5 Essential Tips to Choose Non-Toxic Activewear and Ditch Harmful Toxins

Scenic lake and mountain landscape reflecting the beauty of natural living with Silver Sea’s non-toxic activewear made from natural fibers

5 Essential Tips to Choose Non Toxic Activewear and Ditch Harmful Toxins

 

Find Out How To Get Rid Of BPA In Clothing And Avoid Harmful Toxins

 

Introduction 

Your workout gear should empower your health, not expose you to hidden dangers. 

Over 80% of activewear is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, which may contain harmful chemicals such as BPA in clothing, PFAS, and formaldehyde.

These toxins can seep into your skin during exercise, especially when you’re sweating. At Silver Sea Apparel, we’re committed to offering non toxic activewear and plastic free activewear that prioritizes your well-being with natural fibers. 

Ready to make the switch to sustainable activewear?

Here are five expert tips to help you choose non toxic workout clothes and avoid harmful toxins for good.

 

Women practicing yoga in non-toxic activewear from Silver Sea Apparel, featuring a sustainable sports bra made with natural fibers

 

1) Opt for Natural Fibers Over Synthetics

The fabric in your activewear matters. Polyester and nylon—common in most athletic wear—are plastic-based and often treated with chemicals like BPA and PFAS.

Even recycled polyester, RPET and other recycled materials originally derived from petroleum can contain harmful toxins.

You may wonder - does polyester have BPA?

Yes, it can, as BPA is used in some plastic production processes and may linger in synthetic fibers. Instead, choose natural fibers like organic cotton activewear, organic hemp, or Tencel Lyocell for a safer alternative.

At Silver Sea Apparel, we use Tencel Lyocell—a plant-based fiber made from eucalyptus trees and wood pulp that has natural moisture wicking properties and is designed for high performance. 

In the debate of Lyocell vs polyester, Tencel Lyocell wins for its softness, breathability, and eco-friendly profile, all without the risks of BPA or plastic. Switching to non-toxic athletic wear with natural fibers keeps you comfortable and toxin-free.

Tip: In addition to Silver Sea, run a quick Google search for "plastic-free activewear" to find other brands prioritizing natural materials.

*** One thing you won't find is any other brand selling non toxic activewear, organic cotton activewear, or any other non toxic athletic wear that tests their products using a third party lab for harmful toxins, which Silver Sea Apparel does

 

2) Verify Toxin-Free Claims with Certifications

Greenwashing is real—don’t trust every "eco-friendly" label. Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or Bluesign to ensure your non-toxic workout clothes are free from harmful substances.

These standards test for chemicals like BPA and PFAS, giving you confidence in your gear. 

Silver Sea Apparel’s sustainable activewear is third-party tested to meet rigorous safety standards. Our Tencel activewear is designed to minimize your exposure to harmful toxins, so you can prioritize your health and minimize your environmental impact. 

Certifications are your key to cutting through the noise.

Pro Tip: Opt for plastic-free activewear when shopping online by avoiding activewear made from synthetic materials, especially polyester fabric. 

 

OEKO-TEX and Bluesign logos certifying Silver Sea’s plastic free activewear is free from BPA in clothing and harmful toxins

 

3) Skip Plastic-Based Performance Features

Moisture-wicking and anti-odor claims often come with a catch: chemical coatings like PFAS or BPA-infused synthetics.

These additives make polyester and nylon a risky choice, especially during sweaty workouts when toxins can absorb into your skin. BPA in clothing has been linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns—why take the chance?

Choose non-toxic activewear with natural performance instead. Avoid synthetic materials that contain toxic chemicals. 

Tencel Lyocell, used in our plastic free activewear, is naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant—free of harmful chemicals.

Ditch polyester for natural fibers and enjoy safer, cleaner workouts.

Focus: Explore "non-toxic athletic wear" for brands that skip synthetics.

 

Woman at the beach wearing a Silver Sea non toxic athletic wear sports bra made with Tencel Lyocell, a non toxic and sustainable alternative to polyester

 

4) Demand Brand Transparency

Not all activewear brands are upfront about their materials, but Silver Sea is. Polyester-heavy giants may hide behind vague sustainability claims, but their reliance on plastics often means BPA in clothing and microplastic pollution.

Research a brand’s fabric choices and production practices to ensure they align with your values.

Silver Sea Apparel proudly crafts sustainable activewear made in the USA using Tencel Lyocell. We’re transparent about the manufacturing process and the raw materials in our plastic free activewear because you deserve non-toxic workout clothes you can feel good about. When you compare Lyocell vs polyester—the choice is clear.

Action Step: Check a brand’s blog or “About” page for details on their commitment to natural fibers.

Organic cotton activewear over conventional cotton. Organic hemp and organic linen are also a great sustainable alternative. 

Bonus: Check out our analysis on the most and least sustainable fabrics

 

5) Wash Wisely to Minimize Toxins

New activewear—especially polyester—can carry residual chemicals from manufacturing.

Always wash it in hot water with an eco-friendly detergent before wearing to reduce exposure. For existing synthetic gear, this helps, but it won’t eliminate BPA in clothing or microplastics that shed into the environment.

For non-toxic activewear like ours, use cold water and air-dry to maintain quality and sustainability. Pair this habit with plastic-free activewear from Silver Sea Apparel, and you’re amplifying your toxin-free lifestyle.

Bonus Tip: Read our guide on Detoxing Your Laundry Routine for more ways to care for sustainable activewear or check out How To Get The Smell Out Of Workout Clothes

 

Two Silver Sea tank tops on hangers, showcasing organic cotton activewear designed as non toxic workout clothes for eco-conscious women

 

Why Choose Non-Toxic Activewear?

Toxins like BPA and PFAS in synthetic workout clothes can disrupt your hormones, irritate your skin, and harm the planet. Polyester takes centuries to break down, leaving a legacy of microplastics—unlike natural fibers that biodegrade naturally.

Many of the most popular fast fashion and activewear brands like Alo Yoga, Nike, Patagonia, Beyond Yoga, Athleta, Sweaty Betty, Free People, Soul Cycle, Prana, New Balance, and many more have been found to literally have up to 40 times the safe limit of BPA in their clothes. 

By choosing non-toxic athletic wear, you protect your health and the environment. You are prioritizing your health and supporting sustainable fashion when you avoid brands that use synthetic fibres. 

Silver Sea Apparel’s non-toxic activewear—made with Tencel Lyocell and bio-based spandex—offers style, comfort, and peace of mind. From sports bras to tanks, our plastic-free activewear is redefining fitness fashion along with organic cotton activewear brands that prioritize sustainable design.

 

Three women in sustainable activewear from Silver Sea Apparel performing yoga poses in non toxic sports bras free from polyester BPA

 

Start Your Toxin-Free Journey Now

Ready to transform your workout wardrobe? Begin with one piece of non toxic workout clothes from Silver Sea Apparel.

Subscribe to our newsletter for 20% off your first order and join a community passionate about sustainable activewear. Take the leap—your body and the planet will thank you.

Take The First Step Today: Shop our non toxic activewear collection and experience the power of natural fibers today.

 

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