Your Ultimate Guide to Toxins in Clothing for a Healthier You

We live in a plastic world.

We wear it, wrap our food in it, and even sleep in it.

The health risks of chemicals in food and beauty products are widely discussed. But what about the hidden toxins in our clothing?

Clothes–especially activewear–are something we wear daily without thinking twice. While we dress to feel good, we may be unknowingly exposing ourselves to harmful substances.

In this guide, you’ll discover the hidden toxins in clothing, learn effective ways to limit exposure, and explore how Tripulse is leading the way as a natural, non-toxic activewear brand.

Ready to feel empowered and embrace a greater sense of well being? Let’s dive in!

Toxins in Clothing: Key Takeaways

• Most of our wardrobes are packed with plastic-based materials like polyester and nylon. Aside from being affordable, they offer many convenient features consumers love. Think moisture-wicking, stain resistance, odor control, and more!
• But here's the catch: these qualities don't occur naturally. To be user-friendly, most garments are treated with a cocktail of toxic chemicals.
• Chemical residue can linger in the fibers of your clothing and absorb through the skin. Some toxins in clothing can be hormone-disrupting and linked to other health issues like skin irritation, and even cancer.
• You’re more at risk of toxin exposure through clothing when you exercise. As your body becomes heated, your pores open up, making it easier for these substances to seep in.
• Tired of exposing your body to toxins? Start by choosing high-performing natural fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell. Look out for brands with credible certifications like OEKO-TEX 100, GOTS and Bluesign.
• Pro tip: Swap out everyday essentials you wear often and close to the skin, like underwear and activewear. This gradual approach makes it easier to build a toxin-free wardrobe over time.

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Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Harmful Toxins in Clothing and Activewear You Should Know About
3. The Special Case of Activewear: Sweat, Skin Absorption, and Increased Risk
4. What Clothing Materials are Toxic?
5. A Note on Toxins in Clothing and the Environment
6. How to Avoid Toxins in Clothing: Detox Your Activewear Wardrobe Today!
7. How Tripulse is Tackling Toxins in Clothing
8. Toxins in Clothing FAQ
9. Join the Clean Activewear Revolution!

Harmful Toxins in Clothing and Activewear You Should Know About

Synthetic fabrics are the activewear industry’s it girl. They permeate the supply chains of the most prominent fast fashion brands. It’s what keeps the profit-obsessed apparel system turning.

Plastic-based materials are much cheaper to produce compared to natural fibers. Derived from crude oil, they have qualities many athletic wearers love: stretchy, moisture-wicking, strain-resistant – the list goes on!

But there’s a hidden cost to such convenience. To achieve these practical and performance-driven qualities, our clothing is heavily processed with an alarming cocktail of chemicals.

In fact, the fashion industry uses around 8,000 synthetic chemicals. The result? A slew of environmental problems and hidden health risks. 

Many toxins in clothing are endocrine disruptors. In other words, chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of the body.

Here are some prolific toxins in clothing and activewear you should be aware of:

 

BPA

BPA is a chemical mainly used to make rigid plastics. And it’s everywhere! Food storage. Children’s toys. Even your clothing.

According to OEKO-TEX, BPA is used to “improve the natural properties and lifespan of a fabric”. It helps wick away moisture, retain dyes, prevents static and acts as a flame retardant.  

The downside? BPA is highly toxic and linked to numerous health problems. It's a hormone disruptor linked to reproductive issues, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

What’s more, BPA is a skin sensitizer and can easily be absorbed through the skin. One study found people who frequently handled receipts contaminated with BPA had higher than normal levels of the substance in their bloodstream.

Flame Retardants

Flame retardants… in clothing?! In an increasingly plastic world, flame retardants have become widespread. As plastics are highly flammable, flame retardants are the fashion industry’s go-to. This is especially the case for children’s clothing.

Flame retardants are bioaccumulative. This means they become more condensed in the bodies of living things over time. Children are found to be most vulnerable to flame retardants. Research links exposure to reduced IQ levels and neurotoxicity. A study by the University of California, Berkley found flame retardant PBDE changed thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy, putting mother and baby at risk.

PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS are a persistent group of man-made chemicals found in just about everything!

PFAS – short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are often used to treat clothing. Why? Because they have an unparalleled ability to make clothing grease-, water-, and stain-resistant. Research by Toxic-Free Future found that 72% of water- and stain-resistant products contain PFAS.

So, what's the problem with PFAS? They are almost impossible to destroy – hence the term “forever chemicals”. PFAS may also cause a wide range of health issues from cancer to thyroid problems.

PFAS also wreak havoc in the natural environment, contaminating drinking water and bioaccumulating in wildlife and ecosystems. A 2023 study found hundreds of animal species with disturbingly high levels of PFAS.

In the human world, the situation isn't much better. A flurry of recent class-action lawsuits claim brands are promoting their products as healthy and sustainable while high levels of PFAS lurk behind the label.

Azo Dyes

Azo dyes are also responsible for toxins in clothing. Azo dyes are a large group of synthetic chemicals used to dye fabric. Approximately 60-70% of all dyes used across the fashion industry and beyond are azo dyes.

Azo dyes pose a great risk to human health due to their carcinogenic properties. Plus, they are water-soluble so can absorb through the skin. The EU banned azo dyes due to their toxicity. However, laws in other non-EU countries – including the United States – are more precarious. This means they are still used by fashion brands in many corners of the world.

 

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is another hazardous offender to add to the mix of toxins in clothing. Formaldehyde in clothing increases wrinkle- and stain resistance. It’s also effective in retaining color which is why fashion brands use formaldehyde in jeans.

That said, formaldehyde can be detrimental to your health. Exposure can cause skin, throat and lung irritations. In fact, high levels of formaldehyde in the body can cause cancer.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are found in nature but they are also used synthetically. Textile manufacturers use lead in fabric dyeing to enhance and retain color.

The presence of lead in the body can profoundly impact your health. This is especially the case for young children and women of childbearing age. According to the World Health Organization, lead can damage the brain, liver, kidneys, bones and nervous system. Lead exposure, at any level, is considered harmful.

Phthalates

Phthalates are used to make plastic materials more flexible. For this reason, phthalates are commonly found in synthetic activewear. Exposure to phthalates can lead to extensive health problems from allergies to diabetes. Plus, phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system leading to reproductive issues.

The Special Case of Activewear: Sweat, Skin Absorption, and Increased Risk

When it comes to chemicals in activewear, the stakes are even higher. Why? Because when we exercise, our pores open up, making it easier for these chemicals to enter our bodies. We wear activewear close to our bodies for long periods, making it an incredibly intimate part of our wardrobe.

Understanding the risks of toxic gym clothes empowers you to make healthier choices.

Here’s why it’s crucial to be mindful of what you wear while breaking a sweat:

• Sweating in synthetic activewear makes us more susceptible to toxins. The oily substances in our sweat can draw out harmful chemicals from plastic fibers. Polyester, often used in activewear, can have a chemical reaction.
• Synthetic activewear isn’t ideal for sensitive skin. Plastic-based fabrics trap heat and bacteria which can irritate the skin. What's more, the chemicals and dyes used can trigger additional sensitivity and discomfort.
• Synthetic activewear contains hormone-disrupting chemicals. The CEH found dangerously high levels of BPA in the athletic apparel of major brands. This exposes wearers to 40 times the safe limit, according to California law.
• Synthetic activewear is often layered with a toxic performance coating. If you’re struggling with BO, synthetic, anti-odor sportswear may seem like the perfect solution. However, silver nanoparticles–the chemicals used to achieve anti-odor–come with hidden dangers. Emerging research shows nanoparticles can absorb through the skin. They then travel to other areas of the body where they become toxic.
• Forever chemicals in leggings are a growing concern. A 2022 study by the research platform Mamavation tested 32 pairs of mainstream activewear. The results? Pervasive PFAS were lurking in all of them!

