How Top Activewear Brands are Adapting to America’s Growing Health Consciousness

For years, content creator Tessa Smith focused her health content on what she ate, sharing her “What I Eat in a Day” videos rooted in nutrition and gut health. But everything changed when she got pregnant. It made her realize she needed to pay attention to what she wore, especially her go-to Lululemon leggings.

“I was meticulous about food and supplements,” Smith explained. “But I never thought about what was in my clothes. Then, I learned I was putting PFAS-laden synthetics right over my belly and future milk supply. That was a wake-up call.”

Now, with over 363,000 followers on Instagram and a popular Substack called “More Salt,” Smith is part of a movement emphasizing that fashion is a wellness issue. For many, athletic wear is key to a healthy lifestyle but also a source of concern. The synthetic materials in leggings may contribute to microplastic pollution and toxic chemical exposure, prompting a rethink about the choices people make.

This change in mindset is influencing athletic wear companies. At Milan Design Week, Under Armour showcased its plant-based sportswear line, developed with Unless Collective—a zero-plastic brand it acquired. This capsule includes T-shirts and shorts made from materials like organic cotton and natural latex, designed to decompose after use. Prices range from $30 to $160, and the collection is set to hit stores soon.

Eric Liedtke, Under Armour’s brand president, highlighted the importance of this shift. “Stretch is melted plastic. It works, but it doesn’t go away. It’s in our environment, our bodies, even our food,” he said.

On the other hand, Lululemon is launching LuluLinen, a new fabric that combines linen’s aesthetic with athletic performance. This move signals a trend toward more natural materials among bigger brands.

Smaller companies, like Mate the Label from Los Angeles, are also gaining traction in the non-toxic fashion space. With a loyal customer base built on using organic materials and eco-friendly dyes, Mate the Label’s activewear is growing fast. According to founder Kayti O’Connell Carr, many customers are switching from conventional synthetics to cleaner options.

While more consumers are aware of these issues, protections against harmful materials remain inconsistent. For example, in March 2025, the EPA proposed rolling back PFAS regulations, raising eyebrows among wellness advocates and scientists. “If the government won’t regulate this stuff, consumers will,” Smith stated. She advises others to look for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) when shopping.

This consumer awareness is pushing companies to innovate. Recently, Repreve, a leader in recycled fibers, announced a partnership with Ciclo, which allows synthetic materials to decompose more easily. “We’re not just innovating for climate; we’re innovating for safety and trust,” said Meredith Boyd, a chief product officer at UNIFI Repreve.

Cheryl Meyer, from Parkdale Advanced Materials, emphasized the issue: “Textiles contribute 35 percent of microplastics in the ocean.” Ciclo aims to reduce the harm caused by these materials after disposal while maintaining their durability.

Despite these advancements, Smith prefers natural fibers for her family’s health. “Even if it breaks down later, polyester is still plastic. For my body and my daughter, I stick to cotton.”

Her approach to wellness is grounded in practicality. Instead of striving for perfection, she encourages small, manageable changes. “Start with your underwear,” she suggests. “Then maybe swap your sports bra. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once.”

In today’s world, where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of what they wear, the conversation around sustainable fashion and health is more important than ever. As even big brands shift their strategies, there’s hope for a healthier, greener future in the industry.



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