"I Can Work Out Again": How Natural Fibres Transformed Our Customers' Workouts

Workout itch, rash, or irritation? It's more common than you think.

In conversations with our community over the years, we've learned that nearly everyone has experienced it at some point - usually without realizing their activewear was the trigger.

Here we share the real stories of three Tripulse community members - Rebecca, Emman and Mannon - whose workout skin struggles reflect many more voices.

For years, they thought rashes and irritation were just part of staying active. Some tried everything - from medications to skipping workouts altogether - but nothing solved the problem.

The turning point? Discovering that their activewear was the hidden trigger.

In this article, you'll see how switching to natural fibre activewear changed everything for them.

We'll also explain why fabrics can trigger flare-ups, which ones to avoid, and share a practical action plan (shaped by our community's experiences) to help you feel comfortable and confident in your workouts again.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways: How the Right Fabrics Changed Everything
• Workout Skin Struggles: Real Transformation Stories (Rebecca, Emman & Mannon)
• Best Workout Fabrics for Sensitive Skin (Community Insights)
• The Science Behind Fabric Flare-Ups
• Your Path to Skin-Friendly Workouts (5 Action Steps)
• Skin-Friendly Activewear FAQ
• Final Thoughts: Moving Freely With Sensitive Skin

Key Takeaways: How the Right Fabrics Changed Everything

Here's what workouts felt like for Rebecca, Emman and Mannon before vs. after switching to natural fabric (TENCEL™ Lyocell) activewear by Tripulse:

Beyond the physical, Rebecca, Emman and Mannon also experienced:

• Freedom to move without distraction
• Confidence in clothes that are safe and supportive
• Joy in workouts they once avoided or dreaded

Want relief like this? Explore our skin-friendly activewear.

Workout Skin Struggles: Real Transformation Stories (Rebecca, Emman & Mannon)

Rebecca's Story

Before Tripulse

Rebecca frequently suffered from severe skin reactions whenever she exercised. "During and after working out, I'd experience intense itching, burning and occasional rashes in any areas where clothing would trap moisture."

The discomfort gradually began to limit her choices. She skipped certain activities to avoid flare-ups and often pushed through discomfort when she wanted to move.

Rebecca pursued every possible solution: dermatologist appointments, allergy testing, steroid creams, medications, switching detergents, even skin biopsies. A moment of clarity came when she reacted severely to bamboo viscose. The fabric very quickly triggered rashes and itching. "I became even more curious about what influence the other fabrics in my wardrobe could be having on me and my environment."

The Turning Point

Her search led her to Tripulse, where low-synthetic content and sustainability aligned with her values. "I really liked the Tripulse material blends of TENCEL™ Lyocell and ROICA™, and I was excited that they offered several styles and lengths of shorts, each fitting a different need in my wardrobe based on activity type."

Above all, the fabric itself stood out. "TENCEL™ Lyocell has been a great combination of the benefits of many other natural fibers. It's soft, flexible, plant-derived, has moisture and odor control properties, and feels amazing on the skin."

After Switching

Rebecca noticed the difference right away. "My skin has not felt inflamed or itchy at all with my new Tripulse pieces, during or after exercise."

Instead of bracing for irritation, she now looks forward to putting on her activewear each day and enjoys cooler, dryer, and more comfortable workouts. "I am more prepared and empowered with clothing that meets the needs of each type of activity I engage in, from hiking and camping, to circus arts and yoga flow."

While Rebecca still occasionally uses a topical cream, the need has lessened significantly. Most importantly, she feels free again: "I am more grounded and engaged in my movement when not distracted by skin issues."

Emman's Story

Before Tripulse

Workouts often left Emman feeling very uncomfortable. "I experienced itching due to the fabric as I have very sensitive skin." The irritation didn't stop him from exercising, but it made movement distracting and less enjoyable.

The Turning Point

Over time, he began to suspect his clothing could be part of the problem. "After reading a lot about synthetic fabrics, I realized most of my clothing (not just activewear) consists of mostly 100% polyester or a blend of both cotton and polyester."

So when Emman discovered Tripulse was made from TENCEL™ Lyocell, he felt drawn to trying something new. "It was interesting and new to me and I was curious about how the material and touch would feel like."

After Switching

Once Emman started training in Tripulse, the quick relief he felt was game-changing for his skin: "It was immediate and it has this stretch and second-skin feel to it. None is comparable to cotton or polyester. When working out specifically, this type of material is the best. Period."

He even noticed it outperformed other natural fabrics like cotton and wool. "It felt light, airy, and breathable. It does not give me the weightiness and that is what I like about it. It almost feels like I'm not wearing anything - it's that comfortable."

Suddenly, exercise felt less like a battle with his skin and more like an opportunity to move freely again. "I feel confident knowing I'm wearing an amazing material on my skin and it's not harmful even when I sweat a lot. Unlike before, I was wearing anything without thinking of the toxicity of synthetics. It also made me realize I could perform better when executing certain workouts. It does make a difference."

