Omar Khalid
Workout clothing is often made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, which are essentially plastics. These fabrics are popular because they are flexible, moisture-wicking, and inexpensive. However, they have been linked to various health and environmental concerns. When worn during workouts, these plastic-based fabrics can release toxic chemicals and microplastics that are absorbed through the skin, potentially disrupting the endocrine system and causing other adverse health effects. Additionally, the production and disposal of these synthetic materials contribute to environmental issues and the overuse of non-renewable resources. As a result, there is a growing market for plastic-free workout clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool, and bamboo, offering sustainable and healthier alternatives for gym-goers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic wear at the gym | Polyester, nylon, and spandex |
| Why people wear plastic | These fabrics are cheap, convenient, and have wicking properties |
| Health risks | Disruptions to the endocrine system, absorption of chemicals through the skin, skin irritation, rashes, and breakouts |
| Sustainable alternatives | Organic cotton, merino wool, Tencel, hemp, and bamboo |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic gym wear is harmful to human health
Materials commonly used in plastic gym wear, such as spandex, nylon, and polyester, contain harmful chemical additives like phthalates and bisphenols, which are also used in the production of plastic. These chemicals can seep out when individuals sweat and be absorbed through the skin, potentially disrupting the endocrine system and posing serious health risks. Early research suggests that these chemicals may interfere with the thyroid, hormones, and nervous system.
In addition to the immediate health risks, plastic gym wear can also negatively impact individuals' workouts. These synthetic fabrics are often less breathable, leading to increased sweat and longer contact times with the skin. This can create an ideal environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria, potentially leading to skin irritation, rashes, and breakouts.
The preference for plastic gym wear over natural fibers, such as cotton, also has environmental implications. Synthetic fabrics are derived from petrochemicals and are not biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution and the accumulation of microplastics in the planet's ecosystems.
To mitigate the harmful effects of plastic gym wear, individuals can prioritize natural fibers when updating their workout wardrobes. Sustainable options, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™ Lyocell, provide the performance individuals need without the potential health and environmental risks associated with synthetic fabrics.
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Plastic gym wear is bad for the environment
Plastic gym wear is unsustainable and harmful to the environment. The polyester, spandex, and nylon that make up most gym wear are synthetic fabrics, which are essentially plastics. These synthetic fabrics are made from petrochemicals and are often formulated with harmful chemical additives like phthalates and bisphenols.
The production of these garments consumes non-renewable resources and contributes to the use of petroleum. They are also not biodegradable, leading to unsustainable plastic production. The dyes used on polyester are known skin sensitizers and can cause skin irritation.
Microplastics from these garments can enter the environment through washing, as they are not easily broken down. This can harm marine life and the ecosystem. Additionally, the release of microplastics during washing can also contaminate water sources, further impacting the environment.
To minimize the environmental impact of gym wear, it is advisable to opt for natural and biodegradable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™. These sustainable alternatives provide the performance needed for gym activities without the potential health and environmental risks associated with synthetic fabrics.
Furthermore, plastic-based workout clothing is not breathable, leading to increased sweat retention. This not only affects comfort during workouts but also contributes to higher washing frequencies, further exacerbating the release of microplastics into the environment.
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Plastic gym wear is not meant for constant skin contact
The production of polyester fabric uses more than twice as much energy as the production of cotton and contributes to environmental and human health issues. It emits a large number of greenhouse gases and exposes factory workers and surrounding communities to dangerous chemicals. Polyester is also a non-biodegradable product, shedding toxic microplastics into the environment and contributing to marine life harm.
When worn, plastic gym wear can cause skin irritation, rashes, and breakouts due to the combination of chemicals, sweat, and heat. The sweat and sebum secreted by the body can dissolve chemical additives in the fabric, allowing them to be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. This can lead to cumulative damage over time, especially for athletes who spend a significant amount of time in these fabrics.
The chemicals in plastic gym wear can also have serious health impacts. PFAS, or "forever chemicals," found in water-resistant fabrics, can build up in the body and have been linked to hormone issues, weakened immunity, and increased cancer risk. Other additives like phthalates and bisphenols can also be absorbed through the skin and may interfere with the thyroid, hormones, and nervous system.