Pro tip: Wrap your skin in nature rather than plastic. Opt for non-toxic fabrics such as TENCEL™ Lyocell. Enjoy activewear that's high-performing, breathable, odor-resistant, and kind to your skin. Your body (and the planet) will thank you!

What Clothing Materials are Toxic?

Here are some common toxic fabrics found in mainstream activewear. Discover the performance drawbacks and the potential health risks associated with the chemicals they are processed with.

Polyester

Overview: Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum. It’s widely used in activewear for its durability, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying properties.

Performance Drawbacks: Polyester isn’t breathable. It’s a tightly woven fabric that can easily trap heat and bacteria. This can lead to bad smells and skin irritation during workouts.

Health Risks: As noted above, polyester can release trace amounts of antimony when you sweat. Antimony is carcinogenic and exposure can impact the lungs, heart, and stomach. It can also cause skin irritation. Moreover, research suggests a potential link between wearing polyester and fertility problems. 

Nylon

Overview: Made from crude oil, nylon –particularly nylon 6,6– is another synthetic crowd-pleaser in the activewear industry. Nylon is popular because of its stretchiness, durability and quick-drying properties.

Performance Drawbacks: Like polyester, nylon is a tightly woven fabric. This means it isn’t breathable and can trap heat and odor-causing bacteria against the skin.

Health Risks: Nylon’s production involves intense chemical processing. It can leave residues that may cause skin allergies and impact the immune system. 

Rayon

Overview: Rayon is derived from trees like eucalyptus and spruce. It’s considered a fabric shape-shifter mimicking the likes of wool, cotton and silk. This means rayon is used to make almost any type of clothing – including activewear. While touted as an eco-friendly fabric, its sourcing and processing can be devastating for our health and the environment.

Performance Drawbacks: Rayon has low durability and can lose tensile strength when wet.

Health Risks: Rayon manufacturing uses the viscose process. This involves a wide range of toxic chemicals like carbon disulfide. Exposure is linked to serious health risks for workers, from heart disease to birth defects. Cellulose acetate is also used to give rayon its cotton-like feel. The chemical residue left on acetate rayon can cause vomiting, dizziness, headaches and chest pain.

Spandex

Overview: Spandex is derived from a synthetic polymer called polyurethane. It’s widely used for sporty attire and often blended with other fibers to increase elasticity and strength. Spandex’s super-stretchy nature lets it expand up to 500% of its original size and snap back into shape. This makes it a go-to material for high-compression, form-fitting clothes. 

Performance Drawbacks: Spandex isn’t the most breathable material. It can easily trap heat and odors – especially during intense activities. In some cases, this can lead to skin infections and irritation. 

Health Risks: While polyurethane is generally considered a safer plastic, it contains urethane. Urethane is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you have sensitive skin or respiratory concerns, approach polyurethane-based products with caution. Isocyanates – another component used to make polyurethane – are linked to asthma and skin irritations.

Pro tip: Look for athletic brands that use more sustainable alternatives to elastane. For example, Tripulse uses toxin-free ROICA® V550 to make our activewear. More on this later!

Do you have sensitive skin? Discover how our skin-friendly activewear can change your workouts for the better.

Conventional Cotton

Overview: Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics in the world. It's also derived from nature, specifically from the fibers that surround the seeds of the cotton plant. Research shows cotton is far more breathable and odor-resistant than synthetic materials. Cotton can contain harmful synthetic substances if it's processed conventionally. 

Performance Drawbacks: Cotton is very absorbent. This means it’s not quick-drying or effective at wicking away moisture from the body. Not ideal when you’re breaking a sweat!

Health Risks: Did you know cotton is the world’s dirtiest crop? It’s traditionally farmed and processed with chemical pesticides and insecticides. Cotton production is responsible for 6% of the world’s pesticides and 16% of its insecticides. Around 200,000 cotton farmers die from poisoning every year as a result of chemical exposure. The chemicals in cotton are more likely to harm the workers than the wearers. That said, a 2004 study by the Technical University of Lódz, in Poland, found pesticides lurking on cotton clothing.

