From the pajamas we sleep in to the sweaters and workout clothes we wear for hours at a time, fabric sits directly against our skin—our body’s largest organ—for most of our lives. Yet most of us rarely stop to ask a simple question: what are our clothes actually made of? 

What’s in Your Closet: The Good, the Bad, the Plastic

Over the last few decades, the fashion industry has shifted away from natural fibers (like cotton, wool, and linen) and switched to synthetic options that promise convenience and improved performance. It’s estimated that 70% of today’s clothing is made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, polyester, and elastane. 

These materials may offer stretch, softness, or moisture-wicking benefits, but they’re also code names for one thing: plastic. 

The more you wash and wear a garment made of plastics, the more that pieces of that fabric can break off, creating microplastics. But more on that in a minute.

Most clothing made today also comes with various chemical treatments applied during the manufacturing process. Water-resistant fabrics are often treated with PFAs, deemed “forever chemicals;” wrinkle-free garments may release formaldehyde; and synthetic dyes can introduce added chemical exposures we never signed up for. And because regulations around chemicals in textiles remain surprisingly limited, it can be hard to know what you’re really bringing into your home and putting on your body.  

The Health Hazards of Synthetic Chemicals and Microplastics in Clothing

Microplastics

While research is ongoing, what science has found about the effects of microplastics on human health shows alarming potential for harm. Microplastics act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they can mimic or interfere with hormones. Endocrine disruption has been linked to a variety of health issues, including:

• Reproductive issues and fetal development

• Metabolic disorders

• Thyroid issues

• Neurodegenerative disorders

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Cancer 

Scientists are just beginning to understand the full scope of microplastics’ harmful effects on human health, and what plastic in clothing is capable of doing to the human body.

Synthetic chemicals added during manufacturing

Approximately 25% of the global chemical output comes from the textile industry, and it’s easy to see how once you understand what those chemicals are used for. 

Today’s consumer expects their clothing to be stain resistant, wrinkle resistant, stretch in all the right places, and more. But to achieve some of these results, manufacturers add a slew of chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to human health. 

These may include:

• PFAS, while used for water and stain repellency, are considered carcinogenic.

• Formaldehyde, often added for wrinkle resistance, can contribute to skin allergies, respiratory irritation, and even cancer.

• Azo dyes are used for vibrant colors but can break down into harmful aromatic amines that are carcinogenic.

• Phthalates are often found in plastic prints and softeners, and act as hormone disruptors. 

• Flame retardants have been used in children’s clothing, particularly pajamas, since the 1970s. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption, neurobehavioral issues, cancer, and impaired development.  

We share this information not to promote fear, but to promote awareness of what goes into the fabrics that sit against your skin 24/7. We all purchase things in good faith, assuming that they’re not dangerous, when they may be filled with potentially hazardous chemicals.  

How to Find Healthier Clothing Options

Of course, finding healthier clothing options can feel overwhelming. Few brands are fully plastic-free, and terms like “natural,” “clean,” or “non-toxic” aren’t well regulated to ensure that synthetic chemicals haven’t been involved somewhere along the way. 

That’s why we created this roundup of better-for-you brands for men, women, babies, and kids. Whether you’re looking for organic basics, natural fiber activewear, non-toxic pajamas, or everyday essentials made with fewer synthetic materials, these are brands helping make healthier clothing easier to find. 

Our criteria + vetting process 

• Materials: We looked for organic, natural materials such as organic cotton, linen, wool, or hemp whenever possible. 

• Low to no plastic: When plastic was needed or added to a material, we looked for it in a small percentage, and ideally a bio-based form not derived from synthetic fibers.

• Certifications: Whenever possible, we looked for materials that were GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard), which is the gold standard for limiting chemical inputs in textile production.

Our Favorite Non-Toxic Clothing Brands For Women, Men, and Kids

Women

Best Everyday Essentials: PACT

We’re big fans of PACT’s organic cotton t-shirts, pants, and other everyday basics which are as comfy and breathable as they are durable. Their clothes are free from toxic dyes, harsh chemicals, and PFAs, and their cotton is GOTs-certified from end-to-end. We also love the affordability of this brand, with organic cotton shirts for $24 and leggings that retail for $38. 

Best Elevated Everyday: Honest Cotton

If you’re looking for elevated classics for work, a night out, or a weekend getaway, Honest Cotton has you covered. Specializing in—you guessed it—100% cotton and other natural fibers, they offer structured yet comfortable staples in a variety of colors and cuts, helping you mix and match for an effortlessly put-together wardrobe. 

Best Workout Wear: Mate the Label

With GOTS-certified organic cotton and non-toxic dyes, this is one of our favorite brands to shop workout staples like sports bras, breathable tops, leggings, and loungewear. Bonus: Their matching tops and shorts also come in a bunch of fun colors, helping us feel a little bit more put together when we stay in workout wear all day.

Best Sundress: Christy Dawn 

Christy Dawn’s vintage-inspired silhouettes—think puff sleeves, smocked bodices, and flowing tiered skirts—feel timeless and romantic while still being easy to wear every day. Made from organic and regeneratively grown cotton, these dresses are breathable, beautifully constructed, and ideal for warm-weather outings, vacations, or everyday wear.

