composition. For example, 90% organic cotton and 10% elastane is likely to be a better option than 70% polyester and 30% elastane. The higher the percentage of natural or lower-tox fibres, the less reliant the garment is on plastic-based materials.
 
We also want to reiterate that terms like “eco”, “conscious” or “sustainable” don’t automatically mean a garment is low-tox. Many brands marketed as sustainable still use large amounts of polyester or nylon, including recycled versions.
 
While recycled synthetics may reduce environmental waste, they’re still plastic-based fabrics.
 
 
Step 2: Check Whether The Fabric Is Certified
 
Once you’ve looked at the fabric composition, the next step is checking whether the garment carries any third-party certifications.
 
Certifications can help cut through vague marketing language and provide more transparency around chemical safety, dyes, and manufacturing processes.
 
Some of the most useful certifications to look for include:
 

• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 - This certification tests the finished garment for harmful chemical residues, including substances that may irritate the skin or pose potential health concerns. Importantly, OEKO-TEX® can apply to both natural and synthetic fabrics. A polyester garment can still be OEKO-TEX® certified if it meets testing standards for chemical residues and dyes. While it doesn’t mean a garment is organic or plastic-free, it does provide reassurance that the final product has been assessed for harmful substances.

 

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) - GOTS is considered one of the strongest certifications for organic textiles. It applies to natural fibres like cotton and wool and covers not just how the fibre is grown, but also how it’s processed, dyed and manufactured. A GOTS-certified garment means strict standards have been applied across the supply chain to limit the use of toxic chemicals and harmful processing methods.

 

• Bluepass (previously Bluesign)® - Bluepass® focuses on chemical management and cleaner production processes. It monitors materials and manufacturing from start to finish with the goal of reducing harmful substances, improving worker safety and minimising environmental impact. This certification is commonly seen in performance and outdoor apparel.

 
You may also come across certifications like FSC, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or ZDHC. While these can still be positive indicators, they relate more to sourcing and environmental management rather than directly assessing how low-tox a finished garment is for the wearer.


Step 3: Be Mindful Of “Performance” Claims
 
This is one of the biggest areas where people unknowingly expose themselves to additional chemical treatments.
 
Features like anti-odour, antibacterial, sweat-wicking, stain-resistant, water-resistant often sound appealing, but they can involve added chemical coatings and finishes applied during production.
 
In some cases, water-resistant or stain-resistant treatments may involve forever chemicals (PFAS), which are used to create protective barriers on fabric. It’s worth considering whether you actually need these treatments, especially for lower-impact activities like Pilates, walking or everyday wear.
 
Generally speaking, garments with fewer added features tend to undergo less chemical processing.
 
If you're looking for PFAS-free activewear, look for brands that specifically state their finishes are PFAS-free and fluorine-free.
 

Step 4: Pay Attention To Colours And Dyes
 
Highly saturated colours, neon shades and heavily processed prints often require more intensive dyeing methods and chemical treatments compared to lighter or more muted tones.
 
If you’re trying to reduce overall chemical exposure, safer options generally include undyed fabrics, earthy tones, muted colours, and lighter shades. This doesn’t mean bright activewear is automatically “toxic”, but darker and more vibrant colours can involve a more complex dyeing process. Certifications like OEKO-TEX® and Bluepass (or Bluesign)® can provide additional reassurance that dyes and finishes have been assessed for safety.
 
 
Step 5: Look At How Transparent The Brand Is
 
How a brand communicates often says a lot about the product itself. If a company is genuinely investing in lower-tox materials and manufacturing, they’ll usually proudly display and provide detailed information about it. For example:
 

• Clear fabric composition
• Certifications like OEKO-TEX® and GOTS- certified
• Dyeing processes
• Manufacturing standards
• Chemical policies
• PFAS-free claims

 
On the other hand, if a brand relies heavily on vague buzzwords like “conscious”, “clean”, “eco”, “natural”, or “sustainable”, but provides very little actual detail, or they provide some information on minimising environmental impact but gloss over other details like how their fabrics are made and dyed, we’d consider this to be a red flag.
 
Transparency is often one of the clearest indicators that a brand has genuinely considered the health impact of its products. In our review of dozens of activewear brands, a lack of transparency was often the biggest issue. Brands that openly disclose fabric composition, certifications and manufacturing processes were typically much easier to assess than those relying primarily on broad sustainability claims.
 

Step 6: Remember That “Eco” Doesn’t Always Mean Low-Tox
 
One of the biggest misconceptions in fashion is that something being sustainable automatically means it’s healthier. In reality, a fabric can be recycled, biodegradable, plant-based, environmentally friendly, and still involve heavy chemical processing, synthetic dyes or plastic-based blends.
 
For example:

• recycled polyester may reduce landfill waste, but it’s still plastic-based
• bamboo can still be chemically processed into viscose or rayon
• natural fibres can still be treated with harsh dyes or finishes

 
That’s why it’s important to look at the full picture, and the fabric compositions of individual items rather than relying on a single marketing claim made by a brand – or the one that features most heavily in their social media ads.
 
 

The Best Low-Tox Activewear for Women and Men

Switching to low-tox activewear comes down to understanding what sits behind the label and making more considered choices where you can. There’s no single “perfect” option, just a spectrum of better ones, depending on the materials, processes and finishes involved.
 
