The Best Natural-Fiber Activewear of 2026
Most activewear we know and love, like Lululemon and Alo, is made from polyester and nylon (aka plastic & petroleum).
But we all have polyester clothes. So what's the big deal?
Sweating in it.
These fabrics are often treated with chemicals like PFAS and BPA to make them moisture-repellent. Emerging research suggests that sweat dramatically increases how much of those chemicals transfer from the fabric to our skin. PFAS accumulation has been linked to hormone disruption and fertility concerns, and PFOA is a classified carcinogen.
Turns out…the workouts we do to be healthy could be working against us.
The solution: natural fiber activewear
But can natural fiber activewear actually perform as well as Lululemon?
I tested 14 brands—from organic cotton activewear to TENCEL activewear, bamboo, and merino wool—putting each through real, sweaty workouts to find the best options for Pilates, heated classes, lifting, and everyday wear.
Here’s what was actually worth it.
Where available, I’ve included exclusive discount codes below
The Best Natural-Fiber Activewear I Tested
Reprise
A true workhorse basic / Swiss Army knife. Soft and buttery like Lululemon Aligns to lounge in, while also holding you in for higher-intensity workouts.
Indigo Luna
Buttery-soft and comfortable. Left me with the least sweat stains after a heated class.
Tradeoff: The Bella top I tried lacks a built-in bra or support.
PS Active
Holy perfection? If I could repurchase one set one repeat - it would be this one. Felt like air on the skin - but still sculpting. The bra style and tie detail on the leggings in combination with the fabric feel felt like an upgrade from Lululemon / Vuori / Alo - instead of a compromise.
Tradeoff: It’s at a premium price point, not yet released
Olessa
The most current & fashion-forward: think Alo, CSB, and 437. The Everyday tank was my favorite top of this series - it's airy and comfortable, while still providing lift and support. The ballet wrap top is such a fun, comfortable, and versatile piece that I’ve gotten great use out of.
The tradeoff: The shorts became sheer in a full squat in bright light. Not first pick for weightlifting.
MATE
The most flattering & well-fitting of the organic cotton options I tried. MATE is easy to shop, has some fun colorways, and was the most comfortable without having extra fabric bunching up in certain areas
The tradeoff: Some sheerness in a full squat, prepare for sweat to show through after a heated class.
Other Natural-Fiber Activewear Worth Considering
Layere
Very cute colors and styles. The cuts and comfort remind me of Beyond Yoga. Perfect for coffee walks, low impact, and lounging.
Tradeoff: This uses a heavier cotton, which became a little droopy around the legs. Wouldn’t be my first pick for HIIT or heated workouts.
Definite Articles
Definite Articles is made of polyester and nylon. BUT, what makes it different is that the brand independently tests every finished garment for PFAS, BPA, and 50+ other substances. For high-intensity workouts like Barry’s Bootcamp or marathon runners who don’t want to deal with some of the tradeoffs of natural fiber, a strong option to consider.
Tradeoffs: Not natural fiber
Pact
Pact is the most affordable entry point for organic-cotton activewear by a mile. Best for low-impact workouts and walking.
Tradeoffs: Sizing - the medium had extra fabric in some areas and was tight in others which had an impact on comfort & performance
Lezat
Lezat sits somewhere between Pact and MATE for me. Compared to Pact, it has more design options, but is less squat-proof. Slightly less expensive than MATE, but I found MATE to have a slight leg up in comfort
Tradeoffs: Sheer in a full squat
Other Natural-Fiber Activewear I Tested
These were the remaining brands I personally tested that didn’t make my recommendations above.
Wildbody
The organic cotton fabric felt more restrictive than the other cotton options I tested. I didn’t find it particularly comfortable.
Estroni
Of the two merino-wool options I tested, Estroni felt better suited to an actual workout. But the fabric still had a slight itchiness to it, and given the price, I preferred the feel and performance of the other options above.
Don Kaka
This merino-wool set felt more like elevated loungewear than true activewear to me. Could work for very low-impact movement, but it was slightly itchy and not something I’d personally choose for a workout.
Pinky & Kamal
Super soft, comfortable, and stretchy - almost pajama-like (bamboo, organic cotton, spandex blend). However, it was the sheerest in a full squat and showed more sweat than the other options. The styles feel more purpose-built for lounging and yoga.
Live the Process
The only 100% organic cotton option I tested, with no elastane for stretch or hold. This meant the waistband and pants were sliding down even before the workout, and as I got more sweaty, they got more loose, heavy, and wet.
Final thoughts
Natural-fiber activewear is way better than I expected, and I’m now reaching for it for most of my workouts. You just have to be more intentional—some sets work better depending on the workout, and the ones that really do it all can be pricey.
Leave a comment with any brands or product categories you want me to test next!
I already have 4 brands on my list for activewear Part 2…
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