Take a look at the tag on your favorite pair of leggings. There’s a good chance it says something like “82% polyester, 18% spandex.” Most activewear does. It’s stretchy, it dries fast, it holds its shape, and it’s inexpensive to make.
It’s also plastic.
That’s not meant to shame anyone. I’ve owned plenty of polyester leggings, and our own shop sells some (more on that below). But once I really understood what I was wearing, I started making different choices, one piece at a time. Here’s what I learned and what I reach for now.
What polyester actually is
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum. The most common type is PET, the same family of plastic used in many water bottles. It’s melted, pushed through tiny holes to form threads, and woven or knit into fabric. Spandex (also called elastane or Lycra) is also synthetic, and nylon is too.
So when your leggings are 82 percent polyester and 18 percent spandex, they’re essentially 100 percent plastic.
The microfiber problem
Here’s the part that changed things for me. Synthetic fabrics shed tiny fibers, and a lot of that shedding happens in the washing machine. Every wash can release many small plastic fibers into the rinse water. Some are caught at wastewater treatment plants, but some make their way into rivers, lakes and the ocean. Microfibers from clothing are now widely recognized as one of the sources of microplastics in the environment.
I don’t want to overstate it. Scientists are still studying exactly how much comes from clothing and what it means for health and ecosystems. But the basic fact is well established: synthetic clothes shed plastic fibers, and they don’t break down the way natural fibers do.
Natural fibers shed too, of course. The difference is that cotton, linen, hemp, wool and silk come from plants and animals, and they biodegrade over time.
How it feels on the mat
This is the part yoga people care about, so let’s be practical.
Polyester is great at wicking sweat away and drying fast. That’s why it’s everywhere in activewear. But it doesn’t breathe the way natural fibers do, and many people notice that synthetic workout clothes hold onto odor, even after washing. In a warm room, it can feel a little like wearing a plastic bag.
Cotton is soft and breathable and feels good against the skin. The honest tradeoff: it absorbs sweat and can get heavy in a really hot, sweaty class. For gentle, restorative, yin or slower flow classes, it’s lovely. For a very sweaty practice, you might prefer a lighter-weight cotton or a looser fit.
Linen and hemp are strong, breathable and cool. They’re wonderful for loose pants and tops, especially in summer.
Wool surprises people. Fine wool regulates temperature well and resists odor naturally. It’s great for layering on the way to class or for your final rest.
Silk is light, smooth and breathable. Lovely as a layer or scarf.
The biggest adjustment is stretch. Natural fibers don’t stretch like spandex does. That’s why loose, flowing shapes (think drawstring pants, relaxed tees, soft tanks) work so well for natural-fiber practice clothes.
What I actually wear now
For most classes, it’s simple: a soft cotton tee or tank and loose, comfortable pants. For cold mornings, a wool or cotton layer I can peel off once I’m warm. That’s it.
A few pieces from our shop that fit this approach:
- Our organic cotton Revolution Yoga logo tee, made from 100 percent organic ring-spun cotton, with GOTS and OCS certification for the organic cotton content.
- The Revolution Yoga wordmark tee in heavyweight, garment-dyed 100 percent cotton, printed with water-based inks.
- For the walk to class, an organic cotton ribbed beanie, a 100 percent wool knit ring scarf, or 100 percent cashmere fingerless mitts.
- Under your feet, our natural cork and rubber yoga mat, and for props, an extra long yoga strap woven from 100 percent natural cotton.
Being honest about our own shop
Our printed yoga capris, sports bras and kids leggings are a polyester and spandex blend. We say so right on the product pages. They’re well made and people love them, and for some bodies and some practices, stretch really matters.
We’re not going to pretend otherwise. What we’re doing is adding more natural-fiber options over time and being clear about what everything is made of, so you can choose.
If you already own polyester (you probably do)
Please don’t throw it all out. The most sustainable piece of clothing is the one you already have. Instead, a few simple habits can reduce shedding and help your synthetics last:
- Wash less often. Air out clothes that aren’t truly dirty.
- Wash cold, on a gentle cycle.
- Wash full loads. Less friction between garments.
- Skip the dryer. Hang dry when you can. It’s easier on the fabric, too.
- Try a microfiber-catching wash bag or filter. These are designed to trap some of the fibers before they go down the drain.
- When it’s time to replace something, consider a natural-fiber version.
Small swaps add up
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Start with the piece you wear most. Maybe it’s a tee you practice in three times a week, or the layer you throw on after class. Replace that one thing with natural fiber when it wears out, and see how it feels.
Chances are you’ll notice the difference.
Start with one piece
If you’re looking for a place to begin, our organic cotton tee is the one I’d pick. It’s soft, breathable, easy to move in and made to last.