To avoid the potential health risks associated with plastic gym wear, it is recommended to prioritize natural fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™ Lyocell. These fabrics provide the performance needed for physical activities without the health risks of synthetic materials. They are more breathable, comfortable, and skin-friendly, reducing the chances of allergic reactions and fungal infections. Additionally, natural fibers are biodegradable, minimizing adverse effects on the environment.
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Plastic gym wear is not sustainable
People tend to wear plastic fabrics to the gym because they are practical. Synthetic fabrics like nylon, spandex, and polyester are popular choices for activewear because they are stretchy, moisture-wicking, and do not interfere with workouts. However, these plastic fabrics are not sustainable and have negative environmental and health impacts.
Firstly, the production of plastic gym wear is harmful to the environment. It consumes non-renewable resources and contributes to the overuse of plastic, which undermines sustainability and harms marine life. The manufacturing process also involves toxic chemicals, which can contaminate the environment and pose risks to human health.
Secondly, plastic gym wear itself can be detrimental to both the environment and human health due to the presence of microplastics. During workouts, the friction and heat generated can cause microplastics to wear off and enter the environment, adversely affecting marine life. Additionally, when we sweat, these microplastics, along with other harmful chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenols, can be absorbed through our skin and make their way into our bodies. This absorption can lead to potential health risks, including endocrine system disruption, hormone issues, weakened immunity, and increased cancer risk.
Furthermore, synthetic gym wear is not easily biodegradable, unlike organic materials such as cotton. Choosing organic, sustainable materials can reduce the chances of allergic reactions and fungal infections, providing a more comfortable and skin-friendly experience.
To promote sustainability and mitigate the negative impacts of plastic gym wear, individuals can opt for natural or semi-synthetic fibres, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™ Lyocell. These materials offer similar performance benefits without the potential health and environmental risks associated with synthetic fabrics. Additionally, seeking ethical certifications, such as Fair Trade, can ensure that brands maintain sustainable and humanitarian practices throughout their production processes.
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Alternatives to plastic gym wear
People wear plastic to the gym because synthetic fibres like polyester, acrylic, and nylon are durable, stretchable, and have good sweat-wicking properties. However, these synthetic fibres are derived from fossil fuels and release harmful microplastics into the environment and our bodies.
If you are looking for alternatives to plastic gym wear, there are several brands that offer sustainable and health-conscious activewear made from natural fibres. Here are some options to consider:
- Pangaia uses a plant-based nylon alternative called "PLNTNYLN", made from ingredients like corn and castor beans, and treated with natural peppermint oil to prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
- MATE The Label uses GOTS-certified organic cotton with minimal synthetic content (no more than 8-10% spandex) and avoids harmful chemicals like pesticides, BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde.
- Reprise uses plant-based materials like Tencel, focusing on plastic-free, skin-friendly fabrics.
- Tentree produces workout clothing using natural materials like hemp and TENCEL™ Lyocell, as well as recycled fibres from plastic bottles, textile waste, and fishing nets.
- Patagonia offers workout apparel made from organic cotton and responsibly sourced wool. They also have a Worn Wear® program that allows you to trade in and purchase used Patagonia gear, reducing consumption and environmental impact.
- Pact Apparel offers organic cotton, fair trade-certified athleisure wear, including PFA-free leggings, sports bras, and workout clothes in various patterns and colours.
- Icebreaker specialises in merino wool athletic wear, providing high-performance, plastic-free options with natural breathability, odour resistance, and temperature regulation properties.
- Ripple makes comfortable activewear with modal, cotton, and vegan, non-toxic dyes. The brand is based in Israel, and its textiles and labour meet European standards.
When choosing alternatives to plastic gym wear, look for natural or semi-synthetic fibres like cotton, wool, hemp, or Tencel. These materials are more breathable, comfortable, and skin-friendly, reducing the chances of allergic reactions and fungal infections. They are also biodegradable, minimising adverse effects on marine life and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex are popular at gyms because they are stretchy, moisture-wicking, and don't interfere with workouts. However, these fabrics are essentially plastics that contain harmful chemicals, which can be absorbed through the skin when we sweat.
The harmful chemicals in plastic-based gym wear, such as phthalates and bisphenols, can disrupt the endocrine system and cause skin irritation, rashes, and breakouts. They may also be linked to hormone issues, weakened immunity, and increased cancer risk.
To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics, people are opting for natural, biodegradable fibres like organic cotton, merino wool, bamboo, and hemp. These fabrics are more breathable, comfortable, and skin-friendly, while also being better for the environment.
