Synthetic-free activewear — wool and natural fiber alternatives

Polyester activewear is the worst-case scenario for microplastic shedding — high-friction wear, sweat-soaked, washed often. Merino wool does what synthetic activewear claims to do (moisture wicking, temperature regulation, anti-odor) without the microplastic load and without an antimicrobial chemical finish.

• ·Merino wool wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and resists odor naturally.
• ·Tencel/lyocell is a strong synthetic-free option for woven activewear.
• ·A 100% poly t-shirt sheds an estimated 700,000 fibers per wash; that goes up under high-agitation activewear washes.
• ·Synthetic activewear is also where antimicrobial finishes (silver, triclosan) are most common.

Napper & Thompson (2016). Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 112.