SKL is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission. Learn more here.
Looking for the best organic activewear brands for your next workout session? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re doing yoga, running, cycling, or just love athleisure, organic cotton, and organic bamboo activewear deserves a spot in your capsule wardrobe.
You probably know that synthetic fibers can easily be absorbed by the skin, leading to irritations and full-blown allergic reactions. That’s mostly because most folks think that synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are the only moisture-wicking, durable, and stretchy options.
Spoiler Alert: They are not.
In this guide, we’ll share some amazing organic cotton women’s activewear and organic bamboo options that can easily rival synthetics.
P.S. For more amazing non-toxic athleisure options, check out our roundup of the Best Non-Toxic & Organic Sports Bras For A Healthy Workout!
Best Organic Activewear Brands in 2024.
The world of activewear is dominated by synthetic fabrics, both new and recycled.
That’s mostly because synthetic fibers are affordable and also have inherent stretchability, which gives us the freedom of movement necessary for various physical activities like yoga, running, or dancing.
Despite their qualities, those petroleum-based fabrics are not only bad for our health but for the environment as well.
Storytime: A few months back, I decided to don a pair of cute second-hand synthetic leggings for my aerial class. Midway through the class, I noticed a slight itchiness on my skin. Little did I know, this was the first sign of my first-ever allergic reaction to a fabric.
Post-class, the discomfort escalated, and my skin felt not just itchy but downright irritated.
Brushing it off, I went about my day. It wasn’t until I took off those leggings hours later that I realized that my legs were covered in hives.
The result? Me panic-calling our family doctor who prescribed a steroid cream to treat my polyester allergic reactions.
New research shows sweat leaches chemical additives from plastics and those chemicals are then available to be absorbed through our skin. When you sweat during your workout, your sweat contains a bit of oil.
This oil is like a magnet for certain chemicals found in plastic.
The proper term for this is “lipophilicity,” meaning that these chemicals really like to stick to oil.
When you touch plastic, especially when you’re sweaty, the oil in your body can actually pull and absorb chemicals from the plastic. Shocking, I know.
So, I quickly swapped my synthetic leggings with organic activewear options…
The only way to really make sure that your clothing is safe and eco-friendly is to opt for organic women’s activewear.
Luckily, some amazing ethical brands design stretchy, ultra-stylish organic bamboo activewear and certified cotton activewear for all types of workouts.
Read on to find 2024’s healthiest athleisure options.
The 11 Best Organic Activewear Brands For Women
1. eleven44
The slow fashion brand eleven44 aims to help you effortlessly flow through yoga poses, get the most out of running, and dancing sessions, or just lounge in style with their variety of organic athleisure options.
eleven44 manufactures each piece carefully in small quantities by hand in partnership with a small family-run business in Bali using GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, linen, Tencel, and low-impact textiles.
This time, we’ll focus on their organic cotton activewear lineup which includes gorgeous cage bralettes, cut-out leggings, cropped leggings, shorts, bodysuits, and catsuits.
The latter would be ideal for aerialists and yoga lovers, if I may add.
And, in case you want accessories, eleven44 also offers statement heirloom jewelry as well.
Price: From $46+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: GOTS Certified organic cotton with Lycra
Location/Shipping: Bali, ships worldwide
Our Top Athleisure Picks from Eleven44:
2. Happy Earth
Happy Earth is our go-to destination for fair trade GOTS-certified sweatpants and eco-friendly hoodies.
However, if you’re looking for something that can accompany you during all your low-to-medium impact activities, from yoga to pilates, and even those spontaneous dance sessions at home, check out their organic cotton activewear.
Their catalog includes curve-hugging organic activewear pants, long-sleeve tees, leggings, and shorts.
To keep the production as ethical as possible, the B-certified corporation works closely with a Fair Trade factory in India.
They also choose locally grown organic cotton, which is treated with certified non-toxic dyes to have those rich colors.
