Why It’s Hard to Make Truly Natural Activewear
Creating compression activewear from natural fibres is difficult, but innovation in bio-based elastane, merino blends, and PFAS-free coatings is changing that.
Creating non-toxic, high-performance activewear from natural fibres is one of the biggest challenges in sustainable fashion.
Compression leggings and sportswear demand stretch, recovery, and durability - qualities traditionally delivered by synthetic materials like elastane or spandex.
So how do we deliver performance without compromising health or the planet? That is the problem Real Dream State is ready to solve.
Why Stretch Is So Hard Without Synthetics
Most compression garments are made with at least 10–20% elastane (spandex which is a brand name), a petroleum-based fibre that gives activewear its signature stretch and snap-back recovery.
Blending spandex with natural fibres like bamboo, cotton, or TENCEL™ helps make activewear more breathable and skin-friendly, but:
It’s still not ideal for high-impact sports or endurance running
Natural fibre blends often lack the compression and support needed for long wear or intense motion
Elastane is non-biodegradable, and hard to recycle when blended
The Real Issue Is a Trade-Off Between Performance and Purity
There’s a reason few brands are offering truly natural compression wear - synthetics outperform natural fibres when it comes to:
Elastic recovery
Moisture-wicking
Long-term stretch retention
Abrasion resistance
But performance shouldn’t come at the expense of toxic exposure and microplastic pollution.
That’s why we’re actively exploring the next generation of low-toxicity, bio-based materials.
Promising Innovations in Sustainable Performance Materials
Here’s what’s on the radar and why we’re excited:
Bio-Based Elastanes
Fibres like ROICA™ V550 and Lycra® T400 incorporate plant-derived content, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also avoid harmful finishing chemicals and are certified degradable or compostable under certain conditions.
Engineered Knit Structures
Advanced knitting techniques create built-in stretch and structure using fibres like TENCEL™, organic cotton, or fine merino wool - without relying heavily on elastane.
Natural Fibre Blends Are great For Low Impact Sports
Fibres like merino wool and hemp regulate temperature, wick moisture, and resist odour naturally. When blended with just 3–5% elastane, they can still deliver gentle recovery for yoga, Pilates, and everyday wear.
PFAS-Free Water-Repellent Finishes
Textile chemistry is moving away from forever chemicals (PFAS) toward plant- or silicone-based coatings that meet OEKO-TEX® and bluesign® standards.
Closed-Loop Recycling for Blends
Chemical recycling technologies are emerging to break down polyester–elastane blends and regenerate raw materials - an important step in making synthetic-nature hybrids circular from a planetary stand point.
What We’re Committed To at Real Dream State
We’re not just watching this space - we’re trialling materials and looking to collaborate with mills and innovators to build cleaner compression wear.
Our Long-Term Goal:
To offer high-performance, low-toxicity products that are functional, designed beautifully and are healthy for your body.
This Is a Human Rights Issue Too
Right now, access to safe, non-toxic clothing is a luxury.
Most high quality, natural or certified-safe fabrics come with a higher price tag. Everyone deserves the freedom to choose clothing that doesn’t compromise their health.
To shift the system, we need:
Greater education on the health and environmental risks of synthetic textiles
Brand and consumer access to policy and supply chain transparency
Consumer demand that pushes governments and brands to invest in better materials
Innovation at scale - so better options become affordable and accessible to all
Final Takeaway
Creating natural, non-toxic activewear isn’t easy, but Real Dream State and like-minded brands are up for the challenge. Through collaboration, information-sharing, and collective effort, we can help tip the needle in the right direction.
We need urgency, the right materials, partnerships, and a deep commitment to innovation, to rethink what clothing looks and feels like for the future.
Collectively, we can move toward the ultimate dream state in compressionwear and clothing - non-toxic fabrics, made accessible for all.
Creating non-toxic, high-performance activewear from natural fibres is one of the biggest challenges in sustainable fashion.
Compression leggings and sportswear demand stretch, recovery, and durability - qualities traditionally delivered by synthetic materials like elastane or spandex.
So how do we deliver performance without compromising health or the planet? That is the problem Real Dream State is ready to solve.
Why Stretch Is So Hard Without Synthetics
Most compression garments are made with at least 10–20% elastane (spandex which is a brand name), a petroleum-based fibre that gives activewear its signature stretch and snap-back recovery.
Blending spandex with natural fibres like bamboo, cotton, or TENCEL™ helps make activewear more breathable and skin-friendly, but:
It’s still not ideal for high-impact sports or endurance running
Natural fibre blends often lack the compression and support needed for long wear or intense motion
Elastane is non-biodegradable, and hard to recycle when blended
The Real Issue Is a Trade-Off Between Performance and Purity
There’s a reason few brands are offering truly natural compression wear - synthetics outperform natural fibres when it comes to:
Elastic recovery
Moisture-wicking
Long-term stretch retention
Abrasion resistance
But performance shouldn’t come at the expense of toxic exposure and microplastic pollution.
That’s why we’re actively exploring the next generation of low-toxicity, bio-based materials.
Promising Innovations in Sustainable Performance Materials
Here’s what’s on the radar and why we’re excited:
Bio-Based Elastanes
Fibres like ROICA™ V550 and Lycra® T400 incorporate plant-derived content, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also avoid harmful finishing chemicals and are certified degradable or compostable under certain conditions.
Engineered Knit Structures
Advanced knitting techniques create built-in stretch and structure using fibres like TENCEL™, organic cotton, or fine merino wool - without relying heavily on elastane.
Natural Fibre Blends Are great For Low Impact Sports
Fibres like merino wool and hemp regulate temperature, wick moisture, and resist odour naturally. When blended with just 3–5% elastane, they can still deliver gentle recovery for yoga, Pilates, and everyday wear.
PFAS-Free Water-Repellent Finishes
Textile chemistry is moving away from forever chemicals (PFAS) toward plant- or silicone-based coatings that meet OEKO-TEX® and bluesign® standards.
Closed-Loop Recycling for Blends
Chemical recycling technologies are emerging to break down polyester–elastane blends and regenerate raw materials - an important step in making synthetic-nature hybrids circular from a planetary stand point.
What We’re Committed To at Real Dream State
We’re not just watching this space - we’re trialling materials and looking to collaborate with mills and innovators to build cleaner compression wear.
Our Long-Term Goal:
To offer high-performance, low-toxicity products that are functional, designed beautifully and are healthy for your body.
This Is a Human Rights Issue Too
Right now, access to safe, non-toxic clothing is a luxury.
Most high quality, natural or certified-safe fabrics come with a higher price tag. Everyone deserves the freedom to choose clothing that doesn’t compromise their health.
To shift the system, we need:
Greater education on the health and environmental risks of synthetic textiles
Brand and consumer access to policy and supply chain transparency
Consumer demand that pushes governments and brands to invest in better materials
Innovation at scale - so better options become affordable and accessible to all
Final Takeaway
Creating natural, non-toxic activewear isn’t easy, but Real Dream State and like-minded brands are up for the challenge. Through collaboration, information-sharing, and collective effort, we can help tip the needle in the right direction.
We need urgency, the right materials, partnerships, and a deep commitment to innovation, to rethink what clothing looks and feels like for the future.
Collectively, we can move toward the ultimate dream state in compressionwear and clothing - non-toxic fabrics, made accessible for all.
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