Worried About Sweating in Microplastics? These Are the Best Natural-Fiber Workout Shorts.
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Here's a confession. I don't like to wear underwear when I work out. I always wear shorts with liners, which means polyester and spandex directly touching me—guys, you know what I mean—every time I want to exercise . That used to be fine, but I was recently turned on to the joys of 100 percent cotton underwear , and I've grown wary. You don't have to be in the weeds about sperm count , fertility, and hormones (though, you should be) to know that wearing fabrics derived from petroleum probably isn't the best thing for...down there. If you're considering making the change, or just seeing what's out there, this story is for you.
Here's the main hurdle. When it comes to breathable materials you can sweat in, cotton is not top of mind. Synthetics designed for performance athletic wear are popular because they are moisture-wicking and extremely comfortable to sweat in. It takes a deft hand to make a pair of "organic" shorts guys actually want to work out in.
When I say "organic" here, what I mean is made from a natural or semi-natural material, no synthetics. We don't mean certified you-can-eat-it organics, because the supply chain of clothing is too convoluted for that. The best you can do is shop for merino wool or cotton shorts. Thankfully a handful of my favorite brands have achieved it. These are the three best cotton exercise shorts for men and three of the most sustainable alternatives made from recycled materials.
Harvest and Mill Organic Athletic Shorts
When it comes to sustainability, it's hard to check more boxes than Harvest and Mill does. These breathable athletic shorts are 100 percent organic cotton, yes, but that's just the start. The dye used is nontoxic and low-impact. And everything Harvest and Mill makes is carbon neutral.
On top of that, it uses a fully American supply chain with materials grown in the U.S.A. For consumers looking at prices, that makes a lot more difference than it used to.
- 100% organic cotton
- Sustainably produced
- Light and breathable
- No liner
Ryker The Apex Short (2 Pack)
Here's the deal. If you are serious about running, this is the only legit option. All natural, all nontoxic, all the way down—only they look and feel just like a standard pair of running shorts. The outside layer is 100 percent cotton and the liner is merino wool. In terms of comfort, this goes above and beyond.
If you're looking for nontoxic shorts that can replace the breathable polyesters you're used to, it doesn't get better than Ryker. It doesn't get more expensive either. But at least you know you're paying for quality materials. And like the Ryker website says, it "d oesn't
load your balls with microplastics." We don't want our balls loaded with microplastics, now, do we, fellas?
- Certified non-toxic materials
- Merino wool liner
- Choice of 5.5 or 7 inch inseam
- Expensive
Quince Organic Midweight French Terry Shorts
If you're looking instead for an affordable, reliable pair of all-purpose athletic shorts, Quince has a cotton option for you. These organic shorts come about as soft as you'd want a pair of running shorts to be. Instead of running, these are more suited for the elliptical or just for hitting the weight room. They make a supremely comfortable pair of hiking shorts, if a bit too soft for that.
- Made from 100% organic cotton French terry
- Perfect for low key workouts
- Price can't be beat
- Only one (6") inseam option
Recycled Materials
Cotton and wool can only go so far, I get that. So here are some options that meet us in the middle.
Lululemon Pace Breaker
If you're just asking me for running shorts recs, the Pace Breakers will always come up top of the list. The fact that they are made from more than 90 percent recycled polyester is almost secondary to them being lightweight and breathable. This variant has a mesh liner, but you can get one without, and each comes with three choices of inseam length. There's always a new limited seasonal color, but even when that's sold out in your size, Lululemon offers over a dozen in-stock colors to choose from.
- Made from recycled polyester
- 5, 7, or 9 inch inseam options
- Tons of colors to choose from
- Higher Elastane content than the others
Vuori HardKore Shorts
These shorts are made from 90 percent recycled polyester and only 10 percent elastane. They are extremely breathable and moisture-wicking. They dry quickly. They have two pockets. Oh, and they look incredible.
Ultimately, these are some of the best environmentally sustainable shorts you can get. Just know that even recycled synthetics run the risk of microplastics.
- Low-impact
- Moisture wicking
- You'll be the flyest guy at the gym
- Made from polyester
Definite Articles Men's Tor Athletic Short
It's not organic, but these shorts from Definite Articles are sustainably produced BPA-free and without any exposure to PFAS. In majority, they are made from CiCLO, a biodegradable nylon that is a soft and cooling material for activewear. These shorts are mostly recycled material, with only the tiniest bit of Spandex
You can get these in a five- or seven-inch inseam, preference depending. I've linked the 7-inch because there are more color and sizing options available. They have a liner (a must for me) and also, there's a very nifty pocket for your cell phone. Now, that's a real game changer.
- Free from PFAS
- Made from biodegradable CICLO nylon
- Cell phone pocket
- Not organic
lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short 7"
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