Is it safe to wear activewear made from recycled polyester?
It still sheds microfibers and can carry antimony. Natural fibers are cleaner for workout wear.
What's actually in it
Recycled polyester activewear is made from PET bottles shredded into fiber. It's better for landfills than virgin polyester but carries the same issues in your wardrobe: it sheds microfibers, contains antimony from the original PET catalyst, and often has PFAS-based DWR coatings for moisture wicking.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Sci Total Environ showed sweat pulls PFAS and OPEs out of athletic-wear textiles through a skin model. A 2025 study documented microplastic shedding from plastic fibers.
For workouts, merino wool, organic cotton, or hemp blends breathe well and don't shed plastic. Brands like Icebreaker and Patagonia offer natural-fiber activewear.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat-amplified dermal transfer of PFAS and OPEs. | Sci Total Environ | 2025 |
| Microplastics in drinking water bottles and milk packaging. | Environ Monit Assess | 2025 |
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
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