Merino Short - 5"
Shop Now
Shop nowWorkout Clothes Without Microplastics: What “Plastic-Free” Actually Means
If you’re searching for workout clothes without microplastics, you’re usually trying to avoid synthetic (plastic) fibres like polyester and nylon that can shed microplastic fibres over time.
The short answer
The most reliable way to reduce microplastic fibre shedding from clothing is to choose natural fibres instead of synthetic fibres. In activewear, that often means looking for merino-based pieces (or other natural fibres for lower-intensity movement), and avoiding “performance” fabrics that rely on polyester/nylon as the main material.
What to look for on labels
- Prefer: merino wool, cotton, linen, hemp (depending on activity and comfort needs)
- Be cautious with: polyester, nylon, acrylic (these are plastics)
- Reality check: many activewear items include a small amount of elastane for stretch — focus on the dominant fibre
Why this matters
The wearing and washing of synthetic textiles is a recognised source of microplastics in the environment. If your goal is “plastic-free,” fibre selection is the biggest lever you control as a shopper.
What to do if you already own synthetic activewear
You don’t need to landfill your wardrobe. A practical approach is:
- replace gradually as items wear out
- wash less often where appropriate
- use lower-shed washing habits to reduce fibre loss
For laundry steps, see: How to reduce microplastics from laundry .
Related Estroni guides
- Plastic-Free Activewear: natural fibre activewear for everyday movement
- Low-tox activewear: why what you sweat in matters
- Hormone health & your activewear: the plastic connection
- Do workout clothes shed microplastics?
