Shop Non Synthetic Activewear
The Case for Moving Away from Synthetic Fibers
The activewear industry is dominated by synthetic fibers: polyester, nylon, spandex, and their recycled variants. These fibers have real performance advantages in high-intensity settings, but they come with documented downsides that are increasingly relevant to buyers who pay attention to what their clothing is made of. Synthetic activewear sheds microplastic fibers during washing. A 2016 study by Browne et al. found that synthetic garments release plastic fibers into wastewater with each wash cycle, fibers that pass through water treatment systems and accumulate in aquatic environments. Synthetic activewear also frequently contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used for water and stain resistance, which are associated with endocrine disruption and have been detected in human blood and tissue samples (Sunderland et al., 2019). Bellissima builds around TENCEL Lyocell as a predominantly plant-based alternative to these fibers.
What Non Synthetic Means in Bellissima's Construction
The composition of every Bellissima garment is 92% TENCEL Lyocell and 8% spandex. TENCEL Lyocell is a cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp sourced from FSC or PEFC certified forests and produced by Lenzing AG in a closed-loop manufacturing system. It is not petroleum-derived, not produced from synthetic polymers, and biodegradable under controlled conditions. The 8% spandex provides the stretch and shape retention that a functional activewear garment requires. Spandex is synthetic. This is stated clearly because some buyers searching for non-synthetic activewear are looking for 100% natural-fiber construction, which Bellissima does not offer. The garments are predominantly plant-based, not fully natural. The TENCEL Lyocell fiber holds OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification through Lenzing AG at the fiber level.
Performance and Activity Range
Bellissima's non synthetic activewear is designed for yoga, pilates, barre, reformer, walking, and low-impact training. At these output levels, TENCEL Lyocell provides temperature regulation and moisture management that most buyers find more comfortable against skin than polyester alternatives. The fabric is squat proof and fully opaque across all activities. The honest ceiling: sustained high-intensity training at maximum output generates sweat volume that cellulosic fibers absorb less efficiently than synthetic wicking fabrics. For the activities this collection targets, performance is genuine. Sizes XS to XL, black. Bellissima does not currently hold finished-product OEKO-TEX certification.
Is Bellissima activewear fully non-synthetic?
The fabric is 92% TENCEL Lyocell, a plant-based cellulosic fiber, and 8% spandex, which is synthetic. The garments are predominantly plant-based but not 100% natural fiber. Buyers looking for fully synthetic-free construction should note the spandex content.
Why avoid synthetic activewear?
Synthetic activewear sheds microplastic fibers during washing (Browne et al., 2016) and frequently contains PFAS chemicals used for water resistance, which are associated with endocrine disruption (Sunderland et al., 2019). Predominantly plant-based fabrics like TENCEL Lyocell reduce exposure to these concerns without requiring a complete performance trade-off for moderate-intensity activities.
What is TENCEL Lyocell made from?
TENCEL Lyocell is produced from wood pulp sourced from FSC or PEFC certified forests. Lenzing AG manufactures it in a closed-loop system that recaptures over 99% of the solvent used in production, significantly reducing the environmental footprint compared to conventional viscose rayon.
Does non synthetic activewear perform as well as polyester?
At moderate-intensity activities such as yoga, pilates, barre, and walking, TENCEL Lyocell provides comparable comfort and moisture management to polyester, with a meaningfully softer skin feel. For sustained maximum-intensity output, polyester wicks sweat faster. The performance trade-off is real and stated honestly.
Is the fabric OEKO-TEX certified?
The TENCEL Lyocell fiber holds OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification at the fiber level through Lenzing AG. Bellissima does not currently hold finished-product OEKO-TEX certification.
Sources
Browne, M.A., et al. (2016). Accumulation of microplastic on shorelines worldwide: Sources and sinks. Environmental Science and Technology, 45(21), 9175–9179.
Sunderland, E.M., et al. (2019). A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, 29, 131–147.
Lenzing AG. (2023). TENCEL Lyocell Fiber: Environmental Profile and Certifications. Lenzing AG Technical Documentation.
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natural fiber activewear | PFAS free leggings | ethical activewear | TENCEL activewear