The Stylist: Why I’m Over Spandex | Tiffanie Darke | Country & Town House | July 17, 2024
As the Olympics approach, C&TH's sustainable fashion columnist advocates for ditching Spandex in favor of plastic-free sportswear. Historically, athletes performed in natural materials like cotton before the advent of synthetic fabrics. Patrick Grant of Community Clothing highlights that modern technology allows for high-performance activewear made from 100% natural materials, such as tightly woven wool and algae-derived water repellents, with minimal Spandex. The environmental and health risks of synthetic materials, such as microplastics and toxic chemicals, make natural alternatives like Vilbrequin's merino wool swim shorts and BRANWYN's sports bras more appealing. Brands like Mover and Pangaia are also leading this sustainable shift, emphasizing the superior breathability and antimicrobial properties of natural fibers.