Best Elevated Loungewear: MIRTH

MIRTH utilizes 100% cotton canvas for its lounge collection, including relaxed shirts, drawstring pants, lightweight jackets, and breezy dresses. We especially love their matching sets and oversized cotton separates that feel polished enough for travel or errands while still being laid back and comfy. We also love their 100% cotton pajamas and dresses for a fancy affair.

Best Pajamas: Lake Pajamas

If you’re going to spend (ideally) eight hours of blissful shut-eye wearing something, it should be comfortable, breathable, and made from all-natural fibers. Lake checks all of these boxes thanks to their use of 100% Peruvian Pima cotton. (They also have PJs made from modal—a fiber derived from beech wood trees, but the 100% cotton option is our favorite.) The cotton PJ sets are soft and durable, making them the perfect go-to when you (finally) get to crawl underneath the covers. 

Best Denim: Triarchy or Kings of Indigo

When it comes to denim, choosing brands that use organic cotton and safer dyes or treatments can make a meaningful difference. Two brands doing just that are Kings of Indigo and Triarchy. While we’ve typically bought jeans from brands like Madewell or Everlane in the past, we’ve become curious about these two companies whose intentional practices are disrupting the denim industry.

Through our research we’ve found that both brands prioritize processes that reduce the chemical burden often associated with conventional denim. Triarchy, for example, has pioneered the first plastic-free stretch denim; and Kings of Indigo uses plant-based indigo instead of harsh chemical dyes or toxic stonewashing. 

The good news is that regardless of the denim brand you buy, there are simple steps you can take at home to reduce potential chemical residue once you take your new favorite pair home. As we mentioned earlier, the more you wash and wear something made of plastic, the more that fabric can break off, creating microplastics. However, for clothing treated with chemicals, the more you wash it or air it out, it typically reduces the chemical residue. 

Before you wear something for the first time, we recommend:

• Pre-washing 

• Sunning jeans (placing them in direct sunlight) to help naturally air them out

Try this with your denim or any article of clothing that has a lingering fragrance or may have undergone chemical processing. 

Want to read more? Explore our guide to removing fragrance from clothing or hand-me-downs 

Men

Best Loungewear: Elwood

If your man likes elevated basics with a laid-back California feel, this brand is hard to beat. Their heavyweight sweatpants, relaxed hoodies, vintage-inspired tees, and cozy shorts are incredibly soft (thanks to their commitment to 100% organic cotton) and designed with an effortless oversized fit that works for lounging or everyday wear.

Best Everyday Tees: PACT

PACT makes some of our favorite everyday tees for both women and men thanks to their soft organic cotton fabric, classic fits, and accessible price point. Their lightweight crewnecks and pocket tees are breathable, comfortable, and easy to wear on repeat. Plus, every piece is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and without harsh chemicals, PFAs, or toxic dyes.

Best Men’s Pajamas: Coyuchi

Coyuchi’s organic cotton pajamas are made from soft percale that feels cool, breathable, and luxurious against the skin. We especially love their crinkled pajama pants and relaxed sleep sets, which feel elevated enough to wear around the house all weekend long. Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, they’re an excellent investment for comfortable, toxin-conscious sleepwear.

Best Everyday Wear: Taylor Stitch

From work shirts to jeans, Taylor Stitch offers a variety of on-trend pieces made from organic materials and plant-based dyes like indigo. They use GOTS-certified organic cotton for many of their products and focus on partnering with factories that adhere to strict manufacturing standards. 

Best Button-Ups: Hope & Henry

Hope & Henry offers polished button-ups made from breathable natural fabrics like organic cotton and linen blends. We especially love their short-sleeve linen shirts for summer—they’re lightweight, easy to style, and polished enough for everything from vacation dinners to casual office days. Their pieces feel classic and versatile while still being affordable and easy to wear.

Kids & Babies

Best Pajamas: Hannah Andersson

This beloved brand offers everything from shirts and sweats to dresses and pajamas in a variety of fun prints and colors kiddos love—unicorns and rainbows, anyone? Their signature HannahJams are especially beloved for their impressive durability, making it easy to pass down to the next generation, and all of their cotton is GOTS-certified.

Best Everyday Kids Wear: Oso and Me

Oso and Me is one of our favorite GOTS-certified brands for everyday kids wear. Their super soft basics are low maintenance (their clothes are pre-shrunk so you can wash and dry on repeat) yet come in a bunch of fun styles and prints. Shop around and find everything from summer shorts and swimsuits to dresses, sweatshirts, and more. 

Best Sleep Sack: Burt’s Bees Baby

We love Burt’s Bees Baby for their super cute sleep sacks (also called sleep suits or wearable blankets) in a ton of fun prints and different fabric weights for each season. Their zip-up sleepers are especially great for newborns and infants thanks to the soft organic cotton, stretchy feel, and practical two-way zippers for easy nighttime changes. 

The best part? Adding these to your cart won’t break the bank.

Best Everyday Baby Essentials: Quincy Mae

Quincy Mae uses GOTS-certified organic cotton to make soft, breathable baby clothes that are made without synthetic chemicals. From everyday essentials like onesies and pajamas to t-shirts, shorts, and dresses, we love the fit and feel of these everyday basics for our little ones, plus the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re free of harmful chemicals. 

Ready to find more ways to ditch synthetic chemicals and plastics and switch to natural alternatives? Take our Toss the Toxins course!