Is your news feed lately full of posts about microplastics in your gym gear and yoga pants? Here's what you need to know and what you can do about it.
In short: Does activewear contain microplastics?
Most activewear is made from plastic-based fibres like polyester, nylon and elastane. These fabrics shed tiny plastic fibres (microplastics) during wear and washing. You don’t need to replace everything—but changing how you wash your clothes and choosing better fibres over time can significantly reduce your exposure.
What are microplastics in clothing?
Microplastics in clothing are tiny plastic fibres shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and elastane during wear and washing.
Most activewear is made from these plastic-based fibres. They’re designed for stretch and performance—but they shed microplastics over time.
These plastic fibres accumulate in waterways, oceans, air and household dust.
Microplastic shedding from textiles is now widely recognised as a major source of environmental plastic pollution, as well as exposing humans to plastic chemicals.
So not matter the activity you're wearing those stretchy leggings and moisture-wicking tops for – gym, running, pilates, yoga, training – it's time to read the labels and understand what it is you're pulling on.
Why activewear is under scrutiny
Activewear brands marketed around wellness and sustainability are facing increasing scrutiny when they rely heavily on synthetic, petroleum-based fabrics.
Some brands, including Lululemon, have faced questions around PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and BPA in certain products.
This doesn’t mean all activewear is unsafe—but it highlights a broader point that modern performance fabrics are not only plastic-based, they can also involve chemical treatments and additives.
Are clothes made from plastic?
Most modern activewear is made from synthetic or semi-synthetic fibres:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Elastane (spandex / lycra)
- Bamboo viscose / rayon / lyocell
- TENCEL™ (lyocell) and modal
For example, polyester is a form of the plastic used to make water bottles, but is spun into fibres and woven into a fabric instead of moulded. Nylon, acrylic and elastane are also plastic polymers derived from petrochemicals.
Performance attributes like that "second-skin feel", quick-dry, "4-way stretch", compression, seamless or low-chafe, odour-resistant, and UPF sun protection are delivered by the synthetic plastic fibres.
Even natural fibre sports clothing will likely have some elastane or Lycra to allow it to stretch and keep its shape – think sports bras, crop tops, tank tops, bike shorts, tights, leggings, hoodies, zip jackets...
Are bamboo, Tencel and modal plastic-free?
Bamboo, Tencel and modal are often marketed as natural—but they are semi-synthetic rayon.
They’re made by processing plant materials into fibres using chemical processes:
- Chemically processed into regenerated fibres
- Not raw natural materials
- Often blended with elastane (plastic)
They can still shed microfibres during wear and washing.
A simple takeaway: plant-based does not always mean plastic-free.
Where do microplastics in clothing come from?
Microplastics are released from synthetic and processed fabrics during everyday use.
They are released when:
- Clothes are washed
- Fabrics rub during wear
- Fibres break down into household dust
These fibres are too small to see, but build up in waterways, air and indoor environments over time.
Why does activewear shed microplastics?
Activewear combines several conditions that increase fibre breakdown:
- Heat and sweat
- Close contact with skin
- Movement and friction
- Frequent washing
Most activewear is also made largely from synthetic or regenerated fibres, which shed more easily than natural materials.
Is activewear bad for you?
Alongside microplastics, there’s growing awareness of what’s in the activewear fabric itself.
Some testing has found elevated levels of BPA (an endocrine disrupting chemical) in certain activewear items.
PFAS may also be used in performance fabrics for water- or stain-resistance.
Not all activewear contains these chemicals, and research is still evolving.
However, activewear is worn close to the skin, often during heat and sweat—conditions that have increased interest in potential exposure.