For Emman, the shift also went beyond physical relief. "It was a total paradigm shift to all the different brands I tried in the past... It made me realize it is important to do your research before buying the right activewear. It made me flexible to try to do more things and get out of my comfort zone."

Mannon's Story

Before Tripulse

For Mannon, living with chronic eczema meant that rashes and itching were a constant part of daily life.

When it came to exercise, flare-ups would usually strike after a workout. "I tend to go home in my gym clothes and finish some household tasks before taking my shower - I'd get major rashes if I stayed too long with my sports clothes on. I would also get rashes during long hikes."

Over time, post-workout irritation became so routine Mannon simply accepted the discomfort as part of her training. "I assumed there is nothing much I can do if I have some sort of allergy to my own sweat... I was always on some sort of corticoid cream."

The Turning Point

Mannon wasn't searching for skin-friendly fabrics at first. She just wanted activewear that matched her commitment to sustainability. "At this time I had started to search for more environmentally friendly clothes so that was the main driver."

But when she tried Tripulse, she was surprised by how it felt against her skin: "I thought it was so soft the first time I tried it on!"

Plus, compared with cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell dried much faster and stayed fresh after multiple wears. And unlike wool, which always made her eczema flare, it felt gentle and itch-free.

After Switching

What started as a small shift quickly became life-changing. Within weeks, something she had long accepted as inevitable was no longer part of her life. "The post-workout rashes disappeared for good!"

Her workouts now feel easier, her skin calmer, and she relies less on cortisone creams. She's cut back on medical creams, and her Tripulse pieces have become trusted companions for training and travel alike. "Overall I feel better after my workouts."

Best Workout Fabrics for Sensitive Skin (Community Insights)

When it comes to sensitive skin and workouts, fabric choice can mean the difference between constant irritation and effortless movement.

Here's what stood out from our community stories.

The Science Behind Fabric Flare-Ups

Dyes and chemical finishes

• Often it's not the fiber, but what's added in production, that irritates sensitive skin.
• About 90% of clothing is dyed with synthetic dyes. Disperse dyes, common in polyester and nylon, are a leading trigger of skin flare-ups. They don't fully bind to fibers, leaving residues which can leach onto skin when you sweat.
• Even natural fabrics are often treated with wrinkle-resistant, anti-odor, or preservative finishes that can linger in the fibers and trigger reactions.

Lack of breathability and moisture control

• Synthetic activewear (e.g. polyester) is dense and unbreathable. This means it easily traps heat and sweat - a key cause of itchy skin during and after workouts.
• Lingering moisture fuels bacterial growth and odor (what researchers call the "textile microbiome"), which can aggravate sensitive skin and cause infection.
• Even cotton, while soft, isn't ideal for workouts. It absorbs sweat, feels heavy, and dries too slowly.

Texture and friction

• Some fibers feel naturally rougher against the skin.
• Constant friction during movement can damage the skin barrier, leading to irritation and discomfort.
• For example some varieties of wool can feel scratchy and irritating - especially if you have eczema or sensitive skin.

Your Path to Skin-Friendly Workouts (5 Action Steps)

Sensitive skin doesn't mean giving up movement.

Here are some practical steps - inspired by the journeys of Rebecca, Emman, and Mannon - to help you find relief and confidence when you workout.

1. Pay attention to what sits closest to your skin

Start with the pieces worn directly against your body, like sports bras, leggings, or underwear. Notice how your skin feels during and after workouts. Does it itch, overheat, or flare up?

Tracking these reactions is the first step to spotting patterns and understanding your triggers.

Remember: change doesn't always happen overnight. Some people in our community found relief straight away after switching fabrics, while for others it took a few weeks. Be patient with yourself. Every small step is progress toward a more comfortable, skin-friendly movement.

2. Choose natural, certified fabrics

Not all natural fabrics are automatically safe for sensitive skin. How they're processed (the dyes, finishes, and chemical treatments used) can make all the difference.

When choosing natural fabrics, look for:
✅ Sustainably sourced fibers
✅ Trusted certifications like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, REACH, GOTS or Bluesign®
✅ Transparency about how and where the fabric is made

For example, at Tripulse we keep your skin safe by:

• We use the gold standard of lyocell fibers: TENCEL™ Lyocell by Lenzing. We've tested countless qualities and only select the highest quality, best-performing TENCEL™ Lyocell fabrics for our activewear.
• TENCEL™ Lyocell is certified by OEKO-TEX®, Bluesign®, REACH, and Asthma Allergy Denmark's Blue Label, meeting the highest standards for skin safety. It's also made from sustainably sourced wood in a closed-loop process using only one non-toxic solvent.
• For stretch, we pair it with ROICA® V550 and EF. Certified by OEKO-TEX®, it's among the safest stretch fibers available today.
• Every garment is produced in a GOTS-certified factory, meeting the strictest environmental, health, and ethical standards.