Pro Tip: Looking for a natural activewear alternative? Choose TENCEL™ Lyocell over cotton. TENCEL™'s cellulosic fibers are naturally structured to efficiently absorb and wick away moisture. Indeed, TENCEL™ is 50% more absorbent than cotton. The result? Activewear that feels cool, dry and super comfortable – like a second skin! TENCEL™ is also completely free from harmful chemicals.

 

At Tripulse, we don’t use synthetic or chemically processed materials. Discover our skin-friendly and toxin-free activewear made with TENCEL™ Lyocell.

A Note on Toxins in Clothing and the Environment

Big fashion's obsession with plastic and chemicals is wreaking havoc in the environment:

• We’re on the brink of a water pollution crisis and the fashion industry has a huge part to play. The UN estimates that 80-90% of wastewater globally goes back into the environment untreated. Textile dyeing and finishing contributes to approximately 20% of global clean water pollution.
• A report by the CDP found many fashion brands have poor regulations when it comes to tackling water pollution in their value chain.
• In textile production regions like Bangladesh, the situation is dire. Recent research found alarming levels of toxic PFAS in rivers, lakes, and tap water. This is putting ecosystems and local communities at significant risk​.
• Synthetic textiles contribute to around 35% of ocean microplastics. Microplastics can be devastating for wildlife when ingested. Moreover, microplastics have been found in the human body too. The health hazards of microplastics aren't yet well known. However, experts are increasingly calling for a global health emergency.

How to Avoid Toxins in Clothing: Detox Your Activewear Today!

Is it possible to completely avoid toxins in clothing? In short: yes it is!

With a little due diligence, we promise it’s possible to create a safe and stylish wardrobe.
Keep reading to find out how you can effectively avoid toxic chemicals in clothing.

1. Look Out For Sustainable Fashion Certifications

Is your outfit certified? Sustainable fashion certifications are powerful tools to avoid toxins in clothing. These are voluntary and issued by a third-party assessor. To become certified, a brand or product must meet strict social and environmental standards.

Keep these certifications in mind when considering toxins in clothing:

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

This is a well-known independent certification within textile and fashion. If an item of clothing carries a STANDARD 100 label, you can trust every element is free from harmful substances. In fact, all textiles are meticulously tested against 350 toxic chemicals! Not sure if your OEKO-TEX® label is official? You can easily check this through the OEKO-TEX® free label checker.

GLOBAL TEXTILE STANDARD (GOTS)

A global textile processing standard for organic fibres. A GOTS-certified product meets the strictest social and ecological standards. The GOTS standard is rigorous, eradicating toxic chemicals from the textile supply chain.

BLUESIGN
Is blue the new black? Certainly blue – or rather bluesign® – is the right choice when steering away from toxins in clothing. The bluesign® certification is your way to test if an item of clothing is made in a safe and eco-conscious way. You can view bluesign®’s strict sustainability attributes for approved chemicals here.

Hint: biomass or bio-based substances are a must!

Curious to see how sustainability certifications look in practice? Check out our Sustainability page to see how Tripulse follows strict standards when creating our toxin-free activewear.

2. Choose Natural Performance Fabrics

Natural performance fabrics – another effective solution to toxins in clothing!

Wrapping your body in natural fibers rather than plastic has many benefits:

• Gentle on Your Skin: Natural fabrics are often soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. This is especially important if you're prone to skin irritations or blemishes. With natural fabrics, you're less likely to experience discomfort or disruption during your workouts and daily routine!
• Fewer Chemicals: Unlike synthetics, natural fabrics typically require fewer substances to produce. As noted above, some toxins may still be present depending on how the garment is processed. Make sure to always check a brand's supply chain and its certifications.
• Stay Fresher For Longer: Natural materials tend to resist odor better than synthetics. This means you can reduce endless washing cycles and keep feeling fresh and comfortable for longer. 

