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Why Choosing Hemp Activewear Matters for Women’s Health and Wellness
We often focus on what we put into our bodies—nourishing food, supplements, filtered water—but rarely do we consider what we put on our bodies, especially during exercise. During exercise, your skin becomes more permeable as heat, sweat, and increased blood flow open up the barrier that usually protects you from external substances. This makes your body more vulnerable to absorbing chemicals from what you wear. Choosing natural, non-toxic fabrics isn't just about comfort or sustainability—it can have a profound impact on your health, hormone balance, and overall well-being.
As more of us become aware of the importance of low-tox living and hormone health, attention is shifting toward the hidden toxins in conventional activewear. Here’s why it matters, and how natural fabrics like hemp and organic cotton can support a healthier, more sustainable active lifestyle.
The Hidden Dangers in Conventional Activewear
Most mainstream activewear is made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex. These petrochemical-based fabrics are often treated with chemical finishes—antimicrobial agents, flame retardants, wrinkle-free coatings, and dyes—many of which contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates, BPA derivatives, triclosan, and silver nanoparticles.
When you sweat during exercise, your pores open, and your skin becomes more permeable. This creates an ideal environment for absorbing chemicals from fabrics directly into your bloodstream. Over time, chronic exposure to EDCs can interfere with hormone regulation, potentially leading to fatigue, weight gain, fertility issues, and increased sensitivity during perimenopause and menopause.
The Hemp Solution: Nature’s Performance Fabric
At Zone by Lydia, we turned to hemp and organic cotton to create activewear designed to support your health —not work against it. Hemp is an especially remarkable fabric—naturally breathable, antibacterial, odour-resistant, and thermoregulating. It helps manage heat and moisture without the need for synthetic treatments, making it ideal for women navigating hormonal changes, skin sensitivity, or simply seeking a cleaner, healthier alternative.
What’s more, hemp is the most sustainable crop on the planet. It requires minimal water, grows without pesticides, and even nourishes the soil it grows in. Choosing products made from hemp supports not just your health, but the health of the earth for generations to come.
Discover our hemp activewear collection to explore garments that support your well-being at every level.
Why Choose Hemp Leggings and Bike Shorts?
Our best selling hemp leggings, hemp bike shorts and sports bras are designed with your movement, comfort, and health in mind. Whether you’re deep in a yoga flow, out on a run or moving through daily life, these garments offer stretch, breathability, and natural antimicrobial properties—without synthetic additives.
Unlike plastic-based leggings that trap heat and harbour bacteria, hemp and organic cotton activewear helps regulate temperature and resists odour naturally. That means fewer washes, longer-lasting freshness, and better skin health.
Don’t Overlook What You Wear Underneath: Hemp Underwear
Your most intimate layers matter. That’s why our hemp underwear range is made from 95% hemp, organic cotton with only 5% spandex for stretch for comfort. Naturally antibacterial, breathable, and soft, they support your skin health and overall comfort, even during intense workouts or hot weather.
This is especially important for those with skin sensitivities or hormonal imbalances—we really try to minimise synthetic fibres and don't use toxic dyes.
Comfort, Breathability, and Stress Regulation
Beyond toxicity, comfort matters—especially for hormone health. When clothing is tight, itchy, or traps heat, it can trigger the body’s stress response and elevate cortisol levels. This can feel especially intense during perimenopause and menopause, where temperature regulation and heightened skin sensitivity are common.
Breathable, soft fabrics like hemp and organic cotton support your nervous system, helping your body regulate temperature and stress more effectively. It’s a simple shift that can transform how you feel, move, and recover.
Avoiding Toxic "Anti-Odour" Treatments
Many synthetic activewear brands rely on chemical treatments to fight odour—often using silver nanoparticles or triclosan, which are known endocrine disruptors. Hemp and organic cotton, however, are naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, eliminating the need for these harmful additives.
Low-Impact Dyes for a Low-Tox Life
Conventional fabric dyes can contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other skin irritants. At Zone by Lydia, we use Oeko-Tex 100 certified, low-impact fibre-reactive dyes which are gentler on your skin, safer for waterways, and more sustainable for our planet.
What to Wear to Bed: Supporting Better Sleep Through Breathable Fabrics
Sleep is foundational to hormone regulation and recovery—but many women, particularly during perimenopause or menopause, experience disrupted sleep from hot flushes and night sweats. What you wear to bed matters.
Synthetic sleepwear traps heat and moisture, intensifying discomfort and restlessness. In contrast, natural fabrics like hemp, linen and organic cotton are thermoregulating, breathable, and gentle on the skin.
Our Anaya Hemp Shirt and Short Set is crafted from 100% hemp, is designed for casual or night wear. Light, soft, and entirely free from synthetic fibres, this set supports deep rest by helping your body stay cool, calm, and comfortable—all night long.
Longevity, Quality, and Hormone-Friendly Choices
Hemp is known for its exceptional durability and only gets softer with each wear. Choosing high-quality, long-lasting garments means less waste, fewer chemical exposures, and a more minimalist wardrobe that works in harmony with your body.
Explore our best selling
The Power of Intentional Living
Zone by Lydia is more than just activewear—it’s a mindset. An invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and live with more intention. By choosing natural fibres, you’re choosing to support your hormone health, your energy, and the planet.
Ready to Start Your Low-Tox Journey?
Begin with one swap. Replace a synthetic item you wear often—like leggings or sports bras—with a natural alternative. That small shift reduces your toxic load and reconnects you with how clothing should feel: breathable, supportive, and safe.
Let’s create a healthier, more conscious world—one garment at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hemp & Organic Cotton Activewear
Is hemp better than bamboo for activewear?
Yes—while bamboo is also natural, hemp is stronger, more breathable, and requires far fewer resources to grow. It’s naturally antibacterial and lasts longer.
Can hemp activewear be used for high-performance workouts?
Absolutely. Hemp blended with organic cotton and a small amount of spandex provides the stretch and resilience needed for movement-heavy sessions like yoga, Pilates, or gym workouts—without the chemical load.
Is hemp underwear good for sensitive skin?
Yes—our hemp underwear is designed for comfort and breathability, making it ideal for sensitive skin, hormone-sensitive areas, or those prone to irritation.
How do I care for hemp clothing?
Wash in cold water with mild detergent and line dry to preserve softness and longevity. The fabric gets better with age.
