PFA Free Legging Review

You’ve heard so many people, including me, talk about toxic substances in our daily living, and the things we can do to better avoid endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, and other harmful substances found in our cookware, food packaging, personal care products, and more.  But what about our clothing, the items that sit against our skin all day and every day?  I have discovered when it comes to achieving a non-toxic lifestyle, one of the best ways to make a significant change is to be mindful of what we wear. Makes sense, right? I know you all have heard me talk about the non-toxic lifestyle over and over!

Our clothing, especially activewear like the synthetic clothing and leggings (which we all know I love to wear!), can have a surprising impact on our health due to chemicals like perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). Did you know these chemicals are often used in clothing to make them water or stain-resistant, but they can be harmful to our health and the environment? That’s why choosing PFA-free leggings is a great step toward living a healthier, more sustainable life, and can be an every day choice you make for healthier living.

I’ve had the pleasure of trying out a few PFA-free leggings from brands that prioritize both non-toxic living and stylish, functional design. Below, I’ll break down my experience with the leggings from the fan-favorite brand Pact, Mate the Label, Wooly, All Wear Apparel, Namarie, and Pure Woven. specifically focusing on Fit/Support, Squat Proofness, Band Comfort, and Breathability.  I know that yoga pants or leggings made without the synthetic materials and synthetic fibers can be hard to find!  The good news is that the natural materials and organic materials found in these leggings I tried feel and work just the same, but without the toxic chemicals and the concern of what pfas skin exposure poses for our futures.  

Why PFA-Free Matters

Ok, so why does it even matter about the materials that are in our active wear? As you remember or maybe are unaware that PFAs are chemicals that have been linked to a range of health problems, from hormone disruption to cancer. These substances are commonly found in clothing that is marketed as water- or stain-resistant, but another downside is that they don’t break down in the environment and can accumulate in your body. Choosing PFA-free leggings from brands like Pact, Mate the Label, Wooly, All Wear Apparel, Namarie, and Pure Woven is a conscious choice for your health and the planet. Not only are you investing in better products for your body, but you’re also supporting brands that value sustainability and non-toxic living. These PFA-free leggings are not just good for your health—they’re functional, breathable, and comfortable. Whether you’re looking for something for intense workouts or relaxed lounging, I think you’ll find these brands offer a variety of options to fit your needs while keeping you aligned with your non-toxic lifestyle. Let’s take a look at my thoughts on these brands’ leggings! 

PFA-Free Leggings Overview

PACT

Pact is known for its organic cotton clothing (love their organic cotton tops) and highest standard of commitment to environmental sustainability, fair-trade practices. Their PFA-free leggings and other workout apparel are no exception, made with soft, organic fabrics that’s both gentle on the skin and the planet.

• Fit/Support: The fit of Pact leggings is incredibly comfortable, hugging the body in a way that’s snug but not restrictive. I do like that they have a bit of stretch, which makes them perfect for everything from yoga to running errands, but the support is not up to my top standard.  
• Squat Proof: These leggings are not great in my opinion for considering them to be squat-proof. The fabric does get a bit sheer, even when stretched to its limits.
• Band Comfort: The waistband is thin, but it doesn’t dig into your skin which is great, but I would say it is low comfort for me personally. 
• Breathability: Thanks to the organic cotton, these leggings can still breathe. I don’t feel too hot when I’m wearing them, which would make them great for running errands, but personally when I am doing a high cardio exercise, I don’t find them to be at the level of breathability that I would like.

Pact is by far the least expensive option out of the brands I’ve tried, and while it may not be my first choice for a gym session, it does have its place in a non-toxic wardrobe. The leggings are a solid option for running errands or lounging at home, especially when paired with long or oversized sweatshirts and shirts. The organic cotton fabric is comfortable and soft, but I didn’t feel like they offered the level of fit or support I’d prefer for more active wear. The fit itself is a bit lacking in structure, and unfortunately, the waistband isn’t as thick or supportive as some of the other options I’ve tried, which makes them less flattering on the body. While they’re not bad, they didn’t provide the shape or support I look for in leggings, especially when compared to other brands. So while I wouldn’t wear these to the gym, they do work as a more casual, comfortable option for laid-back days or lounging around.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly, non-toxic leggings without the health concerns that are versatile for relaxed wear, Pact could be a great choice, but if you’re after something with more support and a flattering fit, there are other options worth considering.

