In 2020, I began researching sustainable materials to create environmentally conscious Mardi Gras throws. I quickly found that, while there are plenty of natural and sustainable materials to use, they are unfortunately not cost competitive with plastic. Plastic is defiant, as a cheap and durable option, it’s tough to beat. But unfortunately, as we know, it comes with both health and environmental costs.
My sustainability research led me far beyond Mardi Gras, to the reality that plastic and its byproducts are pervasive and involved in almost everything we consume. What’s more, chemicals called PFAS are typically used alongside these plastics and synthetic textiles to provide stain, fire and water resistance. This means your non-stick cookware, carpet, clothing, cosmetics etc. are probably so effective in large part due to these chemicals.
It’s your right as a consumer to buy what you want. But shouldnt we be told in a very obvious way that certain components of the product might be harmful? Shouldn’t we choose where and when we allow these substances into our bodies? Particularly the things we ingest or wear close to our bodies?
For example, if you spend hours in your form fitting athletic leggings and top (guilty), you may want to check the labels. Unbeknownst to most people, the three most popular athletic brands on the market have exceedingly high levels of plastic based materials and PFAs. Odds are if yours boast moisture wicking and superior stretch, plastic and PFAS are highly involved.
Finding truly plastic and chemical-free workout clothing is nearly impossible unless you don an organic cotton or hemp T-shirt and shorts with zero stretch. The encouraging news is that a growing number of brands are working to reduce their environmental footprint and create cleaner performance apparel.
Local brand, Tasc has long incorporated sustainable materials into their clothing. Their signature BamCo® fabric blend (53% organic cotton, 43% bamboo viscose, 4% elastane) makes the case that textiles using less synthetics can be just as high performing and cute to boot. Meanwhile, national brands like Mate the Label, Lezat, and Free Fly Apparel are decreasing the amount of plastic used, reusing materials, and providing OEKO-TEX certifications. But there’s still a long way to go for our ever-increasing active population.
The NIH offers, “While dermal absorption has been assumed to be the least likely pathway for PFAS exposure in comparison to inhalation and ingestion, it is still a potential source of exposure.” This information is important. The warning, the possibility. You may decide it’s nothing to worry about, but at least you have the information. By educating ourselves, we can make the choices that feel the best for us.
When it comes to workout clothing, here are a few pieces I’d feel comfortable putting on my body, whether I am going to sweat or just hangout in my kitchen.
- Leggings and Bralette, Reprise Activewear 85% Biodegradable Polyamide/15% Recycled Spandex, 2) MicroLuxe Rib Tank, Tasc (48% Micro Modal / 48% Micro Polyester / 4% Elastane), 3) Microluxe Rib Short Sleeve, Tasc 48% micro modal | 47% micro polyester | 5% elastane, 4) Organic cotton Jumpsuit,95% organic cotton, 5% bio based elastane Lezat 5) Bambo Crop Tee, Massey’s Outfitters 70% Viscose from Bamboo / 30% Polyester, 6) Boxy Tee, Massey’s Outfitters or Organic (below) at Free Fly (48% Viscose from Bamboo / 48% Organic Cotton / 4% Spandex)
Sale & Event Picks:
Aug 6-7: Peter Cohen Trunk Show, Weinstein’s
Through Aug 8: Seersucker Sale, Ballin’s
Ongoing Sale, Fairfax Fabric
