Why Plastic-Based Yoga and Activewear Is Not Good for Your Health

Heike Schnell
2026-02-09T15:10:29+01:00

Wellicious creates non-toxic yoga and activewear designed to support both personal health and the planet. Unlike most sportswear made from plastic-based fibres, Wellicious uses certified organic materials that are gentle on the skin, breathable and free from harmful substances. The fabrics are developed to be non micro-shedding, helping to reduce exposure to plastic microparticles, and even the stretch fibres are biodegradable. With Cradle to Cradle Gold certification and responsible European production, Wellicious clothing is designed within a circular system so materials can safely return to nature. The result is activewear that truly aligns with wellbeing, comfort and environmental responsibility.

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Yoga and activewear are meant to support your wellbeing. We wear them while we move, breathe deeply, sweat and connect with our bodies. But what if the very clothes designed for health and performance are working against us?

Today, most sportswear is made from synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon and elastane all derived from plastic. While these materials dominate the market, their impact on both our bodies and the environment raises serious concerns.

Let us look at why plastic-based activewear is not the healthy choice many people think it is.

Your Skin Is Your Largest Organ

During exercise, your skin is warm, pores are open and blood circulation increases. This makes your body more receptive to what it comes into contact with. Plastic-based fabrics are often treated with chemical finishes such as:

moisture-wicking treatments

anti-odour coatings

stain resistance finishes

dye fixatives and softeners

These substances can remain in the fabric and sit directly on the skin for hours. When you sweat, the skin becomes even more absorbent, increasing the risk of irritation or exposure to unwanted substances.Many people experience:

skin sensitivity

rashes or itching

overheating and discomfort

Natural, non-toxic materials are far gentler and allow the skin to function as it is meant to.

Microplastic Shedding – Even While You Wear It

We often hear about microplastics in oceans, but they also affect us directly. Plastic-based fabrics can expose the skin to unwanted chemicals and shed microplastics that may affect long-term health. Most synthetic sportswear sheds microscopic plastic fibres not only in the washing machine but also during normal wear. These particles can settle on the skin, be inhaled and accumulate in indoor air. While research is still evolving, constant exposure to microplastics is an increasing concern. Choosing natural fibre activewear helps reduce this invisible but continuous exposure.

Plastic Clothing Is Not Circular

From a sustainability and health perspective, plastic sportswear has another major issue: it does not return safely to nature. At the end of its life, most synthetic activewear:

cannot biodegrade

breaks down into microplastics

remains in the environment for hundreds of years

This pollution eventually cycles back to us through water, food and air. What we wear does not just affect our bodies — it affects the systems that keep us alive.

How Wellicious Does It Differently

At Wellicious, the goal is to create yoga and activewear that truly supports wellbeing for people and the planet. Wellicious garments are designed with material health as a priority. The brand uses certified organic, non-toxic materials that are safe for skin contact, even during intense movement and sweating.

A key difference is that Wellicious fabrics are developed to be non micro-shedding, meaning they do not release harmful plastic microparticles during wear. This helps reduce both personal exposure and environmental pollution. Even the stretch component is reimagined: the elastane used is biodegradable, designed to break down more safely at the end of its life compared to conventional synthetic stretch fibres.

Wellicious products are also Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold, a globally recognised standard that evaluates material health, circularity and environmental responsibility. This means the garments are designed within a circular system, with materials chosen so they can safely return to nature rather than becoming long-lasting waste. Production takes place in Europe under responsible standards, ensuring transparency, quality and care throughout the supply chain. This means your clothing can be:

breathable and comfortable

gentle on sensitive skin

free from harmful substances

non micro-shedding

made with biodegradable stretch fibres

designed with a positive end-of-life in mind

So when you move, stretch and breathe, your clothing supports your health instead of adding hidden concerns

Movement Should Feel Good, Not Questionable

Yoga teaches awareness. Active lifestyles are about caring for your body. What you wear is part of that care. Choosing non-toxic, natural-fibre activewear is not just a sustainability decision. It is a health decision for your skin, your comfort and your long-term wellbeing. Because feeling good in your clothes should mean more than just how they look.

Discover our biodegradable yoga and activewear here.