Three Activewear Brands That You Can Feel Good About Wearing
If you’re like me, you’re doing all the things. You move your body daily, prioritize recovery and invest in self care rituals. You hydrate, eat clean and do your best to reduce toxins, like eliminating plastics and making other healthy choices for you and your family. Well, I’m about to ruin your day because despite all of these important steps, you could still be causing harm to your body simply by getting dressed every morning.
That’s because our adorable activewear sets that we all now own and love, are unfortunately made of harmful chemicals and plastics. And if you are like me, you’re not only exercising in these clothes, but you are staying in them all day long as you lounge, run errands... maybe even go into the sauna.
Most activewear is made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon and spandex. As awareness grows around microplastics and chemical exposure, more people are questioning what happens when these materials sit directly on our skin for hours, especially during heat and sweat. Some research suggests that synthetic fabrics can shed microplastic and may contain chemicals linked to skin issues and endocrine disruption. And when you add heat, friction and moisture into the mix, absorption increases. So are we bathing in forever chemicals every single day? I told you I was about to deliver some pretty daunting news.
But there is some good news because there are better options out there. For a long time, I’ve brushed off the warnings because I live my life doing the best that I can. I’m not interested in obsessing over every little exposure. And realistically, I wasn’t about to give up working out or living in these comfortable clothes. Now, there’s a growing wave of brands creating organic activewear and non-toxic workout clothes made from natural and safer materials, often offering a more eco-friendly activewear alternative that aligns with a low-tox lifestyle.
And the activewear is just as cute, comfortable and functional, I promise. So I’m leaning into these healthier clothing options and exploring three brands that are rethinking what we wear on our bodies every day. Because if we are putting in the effort everywhere else in our lives, shouldn’t our clothing support that— not quietly undermine it?
Let’s get into the brands that are doing it better.
If you’ve spent any time scrolling, you’ve probably seen Mate the Label pop up. Their ads are everywhere on my feed— but to be fair, they clearly understand their audience. As an organic activewear brand that leans into the clean girl aesthetic, they’ve built a strong presence among people searching for healthier clothing options.
The appeal is immediate: simple silhouettes, clean lines and beautiful colors that are certainly reminiscent of nature. So for this deep dive into sustainable activewear brands and organic workout clothes, trying Mate the Label felt like an obvious place for me to start.
Mate the Label positions itself as more than just another activewear company—it’s a brand rooted in the growing demand for organic activewear, non-toxic workout clothes, and truly healthier clothing options. Their mission is simple: create pretty clothes without exposing your body to unnecessary chemicals.
The brand is guided by eight core values, all centered around sustainability, transparency and low-tox living:
Clean: Mate follows a strict restricted substances list, aiming to eliminate carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and other harmful chemicals from their supply chain — something that really sets Mate apart from other activewear brands.
Essential: Their focus on timeless, season-less styles encourages a more intentional wardrobe, aligning with the mindset behind sustainable activewear brands that focus less on trends and more on creating timeless basics.
Organic: By using organic yarns, Mate reduces exposure to pesticides and harsh chemicals.
People: Ethical production matters here, with an emphasis on safe and fair working conditions.
Women-Centered: Founded by women and designed for women in every stage of life, the brand keeps women’s real needs in focus.
Plastic-Free (or close to it): Unlike most activewear brands, Mate avoids polyester, nylon, and polyamide entirely. Their pieces use only about 8% spandex—significantly less than typical activewear—helping reduce microplastic exposure.
Circular: Mate promotes recycling and fabric regeneration, supporting a more circular fashion model.
Certified: The brand backs its claims with recognized certifications, including Climate Neutral, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and B Corp—important markers when evaluating healthy and sustainable clothing brands.
