The Future of Athleisure Is Clean: Why Non Toxic Fabrics Matter More Than Ever

In the world of athleisure, performance has always been the headline. Breathability. Stretch. Quick dry. Sculpt.
But increasingly, consumers are asking a new question:

What is actually in my clothes?

Welcome to the era of clean athleisure a movement that blends technical performance with fabric safety, sustainability, and a deeper respect for the body and the planet. And yes, Europe has been ahead of us on this for years. Of course they have.

As Serves by L.A. expands into its new Pádel and Pilates collection, we are taking a stand:
beautiful performance pieces, made without harmful chemicals, crafted with intention because what touches your skin matters

Wait… Why Do Chemicals End Up in Activewear in the First Place

Great question and the answer is not so pretty.

Fast fashion activewear is often loaded with:

• PFAS forever chemicals used for water, sweat, and stain resistant finishes

• Formaldehyde used to prevent wrinkles

• Phthalates that make prints flexible

• BPA bisphenol A used in moisture wicking or heat resistant synthetics

• Heavy metals in dyes

• Harsh chemical coatings used to cheaply mimic performance qualities

Let us talk about the big one PFAS.

What Are PFAS

PFAS are a class of more than twelve thousand man made chemicals. They are called forever chemicals because they do not break down- not in the environment, not in waterways, and not in our bodies.

In clothing, especially activewear, PFAS are often used to create:

• moisture resistant finishes

• stain resistance

• quick dry coatings

• durability enhancements

In other words, many of the traits fast fashion uses to market performance.

Why Are PFAS Harmful

PFAS have been linked to:

• hormone disruption

• fertility challenges

• immune system suppression

• increased cancer risk

• developmental issues

And here is the kicker- PFAS do not stay put.
When you sweat, stretch, or heat up during a workout, PFAS can migrate from fabric to skin. After washing, they flow into water systems and accumulate in the environment literally forever.

And What About BPA

Most people think of BPA in plastics, but it can also appear in low quality polyester blends or synthetic performance finishes. When these fabrics heat up during a workout, BPA can transfer onto the skin, making it another ingredient worth avoiding.

Why Are These Chemicals Still Used?

Simple. They are cheap, effective, and unregulated in many places.
The EU has strict limits. The United States is still catching up. This is why intentional brands like Serves hold themselves to a higher standard.

What Makes Non Toxic Fabrics Different

Non toxic fabrics eliminate harmful chemical finishes and meet standards that ensure:

• Skin safety: nothing irritating or hormone disrupting touching your body

• Breathability: clean fabrics perform better naturally

• Longevity: without harsh coatings that break down, quality knits last longer

• Environmental responsibility: cleaner dyeing and cleaner processing

The result: A garment that feels better, breathes better, and supports your movement without compromising your health.

How Serves Is Raising the Bar

For months, we sourced fabrics with the same care you would pour into choosing a great bottle of champagne the good kind the French kind.

We partnered with a family-owned French mill known for:

• elevated performance knits

• responsible production

• strict EU safety regulations

• sustainable processes

• zero harmful chemical finishes

• Ethical working conditions

Your Pádel and Pilates collection is created with these thoughtfully crafted fabrics safe for your skin, supportive for your movement, and aligned with your values.

Healthy for your body. Healthy for the planet. Beautiful on or off the court.

Our Favorite Brands That Share Our Vision for Clean Conscious Activewear

One of the best parts of building Serves is discovering other brands that care as deeply about quality, intention, and clean materials as we do. The future of athleisure is not about competition. It is about a collective movement toward better fabrics, better practices, and better impact.

Here are a few brands we admire that prioritize PFAS free, B P A free, and non toxic textile commitments:

MATE the Label

A leader in organic non toxic activewear. Their MOVE collection uses GOTS certified cotton and avoids PFAS, BPA, and harmful endocrine disruptors.

ALCHEMY MOVE

A women's sportswear brand combining premium quality, minimalist design and innovative textile technologies- zero polyester

LOSANO

A performance driven brand with clear PFAS free and BPA free commitments across many garments. A strong example of clean and conscious activewear.

Select Patagonia Pieces

Certain items are marked PFC free, indicating no PFAS used. A responsible choice for those seeking cleaner performance in the outdoor space, with attention to individual product labeling.

These brands remind us that better options do exist and that the activewear industry can evolve toward intention and transparency.

Why This Matters

Choosing non-toxic fabrics means:

• You are sweating in something clean rather than chemical coated

• Your clothes last longer quality over quantity

• Your purchase supports intentional fashion rather than wasteful production

• Every movement whether on the pádel court, in a pilates studio, or during a walk with your matcha supports a healthier future

The Takeaway

Athleisure is evolving, and the most stylish thing you can wear is something made with care for your body, your movement, and your impact.

Serves is proud to be part of the shift toward non-toxic, thoughtfully-crafted performance wear. Because the future of fashion is clean, conscious, and timeless.

And honestly… You can feel the difference.