So, which natural fabrics should you consider when choosing toxic-free clothing? Here are some examples:

TENCEL™ Lyocell: derived from renewable wood pulp and follows a toxic-free production process. TENCEL™ is high-performing, ultra-breathable and naturally odor-resistant. In other words, it’s perfect for activewear hence why we use it. More on Tripulse and TENCEL™ later!

Organic Cotton: a healthier alternative to conventional cotton. Organic cotton eliminates the use of poisonous pesticides during cultivation. It uses less water than standard cotton and isn’t treated with toxic chemicals if GOTS certified.

Merino Wool: A natural and versatile fabric derived from domestic Merino sheep. Merino wool is toxic-free if it's certified and processed in an eco-friendly way (see below!) It can also require large amounts of land, water and energy to produce. Although prone to pilling, merino wool clothing lasts a long time if cared for properly. It also feels soft against the skin and effectively regulates your body temperature in hot and cold weather.

Pro tip: When choosing merino wool, opt for mulesing-free options to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the sheep. We also recommend avoiding superwash merino wool – a harmful process where the fibers are coated in synthetic resin and treated with chlorine. This toxic treatment makes superwash wool easy to care for. In other words, machine washable. If in doubt, contact the brand directly for further clarification or check out sustainable fashion directories like Good On You. 

Interested in how different activewear fabrics stack up?  Read our guide to  Choosing the Best Workout Fabric and make the right choice for you.

3. Be Wary of Greenwashing Claims

Conscious consumerism is on the rise but so is greenwashing. Greenwashing is when a company invests in marketing tactics to exaggerate sustainable claims. Many brands – especially in fashion – continue to use destructive business models while using deceptive techniques to win the public over.

So, how do you spot greenwashing? Here are a few tricks to be mindful of when avoiding toxins in clothing:

• Using fluffy buzzwords like “eco-friendly” and “sustainability” without clarity.
  Making vague environmental and ethical claims with no data or certifications to back them up.
• Creating a “sustainable” collection but the rest of the company’s business model is still environmentally and ethically poor.
• Making hypocritical statements. For example, brands that promote fair working conditions but outsource manufacturing to countries with poor labor laws.

Pro tip: Looking to benchmark a brand’s environmental and ethical claims? Check third-party directories like Good On You. Tripulse is rated with the highest rating “Great” by Good On You. Discover our sustainability rating here.

4. Avoid the Most Toxic Clothing Brands

Many fast fashion brands, including activewear, are responsible for toxins in clothing. But how do you spot them? Avoid brands that:

• Bring out new collections with astonishingly cheap price tags nearly every week.
• Provide little to no information on how they reduce environmental impact.
• Provide little to no information about their supply chain or where their products are made. 

Ready to build your eco-conscious and non-toxic wardrobe?

 Download your FREE  guide!

 

How Tripulse is Tackling Toxins in Clothing

 

 

At Tripulse, we believe you deserve better. Your activewear should feel great, support your health, and help you perform at your best. It certainly shouldn't expose you to toxins, irritate your skin, or harbor unpleasant odors.

That’s why we craft premium activewear powered by nature rather than plastics. Our clothing is skin-friendly, stays fresh longer, and contains no harmful chemicals – ever.

So, how exactly do we achieve toxin-free activewear? Keep reading to find out more!

The Power of TENCEL™ Lyocell

Our signature premium fabric is TENCEL™ Lyocell by Lenzing. It's so soft, comfortable and high-performing without exposing you to nasties and microplastics.

Here’s why TENCEL™ is the safest and healthiest fabric for your body and the planet:

• TENCEL™ is high-performing and versatile without relying on harmful chemicals. It’s naturally durable, breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant.
• Fun Fact! TENCEL™ is much more comfortable to sweat in than polyester. A study by Lenzing compared TENCEL™ and polyester activewear in extreme sports. The results showed that odor and bacterial growth were significantly worse in polyester.
• It follows a strict chemical-free production process. That’s right! No harmful substances are used to make TENCEL™. It only uses water and environmentally harmless solvents. These are reused at a rate of more than 99% during production.
• It’s certified biodegradable and compostable. It’s true: TENCEL™ can return to nature in a relatively short amount of time depending on the environment. That's a key difference to chemically produced synthetics like polyester that can take centuries, or more, to decompose. 

