The Best Natural & Plastic Free Activewear Brands 2025 (Pt 1)

Posted by Kate Arnell on August 17, 2025

Our activewear is doing us dirty - and not just in the laundry. While we often focus on what we put into our bodies - nourishing food, supplements, filtered water, working up a sweat for our health, our synthetic activewear could be releasing a cocktail of chemicals straight into our skin.

Hold on! Quick note on who we are...

Bottlecup is a plastic-free 2in1 water bottle detachable to-go cup, designed to help you quit disposables and always remember your reusable cup out and about.

We're a family run business that started with a passion for reducing plastic in our everyday lives. As a result, we're always on the look out for natural, non-toxic and plastic-free alternatives in all areas of life, which we love sharing with you here.

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(this post features affiliate links)

Let's get back to plastic-free activewear...

Let's GO!

Yes it's time to sweat the small stuff! Microplastics!

Turns out, polyester, nylon, and spandex aren’t just clingy—they’re full of endocrine-disrupting compounds like phthalates, BPA derivatives, and PFAS (aka "forever chemicals") that love to hitch a ride into your body via sweat and open pores.

A 2023 study from the University of Birmingham found that sweat can actually leach harmful additives from synthetic fibres, making them more bioavailable for our skin to absorb. Turns out the the oil in our sweat acts like a chemical taxi service. Over time, repeated exposure may impact everything from hormone balance and fertility to skin irritation, thyroid issues, and neurological function.

It also doesn’t workout (ahem!) too well for the environment either, with every laundry cycle containing plastic-based clothing (yes, that’s most activewear!) releasing microplastics into our waterways, impacting marine life and even sneaking back into our food chain.

But there is a better way to move. Choosing activewear made from natural fibres like hemp, organic cotton, merino wool, or TENCEL™ means less exposure to toxic chemicals, less plastic pollution, and way more comfort without compromise. These fabrics are naturally breathable, biodegradable, and often antibacterial—meaning fewer smells, fewer washes, and zero sketchy side effects.

Bottom line? Natural fibre activewear isn’t just a “crunchy” lifestyle trend—it’s a glow-up for your skin, hormones, and the planet. Let's sweat smarter.

Does Plastic-Free Activewear Exist?

In short… yes! Some brands are even 100% plastic-free. But if you want a little stretch in your leggings, then expect to find a small percentage of elastane also known as spandex or Lycra ™ although some brands we've featured below use natural rubber instead.

Whilst elastane is synthetic, choosing items with a small percentage is better than an entire workout kit of plastic based materials.

What About Recycled Polyester?

It’s the worst! Recycled polyester fibres have be shown to breakdown more easily and release even more chemicals onto and into our bodies, especially when sweating.

Which Natural Fabrics Are Best for Activewear

Merino Wool: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, naturally odor-resistant.
Organic Cotton: Soft, breathable, and free from harmful pesticides and dyes.
Hemp: Durable, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial.
Bamboo (if sourced sustainably): Soft, breathable, but check for responsible processing methods.
TENCEL™: produced by Lenzing, sustainably made from wood pulp using a closed-loop system, silky-soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and compostable.

The Benefits of Natural Fabrics for Activewear

Breathability & Moisture-Wicking: Merino wool, hemp and organic cotton regulate temperature and wick sweat naturally.
Skin-Friendly & Hypoallergenic: Fewer chemicals mean less irritation and better for sensitive skin.
Biodegradability & Sustainability: Natural fibers break down in the environment, unlike synthetics.
Odour Resistance: Wool and hemp in particular, have natural antibacterial properties, reducing the need for frequent washing.

The Best Natural Fibre and Plastic-Free Activewear Brands For Everyone (pt 1)

Looking for plastic-free activewear? We've compiled the best natural fibre sportswear around. Let's jump in!

Wellicious

London born brand, Wellicious makes long lasting yoga clothing and activewear from GOTS certified organic cotton and compostable elastane which breaks-down without releasing any harmful substances into the environment and tested by Hohenstein. They are Cradle to Cradle certified for material health, avoiding harmful toxins and additives with no trace of microplastics.

