These are the questions we hear most often. Answered directly, without hedging or marketing language. Buyers ready to shop non toxic activewear will find the answers to every practical question here.
About the Fabric
What is the Sempre collection made from?
92% TENCEL Lyocell and 8% spandex across every piece in the collection. TENCEL Lyocell is a natural fiber produced by Lenzing AG in Austria from sustainably sourced wood cellulose. The spandex provides stretch and shape retention. The composition is the same whether you are buying the leggings, the halter bra, the twist bra, or the shorts. The full breakdown is in the post on the fabric behind the Sempre collection.
Is the Sempre collection non-toxic?
The TENCEL Lyocell fiber carries OEKO-TEX certification at the fiber production level from Lenzing AG. No chemical surface treatments are applied to the fabric. No moisture-wicking finish, anti-odor application, or DWR coating. The performance properties come from the fiber structure, not from applied chemistry. We use the term non-toxic because it reflects what we have and have not done to the fabric. We do not yet hold finished product OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification at the garment level, which we are working toward. That distinction is worth knowing.
Is it microplastic-free?
No, and we do not claim it is. The 8% spandex content is a synthetic fiber that can shed some fibers, primarily during washing. The dominant fiber at 92% is natural TENCEL Lyocell, which does not shed synthetic microplastic particles. The Sempre collection significantly reduces synthetic fiber content compared to a standard polyester or nylon legging, but it is not a 100% natural fiber product and cannot be described as microplastic-free.
Is it squat proof?
Yes. The Sempre Leggings and Shorts are 240 GSM. At that fabric weight with the interlock weft knit construction, the fabric maintains full opacity through squats, wide-legged positions, deep hip openers, and all studio training positions. The opacity holds under stretch in well-lit studio environments.
About Sizing and Fit
What sizes are available?
XS through XL across all four pieces in the Sempre collection. Sizing runs true to standard US activewear sizing. The full sizing guide is at how to size the Sempre collection.
How does the inseam length run?
The Sempre Leggings have a 27.5 inch inseam. This fits most wearers between 5'4" and 5'9" as a full-length legging. For wearers under 5'3" it sits at the ankle with minimal extra length. For wearers at 5'10" and above it reads as a 7/8 or cropped length. The Sempre Shorts have a 6 inch inseam.
What is the compression level?
Slight compression without restriction. More structure than organic cotton. Less compressive than high-compression performance synthetics. Enough hold to feel confident through a reformer or pilates class. Not the tight, constricting feel of maximum compression training gear.
I am between sizes. What should I do?
Size down for a more compressive hold. Size up for a more relaxed fit. The fabric accommodates both directions without losing its structure or becoming translucent.
About Pricing and Shipping
Why do the leggings cost $118?
The fiber costs more than polyester. The construction standards cost more than standard activewear manufacturing. The brand does not operate a discount model, so the $118 is the real price rather than an inflated price waiting for a sale. The cost-per-wear over a two to three year garment life is approximately $0.18 per wear, which compares favourably to lower-priced alternatives replaced more frequently.
Do you offer discounts?
No. No welcome codes, no seasonal sales, no Black Friday promotions. The price is the price.
What is the free shipping threshold?
Free shipping on orders over $150 within the United States. The legging and bra set at $190 qualifies for free shipping.
About Care
How do I wash the Sempre collection?
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry or tumble dry on low. Avoid high heat, which degrades the spandex component over time. Do not use fabric softeners, which coat the TENCEL Lyocell fiber surface and reduce its natural moisture management properties. Do not bleach.
Will it shrink?
TENCEL Lyocell has low shrinkage when washed correctly at cool temperatures. Washing hot or tumble drying on high heat can cause some shrinkage. Follow the care instructions and the garment will hold its size across regular washing.
About the Brand
Where is Bellissima based?
Nashville, Tennessee. The brand is registered as Bellissima Activewear LLC.
Who founded Bellissima?
Vinnie Pallisco, Co-Founder and CMO, and Ylenia Kunst, Co-Founder and COO.
When did Bellissima launch?
October 2026 with the Sempre collection.
What does Sempre mean?
Always, in Italian. The collection is designed to be worn always: to the gym, pilates, reformer, and straight to coffee after. No sacrificing performance or aesthetic to choose a natural fiber. For the full brand story, see what Bellissima is and makes. For the sustainability picture, the post on Bellissima's sustainability practices covers what is and is not claimed.
All Sempre pieces available at livebellissima.com.