Other Toxin-Free Materials We Use

• ROICA® V550: A compostable version of synthetic elastane that's Cradle to Cradle Certified® with the material health category “Gold”. This means it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and can revert to nature. Our popular TENCEL™ Original Leggings and Pro Leggings contain ROICA® V550. The result? Extremely stretchy and supportive activewear – like a second skin!
• Dyes and Finishings: Our dyes and finishing are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified and REACH compliant. REACH is an EU regulation that protects human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. It ensures clothing can be safely worn without harming the wearer.
• Water-Based Inks and Care Labels: When it comes to reducing toxins in our activewear, details are everything! That’s why all of our prints are made from eco- and health-friendly water-based inks. Plus, our care labels contain organic cotton or TENCEL™ Lyocell.
• Natural Rubber and Organic Cotton Waistbands:  A great alternative to petroleum-based elastane! We use 60% certified organic cotton and 40% natural rubber to make the waistbands in our leggings. Our GOTS-certified supplier ensures environmentally and socially responsible production, the use of organic fibres, and no toxic chemicals.

Learn More About Our Toxin-Free Supply Chain

A clear understanding of how our activewear is made and where the materials come from is not a bonus, it's a necessity. This is especially true when minimizing toxins in clothing!

All of our products are ethically made in Europe. Our suppliers and production partners in Portugal are REACH and STEP certified by OEKO-TEX. This means they adhere to strict social, environmental and health standards. Plus, our production factory is GOTS-certified.

Still curious? Find out more about our ethical and traceable supply chain here. 

Toxins in Clothing and Activewear FAQ

How Do I Know If My Clothes Are Toxic?

Here are a few steps to help you determine whether your clothes may contain harmful chemicals:

1. Check the Materials: Plastic-based fibers, like polyester, polyamide and nylon, are often processed with toxic chemicals. These materials can leach harmful substances over time.
2. Consider the Brand: Avoid fast fashion brands like H&M, Zara and Shein. They are more likely to cut corners by using cheap and chemically-intensive production.
3. Look for Credible Certifications: Reputable, meaningful standards like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Bluesign ensure no harmful chemicals are used during production.
4. Use Third-Party Platforms: Research before you buy. Use sustainable fashion platforms like Good On You to help you. They evaluate a brand's social and environmental credentials. This includes their commitment to reducing or eliminating hazardous chemicals in manufacturing.

Are Shein Clothes Safe to Wear?

Simply put, Shein's clothes are considered unsafe to wear. 

Toxic threads run deep in the fashion industry and ultra-fast fashion brands are some of the worst offenders! A 2021 CBC investigation found dangerously high levels of toxins in Shein clothing and other major fashion brands. 

38 samples of children’s, adult and maternity clothes and accessories were tested. 1 in 5 items were found to contain risky levels of chemicals including lead, PFAS and phthalates. One test found a toddler’s jacket by Shein contained almost 20 times the amount of lead deemed safe for children by Health Canada.

Fast forward to 2024 and researchers are still uncovering carcinogenic substances in these products at levels hundreds of times above legal limits!

How to Tell if Your Clothes Have PFAS?

PFAS are a prolific toxin in clothing. Here are some ways to tell if your clothes might contain this widespread chemical:

• Look out for key phrases like “water-resistant”, “stain-resistant” and “moisture-wicking”. These treatments often involve the use of PFAS to create the desired effect.
• Be suspicious of synthetics. PFAS are commonly found in plastic-based materials like polyester and nylon. Opting for natural fibers like TENCEL™ Lyocell that haven’t undergone chemically intensive production reduces the risk of PFAS exposure.
• Is the product certified safe? Certifications like OEXO-TEX, REACH and Bluesign ensure garments are free from toxic chemicals, including PFAS. If you can’t find meaningful designations to support chemical-free claims, consider reaching out to the brand directly for clarification.  

