Why we make sportswear from natural fibers

For a long time we've been looking for sportswear that cuts down the amount of plastic and synthetic material we wear when we work out. If you've ever embarked upon that mission you'll know it's hard to find.

Most activewear is made almost entirely from plastic fibers. They're in the leggings, the tops, the shorts, and the underwear we sweat and heat up in, session after session. With so many plastics and synthetic materials around us already, it started to feel strange that the clothes closest to our skin during our hardest efforts were made of them too. We wanted activewear that performed properly but didn't feel like being wrapped in plastic. We couldn't find it, so we started making it.

Who we are

We're Georgie and Frank - endurance coaches, mountaineers and ultra marathon runners, so we know what it's like to sweat through a long session, to be out in all weather, and to need kit that keeps moving with you. We know what it's like to sweat and to smell bad because our clothes are made of polyester. That's the bar our clothes have to clear. Every piece is designed in California and field-tested in the Alps, and then tested again on trails, sports pitches, in the gym, the backyard, and, of course, the coffee shop after.

Why natural fibers

Sports Organics exists to make sportswear as clean and natural as possible, without sacrificing performance. In practice, two fibers do most of the work: organic cotton and merino wool.

Organic cotton. For more than two years, we've worked closely with fabric developers to engineer a stretch organic cotton fabric for our women's pieces, like the Mia Bike Shorts. It had to be soft, breathable, squat-proof, and stretchy enough for a full range of motion. It took a lot of samples, a lot of squats, and a lot of patience. For everyday wear, our Organic Cotton T-Shirt is 100% organic cotton, made in Spain with a chunky weight that holds its shape.

Merino wool. For our first men's drop, we developed lightweight merino sport fabrics, the lightest and softest merino we've worn. Merino is breathable and resists odor naturally, which is why it's become our go-to for tops like the Merino Speed T-Shirt and the Merino Sol Tank, and for our merino sports underwear, a next-to-skin essential for long, sweaty days.

Being honest about stretch

It isn't yet possible to make stretch-wear that is 100% free of synthetics and still works the way you need it to. Our stretch cotton pieces contain a small amount of elastane (9%), because clothes that don't function aren't much use to anyone. We've even tested bio-based elastane suppliers on a plant-based stretch fiber to blend with our organic cotton, and we'll only make the switch once it performs as well. We'll keep you posted on how it's going.

What's next

We're expanding both the women's and men's collections to include tracksuit pants, organic cotton and more merino underwear, running shorts, long-sleeve tops, and more. The goal is simple: fewer synthetic fibers next to your skin, starting with the pieces you wear the most.

We also want this to stay accessible. Natural fibers cost significantly more than the plastics used by major sports brands, but we're pricing Sports Organics so that natural fiber sportswear is something everyone can reach for, not just a special-occasion purchase.

That's really it. Less plastic in our clothing, and kit that's made to move, sweat, and keep up with you, wherever you find your movement.

Thanks for being here at the start.

Stay sweaty,
Georgie & Frank