Wellness is an increasingly popular trend nowadays, but the conversation rarely extends beyond what we consume. Despite obsessing over the things we put into our bodies, such as clean food, water, and supplements, we rarely think about the clothes we put on, the very thing that sits closest to our skin. With more people starting their fitness journey, activewear has become the go-to outfit. However, do they know that most of their clothes are made out of plastic, which will impact their overall health and comfort?
Nowadays, most activewear is made from synthetic materials, including polyester, nylon, polyamide and others. Natural fibres and semi-synthetic options such as organic cotton, merino wool, lyocell, modal, and bamboo viscose do exist, but they come with a higher price tag. Because synthetics like polyester are known for their moisture-wicking properties, durability and lower price tag, these fabrics quickly became the default choice for many types of workouts. In this era where people are being more mindful of their spending and think twice before purchasing, polyester activewear becoming popular was not a surprise at all. Additionally, there have been claims that activewear with semi-synthetic or natural fibers do not offer the same performance compared to its synthetic counterparts.
Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, cotton was the standard fabric for activewear. I remember being a child and hearing my mother ask sales assistants, “Is this made from cotton?” whenever we shopped, even for sportswear. Writing this piece prompted me to take a closer look at my current activewear rotation. It has been four years since I last bought training clothes, and I realized that most of my newer pieces are made from recycled polyester, while my older ones contain cotton blends. I had never really noticed the difference before. What I have noticed is that, as I’ve grown older, I seem to overheat more easily during workouts than many of my peers. Whether that is due to synthetic fabrics, changing fitness levels, or simply a warmer climate, I can’t say for certain.
People are also becoming more mindful of what they are putting in their bodies. As people become more conscious, they are now questioning whether synthetics are harmful, especially when used for a long period of time. A University of Birmingham research found that human sweat could absorb microplastics and harm the body when overloaded. These microplastics are the same ones that are linked to pollution, which most likely will harm body functions and disrupt hormones. Synthetic fabric used in most activewear is petroleum-based, non-biodegradable and releases microplastics with every usage. Additionally, toxic chemical additives embedded in the fabric potentially cause skin irritations, trap bacteria and lower the overall health of the user.
So, what kind of clothes should you wear during a workout? That’s the billion-dollar question that most people will not agree on one answer. I noticed that most companies are shifting to answer this question, claiming to use semi-synthetic or natural fibres to brand themselves as ‘low-tox’ and ‘hormone friendly,’ which is still a question. Many brands are also communicating their efforts by showing how their products are certified safe for the body. This growth is in line with Google Trends data as reported by TODAY, vintage activewear searches have risen by over 10,000% in 2026, while natural fibre activewear has risen by up to 800% in the past three months, followed by non-toxic activewear at 200%. However, are the alternatives as good as these brands claim?
Activewear should function as our second skin, supporting both performance and well-being rather than compromising comfort or health. As consumers, the real responsibility lies in making informed choices by considering fabric composition, the type of activity we engage in, and how frequently and for how long we wear these garments. Natural fibres can be an excellent option for low-intensity movement, while thoughtfully chosen semi-synthetic blends may provide the durability, stretch, and support needed for higher-impact workouts. Looking for certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and GRS can also help ensure greater transparency and safety. Ultimately, the future of activewear should not be defined solely by performance or price, but by a more conscious balance between health, comfort, functionality, and sustainability.
