8 Non-Toxic Leggings for a Microplastic Free Workout
Image credit: Tripulse
Looking for yoga, sport or any workout leggings that are kind to your health and the planet? You’re not alone. Finding leggings that suit your active lifestyle and align with your values can be tricky and many activewear lovers are discovering the hidden downsides of synthetic leggings.
Synthetic leggings break down and shed microplastic fibers, which not only pollute the environment, but may also enter our bodies through daily wear and washing.
The good news? There are fantastic non-toxic leggings made from natural or innovative sustainable fibers that won’t harm you or the planet.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Leggings?
Approximately 92 million tonnes (1) of textile waste is produced annually and synthetic fibres make 60% of global apparel purchases. Leggings made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, shed microplastics with every wash. According to a study published in the Environmental Pollution Journal (2) in 2020, synthetic fibres can take hundreds of years to biodegrade and are made from fossil fuels such as petroleum. Their production process releases greenhouse gasses, which pollute the air and release microplastics into a range of ecosystems. These fibers accumulate in our waterways, oceans, and soil, contributing to pollution and potential health risks.
Even more concerning, a 2023 study from the American Chemical Society (3) shows that synthetic clothes can expose wearers to chemicals such as BPA and PFAS, substances linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. Choosing non-toxic leggings made from organic or plant-based materials helps reduce your exposure to these toxins and minimizes your carbon footprint.
Related: 11 Plastic-Free Underwear Brands You Can Compost
How Do Microplastics Enter Your Body Through Synthetic Fabrics?
Synthetic workout clothes made from fabrics like polyester or nylon release chemical additives when we sweat or wash them. Sweat can act like a solvent, helping chemical additives such as phthalates and bisphenols leach from synthetic fabrics and become available for absorption through our skin (4). Meanwhile, research published in 2016 by the Marine Pollution Bulletin (5) shows that domestic laundering estimated that a single 6 kg wash load of acrylic or polyester fabric could shed over 700,000 microplastic fibres. These studies highlight that during wear, sweat-triggered chemical leaching can expose our bodies to synthetic-textile additives, and during washing, the physical shedding of plastic fibres contributes to environmental pollution and may lead to indirect human exposure through contaminated water, food and air.
Related: 4 Reasons to Choose Plastic Free, All Natural Fibres Over Synthetic Fibres
8 Non-Toxic Leggings Virtually without Plastic, without PFAS and Other Synthetics
At I’m Plastic Free we help you eliminate the issue at the source. For all the reasons outlined above, we provide our readers with alternative solutions that do not release microplastics. We hope you‘ll find this list of plastic-free activewear brands useful.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps us continue the hard work we put into researching products and solutions.
Please Note: Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health. Please read our disclaimer.
1. Aya Women’s Organic Pima Cotton Leggings – 100% Plastic Free Leggings
Aya is a sustainable fashion brand that designs all their clothing free of synthetics, because their mission is to create a microplastic free world! They have designed 100% plastic free leggings and are very transparent with their materials as you can see here below. They use only natural materials: 100% Organic Cotton fabric sewn with 100% Cotton threads. Even their labels are 100% Cotton.
Due to the Pima cotton material, they are resistant to wrinkling and pilling, durable, PFAS-free, hypoallergenic, and silky soft on the skin.
Fabric Material: 100% Organic Pima Cotton
Fabric Dye: Natural Plant-Based
Fabric Finishing: Silicone (OEKO-TEX)
Threads: 100% Pima Cotton
Thread Dye: Natural
Labels: 100% Organic Cotton
Label Ink: Synthetic (GOTS)
Made in: Peru
Sizes: XS-XXL
Related: The Very Good Bra: 100% Organic Cotton Padded Bra Review
2. Buddha Pants – 100% Organic Cotton Yoga Pants
Buddha Pants are made entirely from organic cotton, no synthetics, no microplastics. Their flowy, breathable design makes them perfect for yoga, travel, or lounging. Each pair packs into its own pocket for convenience and zero-waste practicality.
We love that they produce these unisex yoga pants in the USA, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam at a little factory that only makes Buddha pants along with garments for two other brands.
Fabric material: 100% cotton
Made in: USA and Vietnam
Sizes: XXS-XXL
3. Arms of Andes – 100% Alpaca Wool Thermal Leggings
Arms of Andes is another sustainable fashion brand without the greenwashing. Their lightweight leggings are made with 100% Alpaca Wool and offer a comfortable fit for flexible movement during any physical activity.
Ultra-soft and warm alpaca wool as a natural fiber naturally wicks moisture, is naturally anti-bacterial, dries fast and resists body odor. Some pople think wool leggings are just for layering in winter for skiing and snowboarding, but in reality they can be worn all year around for the outdoors, and activities like jogging, hiking, walking, travelling and backpacking etc. The semi-hollow fibers act as an internal A/C, balancing your body temperature to the outsdide climate.
Wool weights: Ultralight, lightweight, midweight.