Their organic cotton is sourced from Peru and everything else is made in Europe, including labels, thread and fabrics. Despite their activewear being very long lasting, Wellicious do have a take-back system to help customers dispose of their worn out clothes when they do eventually come to the end of their useful life.

Zone by Lydia

Their natural fibre activewear is made from a blend of hemp and organic cotton with only 5% elastane in some pieces for added stretch and resilience needed not only for yoga but also great for movement-heavy workouts - all without the chemical overload. Hemp is a bit of a wonder-fabric: it’s naturally antibacterial, odour-resistant, breathable, hypoallergenic, and even helps regulate body temperature.

Zone’s dyes are Oeko-Tex 100 certified and low-impact, meaning they’re gentler on your skin and safer for waterways. Everything is delivered in plastic-free, compostable packaging, including their yoga mats which are made from natural rubber and cork, not synthetic foams!

Founded by Olympic gold medallist Lydia Lassila, Zone by Lydia is all about combining high performance with ethical production. She personally vets suppliers to ensure fair practices, and even offers free online yoga classes to support your flow on and off the mat.

Save 15% at Zone by Lydia with code KATE_ARNELL

Zubek

Zubek is a sustainable clothing brand created by two sisters who recently launched their plastic-free, non-toxic activewear made from PYRATEX® SeaCell - a unique moisture-wicking fabric made by blending responsibly harvested North-Atlantic seaweed (such as kelp) with sustainably sourced wood‑pulp cellulose via a closed‑loop process with zero chemical additives. The result is a skin‑friendly, biodegradable fibre that is said to retain the minerals, antioxidants and vitamins of seaweed even after multiple washes.

Elastic is made from biodegradable natural rubberEven the stitching is 100% cotton. Any padding is made from wool instead of synthetica foam and all Zubek pieces are made ethically in Poland.

Save 10% at Zubek with code KATE10

Community Clothing

Community clothing makes colourful 100% plastic-free sportswear from organic cotton (and natural rubber for elastic waistbands) with an 80s vibe.

All pieces from Community Clothing are made in the UK and include retro style running shorts, t-shirts and sweaters for men and women, printed with water based inks. Even the thread used is cotton!

Mate The Label

Mate The Label are best known for their organic everyday staples. But they also make natural and organic activewear for women, men and kids.

Their MOVE by MATE collection is made from 92% Organic Cotton and 8% elastane and includes sports bras, biker shorts, leggings and even organic cotton tennis skirts / skorts - all ethically made in Los Angeles, adhering to a strict list of restricted substances to ensure that carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxins are kept out of their supply chain and off your body. They use non-toxic dyes and have eliminated all the plastic in their labels and packaging.

Cottsbury

Cottsbury creates beautifully made cotton activewear for men and women using only GOTS-certified organic cotton, crafted in Fair Trade certified factories in India. From seed to skin, their process is fully traceable, toxin-free, and rooted in care for people and planet.

Every piece arrives in a reusable organic cotton bag made from surplus fabric, helping to reduce waste. With decades of industry experience and a deep respect for nature, Cottsbury designs products that nurture your wellbeing while supporting ethical production and global community upliftment.

Dilling

Best known for their high quality organic merino basics, Dilling recently added merino wool activewear to their line up.

Made from 100% organic merino wool, their plastic-free activewear is treated with their signature Naturetexx® Plasma treatment, making it itch free, washable and biodegradable. Suitable for men and women and ideal for workouts, the gym, running and yoga

We love their plastic-free merino sports bras, leggings, cycling shorts and tops.

Unlike synthetics, merino wool is naturally temperature regulating, breathable, odour resistant, and moisture absorbent. All our single wool products, 4x2 products, and wool terry products have received a Naturetexx® Plasma treatment – a shock treatment using only electricity and air to process the wool fibres. Essentially, this leaves you with a durable and incredibly soft product.