Price: From $36+
Size Range: XXS-2XL
Materials: Organic cotton, elastane
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Our Top Organic Cotton Activewear from Happy Earth:
3. Mate The Label
Mate The Label is a cult-favorite, American-made clothing brand that creates organic activewear from 92% organic cotton fibers and non-toxic, low-impact dyes that are free of 49 harmful chemicals.
Their lineup includes sustainable, supportive, and squat-proof organic yoga leggings as well as biker shorts, and sports bras, ideal for low-to-medium impact workouts.
What’s more, the B-certified corporation thrives on local manufacturing.
In fact, all organic cotton women’s activewear are being cut, sewn, dyed, packaged, and shipped from their LA factory.
Price: From $58+
Size Range: XS-3X
Materials: GOTS Certified organic cotton, spandex
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Our Top Picks from Mate The Label:
4. Pact
Pact always manages to secure a place in our sustainable fashion guides and for a good reason.
Eco-conscious folks love their always-in-style collection of environmentally responsible essentials.
Each garment in their organic activewear lineup is meticulously crafted within Fair Trade Certified facilities from the finest GOTS organic cotton available.
You can find cropped bootcut leggings, full-length leggings, cropped leggings, organic cotton sports bras, and even underwear.
Plus, when you’re ready to say goodbye, you can take advantage of their Give Back Box® initiative and contribute your gently worn clothing to organizations in need.
Our Top Picks from Pact:
Price: From $38+
Size Range: XS-2XL
Materials: GOTS Certified organic cotton & elastane
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
5. Boody
Whether you’re looking for sustainable loungewear, super leak-proof PFAS-free period panties or organic activewear yoga enthusiasts love, Boody has something amazing to offer.
Instead of using synthetics, the eco-conscious brand chose to create organic bamboo activewear from high-quality, OEKO-TEX and and ISO 9001-certified bamboo viscose.
Think full-length leggings, shorts, and size-inclusive sports bras.
The fabric is breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking. So rest assured that your next medium-impact workouts won’t have you sweating uncontrollably.
Also, the B-certified corporation has a strict code of conduct which we absolutely love to see.
Our Top Picks from Boody:
Price: From $27.95+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Organic cotton, viscose, elastane viscose fibre made from bamboo
Location/Shipping: Australia, ships worldwide
6. Organic Basics
Organic Basics is a modern, fresh, and ultra-stylish brand that takes their organic cotton activewear game seriously.
This European Certified B Corporation uses premium, GOTS Certified, and OEKO-TEX® Certified organic cotton to create pastel and neutral-colored leggings, sports bras, and shorts for women who want to chill or workout in style.
Also, to eliminate waste as much as possible, Organic Basics makers use custom, circular machines.
So, if you’re looking for organic women’s activewear that’s ethical, sustainable, and oh-so-pretty, this collection is for you.
Our Top Picks from Organic Basics:
Price: From $40+
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: GOTS Certified organic cotton, elastane
Location/Shipping: Denmark, ships worldwide
7. Groceries Apparel
Groceries Apparel creates an array of sustainable basics clothing for women who don’t want to comprise sustainability for comfort.
As the name suggests, their entire organic cotton women’s activewear line is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and is dyed with plant-based vege-dyes.
Here’s what makes them so darn unique: The pigments come from recycled coffee grounds and discarded peels of pomegranate fruit, just to name a few.
What’s more, the entire production takes place in an ethical factory in Los Angeles.
Our Top Picks from Groceries Apparel:
Price: From $33+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: GOTS Certified organic cotton, spandex
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
8. Toad & Co
Toad & Co is one of the most stylish, affordable sustainable fashion brands for organic cotton dresses and organic cotton women’s activewear.
While most activewear brands offer neutral-toned pieces, Toad & Co’s pieces are drenched in prints and color.
The brand is Bluesign & Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified, GOTS, and Forest Stewardship Council Certified, so rest assured that there aren’t any toxic chemicals here.
Instead of synthetics, they solely use organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and a hint of elastane for stretch.
P.S. While browsing, make sure to double-check the listings – some styles are made from recycled fabrics.