MATE THE LABEL

Mate the Label is another standout in the world of non-toxic fashion. They offer a variety of organic cotton leggings that are free of harmful chemicals and dyes

• Fit/Support: These leggings are more on the relaxed side, offering a softer fit. They’re not as compressive as some other leggings, but they still provide enough support for low-impact activities.
• Squat Proof: While Mate the Label’s leggings are mostly squat-proof, the lighter colors can sometimes be a little more sheer. However, the darker shades hold up beautifully and offer full coverage.
• Band Comfort: The waistband on these leggings is simple and soft, making them super comfortable to wear for long stretches of time without digging into the skin.
• Breathability: The organic cotton fabric is ultra-breathable and keeps you cool throughout the day. It’s perfect for those who prioritize comfort in addition to style.

These leggings are incredibly comfortable and the fit is absolutely perfect—so soft, and they hug the body just right without feeling restrictive. The waistband is thick, which not only provides extra support but also creates a more flattering silhouette. It’s one of the best features for sure! My only slight critique would be that the leggings can be a little sheer, particularly in the lighter colors. That being said, they are still an acceptable option for gym wear if you’re mindful of what you’re wearing underneath. They’ve definitely earned a new spot as one of my go-to brands–the perfect legging in my opinion for me. 

WOOLY

Wooly takes a different approach by using sustainable wool in their leggings, which is naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. Their PFA-free leggings are a great option for those looking for a more eco-friendly and unique fabric choice

• Fit/Support: The fit is snug, offering a good amount of compression. They provide excellent support, especially if you’re looking for a more sculpted fit.  I didn’t care for the pockets on the side.  They felt a little bulky for my liking. 
• Squat Proof: These leggings are mostly squat-proof. The wool blend holds up really well, even under stretching, but it’s not 100% to my liking.
• Band Comfort: The waistband is made from a soft, knitted wool fabric, and it’s really comfortable. It stays in place without digging into the sides, which makes them great for workouts.
• Breathability: Wool is naturally breathable, and these leggings do an excellent job of regulating temperature. They’re not too hot in the winter, but they’re also comfortable in warmer weather.

Wooly is another solid option for PFA-free leggings that I was pleasantly impressed with. The fabric is incredibly soft and breathable, which makes them comfortable for long periods of wear. The natural wool blend is great for regulating temperature, and I could feel the difference during both cooler and warmer days. They’re also surprisingly supportive, especially for more moderate activities. However, one thing to note is that Wooly leggings feature pockets on the sides of the thighs, which, unfortunately, just didn’t work well for my figure. The placement of the pockets made me feel like they added a bit of bulk in an area I usually prefer to keep more streamlined. If you’re someone who is conscious of how thigh pockets sit on your body, this might be something to consider before purchasing. That being said, if you don’t mind the pocket design, they’re definitely a great option for comfort and breathability.

ALL WEAR APPAREL

All Wear Apparel’s focus is on creating functional and comfortable activewear with a clear commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Their leggings are made from PFA-free materials that help reduce harmful chemicals from our environment.

• Fit/Support: The leggings are on the relaxed side, offering a little compression and support. They’re great for low to medium impact activities or for anyone who likes a comfortable fit  They are a bit long for me personally.
• Squat Proof: These leggings are mostly squat-proof and have a substantial feel to them. I would still be mindful the sheerness when doing a deep squat.
• Band Comfort: All Wear Apparel’s waistband is slightly thicker and designed to hold everything in place. It’s supportive but can be a bit tight around the stomach if you’re not careful with sizing.
• Breathability: While they’re supportive, these leggings are also breathable, making them versatile for both hot and cold workouts. I’ve found them to perform well during high-intensity activities, keeping me cool and comfortable.

All Wear Apparel has certainly made an impression with their PFA-free leggings. I have to say, they are incredibly comfortable. The fabric feels soft and supportive, making them a great choice for both lounging and light exercise. The fit is snug, offering good compression without feeling restrictive, which I appreciate for more active days.

However, as someone who’s on the shorter side (I’m only 5’2”), I did find the leggings to be a bit long for me. I typically prefer a 7/8 leg style, so these leggings were a tad too long for my frame. If you’re tall or have longer legs, these might be perfect for you! The extra length gives them a nice, sleek look, and I can see how they’d be a great fit for taller individuals.  Maybe their bike shorts would be a great option for me, especially as the warmer months approach.  All in all, All Wear Apparel offers a great pair of leggings for comfort and support. Just keep the length in mind if you’re on the shorter side. If you’re taller, these leggings could be exactly what you’re looking for!