Not all brands go this far. That's why checking certifications is the best way to ensure your skin is safe.

Learn more about how we ensure certified quality across our transparent supply chain.

3. Check trusted sources

Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your skin. Check trusted resources like Good On You for insights into a brand's supply chain, fabric choices, and chemical use.

You can also explore the Tripulse blog and newsletter for clear, research-based guidance to help you make healthier, more sustainable choices.

4. Look beyond your clothing

Clothing plays a big role, but it's not the only factor. Stress, hormones, diet, and even personal or household products can also influence skin sensitivity.

Taking a holistic view can help pinpoint possible triggers.

5. Seek professional support if needed

If irritation continues, consult a doctor, dermatologist, or allergist. As Rebecca's story showed, navigating sensitive skin can be complex.

Professional support can provide clarity and relief for both the physical and emotional impact of skin sensitivities.

Skin-Friendly Activewear FAQ

Does exercise cause itchy skin?

For some people, exercise can trigger itchy skin. The reasons can vary, but here are a few to consider:

1. Synthetic dyes and treatments. Most clothing is often dyed and treated with chemicals that can leach onto skin and cause irritation.
2. Sweat buildup. Sweat trapped under unbreathable fabrics (like polyester) can aggravate sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
3. Friction. Rubbing against fabric or skin-on-skin can break down the skin barrier, leading in some cases to redness, stinging and blistering.
4. "Runner's itch": A prickly, itchy feeling that can happen during workouts, often triggered when the body heats up and starts sweating. It's not a medical term, but overlaps with certain forms of hives (like cholinergic urticaria).

Learn more in our Complete Guide to Itchy Skin During & After Exercise.

What fabrics trigger eczema?

Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex often trigger eczema because they trap heat and sweat. Even some natural fabrics, like wool or bamboo viscose, can irritate sensitive skin depending on the quality and how it's made.

What are the best workout clothes for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin and love exercise, choose workout clothes that are gentle, breathable, and certified safe by trusted certifications like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.

For many people with eczema-prone or easily irritated skin, natural performance workout fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell provide the best balance of comfort, stretch, and moisture management.

What is the healthiest fabric for activewear (and gives the least irritation during workouts)?

The healthiest activewear fabrics are those certified safe for your skin and the planet. One of the best examples is TENCEL™ Lyocell - a wood-based fiber made in a closed-loop, low-impact process. It's soft, breathable, excellent at managing moisture, and one of the most sustainable options out there.

This makes it a clear step up from common sportswear fabrics like polyester and nylon, which shed microplastics and rely on chemical finishes. They also tend to trap heat and moisture, leaving you less cool and comfortable.

Even compared to common natural fabrics, TENCEL™ is perceived as superior for skin comfort. In our community survey, 82% preferred it over cotton for workouts, 88% said it stays fresh, and 81% rated it "very soft," while cotton was mostly "somewhat soft."

Learn more: What is TENCEL™ Lyocell? Everything You Need to Know

Final Thoughts: Moving Freely in Your Skin

Rebecca, Emman, and Mannon's journeys are three real stories from our Tripulse community - but they represent so many more.

Countless people quietly live with workout itch, rashes, or irritation, never suspecting their activewear could be to blame.

Maybe you've just accepted that burning or itching as "normal." Maybe you thought your skin was the problem. But as these stories show, the real trigger is often the clothes - and once you change them, everything can feel different.

If you're struggling with exercise-induced skin irritation, start small:

• Pay attention to how your skin reacts during and after workouts.
• Choose activewear made with certified natural performance fabrics. This ensures that fabric and treatments won't harm or irritate your skin.
• Track your progress and seek expert help if needed.

At Tripulse, we cherry-pick only the highest grade and highest performing TENCEL™ Lyocell fabrics. Every piece is certified for skin safety and comfort, so you can move with confidence and peace of mind.

Movement should feel good. With the right activewear, it can.

Explore activewear designed for sensitive skin.

For more, visit:

• The Complete Guide to Itchy Skin During & After Exercise
• What is TENCEL™ Lyocell? Everything You Need to Know
• How to Avoid PFAS in Clothing: Practical Tips
• TENCEL vs Polyester: What's the Best Fabric for Activewear?
• How to Avoid Microplastics in Clothing: A Step-by-Step Guide
• TENCEL™ Lyocell vs Cotton: Which Fabric Is Better for Activewear?

About the Author

This article is written in collaboration with Christie Johnson (B.A. Hons, PGCert), a health and sustainability writer with over five years of experience writing in the conscious fashion space. She explores how the clothes we wear affect our skin, well-being, and the planet - translating complex ideas into clear, empowering insights. With a strong foundation in clean materials and non-toxic living, Christie's work is grounded in integrity, curiosity, and a deep care for people and the world we share.