For The Sporty Type!
Plastic sportswear is marketed as the best thing since sliced bread. But is it really? I hear over and over again that it is the most comfortable and effective fabric for our workouts being both moisture-wicking and stretchy. However, looking more carefully into what materials these brands are using for workout gear, I don’t agree. I mean, why do I avoid buying plastic clothing for every day and then kit myself out in 100% polyester to workout? Why do I refuse toxic dyes and chemicals in my food and beauty products only to wear them on my body instead?
I’d also like to dispel the myth that synthetic sportswear is more comfortable.
Over three months ago I embarked on a workout program consisting of Cardio, Hiit, weights, fight moves and yoga. It was intensive and meant working out every day for 100 days. I compared three sports bras. One was 100% synthetic; the next was 60% bamboo, 30% organic cotton and 10% elastane and the final one was 73% bamboo viscose, 21% polyamide and 6% elastane.
They all did the job, but I would do anything to avoid wearing the 100% synthetic option. It looked ok on, but it felt constrictive, it smelt bad way before the other two did and moisture didn’t magically wick itself away. It dried a lot quicker after washing, but that was the only plus point. The main point of a sports bra is to keep the chest in place and avoid injury. However, a garment does not need to be made from polyester for this to occur.
I’ve since got rid of my synthetic sports bra; it was just too uncomfortable to wear.
Below are some more natural options to the usual 100% synthetic sports bras. They all have a small percentage of elastane in them for stretch. I’m told this will help them to keep their shape and in turn, means they will last longer.
Julie May produce good natural sports bras made from organic Pima cotton which is OC certified and incredibly soft. They are lined in silk which is hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Julie May sports bras all incorporate a back cross over detail both improving posture and relieving back pain. The wide straps take the weight of the breasts off the shoulder.
From Clothing shout loud about the nasties in synthetic yoga bras. Instead, they offer a GOTS certified organic cotton bra with no toxic chemicals that not only look pretty but are also better for your body.
This merino sports bra is on my list whenever I need to repurchase a sports bra. I love the concept of using wool in sportswear. This particular one is 50% merino wool, 33% tencel, 12%nylon and 5% lycra which means you get the antibacterial properties of wool but still with a little added stretch.
I have this bra in white and have worn it all summer during my workouts. It’s one of the best natural sports bras out there. It’s especially useful for high-intensity cardio and Hiit. The fabric is 60% bamboo, 30% organic cotton and 10% elastane, and it is soft, supportive and smells fresh. The only drawback is it takes a lot longer to dry after washing, but this is probably the same for all non-plastic sports bras.
OGNX is one of my favourite brands for organic sportswear. I have a pair of organic cotton leggings, and a vest top and they are excellent quality. This sports bra is 92% organic cotton and 8% elastane.
People Tree are one of those sustainable brands that you can trust have not only used the best fabrics but have also taken steps to treat the garment workers with respect. This sports bra is 95% organic cotton with 5% elastane.
A beautiful high-intensity longline workout bra made from 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane. It features a cross back design and comes in three colours.
This is the sports bra that I’m wearing in the first image; it comes in light pink and violet. The fabric is 73% bamboo viscose, 21% polyamide and 6% elastane. It’s a light support bra which I use for pilates, yoga and lifting weights. It’s such a beautiful piece to wear and will last for a long time, but I would have preferred if there was less polyamide in the composition.
A classic sports bra but instead of synthetic it is 80% bamboo. It is a more supportive style than some of the others I’ve featured and comes in sizes extra small to extra large.
This one looks so comfortable! Bamboo Clothing designed it in a heavier weighted bamboo and organic cotton mix. It comes in this bright pink and seven other prints and colours.
64% bamboo, 24% organic cotton and 12% elastane have been used to create this pretty yoga bra. Urban Goddess does this bra in sizes up to XXL and has been designed to fit all types of body.
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About Me
The Green Edition is a journey to help slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life. With tips for shopping more consciously and simplifying your life.
About Me
The Green Edition is a journey to help slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life. With tips for shopping more consciously and simplifying your life.