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Shopping for non-toxic clothing has nothing to do with gender.
Men are not immune from skin irritation—in fact, at least half of the men surveyed by Frontiers in Medicine had some degree of skin sensitivity. But even if you don’t have a noticeable reaction to your clothing, it’s still important to opt for clothing made of natural fibers and dyes.
Synthetic clothing, like polyester tees and jerseys, are dyed with substances called azobenzene disperse dyes. These dyes are skin and immuno sensitizers, meaning they can cause skin reactions. BPA and phthalates, which are known to lower testosterone levels, seriously impact male reproductive health, and even increase your risk of cancer, have also been found in synthetic clothing.
The good news is, you can make better choices for your health by simply shopping from brands that don’t use harmful substances. No matter where you’re at in your non-toxic journey, we’re here to help you find safe, comfortable clothing that makes you feel like you.
Here’s what to look for:
Natural Materials: If you have any skin sensitivities (or want to preserve your fertility and testosterone levels), it’s best to go with natural fibers. Look for pieces made with cotton, hemp, alpaca or merino wool, linen, or Tencel. If you react to even the slightest bit of latex or nylon, we found completely synthetic-free options for you below. If your skin is not sensitive to synthetics, you can also find garments made with recycled polyester—just double check for chemical certifications such as bluesign or Oeko-Tex.
Non-Toxic Dyes and Finishes: In addition to the azobenzene dyes used on polyester, wrinkle-free, water-resistant, and quick-dry finishes (like those found on outdoor gear) can be harmful to your health and the environment. Look for natural dyes and labels like Oeko-Tex and bluesign to be sure the dyes used are safe for human health, and avoid performance finishes altogether unless you’re going on a risky, multi-day adventure. In that case, check out our guide to PFAS-free outdoor brands.
Ethical Manufacturing: When shopping for non-toxic clothing, make sure you look for brands that prioritize safe and transparent practices throughout their supply chains. This not only protects you from shady manufacturing processes, but ensures that people who made your clothes were safe and paid fairly. To be sure a brand is following through on its ethical promises, look for certifications like Fair Trade or labels like Certified B-Corp, which are required to prioritize people and the environment.
Low-Waste Packaging: Avoid plastic waste as much as possible by looking for brands that use reusable, recycled, recyclable, or compostable packaging.
What we love: Paka is a certified B-Corp that creates outdoor basics from traceable alpaca wool in the Andes Mountains. Its wool is hand-knit by local artisans and dyed with Oeko-Tex-certified dyes. Paka’s selection of functional and comfortable alpaca clothing includes hoodies and sweatshirts, activewear, socks, tees, coats, and underwear. All of its orders come in biodegradable packaging.
Price: $20-$34
Available: Internationally
What we love: This certified B-Corp ethically sources natural fibers to make sharp looks that are safe for sensitive skin. Kotn closely tracks its supply chain from farming to shipping to ensure equitable practice, and reduces waste by using precise cutting methods and upcycling its leftover materials. Its menswear is made with GOTS-certified cotton, as well as linen, Tencel, and merino wool. It ships all orders in recycled and recyclable cardboard mailers.
Price: $12-$298
Available: Internationally
What we love: Cottonique specializes in organic cotton clothing for men with skin allergies and sensitivities. You can shop items that are spandex free, spandex and dye free, or totally chemical free. Cottonique manufactures in its own factory, and sources its organic cotton from its long-term sourcing partners. Its men’s collection includes shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, socks, and sleepwear.
Price: $16-$95
Available: Internationally
What we love: This Dutch brand makes plastic-free sportswear from Oeko-Tex-certified hemp, Tencel, and organic cotton. Iron Roots maintains close relationships with its factories, and ships products in plastic-free packaging. Its collection includes performance, athleisure, and accessories.
Price: $49-$105
Available: Internationally
What we love: This single-origin brand uses Fair Trade organic Pima cotton and natural rubber to create plastic-free basics. Its cotton thread and fabric finishes are Oeko-Tex-certified, and it uses natural or low impact synthetic dyes. Its collection of menswear includes basics like tees and tanks, long sleeve shirts and sweaters, pants, socks, and accessories. All of its garments are made in-house at its own factory.
Price: $11-$135
Available: Internationally
What we love: Harvest & Mill sources and manufactures its organic cotton clothing entirely in the U.S. The majority of its garments are undyed and unbleached, while the rest are colored with low-impact fiber-reactive dyes. Its collection of menswear includes basics like pants, shorts, tees, hoodies, and socks.
Price: $11-$195
Available: Internationally
What we love: Kings of Indigo manufactures its line of durable denim jeans without harmful chemical dyes or finishes. It uses organic and recycled cotton, as well as linen, hemp and Tencel, and partners with factories that use water-conscious practices. Its entire supply chain is available to the public, and its partner factories are regularly audited through third parties. The brand uses minimal packaging with recycled polybags, and offers free repairs (up to €20.)
Price: $65 – $273
Available in: Most European Countries
What we love: Alex Crane creates natural fiber clothing from linen, organic cotton, and merino wool. All of its clothing is dyed with natural dyes, you can see where each item was made on its product page. Its collection of menswear includes polo shirts, button downs, bananatex-based swimwear, basics, and outerwear.
Watch out for: It’s unclear if it uses plastic-free packaging.
Price: $58-$275
Available: Internationally
What we love: Ably makes cotton and linen basics, pajamas, jackets, and hats with its customFilium technology. This environmentally-friendly and bluesign-approved finish repels sweat, stains, and dries quickly liquids without leaching chemicals.
Watch out for: While it says its products are produced in India, there is little information available on its supply chain. It’s also unclear what dyes and packaging materials it uses.
Price: $12-$275
Available: Internationally
What we love: Honest Basics was created to make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone. It uses recycled and organic cotton in its collection of shirts, sweaters, pants, underwear, and socks. The brand regularly visits its factories to be sure its collection is made safely and ethically, and all of its supply chain partners are available on its website.
Watch out for: Some items contain a small amount of elastane. While it uses partially recycled compostable plastic in its packaging, it still uses some virgin plastics.
Price: $18-$41
Available: Internationally
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