Our Vetting Standards for Activewear
• 90%+ organic cotton or wool
• Low-tox dyes
• Third-party certifications preferred
Happy Earth PlantTec Activewear $19 – $64
Material:
95% organic cotton, 5% spandex/elastane
Certifications:
GOTS
Climate Neutral Certified
ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List compliant
Living Crafts Organics Wool/Cotton Leggings $38.95 – $44.95
Can be ordered in the US from Little Spruce Organics
Material:
55% organic merino wool, 45% organic cotton
Certifications:
GOTS
Notes:
Made in the EU
Fair Indigo 100% Organic cotton leggings + tees + joggers $36.90 – $59.90
Material:
100% organic cotton
Certifications:
GOTS
Blue Monday Merino Wool Pants $58.99 message sent 1/31 inquiring about dyes
Material:
100% New Zealand merino wool
Certifications:
Note: many other options on their website – check listings for materials and details
Maggie’s Organics Leggings $29 – $61
Material:
90% organic cotton, 10% spandex/elastane
Certifications:
GOTS
Fair Trade
Pact Leggings $19 – $38
Material:
90% organic cotton, 10% spandex/elastane (may contain latex)
Certifications:
GOTS
Fair Trade
Quince – price varies
Quince has a changing selection of organic clothing items. Activewear, casual wear and underwear. Some items may be 100% organic cotton, other items may be blends. Read product description for materials used and any certifications the product may have. Because the selection is always changing, we’ve linked to search results for “organic” at the link above. Look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX and GOTS for the best options.
More Expensive Options:
Wooly Merino Wool Leggings $79 – $100
Material:
95% RWS merino wool, 5% spandex/elastane
Certifications:
(email sent to find out)
Nui Wool Leggings $110
Material:
100% RWS merino wool
Certifications:
OEKO-TEX 100
Mate the Label Leggings $68 – $98
Material:
92% organic cotton, 8% spandex/elastane
Certifications:
GOTS
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Certification is a prestigious certification that ensures textiles, such as clothing and fabrics, meet rigorous environmental and social standards. GOTS certifies that products contain a minimum of 70% organic fibers, are free from toxic chemicals, and are produced in facilities that adhere to strict environmental and labor practices. The certification process involves independent testing and inspection of the entire supply chain, from harvesting to finishing, to ensure compliance with standards for organic farming, safe working conditions, and minimal environmental impact. By choosing GOTS-certified products, consumers can trust that they are supporting sustainable and responsible textile production, and that the products they purchase are safe for their skin and the environment.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) certification protects against various harmful substances and hazards in consumer products, particularly those intended for children. Specifically, CPSIA certification tests for the presence of lead, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals in products such as toys, clothing, and furniture. It also ensures compliance with safety standards for small parts, choking hazards, and entanglement risks. Additionally, CPSIA certification protects against the use of certain hazardous materials, such as cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium, in consumer products. By requiring manufacturers to meet these safety standards, CPSIA certification helps to prevent injuries and illnesses associated with the use of consumer products, especially among children.
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary certification ensuring wool comes from farms that prioritize animal welfare, sustainable land management, and supply chain transparency. It prohibits practices like mulesing, promotes humane treatment of sheep, and encourages environmentally friendly farming. Certified wool is traceable through the supply chain, verified by third-party audits, and helps consumers and brands make ethical, eco-conscious choices.
The ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) is a comprehensive guide to chemical substances that are prohibited from intentional use in the manufacturing processes of textiles, apparel, and footwear, including materials like leather, rubber, foam, and adhesives. Its primary goal is to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the supply chain, ensuring protection for workers, consumers, and the environment. Key categories include: Alkylphenols (AP) and Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEOs), Chlorobenzenes and Chlorotoluenes, Chlorophenols, Azo dyes, Navy Blue dye, carcinogenic, and disperse dyes, Flame retardants, glycols, glycol ethers, halogenated solvents, and organotin compounds, Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Each listed substance is associated with a specific Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number for unique identification. The MRSL specifies acceptable concentration limits for these substances in chemical formulations to prevent intentional use while allowing for trace impurities that may occur during manufacturing. For a detailed and interactive view of the MRSL, including specific substances and their associated limits, visit the official ZDHC MRSL online tool at mrsl.roadmaptozero.com.