Fabric material: 100% Alpaca wool
Fabric dye: 100% natural dyes or OEKO-TEX certified dyes
Fabric finishing: OEKO-TEX certified silicone fabric finishing
Threads: 100% cotton
Labels: 100% cotton
Label inks: GOTS certified ink
Made in: Peru
Sizes: XXS-XXL
4. Groceries Apparel Organic Cotton Leggings Dyed with Real Vegetables
Made locally in Los Angeles using non-toxic, plant-based dyes and ethical labor, Groceries Apparel is known for comfort and transparency. They make different types of non-toxic leggings and shorts with different fabric compositions, which are soft, breathable, and stylish. We highlighted both of them here below. Their plant based non-toxic Vege-dye™ made using real vegetables is what make the difference in wearing healthy fabric, on top of the material.
Fabric material:
- Type 1: 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex.
- Type 2: 66% Eucalyptus Tencel, 28% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, 6% Spandex
Dyes: Vege-dye™ made using real vegetables
Made in: USA (Los Angeles)
Sizes: XS-2XL
Related: 9 Organic, Truly Non-Toxic Bedding Brands That Use Only Natural Fibers
5. MATE Organic Cotton Stretch Midi Leggings with Pockets (or Without Pockets)
MATE The Label produces soft, comfortable leggings with traceable, ethical production methods. Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes, these leggings are breathable, safe for sensitive skin, and free from harmful chemicals and microplastics.
Fabric material: 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex.
Made in: India
Sizes: XS-XL
Related: JulieMay Rosie Silk & Organic Cotton Lace Lingerie Set Review
6. PACT Organic On The Go-To Leggings
PACT makes comfortable, durable, and non-toxic leggings in their Fair Trade Certified™ factories from 90% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 10% elastane. Perfect for yoga, Pilates, everyday wear, or light workouts, PACT leggings are affordable, and ethical, making them a practical choice for conscious consumers, even on a lower budget.
Fabric material: 90% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 10% elastane.
Made in: India.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Related: 9 Best Sustainable Fashion Brands to Shop in 2026
7. BOLDWILL Pockets Leggings Made of Tencel Lyocell
BOLDWILL’s leggings are crafted from TENCEL™ Lyocell, a silky, plant-based fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. Their production uses Bluesign® certified dyes and water-based ink transfers, while elastic bands are made from natural rubber and organic cotton. This product is tested for and is free from PFAS, BPA and AZO.
This thoughtful combination of materials and product testing ensures you can enjoy comfortable, high-performance leggings with zero exposure to toxins or microplastics, making them a safe and sustainable choice for your workouts and daily wear. As you can see, this brand is very transparent!
Fabric material: 89% TENCEL™ Lyocell and 11% CREORA™.
Sewing threads: 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell.
Elastic bands: natural rubber and organic cotton.
Prints: water based ink transfers.
Dyes: Bluesign® certified.
Made in: Greece
Sizes: XS-XXL
Related: 5 Organic Non Toxic Blankets and Throws in Super Soft Natural Fibers
8. Tripulse Pro Tencel Leggings
Tripulse creates natural performance activewear for conscious-minded individuals. Their leggings, shorts, and tops are primarily made from TENCEL™ Lyocell, a plant-based, breathable, and sweat-wicking fiber. A small percentage of ROICA® elastane provides stretch. Designed in Sweden and ethically made in Europe, Tripulse is climate-positive, high-performing, and gentle on your body and the planet.
Fabric material: PYRATEX® Power III, consisting of
- 86% TENCEL™ Lyocell sustainably sourced wood fiber certified by Lenzing, and
- 14% ROICA® EF385 recycled elastane from pre-consumer materials.
This material is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 tested and certified free from over 1,000 harmful substances including PFAS, BPAs, formaldehyde and other endocrine disruptors.
Made in: Portugal
Sizes: XXS- XXXL
Q & A on Leggings without Synthetics (Plastic etc.)
– Are Non-Toxic Leggings Really Better for My Health?
Yes. Leggings made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™ are breathable, moisture-wicking, and free from hormone-disrupting chemicals found in synthetic fabrics.
– Do Natural Leggings Perform As Well As Synthetics?
Absolutely. Modern sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell and ROICA® elastane offer stretch, durability, and moisture management, making them suitable for yoga, running, and high-intensity workouts.
– Will Cotton or Tencel Leggings Last?
Yes. While synthetic fabrics may feel durable, but they shed microplastics every time you wash them. High-quality natural or bio-based leggings are designed to last for years, while remaining safe for you and the planet.
– Can Non-toxic Leggings Reduce My Environmental Impact?
Yes. Switching to non-toxic leggings reduces microplastic pollution, decreases fossil fuel demand, and supports ethical, sustainable production practices.
Conclusion: The Future Needs Microplastic Free Leggings
Choosing non-toxic, microplastic-free leggings is more than a slow fashion choice, it’s a step toward better health and a cleaner planet. Whether you practice yoga, run, or need leggings for everyday wear, natural and plant-based fibers like organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™ Lyocell offer comfort, performance, and sustainability.
A simple change in your wardrobe can make a meaningful difference for your body, the environment, and future generations.
Do you have any questions or comments? Let us know in the comments section below.
References and Scientific Research Sources:
- https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749119341065
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c01894
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935123012835
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308736592_Release_of_synthetic_microplastic_plastic_fibres_from_domestic_washing_machines_Effects_of_fabric_type_and_washing_conditions
This article was written by Ella Matthews, and reviewed by I’m Plastic Free Editor, Simona Paganetto
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