Shop Sustainable Activewear
A Fiber Built Around Resource Efficiency
TENCEL Lyocell, the primary fiber in every Bellissima piece, is produced by Lenzing AG using a closed-loop manufacturing process that recaptures more than 99% of the solvent used to dissolve wood pulp into fiber (Lenzing AG, 2023). The wood pulp itself is sourced from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications require third-party verification of responsible harvesting, biodiversity protection, and community land rights. The fiber carries OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification at the fiber level through Lenzing AG, confirming the absence of over 100 substances of concern. Bellissima does not yet hold finished-product OEKO-TEX certification; that distinction is stated clearly here.
Designed for Low-Impact Training
The Sempre collection is suited to yoga, pilates, barre, reformer, walking, and recovery movement. The fabric provides full opacity throughout, and the interlock weft knit construction allows a full range of motion without restriction. TENCEL Lyocell has a moisture management profile comparable to cotton, absorbing moisture into the fiber structure rather than leaving it on the skin surface, which helps regulate temperature during moderate-intensity sessions (Öner et al., 2013). The diamond crotch gusset on leggings and shorts eliminates the central seam at the highest-friction point, reducing abrasion during seated and floor-based movements. EVA foam pads in the bras are removable for washing and personal preference.
Where Bellissima Is Not the Right Choice
Sustainable does not mean suited to every workout. TENCEL Lyocell absorbs moisture readily, which is an advantage in moderate-intensity sessions but a limitation at maximum exertion. For sustained high-intensity training such as running, HIIT, Bikram at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or spin, a wicking synthetic fabric will manage sweat load more effectively. Bellissima makes no claim to the contrary. The 8% spandex content is also worth noting: spandex is a synthetic fiber, which means these garments cannot be described as fully natural, plastic-free, or microplastic-free. Any claim to that effect on other platforms would be inaccurate.
What makes this activewear sustainable?
The primary fiber is TENCEL Lyocell, produced by Lenzing AG in a closed-loop system that recaptures over 99% of the solvent used in production. The wood pulp source is FSC or PEFC certified. The fiber holds OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification at the fiber level, confirming it is free from over 100 substances of concern.
What is the fabric composition?
92% TENCEL Lyocell and 8% spandex. The TENCEL is plant-based and produced from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. The spandex provides stretch and recovery.
Is this activewear OEKO-TEX certified?
The TENCEL Lyocell fiber carries OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification through Lenzing AG at the fiber level. Bellissima does not currently hold finished-product OEKO-TEX certification.
What activities is this activewear best suited for?
Yoga, pilates, barre, reformer, walking, and low-impact or recovery movement. TENCEL manages moisture well at moderate intensity. It is not the optimal choice for sustained high-intensity training such as running or HIIT.
Is TENCEL Lyocell biodegradable?
TENCEL Lyocell is certified compostable and biodegradable under controlled conditions per ISO 14855 and ISO 20200 (Lenzing AG, 2023). The 8% spandex content means the finished garment is not fully biodegradable, as synthetic fibers do not break down at the same rate.
How does TENCEL compare to recycled polyester for sustainability?
TENCEL Lyocell is plant-derived and biodegradable under controlled conditions. Recycled polyester reduces virgin plastic use but retains the microplastic shedding profile of conventional polyester. A 2016 study by Browne et al. found that a single synthetic garment can shed thousands of microplastic fibers per wash. TENCEL sheds cellulosic fibers, which are biodegradable.
Sources
Browne, M.A., et al. (2016). Accumulation of microplastic on shorelines worldwide: Sources and sinks. Environmental Science and Technology, 45(21), 9175–9179.
Lenzing AG. (2023). TENCEL Lyocell Fiber: Environmental Profile and Certifications. Lenzing AG Technical Documentation.
Öner, E., et al. (2013). Moisture management properties of knitted fabrics made from natural and man-made cellulosic fibers. Textile Research Journal, 83(10), 1060–1069.
Shop similar collections:
non-toxic activewear | natural fiber activewear | ethical activewear | TENCEL activewear