NAMARIE

Namarie leggings are another excellent option for anyone wanting to embrace a non-toxic lifestyle with plastic-free workout clothes. They’re made from natural fabrics and plant-based materials like organic cotton and bamboo, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional activewear.

• Fit/Support: These leggings have a soft, stretchy fit that molds to the body. The support level is moderate, which is ideal for medium/high-impact exercises or casual wear.
• Squat Proof: They’re pretty squat-proof. The bamboo fabric adds to the thickness of the leggings, making them hold up under pressure, but overall I wouldn’t rate them as completely squat proof.  I find them a bit too sheer for me.
• Band Comfort: The waistband is smooth and sits comfortably on the waist. It doesn’t dig in, and the softness of the fabric makes them perfect for long hours of wear.
• Breathability: Bamboo fabric is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, so these leggings are great for keeping you dry during both workouts and day-to-day activities.

Namarie leggings are the ones that I wanted to love so much, and for good reason. They feel the most like your typical athletic legging—smooth finish, ultra-stretchy, and just the right amount of compression. The fit and feel of these leggings were definitely my favorite in terms of how they hugged my body and moved with me. They felt really supportive during moderate-impact activities, and I loved the sleek, athletic vibe they provided  However, there’s one big downside: they are sheer. I really wished these leggings were just a touch less see-through, as I would have worn them all the time if that were the case. Unfortunately, the sheer factor makes them a bit tricky for gym wear or activities where you’re stretching and bending.

That being said, the fit and feel of these leggings were absolutely my favorite, and I’m really hoping that Namarie can find a way to make them more opaque in the future. They’ve got the potential to be perfect leggings for both style and performance—just a little more opacity would make all the difference!

PURE WOVEN

Pure Woven is a brand that prides itself on offering PFA-free leggings made from sustainable materials and can be another choice when looking for non toxic clothing.

• Fit/Support—When it comes to fit, Pure Woven leggings have a more relaxed feel compared to other activewear brands. They don’t offer as much compression. The fit is more forgiving, but this might not be ideal if you prefer leggings with a tighter, more sculpting fit for higher-impact activities. I found for a more intense workout, you might want a legging that offers more structure and support.
• Squat Proof—Unfortunately, Pure Woven leggings fall short in the squat-proof department for me. The fabric is quite thin. If you’re planning to wear these for anything involving bending or stretching, be prepared to layer something underneath to avoid any transparency issues.
• Band Comfort—The waistband of Pure Woven leggings is fairly standard, with no added compression or extra-wide band like you might find in other brands. While it doesn’t dig into the skin, the waistband lacks the firmness that I prefer.
• Breathability—Made with eco-friendly, lightweight materials, these allowed for good airflow and keep you feeling cooler during lighter activities. But overall I found these less ideal for intense workouts where moisture-wicking and breathability are essential.

Pure Woven leggings, unfortunately, didn’t quite make the cut for me. They offered the least amount of compression compared to the other brands I tried. Additionally, I found the leggings to be really long, which is an issue for me since I’m on the shorter side (5’2”). The extra length made them feel bulky, and I couldn’t imagine wearing them without constantly adjusting them. But for me the biggest drawback, however, was the sheerness. These leggings didn’t hold up well during stretches and movements, and I definitely wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing them to the gym for a workout.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to finding the best PFA-free leggings, it’s clear that making healthier choices for our bodies and the environment can be a bit of a journey, but it’s so worth it–even worth buying all the PFA-free leggings and finding the best one!  After trying out several brands, I would have to say the two I find myself grabbing most often are Mate the Label and All Wear Apparel.

Like most things in life, you really do get what you pay for, and these two favorite brands have truly earned a spot in my wardrobe and will now be my go-to pair of leggings. Mate the Label offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and sustainability, while All Wear Apparel delivers excellent support and versatility–both without the synthetic fabrics and health risks. For anyone looking to make a positive change and ditch the microplastics often found in traditional workout leggings, I think these two brands are the best overall swap. They not only prioritize non-toxic, PFA-free fabrics, and sustainable fashion, but they also provide the best non-toxic leggings that truly perform.

By choosing Mate the Label or All Wear Apparel, you’re not only investing in better products for your health but also supporting brands that are dedicated to creating more eco-friendly, sustainable options. So, if you’re ready to ditch the harmful chemicals and embrace a more sustainable, non-toxic lifestyle in your athletic wear and even everyday wear, these two are the way to go!  Check these affiliate links outs on my LTK HERE!  I’d love to know what you think and what your ideal choice would be!