The rise and rise of natural fibre activewear
image via @nagnata_/instagram
words by lara daly
Why more people are working out in wool.
If entering my thirties has taught me anything, it’s that moving your body regularly is non-negotiable – for both your mental and physical health. And, increasingly, what you wear to work out in matters too.
After more than a decade of dipping in and out of Pilates, barre and yoga classes, I’ve watched activewear trends evolve. There was a time when the unofficial uniform was skin-tight, high-shine Lycra. Now, those millennial matching sets are being replaced by softer, looser silhouettes in natural fibres like cotton, bamboo, hemp and merino wool.
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Rather than existing solely for sweating, activewear has become an extension of the everyday wardrobe. Think noughties-inspired track pants, ribbed tanks, flared leggings and halter tops that work just as well for a coffee run or a day at the office as they do for a morning reformer class.
The shift isn’t just aesthetic. There’s also growing interest in what our activewear is made from. Most conventional workout gear is produced using synthetic fibres, like polyester and nylon, materials that shed microplastics over time, particularly during washing. As conversations around sustainability continue to grow, it’s no surprise that more of us are seeking out alternatives.
Natural fibres offer many practical benefits, too. Merino wool, for example, is naturally breathable, temperature-regulating and odour-resistant, helping to keep you comfortable without relying on the synthetic treatments often used in traditional performance fabrics. Bamboo fabrics are similarly lightweight and absorbent, wicking moisture away from the skin to keep you cool through even the sweatiest hot yoga sessions.
Luckily, Australia is home to some of the best activewear brands around; many of which are getting on board with the natural fibre movement. If you’re ready to make the switch, take a look at our favourite labels below.
Pinky and Kamal
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Beloved by fashion and fitness girlies alike, many of Pinky and Kamal’s hero pieces are made from butter-soft bamboo and organic cotton. You’ll find a range of timeless and multifunctional styles, from yoga staples like its Yin Flares to sporty, ’90s-inspired tanks.
Boody
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Boody does it all – this activewear, underwear and basics label is good for you and serious about sustainability. It minimises fabric waste in its production processes, using rainwater to grow its organic bamboo. Since 2016, Boody has been creating quality, affordable and comfortable pieces that are made to last.
Estroni
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Sydney-based activewear label Estroni uses 95 per cent Australian superfine merino, known for its odour-resisting and moisture-wicking properties. Find workout staples such as racerback sports bras, yoga pants, bike shorts and tanks designed to be worn beyond your workout.
Icebreaker
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Hailing from New Zealand, legacy outdoors brand Icebreaker specialises in lightweight merino wool layers. Naturally, its activewear range is just as premium. From breezy running shorts to featherlight T-shirts and seamless sports bras, its merino wool blend (also consisting of TENCEL™ Lyocell and organic cotton) is built to withstand high-intensity movement.
Nagnata
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Born out of Byron Bay, Nagnata has been creating considered, comfortable and (most importantly), stylish activewear since 2017. The label’s sustainable approach goes beyond the production process – its founding mantra, ‘movements not seasons’, opposes the ever-increasing speed of the trend cycle. A pioneer in natural fibre activewear, Nagnata predominantly uses wool certified by Textile Exchange and organic cotton.
Hara the Label
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Visit Hara the Label for its underwear, stay for the activewear. You’ll find organic, breathable bamboo one-shoulder tops and sports bras in earthy tones, pastels and fun pops of colour. Hara makes a conscious effort to reuse as many offcuts as possible to minimise textile waste, and uses non-toxic dyes across its entire range.
For more on the benefits of natural fibres, try this.
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