Can Chemicals in Clothes Be Absorbed Through the Skin?

Yes – chemicals in clothes can be absorbed through the skin. Toxins in clothing can enter the bloodstream. 

One study looking at the risks of chemical exposure through the skin found that textile dyes can leave harmful residues. These residues can result in skin irritations and possible absorption of toxins. This is especially true when working out in synthetic activewear. When you sweat your pores expand, leaving you more vulnerable to toxins in clothing.

Can Toxins Be Washed Out of Clothes?

Although you can’t completely eradicate toxins in clothing, it’s always a good idea to wash new clothes before you wear them. It feels counterintuitive but it’s important to wash out any toxic residue that may still be lingering on the fabric.

Pro tip: Use unscented, non-toxic laundry detergent when washing new clothes. If the item has an overpowering synthetic smell, we recommend sending it back!

In the end, the only way to truly avoid toxins in clothing is by choosing natural clothing that's free from hazardous chemicals.

Is BPA in Clothing Dangerous?

Yes, BPA (bisphenol A) in clothing can pose significant risks to your health. BPA is a known carcinogen linked to various health issues, ranging from hormone disruption to increased risks of certain chronic diseases. As a skin sensitizer, it can also trigger allergic reactions when in direct contact with your skin.

BPA is especially prolific in polyester activewear to enhance performance and durability. Research shows BPA can easily be absorbed through the skin. Your body is especially vulnerable to BPA exposure when you exercise. Activewear fits snugly and is designed to be worn for long periods. When your body heats, your pores open up, increasing the risk of BPA exposure.

Feel safe and stylish in natural and BPA-free activewear by Tripulse. 

Is Polyester Toxic to Wear?

Polyester can be toxic to wear because of how it’s processed. Polyester – like most synthetic fabrics – is laced with various toxic substances. Trace amounts of chemical residue can lurk within the threads, posing a risk to our health.

For example, high levels of chromium (commonly used to dye fabric) were found in black polyester clothing. Chromium is carcinogenic and exposure can cause respiratory and reproductive problems. Dermal contact can also result in skin diseases, including allergic reactions and hypersensitivity. 

Is Polyurethane Toxic in Clothing?

The potential risks of polyurethane in clothing remain a topic of ongoing research.  However, if you have sensitive skin, and are concerned about toxin exposure, we recommend avoiding polyurethane-based products.

Polyurethane is made using several chemicals, some of which are known to be harmful. For instance, it contains urethane, a substance the National Institutes of Health lists as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Additionally, a 2019 study published in the Environmental Science & Technology Journal tested the toxicity of plastic-based consumer products, including those made with polyurethane and other polymers. Polyurethane-based items showed some of the highest toxicity levels related to chemical exposure.

Another chemical used in polyurethane production is isocyanates, which have been linked to respiratory issues like asthma and skin irritations.

Spandex is a popular polyurethane-based product. It’s flexible, comfortable and great for intense activity. Hence why it’s used so much for activewear. 

 

If you’re looking for a non-toxic option, try activewear made with Roica® V550–stretchy, high-performing, and free from harmful chemicals!

Join the Clean Activewear Revolution

Toxins in clothing are a growing concern.

The fashion industry’s reliance on cheap, chemically-infused synthetic materials is a big part of the problem. It's putting our health, the people who make your clothes, and the environment at risk.

But there’s hope. Avoiding toxins in clothing is easier than you think. By choosing natural alternatives, seeking trusted certifications, and steering clear of fast fashion, you can make a real difference.

At Tripulse, we’re leading the way with a healthier choice: high-performing, skin-friendly activewear crafted from premium wood-based fabric TENCEL™ Lyocell. It’s better for you and the planet.

Ready to feel good about what you wear and take care of yourself and the world? Discover Tripulse

 

Sign up for our newsletter and receive 10% off your first order.

Plus, don’t forget to grab your FREE guide to building a stylish, non-toxic wardrobe! 

 

This article was written in collaboration with Christie Johnsson, an avid sustainability and health writer.