Nero

If you’re looking for a pair of natural fibre shorts for training, lounging, lifting, running, hiking and everything in between then these 100% natural sports shorts by Nero could be just the ticket.

Eliminating polyester entirely, Nero's plastic-free shorts combine premium merino wool and organic cotton to create a pair of shorts that are odour-resistant, temperature regulating and crucially free from plastic fibres and toxins such as harsh dyes and treatments.

Save 10% at Nero Fabric with code KATE42352

Happy Earth

Created by two scientists keen to make a difference, Happy Earth Apparel have an extensive organic activewear collection as part of their wider range where you’ll find sports bras, leggings (with pockets!), tank tops, shorts hoodies and joggers.

Their PlanTec collection is made up of 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane and their Revive Collection is 100% organic cotton.

All of their products are proudly free from polyester and everything is made in Fair Trade certified factories. They only use safe, non-toxic dyes and with every item purchased you get to choose whether you want to plant trees, clean up trash, or fight climate change.

Hess Natur

Hess Natur creates a wide range of sustainable, natural, organic and fair-trade clothing for the whole family. And their activewear collection made from materials including organic cotton, Tencel™ and organic merino wool includes a wide variety of colourful legging and sports tops.

New to their collection is Bouncy Stretch - activewear made from 100% organic cotton without any elastane making it completely biodegradable.

Not Basics

What started out as two sisters turning deadstock t-shirt fabric into undies has evolved into a collection of well made organic basics that includes organic cotton leggings, t-shirts, bodysuits, undies and sweaters all made from 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane with some of their sweatshirts and jogging bottoms made from 100% organic cotton.

Their organic cotton is OCS certified and almost all pieces (excluding their underwear) are manufactured at an OCS and SEDEX certified factory in Turkey which allows them to keep the entire production process - from cotton seed to final product - within Turkey.

I own two pairs of their leggings and wear them A LOT, both casually around the house, out on walks and at home exercises.

Industry of All Nations

Industry of All Nations creates unisex clothing that is made by artisans at the source using only organic and natural fibers, both undyed or naturally dyed, that supports traditional craftsmanship and minimises environmental impact and are ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Whilst they don't have a specific activewear range, a lot of their organic t-shirts, sweatpants and shorts would be ideal for sports.

Tripulse

Tripulse creates high-performance activewear, including legging, sports bras, t-shirts, tops and shorts all made from TENCEL™ Lyocell, a silky-soft, breathable fabric derived from sustainably sourced eucalyptus and wood pulp using a closed-loop, non-toxic manufacturing process.

Ethically made in Europe, their pieces are free from harmful chemicals and plastic-based fibres, using Cradle-to Cradle certified compostable Roica® V550 for stretch and Oeko-Tex® certified dyes. Even the care labels are made from organic cotton. With a focus on circular design and a ZeroWaste initiative to give new life to imperfect garments or samples , Tripulse proves you don’t need to compromise on performance to protect your health - or the planet.

Sol. Dept

With a mission to include what you wear as part of a healthy lifestyle, Sol. Dept offer 100% natural Cotton USA™ certified cotton sports shorts that are soft, breathable, comfortable, durable and look good too.

We particularly love the their 80s inspired Golden Era Shorts. All fibres have are OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning they are free from harmful substances.

Aya

Aya are on a mission to create plastic-free clothing which includes 100% plastic-free workout basics such as tees, tanks, shorts, leggings, and joggers.

Made from natural fibres including organic pima cotton and alpaca wool. AYA sources and manufactures all of their materials and clothing in Peru. Their 100% natural activewear includes leggings, biker shorts, sweatpants and joggers.

Green Tab Clothing

If you're looking for an affordable pair of organic cotton leggings then Green Tab Clothing have just that.

Made from 95% GOTS certified organic cotton and 5% elastane, they are high waisted and toxin free.

Cottonique

Cottonique creates allergy free apparel - that's hypoallergenic clothing without elastane or latex with the option of dye-free and bleach-free clothing making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.