Mate’s signature activewear fabric, Organic Stretch, is designed to bridge the gap between function and low-tox activewear. Made from 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex, it offers breathability and flexibility without relying heavily on synthetics. Compared to conventional activewear, this blend significantly lowers microplastic shedding while still allowing the fabric to move with your body. It’s also worth noting that the organic cotton is grown without pesticides or insecticides.
I find Mate’s activewear to be soft and flattering. Where it shines most is in low to mid-impact movement — think yoga, Pilates, walking and daily errands. For high-impact workouts, though, Mate’s activewear may not offer the level of compression or support that some people desire. That’s the only reason Mate the Label doesn’t score higher for me.
I’d give Mate the Label a 7 out of 10. While their activewear won’t work great for my high impact workouts, I feel really good about wearing Mate the rest of the time. It’s cute while being good for my body and the environment, and I can certainly get behind that.
Mate also has a large selection of everyday clothes, which of course I had to try, as well. This Poplin Essential Striped Pant and Long Sleeve Button Down are made from 100% GOTS-certified Organic Cotton.
And, as incentive to detox your closet, Mate has a program where you can send in your unwanted clothes and get a $20 shopping credit to then buy the good stuff from Mate the Label.
“No Bllsht.” That’s the first thing you see when you land on LNDR’s mission statement page on their website—and honestly, it sets the tone perfectly. Their message cuts through the noise in a way that feels refreshing, especially in a space that’s become saturated with trend-driven drops and aesthetic-first marketing.
They put it bluntly: somewhere along the way, activewear lost its edge. It became more focused on looking good online than actually performing. And whether you fully agree or not, it’s hard to ignore how much of today’s activewear market leans into style over substance. And LNDR decided to do something about it by creating activewear where function comes first, no matter what.
LNDR’s philosophy centers on creating technical clothes that are engineered for real training. “We design technical apparel for women who train — precisely engineered, relentlessly tested, and built for movement in every plane. No fluff. No fast fashion. Every product we make exists for a reason — and earns its place through performance, durability, and design. Because we believe gear should work as hard as you do. And we believe women deserve better.”
While LNDR produces non-toxic workout clothes, they don’t make that their headline. For them, the primary goal is creating high-quality gear that holds up over time—reducing overconsumption and waste, which is another important piece of the non-toxic clothing conversation.
Still, LNDR’s commitment to safer materials is very much there. LNDR uses OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, meaning their textiles are tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances. Pieces that meet this standard are labeled OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which certifies that they are safe for human health. Currently, over 100 of LNDR’s garments meet this certification, though not every item in their lineup comes with it.
These Fly Run Recycled Shorts have the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification and are also really cute. I find them to be so flattering— they hit at the right place without being too long or too short. They are lightweight and comfortable to move in, and I love the color (Marine).
Another important piece of the non-toxic activewear conversation goes beyond fabrics and certifications—it extends into regulatory standards, as well. And for brands like LNDR, this includes compliance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) legislation in Great Britain. REACH is one of the most rigorous chemical safety frameworks in the world, designed to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
REACH registration means that the substances used in production are carefully monitored, assessed and restricted where necessary. It’s another layer of accountability that helps to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals while supporting safer manufacturing practices.
The biker shorts that I’m wearing below are the Limit 5” Shorts, and they are one of the 45 REACH registered products that LNDR sells. These clean shorts are also OEKO-TEX Certified. So I’d say this pair of biker shorts is the winner when it comes to safety and health standards. And functionally, I can personally certify that they are awesome… which is exactly as LNDR intended.
While the Femme Fatal Longline Tank that I am wearing above doesn’t have the high certifications, it is still BPA-Free and PFA-Free tested, as is the case with a bunch of LNDR’s pieces that aren’t certified. So not all activewear that LNDR sells is created equal. Shopping at LNDR requires a little digging and some smart consumerism.
The Here Today Crop Tankthat I am wearing is OEKO-TEX Certified, and it’s eco-friendly because it’s made from biodegradable yarn. The list of certifications (of which this tank has many) can be found in each product description on LNDR’s website.