Our Top Picks from Toad & Co:
Price: From $45+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: OEKO-TEX® Certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, elastane
Location/Shipping: United States
9. Maggie’s Organics
Sure, Maggie’s Organics might not be an activewear brand, however, they carry many organic activewear pieces like their super soft and stretchy fleece leggings, skirt leggings, cotton shorts, and cropped leggings.
Some styles even have pockets! Whether you’re doing yoga, running, or dancing, these wardrobe staples will fit every scenario.
The brand partners with ethical factories in India, so each piece is ethically made with responsibly sourced materials in safe working environments.
Price: From $32+
Size Range: S-XXL
Materials: GOTS Certified organic cotton, spandex
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
10. Blue Canoe
In addition to creating organic cotton underwear using holistic, natural dyeing techniques, the ethical brand Blue Canoe also offered organic activewear made of organically grown cotton or/and bamboo since 1989.
Both facts feel super soft against the skin and are an ideal choice for women leading active, on-the-go lifestyles.
You can find some amazing organic activewear pants with a flared silhouette, many different bralettes, and cropped leggings for your yoga sessions.
Plus, all pieces are made ethically in the USA without any toxic chemicals.
Price: From $50+
Size Range: S-XL
Materials: Organic cotton, spandex
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
11. BONUS: Tripulse
Tripulse’ organic activewear collection promises to keep you comfy and cool even during the toughest workouts.
You can thank ultra-smooth and durable fabric blend of eucalyptus, spruce, and birch wood fibers.
Naturally antibacterial and highly breathable, the activewear is Climate Neutral Certified and carries the Bluedesign, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, and GOTS certifications.
Rest assured that it can suit low, medium, and high-intensity training activities.
You can find leggings with non-see-through, high waist, slide-resistant, and high-performing features, as well as Tencel tank tops and tees.
Also, the company wants to make sure that they are doing their absolute best, and thus, the entire lineup is co-developed with feedback from hundreds of sports lovers.
Our Top Picks from Tripulse:
Price: From $53+
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Materials: TENCEL™ Lyocell, Roica® V550 (eco-friendly version of elastane)
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Can organic activewear prevent skin irritation during workouts?
Yes, organic activewear, made from materials such as bamboo or organic cotton, can help prevent skin irritations and allergic reactions during workouts.
Unlike synthetic fibers, organic fabrics are known for their hypoallergenic nature which is great for people with sensitive skin.
They reduce the risk of skin irritation during prolonged physical activities and allow the skin to breathe.
They also allow air circulation and moisture absorption which means that they won’t let sweat accumulate, which reduces the likelihood of chafing or discomfort during workouts.
How to care for organic activewear?
First and foremost, you should always check the care labels on your organic activewear for specific instructions.
As a general rule of thumb, it would be best to wash your activewear in cold water as it helps preserve the integrity of the fabric and prevents shrinkage.
We’d suggest choosing a mild, eco-friendly detergent free from harsh chemicals and completely skip fabric softeners, as they can leave residues on the fabric and reduce its moisture-wicking properties.
Whenever possible, air-dry your organic activewear instead of using a dryer.
This was your full guide to organic activewear!
There you have it – the best organic activewear brands in 2024. We hope this guide helped you to re-evaluate your relationship with synthetic options and inspired you to give cotton or organic bamboo activewear a try.
While synthetic fabrics may seem like the go-to for moisture-wicking and durability, our favorite natural alternatives easily rival their synthetic counterparts. They are stretchy, durable, and oh-so-soft!
Plus, unlike synthetics, natural fabrics won’t contribute to the billions of microplastics that end up in the ocean every single day through our laundry routines.
Whether you want to avoid skin irritations like me or try to find a way to minimize microplastic pollution, these companies have you covered.
This post was graciously sponsored by eleven44. As always, we only work with brands that we stand behind. Would you like to sponsor one of our sustainable round-ups? Contact us here.
If you enjoyed this article, check out these other community favorites below!
- 15 Best Organic Cotton Sweatpants & Hoodies, Reviewed
- 15 Non-Toxic Leggings Made With Organic and PFAS-Free Materials
- The 15 Best Non Toxic & Organic Sports Bras For A Healthy Workout
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment