Activewear

What is the best fabric for a sports bra?

A good sports bra fabric needs to offer support, stretch recovery, breathability, and comfort against sensitive skin. Organic cotton-elastane blends are ideal for low-to-medium impact activities because they are soft, breathable, and unlikely to cause irritation. For higher-impact workouts, merino wool blends provide excellent moisture management and stay fresher longer between washes.

Avoid sports bras made entirely from polyester or nylon, as these fabrics trap heat and odor in one of the sweatiest areas of the body. Many people experience rashes, acne, and irritation on their chest and underbust from synthetic sports bras — switching to natural fibers often resolves these issues.

ONDU features sports bras from brands like Organic Basics and Boody that combine natural fibers with enough elastane to deliver real support without compromising on skin health.

sports brafabricorganic cottonsupportskin health
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Recommended Products

Spaghetti Strap Cotton Sports Bra (6-Pack)Sports Bras
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Spaghetti Strap Cotton Sports Bra (6-Pack)

Lightweight cotton-blend sports bras for everyday wear and low-impact activities. 6-pack value.

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Next Gen Tencel Sports BraSports Bras
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Medium-support sports bra in TENCEL lyocell blend. Natural breathability, gentle on skin. Made in Portugal.

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Know Your Fabric

Not all “sustainable” fabrics are equal. Here's what actually matters.

Tencel™ Lyocell

Source

Eucalyptus, beechwood, pine trees

Feel

Silky smooth, cool to touch

Why

50% more absorbent than cotton. Biodegradable. Closed-loop production uses 95% less water.

Merino Wool

Source

Merino sheep (look for ethical/mulesing-free farms)

Feel

Soft, lightweight, not itchy

Why

Natural temperature regulation. Antibacterial. Odor resistant. Moisture wicking without plastic.

Organic Cotton

Source

Cotton plants grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

Feel

Soft, breathable, familiar

Why

No toxic residue on skin. GOTS certification ensures clean processing. Best for low-impact activities.

Hemp

Source

Hemp plant (needs minimal water and no pesticides)

Feel

Sturdy, softens with wear

Why

Naturally antibacterial. UV resistant. Gets softer every wash. Most eco-friendly crop on earth.

Alpaca Wool

Source

Alpaca farms (primarily Peru)

Feel

Softer than cashmere, hypoallergenic

Why

No lanolin = hypoallergenic. Thermal regulation. Biodegradable. Low environmental footprint.

Linen

Source

Flax plant

Feel

Cool, crisp, relaxed

Why

Strongest natural fiber. Fully biodegradable. Needs almost no water or pesticides to grow.