How to reduce microplastics from your clothing
You don’t need to replace your wardrobe. The most effective place to start is how you wash your clothes, especially synthetic fabrics like activewear.
| Laundry tip | Why this reduces microplastic shedding |
|---|---|
| Wash synthetic clothes less often | Less friction reduces fibre breakage |
| Use cold, gentle cycles | Lower stress on fibres |
| Use a gentle natural laundry detergent | Preserves fabric integrity |
| Avoid synthetic fragrance products | Reduces fibre degradation |
| Wash similar fabrics together | Less friction between garments |
| Avoid overloading the machine | Reduces fibre stress |
| Use microfibre-catching laundry bags | Captures fibres before they enter waterways |
| Air dry instead of using a dryer | Avoids heat damage and breakdown |
👉 At Biome, we focus on low-tox, plastic-free laundry products that support both fabric longevity and lower environmental impact.
What to wear instead
If you're looking to reduce exposure to plastic chemicals and microplastics, choose these fabrics for plastic free clothing:
- Organic cotton
- Linen
- Hemp
- Wool (look for mulseing free wool with humane accreditation)
These fibres don't rely plastic polymers and generally shed less persistent material.
Where to find natural fibre activewear in Australia?
If you are looking to move away from plastic-heavy activewear, there are a small but growing number of Australian brands exploring natural fibres.
Most are not completely plastic-free — especially where stretch is involved — but some are reducing synthetic blends.
 |
A few to explore: Note that materials can vary from piece to piece. Look at fabric composition — not just branding — to give a clearer picture of what you are actually wearing. |
Ready to take the next step?
At Biome, our mission is to make low-tox, plastic-free living simpler. If you're not sure where to start, these guides will help you make the biggest impact first.
FAQs
Microplastics in clothing: common questions
Is activewear made from plastic?
Yes. Most activewear is made from synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon and elastane, which are derived from petrochemicals. These materials are forms of plastic used to create stretch, durability and moisture-wicking performance.
Are leggings made from plastic?
Yes. Most leggings are made from polyester and elastane, both plastic-based fibres. Even leggings marketed as natural or eco-friendly often contain synthetic blends to provide stretch and shape.
Does washing activewear release microplastics?
Yes. Washing synthetic clothing releases tiny plastic fibres called microplastics into wastewater. Friction, heat and agitation during washing cause fibres to break off and enter waterways.
What fabrics shed microplastics?
Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics. This includes polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane. Semi-synthetic fabrics like viscose or lyocell may also shed plastic fibres, especially when blended with synthetic materials like Elastane.
What clothes don’t contain microplastics?
Clothing made from natural fibres is not plastic and does not contain microplastics. This includes organic cotton, linen, hemp and wool. However, blended fabrics (such as cotton with elastane) may still contain plastic fibres.
Is bamboo activewear plastic-free?
No. Bamboo activewear is usually made from bamboo viscose or lyocell, which are processed fibres. These garments are also commonly blended with elastane, so they are not plastic-free.
Can microplastic activewear harm your health?
Possibly, but research is still evolving. Microplastics can enter the body through air, food and water, and there is growing interest in whether clothing contributes to exposure. The level of risk from wearing activewear is not yet fully understood.
Here are clear, balanced FAQ answers that match your tone and are optimised for SEO and readability:
Is activewear made from recycled plastic bottles safe to wear?
Recycled plastic bottle activewear (rPET) is generally considered safe to wear, but it’s not risk-free. While the plastic is cleaned and reprocessed, there are ongoing questions about what chemicals may remain from the original plastic and what is added during manufacturing—such as dyes, finishes and performance treatments.
Like all synthetic fabrics, recycled polyester can also shed microplastics and may contain additives such as BPA or PFAS in some cases. Research into long-term exposure from clothing is still evolving, but recycled plastic does not eliminate these concerns—it simply repurposes the source material.
Is recycled polyester sustainable?
Recycled polyester is more sustainable than virgin polyester because it reuses existing plastic waste and reduces the need for new petroleum. However, it is still a plastic-based fibre that can shed microplastics and does not biodegrade. It’s best seen as a step in the right direction—not a complete solution—especially when compared to natural fibres like cotton, hemp or wool.
Do I need to throw out my activewear?
No. You do not need to throw out your activewear. A better approach is to keep what you have, wash it gently to reduce shedding, and choose natural fibres over time when replacing items.
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