With that in mind, below are the brands we believe are worth taking a look at, that are doing it better. To make the list they needed to tick the box across everything we’ve mentioned above including the fabric used, how the clothing has been produced and dyed, certifications, and they also needed to offer a consistency across their range as opposed to just having select pieces of low-tox clothing that leads you to believe their whole range is low-tox when in fact it is not.
 
The original list of brands we identified and vetted was more than double what is shown below- many didn’t make the cut. 
 
One more thing we want to note is that when we looked at men’s activewear (particularly shorts that would be suitable for running, the gym or sauna) the number of options that meet both low-tox material and verified dye standards was extremely limited. We’ve included a few options and will continue to expand this list as more options become available.
 
 
COTTON AND HEMP
 
Zone By Lydia

• Website URL: https://www.zonebylydia.com
• Country of brand origin: Australia
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 52% hemp, 43% organic cotton, 5% spandex
• Sizes: XS- XXXL
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Men and Women
• Other things to know: Zone By Lydia donate 1% of sales to environmental causes, actively supporting a healthier planet

 
Wildbody 

• Website URL: https://www.wildbody.com.au
• Country of brand origin: Australia
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 88% organic cotton, 12% elastane
• Sizes: 4-22
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only
• Other things to know: Wildbody donate $2 from every sale to cancer research

 
 Ryker

• Website URL: www.rykerclothingco.com
• Country of brand origin: USA
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: Organic cotton and organic merino wool (split not specified)
• Sizes: S- XL
• Known Certifications: OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Men’s only

Nero 

• Website URL: https://nerofabric.com/
• Country of brand origin: UK
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: Organic cotton and merino wool (split not specified)
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Known certifications:  OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Men’s only

 
ODAAT Active (One Day At a Time Active) 

• Website URL: https://odaatactive.com
• Country of brand origin: NZ
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 90% organic cotton, 10% elastane
• Sizes: 6-22
• Known certifications:  OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only

 
Staple Co

• Website URL: https://stapleco.com.au
• Country of brand origin: Australia
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 90% organic cotton, 10% elastane
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Mainly women with a few options for men that can double as lounge and casual wear

 
Sports Organics

• Website URL: www.sportsorganics.com  
• Country of brand origin: USA
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 91% organic cotton, 9% elastane
• Sizes: XS-2XL
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Women and Men (limited options for each)

 
 BHUMI 

• Website URL: https://bhumi.com.au/
• Country of brand origin: Australia
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane
• Sizes: XS - XXXL
• Known certifications: GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only with men’s shirts that could be used as activewear

 
Mate The Label

• Website URL: https://matethelabel.com
• Country of brand origin: USA
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 92% organic cotton, 8% spandex
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Known certifications: GOTS Certified
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only with some men’s leisure ware that could be used for training in some instances

 
Layere

• Website URL: https://layere.com/
• Country of brand origin: USA
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Known certifications: GOTS Certified 
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only

 
Eko Active

• Website URL: https://ekoactive.com.au
• Country of brand origin: Australia
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 94.2% cotton, 5.8% elastane
• Sizes: XS-XL 
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX®
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only

 
WOOL
 
Estroni

• Website URL: https://estroni.com.au  
• Country of brand origin: Australia
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 95% merino wool and 5% elastane 
• Sizes: 6-16
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX® 
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only

 
BAMBOO AND MODAL

 Olessa

• Website URL: https://olessa.com.au/
• Country of brand origin: Australia 
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 88% Tanboocel® bamboo and 12% elastane
• Sizes: XS-XL 
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX® 
• Women/Men or both: Women's only

Lete Active

• Website URL: www.leteactive.com
• Country of brand origin: Australia 
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 80% Tanboocel® bamboo and 20% elastane
• Sizes: 6-20 
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX® 
• Women/Men or both: Women and Men (shorts only for men)

Reprise

• Website URL: https://repriseactivewear.com.au
• Country of brand origin: USA
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: 93% TENCEL Lyocell and 7% spandex
• Sizes: XXS- 6XL
• Known certifications: OEKO-TEX®
• Women/Men or both: Women’s only

Boldwill

• Website URL: www.boldwill.com
• Country of brand origin: Netherlands
• Primary Fabric Composition of Activewear: TENCEL Lyocell and organic cotton
• Sizes: XS-XL 
• Known certifications: GOTS Certified (organic cotton), Bluesign Certified 
• Women/Men or both: Women and Men (and the best range of low- tox men’s wear we’ve seen including socks)

In a perfect world all our clothing would be non-toxic- or low tox at the very least, but this can be hard for a number of reasons (cost of living crisis anyone?). When it comes to activewear that we sweat in, that is under friction during workouts, and heats up - well we feel that if you’re going to be prioritising anything in your wardrobe to be non-toxic or low-tox, your activewear (and underwear) should probably be at the top of that list.
 
Hopefully this guide gives you the tools to shop more critically, cut through the greenwashing and make choices that better support your health. Even gradually swapping out heavily synthetic pieces for lower-tox alternatives can reduce your overall toxic load over time. The most important thing is understanding what you’re buying, seeing beyond the marketing claims, and supporting brands that are genuinely prioritising transparency and safer materials.



If you enjoyed this article you might also love Low-tox Living On A Budget: Simple Gut Health Swaps That Work, 7 Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare And Personal Care Products, The World's First High-impact Organic Cotton Bralette Has Arrived,  This Sustainable Hemp Yoga And Loungewear For Men And Women Should Be On Your Wishlist, 

Get The Wellness Wrap — Zoii’s curated edit of the latest in wellness, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here.
 
 
References:

1. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)-  https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS - https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas