The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.

I tested these men’s activewear brands with organic, nontoxic, and natural fiber materials against my toughest workouts.

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Why should men consider nontoxic & organic workout clothes?

Wearing nontoxic and organic workout clothes can make a surprising difference for your health, comfort, and even the planet. When you work out, your body heats up, and your skin absorbs more of whatever is in contact with it. Conventional workout clothes are often treated with chemicals like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants that can leach into your skin, potentially irritating or even affecting your long-term health.

Organic fabrics, on the other hand, are typically made without these harsh chemicals, so they’re gentler on your skin. Plus, nontoxic and organic options are usually more breathable and hypoallergenic, which can keep you feeling fresh and comfortable during a workout. Choosing organic materials also supports eco-friendly practices, helping reduce pollution and protect the health of workers who produce these clothes. So, by opting for nontoxic, organic gear, you’re making a choice that’s better for your body and for the planet!

What should you look for when shopping for men’s activewear?

When shopping for men’s activewear, most guys are looking for pieces that are versatile, durable, and can handle everything from early gym sessions to weekend hikes while feeling cool and confident. Materials play a big role in what’s most comfortable for a particular workout, and natural, lower-toxic options each bring different strengths depending on the activity:

• Organic cotton is one of the cleanest and most comfortable options. It’s breathable and soft, making it great for low-impact workouts, lounging, or everyday wear. It does tend to hold moisture, so it’s not ideal for high-sweat sessions.
• Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, temperature-regulating, and breathable. It keeps you warm in the cold and cool when in the heat, making it perfect for hiking, winter workouts, and layering.
• Bamboo (viscose or lyocell) is soft, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. It works well for yoga, light training, or base layers, though durability can vary by garment.
• TENCEL™ (lyocell) is smooth, breathable, and handles moisture better than cotton, making it a great middle ground between comfort and performance.

Of course, there’s still a role for synthetic or recycled materials like polyester and nylon in everyday workout wear, given their moisture-wicking properties. They are hard to avoid due to their performance in high-intensity activities, durability, and sweat management. But ideally, natural fabric clothing is the goal.

Our criteria & methodology:

The Good Trade editors have researched and reviewed sustainable fashion for a decade. For this guide, they handpicked the top picks of brands making sustainable men’s activewear that are ethically produced and use eco-friendly and nontoxic materials — and sent them to me for testing. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites!

When choosing which activewear pieces to test, I took into consideration the Colorado weather as well as my indoor gym routine. Living in the mountains of Colorado means I gravitate to layered options for winter and light, breathable pieces for summer. Organic materials were at the top of my list, and of course, durability. I spend a lot of time outside working, hiking, lifting at the gym, and swimming at the rec center, so I aimed to choose pieces that could keep up with all of it. Not to mention dad duty with two small ones.

• PERFORMANCE | We’ve taken into consideration the thickness, compression, and overall fit of these brands, selecting the most comfortable and breathable options for your workout.
• DURABILITY | Workout clothes need to last! These brands will withstand lots of sweat, box jumps, and cycles in the wash.
• SIZE-INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands that make inclusive sizes, so there’s something here for everyone.
• ORGANIC AND NONTOXIC | These are all thoughtful brands that give back and use sustainable manufacturing. These brands use fabrics that are organic, natural, and nontoxic.

For more ecofriendly men’s clothing, check out my review of the best sustainable men’s clothing brands (don’t forget organic boxers and briefs, too).

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1. Definite Articles

Best For | Overall favorite
Natural & Organic Materials | Lyocell, OEKO-TEX certified materials
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $14–$88

Definite Articles is a Certified B Corp making “premium performance wear for people who love the planet.” Unlike most activewear filled with millions of microplastics, DA’s line is made from plastic but is fully biodegradable. How’s that for innovation? We love the brand’s bottoms (both the shorts and joggers) the most, thanks to the cell phone pocket, cash stash, and extra soft stretch. Add some of DA’s signature socks and you’ve got the most sustainable (and biodegradable) ‘fits around.

My Review | The Hoodoo Hoodie and Tor Short are top-notch in both quality and design. The sweater feels built to last, with a beautiful weight to the fabric that instantly gives it a more premium feel. The design stands out too — it has the comfort of a traditional hoodie, but with a much more elevated look. Instead of a standard front pouch, it features two front pockets that still give you that hands-in-pocket hoodie feel, just in a more refined, updated way. Every detail feels intentional and thoughtfully executed.

The shorts carry that same level of craftsmanship. They are durable, cleanly designed, and clearly made with care. The inner lining is really supportive and feels like you are wearing a quality pair of boxer briefs. The outer lining is a nice, light material with some elasticity. These shorts feel supportive enough to hold a phone and keys in your pockets without feeling bulky or annoying. The colors of the two pieces complement each other really well, making it an easy set to throw on without overthinking.

I’ve found myself reaching for this set constantly, especially for my morning workouts. It strikes that perfect balance between comfort, performance, and style.

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2. ON

Best For | Running
Natural & Organic Materials | Recycled materials, tencel, modal, cotton
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Price Range | $55–$450

ON was launched in 2010 in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with the hopes of changing the world of running. What started as three men in Zurich has now grown to a collection spanning 50 countries, international design and technology awards, and even sports legend Roger Federer as a co-entrepreneur and founder. So yeah, you could say the brand knows a thing or two about activewear! Its extensive line of performance apparel is made for every kind of run, from cold-weather training to indoor treadmills and rest and recovery walks. Use the helpful filters like “weatherproof,” “weather condition,” and “activity” to determine the best activewear for your needs and enjoy — you can thank us later.

My Review | The Focus Tech Sweatpants and Focus Tech Zip Hoodie, paired with the Cloudrock Mid Waterproof hiking boots, are my ideal hiking outfit. The tracksuit is warm yet breathable, super stylish, and feels built with purpose. I love the weight of the material, and the boots are surprisingly comfortable right out of the box — even before being broken in.

I’m especially drawn to the brand’s edgy, futuristic aesthetic — it feels like a seamless blend of performance and style.

I wore the full set on an early morning hike this past weekend, and everything just felt dialed. The boots handled a range of terrain with ease, while the pants and jacket kept me warm without overheating. It’s one of those outfits that makes you feel both capable and put together.

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3. Jungmaven

Best For | Quality hemp staples
Natural & Organic Materials | Hemp & GOTS-certified organic cotton
Size Range | XS–2XL
Price Range | $48–$242

Jungmaven is a brand built on one mission: To create low-impact hemp clothing that’s good for the planet and our bodies. They create simple, well-made essentials crafted primarily from hemp and hemp blends that are durable, breathable, and require far less water and no pesticides to grow compared to conventional cotton. The brand has been pushing hemp as a regenerative alternative since the early ‘90s, and positioning wearing low-impact clothing as a form of activism. Most of their garments are cut and sewn in California at fair-trade factories. 

My Review | I’ve always loved Jungmaven. There’s something about the quality and weight of their hemp-cotton blend that really stands out. The Yelapa Fleece Sweatpants have that signature drape and substance, with a waistband and ankle cuffs that feel both comfortable and well-constructed. Even the drawstrings are simple but clearly made with care.

The Heatered Balboa Hooded Sweatshirt carries that same sense of quality — it has a great weight to it and feels thoughtfully made. The overall fit leans athletic yet remains versatile, making it easy to wear for a workout or throughout the day.

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4. Outerknown

Best For | Earth-conscious basics
Natural & Organic Materials | Recycled materials
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $88–$168

It should be no surprise that sustainable brand Outerknown, started by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, makes our list for water-repellent activewear. Whether you’re hoping to catch some waves yourself or traverse rainy terrains, Outerknown’s line is built for you. Each piece is made from recycled polyester and nylon with a hint of spandex (under fair trade conditions), so it’s quick-drying, stretchable, and multifunctional. Surfers especially will love the Apex Trunks — if you don’t believe us, trust the dozens of 5-star reviews! Surf’s up, friends.

My Review | There’s something special about the clothes coming out of Outerknown. From the moment you open the package, starting with their waste-free packaging, you can tell there’s a level of thoughtfulness behind everything. The garments have a beautiful weight and quality that you notice immediately.

I especially love the attention to detail in the Sur Sweatshirt and Sur Sweatpants — the zippers, ties, and pockets all feel high quality and distinctly brand-specific. The colors are rich, and the whole set feels like it’s built to last for years.

It’s become my go-to for slow mornings — perfect for throwing on while making coffee and then heading out for a hike. 

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5. Vuori

Best For | Performance activewear
Natural & Organic Materials | Recycled materials
Size Range | XXS–3XL
Price Range | $18–$478

Vuori is inspired by the laid-back, active lifestyle of coastal California, blending fitness, surf, and art into its thoughtfully designed performance apparel. More than just creating durable, stylish pieces, Vuori champions a way of life centered on sustainability, community, and happiness. They craft their products with innovative, eco-friendly fabrics, prioritizing recycled and low-carbon materials through their Vuori Preferred Fibers program.

My Review | I tried both the Vuori Fleet Sport Jogger and the Maverick Volley Short, and they each deliver exactly what you’d want from a solid jogger and workout short.

The joggers are excellent quality with a great fit and streamlined design. I really like that they feel like midweight pants in terms of thickness and weight, while still being more form-fitting and slimmer. The right pocket on the joggers has a sleek design with two zippers, separating it into two compartments. I tested it by putting my phone and bulky wallet in the two compartments, and it surprisingly holds both very well without feeling super bulky or in the way. They feel durable enough to last a long time and are warm yet breathable, so you don’t overheat during your workout.

The shorts are nice, lightweight, and well-made, and I love the color. The pockets are simple and a bit too small to fit bulky things like a phone or wallet. The inner lining is more like netted underwear, and for this reason, it does feel a little less supportive than a short with something like a boxer-brief underlayer. I would probably wear these less at the gym because they are so thin, but they will be amazing for really hot days and long hikes.

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6. MATE the Label

Best For | Organic lounge sets
Natural & Organic Materials | Organic cotton
Size Range | S-XXL
Price Range | $48-$128

MATE the Label is a clean essentials brand all about simplicity, quality, and what actually touches your skin. MATE the Label goes beyond just making good-looking basics. It’s built around a steadfast commitment to sustainability and clean materials. Everything starts with organic, plant-based fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and TENCEL, and they intentionally avoid synthetics like polyester and nylon to reduce microplastic and chemical exposure often found in clothing. Most of their garments are cut, sewn, and dyed in Los Angeles, which helps reduce their carbon footprint. On top of that, they use non-toxic, low-impact dyes, plastic-free packaging, and even recycle fabric waste that goes back into production. They’re a go-to when looking for clothing made not only to last but also with the earth in mind. 

My Review | I love the quality of the Organic Fleece Crew Neck Sweater and Organic Fleece Relaxed Sweatpants. From the subtle color palette to the stitching, it has quickly become my go-to for early-morning swims at the rec center. Those cold starts can be tough, but this set makes the transition feel effortless. And after a swim, I love putting it back on before heading home to a hot shower. 

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7. Quince

Best For | Budget-friendly activewear
Natural & Organic Materials | Organic cotton, lenzing model, merino wool, eco-friendly dyes, recycled materials
Size Range | XS–XXXL
Price Range | $20–$90

San Francisco-based brand Quince is one of the top brands on our list of affordable, high-quality, and sustainable clothing, and that includes its activewear collection! From organic cotton heavyweight hoodies to merino wool tees and joggers, you can build your everyday athletic wardrobe without sacrificing on quality or budget. Quince curates their products from the finest makers worldwide, collaborating exclusively with factories that uphold fair wages and sustainable production practices. Many of these factories also engage in local corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring a positive impact on their communities.

My Review | The Performance Tech Shorts and Flowknit Breeze Performance Long Sleeve Tee are perfect for hikes or workouts on a warm summer day. The tee is made from Global Recycled Standard-certified poly yarn, which keeps plastic waste out of landfills and the ocean. It’s super lightweight, and given that it’s made from recycled fabric, it feels delicate and may not hold up after multiple washes. But time will tell. 

The shorts are also lightweight and breathable, and they feel like great quality. I like the nicely tailored, slim-fit that’s not restrictive. The jersey-lined feature also makes them extra comfortable. Because of this lining, they actually feel quite supportive without underwear. So they strike a really nice balance of being lightweight but supportive. I wouldn’t want to have anything in my pockets as I’m working out because the thinner fabric doesn’t hold things like a phone or keys very well. Yet, they’ve both quickly become staples in my activewear rotation. 

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8. tentree

Best For | Athletic shorts & joggers
Natural & Organic Materials | Tencel Lyocell, recycled materials
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $40–$218

Exercise and eco-apparel approved, tentree’s activewear is made from discarded water bottles and upcycled textiles! This “InMotion” collection includes all your workout essentials, from joggers to tanks. They’re specially designed with thoughtful features like odor control, Spandex for added elasticity, and technical specs for heightened performance. We especially love that they’re stylish enough to rock at the gym or on the couch — we’ll take one of each, please.

My Review | The Pender Tank is incredibly breathable and lightweight, with a great, flattering fit. The higher thread count gives it a smooth, soft feel that really stands out. It’s the kind of piece you’ll reach for on hot days, whether you’re outside or at the gym.

The Atlas Sweatpant is equally impressive in terms of quality. I love the color and the feel of the material — they’re comfortable without feeling too casual. The drawstring detail, finished with the brand’s logo, adds a subtle but elevated touch.

Together, the set makes a versatile pairing that works just as well for outdoor activities as it does for indoor workouts.

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9. Pact

Best For | Casual “off-duty” pieces
Natural & Organic Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton
Size Range | XS–2XL
Price Range | $24–$88

Made for that pre- and post-exercise life, Pact’s activewear line is perfect for layering on cool mornings and warm evenings. From pullover hoodies to “off-duty” joggers, Pact’s pieces are fitted but not overly snug, lightweight but not flimsy. We love this brand for its affordable and accessible clothing that can easily transition from casual wear to the gym. Plus, they’re carbon-neutral, made with super soft organic cotton, and ethically sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories.

My Review | The Organic Luxe Essential Slim Fit Crewneck Tee and Organic Brushed Fleece Pullover Hoodie have become staples in my workout rotation. The shirt has a clean look and a great fit, and it feels like it’ll hold up well through repeated washes while maintaining its shape and structure.

Both hoodies have a nice slim fit with a simple, understated design that’s easy to wear anywhere. All three pieces are made from organic cotton and feel like solid, reliable quality.

The shirt has been my go-to for the gym, and the hoodies have consistently delivered — easy to throw on, comfortable, and dependable for everyday wear.

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10. Patagonia

Best For | Outdoor activewear
Natural & Organic Materials | Recycled materials, wool
Size Range | XS–3XL
Price Range | $39–$315

Maybe known as the best outdoor retailer of all time (and top sustainable brand to boot), Patagonia knows we can get outdoors and preserve it at the same time. Its line of durable, ethical, and sustainable apparel works for any adventure from fly fishing to mountain biking to kitesurfing. No matter what you pick, it’s backed by the Patagonia guarantee, and it gives back to the environment via 1% for the Planet. You can even trade in your old gear or buy secondhand pieces thanks to Patagonia’s Worn Wear program.

My Review | The Quandary Joggers are incredibly versatile. They’re durable enough for long hikes, with just the right amount of warmth, while still staying breathable once you get moving. They’ve quickly become a go-to for workouts, cold mornings, and even moderately warm days. The fabric feels lightweight, but also strong and built to last. I especially love the fit and the pocket design — sleek and low-profile, yet surprisingly functional. They easily hold essentials like a phone or wallet without adding bulk.

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Cole Higgins is originally from Los Angeles, where he grew up an avid surfer. He now lives in the mountains of Colorado with his wife and their two young daughters. He runs a remote animation studio from home and enjoys staying active outdoors, creating art, and building a life rooted in family.

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