While it can be a bit cumbersome to look up each product this way, for someone who really cares about how their activewear is made, this is an important step in the buying process.
I give LNDR another high rating of 8 out of 10 for the effort and care they put into making their activewear the absolute “best” and safest for people and the planet. I like the sleek, modern, technical styles of this brand but admit that they may not be for everyone — i.e., your Pilates princesses are unlikely customers of LNDR. That said, where LNDR really stands out is in function. This is high-performance, eco-conscious activewear designed to last, which is an important factor if you’re trying to build a more intentional wardrobe filled with healthier clothing options.
The imperfect score and the only real drawback for me is the price point. Some pieces are really expensive. Remember, those Gold Star biker shorts? They clock in at $99! But LNDR’s philosophy is rooted in buying less and buying better—investing in fewer, longer-lasting pieces rather than constantly replacing lower-quality gear. And when you look at it through that lens, it starts to align with the broader goals of sustainable activewear brands and a more low-tox, low-waste lifestyle.
So yes, LNDR is an investment—but one that they think will pay off for you down the road.
This next brand came highly recommended by a fellow fitness enthusiast I trust. And after putting Aktiiv to the test while I was away in Turks & Caicos last week, I agree with her!
Aktiiv delivers on performance. The leggings and sports bra hold up right alongside some of the biggest names in the activewear space. But what really sets the brand apart is the level of intention behind it. Aktiiv manages to strike that balance between high-performance activewear and non-toxic workout clothes, which isn’t always easy to find. Every detail feels considered—from the fit and function to the materials and overall design philosophy. Aktiiv is a brand that doesn’t just aim to look good, but they also want to support your body in a more thoughtful way with their clothes.
These are the leggings you want to run, jump, squat and lift in. They’ll support you. They’ll stay put. They’ll last through the many washes. They’ll make your butt look great. All without leaking toxins into your body as you wear them.
That’s because Aktiiv uses a blend of plant-based, “ecodegradable”, bio-yarns in their activewear fabric, Protera. Protera is built from a blend of three fibers: a plant-based nylon derived entirely from castor beans, a “biodegradable bio-accelerated” nylon, and an elastane that’s also biodegradable in certain conditions. Beyond the innovation in materials, Aktiiv also meets high standards like OEKO-TEX® certification, meaning the fabric is tested against a wide range of harmful substances. Their garments are certified free from BPA, PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde and other chemicals.
You can check out the rigorous testing and high standards Aktiiv puts their fabrics through on their website. On top of that, Aktiiv’s manufacturing processes reflect the same level of intention. Their pieces are produced in ethically operated, women-led facilities that prioritize safety, environmental responsibility and fair working conditions. The brand maintains a hands-on approach throughout production, reinforcing its commitment to both people and the planet.
The Square Neck Bra and the High-Rise Pocket Legging are simple yet elegant. I can tell that this is going to be one of those sets I constantly reach for and here’s the proof: I have already worn this set twice in one week, and it’s currently on the drying rack in my laundry room, ready to be worn for a third time.
Aktiiv delivers a rare combination of sustainable activewear, thoughtful material innovation, and a clear focus on reducing exposure to harmful chemicals—all while still creating activewear that genuinely performs in the gym and beyond. I give Aktiiv a 9 out of 10. I’d give it a perfect score but for the fact that there aren’t a ton of styles or colors available. But keep in mind, that could be totally intentional. It’s quality over quantity to the fullest degree here.
Exploring these three activewear brands shows that the future of healthier clothing options is already here. It may just look a little different depending on the brand’s priorities— some focus on natural fibers and simplicity, others on high-performance innovation, and others on durability and longevity to reduce overall consumption. There’s no single “perfect” option (although these brands are pretty close), but there are more organic and low-tox activewear brands than ever before. And options afford you the opportunity to build a wardrobe that more closely aligns with your values — That’s a win for everyone.