What are The Best Materials for Eco Friendly Workout Clothes?
Did you know that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than international flights and maritime shipping combined? Even more alarming, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually, most of it from non biodegradable fabrics like polyester. This waste ends up in landfills, leaching harmful chemicals into the soil and water. And then there’s the water used to produce clothing. It takes about 2,700 liters of water to make a single cotton t-shirt, which is the same amount the average person drinks in three years!
Now imagine your activewear like leggings, tees, and pullovers, being made from these same synthetic fibers or cotton that takes years to break down. It’s not just bad for the environment; it’s also bad for your skin and health, especially as microplastics from synthetic fabrics shed into our oceans and water supply with every wash.
The good news? Eco friendly fabrics like bamboo, recycled polyester, and organic cotton are changing the game. These materials are designed to perform just as well (if not better) than their traditional counterparts, without the harmful environmental and personal impact.
Let’s look into the best materials for eco friendly workout clothes and explore how they can make a real difference for you and the planet.
1. Bamboo
Why it’s eco friendly:
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth, requiring no pesticides or fertilizers. It’s also incredibly water efficient compared to traditional cotton, which makes it a top choice for sustainable fabrics.
Benefits for activewear:
Bamboo fabric is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft to the touch. It’s hypoallergenic, which makes it great for sensitive skin, and it helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you’re looking for a perfect example, our men’s bamboo performance pullover offers all of these benefits while ensuring comfort and breathability during your workout.
Where it’s used:
Great for leggings, tops, and sports bras, especially if you want a breathable, eco conscious choice for your workout.
2. Recycled Polyester (Repreve®)
Why it’s eco friendly:
Recycled polyester, like Repreve®, is made from post consumer plastic bottles and other recycled polyester garments. By reusing existing plastic, it helps reduce waste and the need for virgin plastic production, lowering carbon footprints.
Benefits for activewear:
Recycled polyester is durable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight, making it ideal for high-intensity activities. It’s also quick-drying and resistant to shrinkage, so it holds up well even after many washes. Our quarter zip pullovers made from recycled polyester offer both performance and sustainability in one stylish piece.
Where it’s used:
Common in performance gear like running shorts, t shirts, and athletic jackets. It’s also used for layering pieces, like pullovers and long sleeve shirts.
3. Organic Cotton
Why it’s eco friendly:
Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and it uses less water. It also promotes soil health by avoiding harmful chemicals, which is great for the planet.
Benefits for activewear:
Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and comfortable, making it great for light to moderate activities like yoga or walking. It also helps reduce the risk of skin irritation since it’s free from chemicals.
Where it’s used:
Perfect for relaxed styles like t shirts, tank tops, and sweatpants. It’s great for low impact workouts or lounging.
4. Hemp
Why it’s eco friendly:
Hemp is incredibly sustainable. It grows quickly without the need for chemicals, pesticides, or excessive water. The hemp plant also requires little to no fertilizers, making it one of the most environmentally friendly crops.
Benefits for activewear:
Hemp fabric is naturally antimicrobial and moisture wicking, which is great for activewear. It also becomes softer the more it’s worn and washed, so it only gets better over time.
Where it’s used:
Great for casual and athleisure wear, including t shirts, leggings, and shorts. It's durable and works well for outdoor activities.
5. Tencel (Lyocell)
Why it’s eco friendly:
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, usually from eucalyptus, beech, or spruce trees. The production process is closed loop, meaning that most of the chemicals and water used are recycled, reducing environmental impact.
Benefits for activewear:
Tencel is silky soft, breathable, and moisture wicking. It’s also hypoallergenic and less likely to irritate sensitive skin. It has a smooth texture that feels cool to the touch, making it great for workouts.
Where it’s used:
Perfect for comfortable workout clothes like tank tops, leggings, and shorts. It’s particularly good for hot weather activities.
6. Recycled Nylon
Why it’s eco friendly:
Just like recycled polyester, recycled nylon is made from post consumer waste like discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps. By repurposing these materials, recycled nylon helps divert waste from landfills and reduces the need for virgin nylon production.
Benefits for activewear:
Recycled nylon is stretchy, durable, and lightweight, making it ideal for activewear that needs to perform under pressure. It’s also resistant to water and abrasion.
Where it’s used:
Popular in tights, sports bras, and swimsuits. Its durability makes it a great option for intense workouts and water based activities.
7. Recycled Wool
Why it’s eco friendly:
Recycled wool is made from post consumer wool garments or fabric scraps. Recycling wool reduces the need for new wool production, which can be resource intensive, especially in terms of water and land use.
Benefits for activewear:
Wool is naturally moisture wicking, odor resistant, and temperature regulating, making it great for layering and outdoor activities. It’s perfect for colder weather workouts, as it provides warmth without being too heavy.
Where it’s used:
Ideal for running jackets, leggings, and base layers. It’s a fantastic option for winter workouts.
Worst fabrics to avoid in workout clothes
Some fabrics may seem like a good option for activewear, but they can be harmful to both the environment and your comfort. Here are the worst fabrics to steer clear of:
- Nylon: Nylon is a petroleum-based fabric that’s energy-intensive to produce. It’s not biodegradable, which means it will sit in landfills for hundreds of years. Choose recycled nylon or natural fabrics like organic cotton.
- Acrylic: Acrylic is made from petroleum and doesn’t break down easily, contributing to landfill waste. It also doesn’t wick moisture well, leaving you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Opt for bamboo or organic cotton for better breathability and moisture control.
- Conventional Cotton: Conventional cotton farming uses large amounts of water and pesticides, damaging the environment. It’s also not great for moisture-wicking and can irritate your skin.
- Spandex (Lycra/Elastane): Spandex is made from synthetic materials and doesn’t biodegrade, contributing to long-term environmental harm. It also traps moisture and can cause discomfort during intense workouts.
- Rayon (Viscose): Rayon is made from wood pulp, but its production uses harmful chemicals that pollute the environment. It's not moisture-wicking and tends to wear out quickly.
Conclusion
The key to building a sustainable workout wardrobe is choosing materials that not only work well for your activities but also protect the planet. Fabrics like bamboo, recycled polyester, and organic cotton all offer great performance, from moisture wicking to breathability, while keeping your environmental footprint low.
So next time you shop for activewear, look for these eco friendly materials to help make your fitness routine more sustainable, without sacrificing style or comfort.