Should we care?
As a yoga teacher and someone who basically lives in yoga pants – I am not ashamed to admit that I have fully embraced comfortable and functional clothing as a welcome fashion statement. And I know I’m not alone in this at all – I see you out there being comfortable and am here for it 😉
As you know, I spend most of my time working with people who are trying to conceive. And more and more I’m seeing companies emphasizing that their clothing is ‘non-toxic’. So I thought yoga pants might be a topic to explore with you because what we put in and on our bodies is important when we’re TTC.
I started to consider more seriously what chemicals might actually be woven into the fabrics of my yoga pants. I know that the athleisure wear industry is causing major damage to the environment with its chemical processing and dyes, but is it polluting me too?
Here are the questions that flooded through my mind: What are my clothes actually made from? Should we be concerned about toxins in our clothes? Is this just one more thing to instill fear into us when we’re trying to conceive? Is this something that just creeped into our everyday lives and we never questioned it – like so many other things that we assumed were ‘ok’?
I know that one of the first things that people do when they want to conceive is to remove toxins from the home. You’ve chucked the old teflon pans, replaced your skin care products, gone with fragrance free laundry soap and maybe even given up your favorite candles. But have you thought about your clothes?
The Research
I came across many research studies showing a link between PFAS (forever chemicals often used in the production of different plastics amongst other things) and reproductive issues, similar to this research. The EPA also has lots of information on their website saying that exposure to PFAS may be harmful to human health with the first bullet point being reproductive effects and decreased fertility.
Female and male reproductive systems are remarkably sensitive to environmental influences. Research suggests that PFAS exposure may be linked to various reproductive health concerns, including decreased fertility, pregnancy complications, and disrupted hormonal balance possibly related to the development of endometriosis and PCOS. Not to mention lower sperm quality, mobility, and motility.
PFAS are considered xeno-estrogens meaning they can mimic or interfere with the effects of estrogen in the body. Some PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, have been shown to bind to estrogen receptors and disrupt hormone signaling pathways – thus messing with the communication of our reproductive hormones.
Our skin is the largest organ of the body and is permeable and quickly absorbs whatever is put on it. While the research is still evolving, the principles that guide supporting reproductive health suggests we should be mindful of what we’re exposing our bodies to daily.
Back to the Yoga Pants
I also read these two articles: one from The Cut and a blog post on Mamavation – both with some heartening and disheartening info.
Mamavation sent 32 pairs of leggings to a 3rd party EPA certified lab to test for fluorine in the crotch areas of the pants (the chemical indicator of PFAS use).
- testing showed that 75% of the leggings they tested had NO detectable levels of fluorine in them (nice!)
- 25% of the pairs did have detectable levels with one being extremely high (here’s looking at you lulaRoe)
- Their conclusion – that because of these findings it is absolutely possible to make athletic wear without PFAS (yes please!)
And the highlights for me from The Cut article:
- That the PFAS levels are highest when the garments are new. Over time and washes, levels of PFAS go down (mind you – they are now going into the water system or ground water instead!)
- There is minimal testing to verify the absorbability of PFAS through the skin. But remember, just because something hasn’t been proven doesn’t mean it’s not true. Often it’s just science needing to catch up to what our bodies already deeply know.
My conclusions – Some good and some bad here.
- Let’s first start by saying that you don’t have to run out and buy a whole new wardrobe of yoga pants! Because you’ve probably washed them dozens of times by now.
- However…since 25% of pants had fluorine and there are far more than 32 companies selling yoga pants, and only the crotches of pants were tested, there is something to be said for eliminating toxins when and where we can.
- AND – going beyond PFAS – let’s also remember that nylon and polyester are petrochemicals, another group of Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals linked to reproductive system disruption in both men and women.
Removing burdens so our bodies don’t have to spend all their energy detoxing is so important. Our bodies are DETOX MACHINES – they expend incredible amounts of energy trying to eliminate waste – both natural and synthetic. So let’s give it a little relief.
Transitioning to Natural Fibers
The optimal goal here is to improve our overall health and vitality, which will translate into a healthier reproductive system. It is also creating an environment for a healthier pregnancy and creating a healthy lifestyle for your future children.
Transitioning to a more conscious yoga wardrobe doesn’t need to happen overnight.
Start with new purchases: When you need to replace worn-out yoga pants, research PFAS-free and natural fiber alternatives. This allows you to transition gradually without breaking the bank.
Prioritize pieces you wear most: Focus first on the items you wear longest and most frequently – for many of us, that’s our go-to yoga pants, underwear and sports bras.
Care for what you have: If you’re continuing to wear pieces that may contain PFAS, wash them gently and avoid high heat, which may increase chemical release.
Practical Alternatives: Say yes to these fabrics!
Choose natural and organic fabrics:
- Organic cotton yoga pants offer breathability and comfort
- Merino wool provides natural moisture-wicking properties
- Bamboo fabric is naturally antimicrobial and soft (go organic here and note that the processing of bamboo can very toxic to the environment)
- Hemp blends are durable and become softer with wear
Look for certified PFAS-free brands: Many companies are now specifically marketing PFAS-free athletic wear (see my recommendation below!) Research brands that prioritize transparency about their manufacturing processes and chemical treatments.
Ditch fast fashion, embrace slow fashion: Rather than relying on disposable cheap clothes made overseas with no regulations, consider investing in quality construction and natural organic fibers. Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but these clothes will last longer and you’ll feel better too when you know you’re wearing something that is good, both inside and out. Because let’s be honest – you probably have a ton of clothes and really only wear a few things over and over! Embrace capsule wardrobes – a few different pieces that can be worn and styled in different ways.
My Fav Brands
I am not an affiliate for these companies, just my personal experiences.
- Pact Organic – very affordable options
- Maggies Organics – affordable basics
- Groceries – A little more expensive
- Mate the Label – midrange
- Branwyn – mostly merino wool underwear – a little pricey but NICE and will last forever
Making Conscious Choices
Remember, the stress of worrying about every chemical exposure can be more harmful than the exposure itself. Remember – your body is a DETOX MACHINE, and it’s not an all or nothing game! If you’re eliminating where you can, your body is less burdened and able to better detox when there is exposure. We cannot control this 100%, we aim for consistency! Approach these choices with the same mindful awareness you would make other decisions about your health. Be informed, intentional, choose from a place of love and not fear.
PS – have you considered the vibrational frequency of fabrics? It’s fascinating and I love this stuff! Not sure about you but I’d like to be vibing at a higher frequency and think this is why I just feel better when I’m wearing natural fibers! Read about it here and here. To get you started here is a nice little IG post from @thekitchngardns with the basics.
Related blog posts by Kerry:
Your Yoga Mat and Your Hormones: What you need to know
Discover Ayurveda’s Fertility Secrets (talks about removing toxins)
Fringe Fertility Episodes:
Is your yoga mat messing with your hormones?
Artificial Fragrances and how they affect fertility with Sarah Michels
