High Levels of BPA Found In Sports Bras + Non-Toxic Alternatives

So, you’ve switched to non-toxic personal care products, tossed your sketchy plastic water bottle, and swapped old plastic food containers for stainless steel or glass. When the cashier at your local store asks if you want a BPA-infused paper receipt, you usually opt for a digital version instead . . . so you’ve eliminated most of the BPA exposure in your life, right?

That’s what I thought until recently when the Center for Environmental Health – a non-profit watchdog organization – released a report showing high levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in popular sports bras and other athletic clothing made by Athleta, PINK, Asics, The North Face, Nike, FILA, and other popular brands. According to the report, they can contain up to 40 times the safe limit of BPA established by California law.

Yikes.

This would probably be good time to mention that I’ve basically been living in bralette-style sports bras in order to avoid lymph-constricting underwire bras. Double yikes.

Is BPA in sports bra’s really a big deal?

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is definitely yes, and here’s why:

1 – BPA exposure is linked to a wide range of negative health effects. BPA is often added to fabrics like polyester and spandex to improve colorfastness and make materials more resistant to static, but it comes with significant risks.

Unfortunately, according to Dr. Jimena Díaz Leiva, Science Director at CEH, “The problem with BPA is it can mimic hormones like estrogen and block other hormone receptors, altering the concentration of hormones in our bodies, and resulting in negative health effects.” (1) Exposure has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, weight gain, and even premature death. (2) (3) (4) (5)

She adds that, “Even low levels of exposure [to BPA] during pregnancy have been associated with a variety of health problems in offspring.” (1)

2 – BPA is easily absorbed through skin. According to Kaya Allan Sugerman, Illegal Toxic Threats Program Director at CEH:

Studies have shown that BPA can be absorbed through skin and end up in the bloodstream after handling receipt paper for seconds or a few minutes at a time. Sports bras and athletic shirts are worn for hours at a time, and you are meant to sweat in them, so it is concerning to be finding such high levels of BPA in our clothing.”

Also,though the chemical studied was different, research suggests that prolonged exposure to toxins in clothing can significantly impact chemical absorption: (6)

Better Sports Bra Options

For some of you, the solution might be to burn your bra – not literally, of course, since that would just cause you to inhale the toxins. But while going bra-free is an option, for most of us there are times when a bra is preferable.

Fortunately, many of the brands I tested for 9+ months before sharing this guide to non-toxic leggings also offer sports bras.

Here are my top recommendations:

Branwyn – Best for Higher Support + Performance

If you want something that performs during harder workouts, Branwyn is the clear winner.

I have and love their Essential Racerback Sports Bra, and in my experience it works for both low- and high-impact workouts. It’s seamless, compressive, and supportive without feeling stiff or restrictive.

It’s made from a heavyweight four-way knit blend of 76% extra-fine merino wool, 14% nylon, and 10% elastane, which gives it structure, stretch, and breathability. The knit is designed with targeted contouring for lift and separation, and the racerback style keeps the straps positioned comfortably away from the neck.

It’s also:

BPA- and PFAS-free
Higher compression than their merino wool bralette (which I also have and love)
Double-layered with sleeves for optional padding (pads not included)
Designed for mobility – trail running, HIIT, hiking, or everyday wear

If you want something that feels secure but not restrictive, this is the one I reach for most often.

SHOP BRANWYN

MATE The Label – Best for Low To Medium Impact + Organic Cotton

If your workouts are more yoga, walking, strength training – or you’re looking for everyday wear – MATE is a great organic option.

Their sports bras are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton with stretch, which is rare in activewear. They’re soft, breathable, and free from the synthetic-heavy feel of most sports bras.

There are three different styles, all available in several colors:

Organic Stretch Sports Bra

Racerback
Unpadded, double-layered support

Best for low-impact activity
Can run slightly snug – consider sizing up if between sizes

Click to shop 👉 Organic Stretch Sports Bra

Organic Stretch Scoop Bra

Ballerina (U-shaped) back
Adjustable straps

Unpadded, double-layered support
Suitable for low to medium impact
A good option if you want a little more structure

Click to shop 👉 Organic Stretch Scoop Bra

Organic Stretch V-Neck Bra

Racerback
Best for low-impact activity
Unpadded, double-layered support
V neckline for layering

Click to shop 👉 Organic Stretch V-Neck Bra

These won’t give you the compression of Branwyn, but they’re excellent if minimizing synthetic fibers is your top priority.

Shop MATE https://matethelabel.sjv.io/mOxxoD

SHOP MATE

Happy Earth – Organic Cotton + Minimalist Design

Happy Earth’s PlantTec™ Organic Sports Bra is made from 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane, which gives it a soft, breathable feel. It offers offers low-to-medium impact support, and the cut is slightly more delicate and streamlined than a typical athletic sports bra.

It’s unpadded, and while there are no insert sleeves, many women simply layer it if desired.

Click below for $10 off orders of $60 or more:

CLICK HERE FOR $10 OFF

Looking for more clothing recommendations?

Here are 15+ Non-Toxic Clothing Brands That Look, Feel & Do Good.

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