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I’ve sweated it out in organic and nontoxic workout clothes for years — these are the best leggings and yoga pants for natural materials, comfort, and ethics across a range of price points.
Leggings are our all-day comfort clothing staple, whether we’re on Zoom meetings (business up top, cozy down low), watching our favorite Netflix series, or staying grounded and focused with a living room flow. We especially love organic cotton yoga leggings made with minimal spandex or elastane (to help retain stretchiness and durability!) and for their nontoxic properties that are free of harmful chemical treatments like PFAS.
Why consider organic cotton leggings?
We recommend organic leggings for their sustainability, environmental, and ethical features. Organic materials such as organic cotton support sustainable agriculture as they are farmed using methods that have minimal impact on our ecosystems, compared to conventional fabrics. This includes crop rotation practices which help improve soil health and water conservation practices, to help prevent water waste. Organic cotton is also biodegradable, which helps fight pollution! Organic cotton producers also support socially responsible labor practices, meaning each purchase supports the ethical and fair treatment of garment workers.
It’s also important to note that because leggings are in such close contact with our skin, going for an organic fabric with fewer chemicals can prevent skin irritations. While some spandex or elastane is essential for retaining stretchiness and durability (prevents sagging waistbands and stiffness!), our favorites strike a balance between being made primarily with organic cotton and as little elastane or spandex as possible. Organic textiles are also free of GMOs and organic cotton in particular is free of the harmful chemical PFAS, which is linked to period irregularities, ovarian disorders, high blood pressure, and fertility concerns. Be sure to look out for the GOTS certification on your next pair of organic cotton leggings to ensure the product adheres to strict environmental and ethical criteria.
Are there any downsides to organic cotton workout clothes?
Organic cotton leggings and yoga pants are ideal for gentle exercise and daily movement. Because cotton absorbs moisture instead of wicking it away, they’re not designed for high intensity workouts or performance. It’s also important to note that the higher the percentage of organic cotton fabric to elastane or spandex, the less flexible the pair will be, which can be restrictive when participating in high-intensity training. When exercising, each of the pairs below work well for low-sweat workouts or in cooler climates.
Our criteria:
I’ve personally tested each of the following leggings, assessing the fabric comfort, quality, texture, opacity, as well as stretch, movement, and thickness. For each brand, I made sure it passed the squat test and also tested its moisture-wicking capabilities. The brands below represent the best quality pieces that feel good and look good for workout sessions, natural materials, comfort, and leisure moments alike. We update this list regularly with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria.
- ORGANIC & NONTOXIC | The brands below carry leggings that are nontoxic and PFAS-free. These options are all safe, breathable, and comfortable for anything from lounging around to the most intense workout.
- COMFORT | Each pair of leggings has been editor-tested and approved at least an 8 out of 10 on the comfort scale! No pulling, pinching, or sagging.
- ETHICS | Each brand is committed to ethical production and various sustainability initiatives. We’ve included details on sustainability certifications so you can be sure you’re supporting thoughtful business.
You’ll be reaching for these organic cotton leggings day in and day out. Snag yourself a pair (or two!) and thank us later! For more organic and nontoxic activewear, our guides on organic sports bras, sustainable running shoes, organic cotton and bamboo socks, compression leggings, and eco-friendly yoga mats will have you geared up and ready to seize your workout in comfort and style.
Table of contents
- Best Organic Cotton Leggings: MATE the Label ($88+)
- Best For Material Transparency: Organic Basics ($53+)
- Best For Plant-Based Dyes: Groceries ($78+)
- Best For Organic Cotton Intimates: Oddobody ($70)
- Best For Organic Cotton With Stretch: Pact ($48+)
- Most Affordable Leggings: tentree ($36)
- Best For Moisture-Wicking Performance: Boody ($28+)
- Best For Durable Design: Fair Indigo ($50+)
- Best For Plant-Based Activewear: Reprise ($125)
- Best For Retro Fit & Feel: Pansy ($72)
1. MATE the Label
Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XS – 3X
Price Range | $88 – $98
Best For | Overall favorite
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Medium
When you pick up a pair of MATE the Label’s organic leggings, you may be surprised how comfortably they move, just as you do! This organic cotton blend, made without pesticides, BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde unlike most other activewear, is ideal for low- to mid-impact exercise. MATE partners with the most social and environmentally responsible factories in India, Peru, and Los Angeles to produce their clean and exceptionally soft garments!
Our Editor’s Review | MATE’s leggings feel like quiet luxury. They’re so well made, a fabulous medium-weight that is well-suited for a day full of errands or even moderately active exercise. For anyone on the West Coast, these also could be considered to be made locally, which is lovely for those hoping to reduce their mileage when shopping online, myself included.
2. Organic Basics
Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, elastane
Sizes | XXS – 3XL
Price | $53 – $56
Best For | Material transparency
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight
Organic Basics makes everyday cotton essentials that are anything but basic. Their seamless organic cotton leggings are made ethically in Portugal, and come in three versatile colorways. The B Corp and 1% for the Planet member is committed to providing the best quality garments from the highest quality organic and recycled materials, so you can do good while looking and feeling great.
Our Editor’s Review | Organic Basics is great for being a one-stop shop where I can grab relatively affordable basics that not only align with my budget but with my values as well. The Core Capri legging is lightweight and easy to move in, and the mid-rise fit feels comfortable around my midsection, which is always a consideration for me after my body has evolved after having two children.
3. Groceries
Materials | Organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XS – XL
Price | $78 – $108
Best For | Plant-based dyes
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Heavyweight
Operated in their own vertically-integrated clothing factory in downtown Los Angeles, Groceries is dedicated to transparency in every step of their supply chain. The brand has eliminated heavy metals and PFAS from their process, and every garment is colored with plant-based dyes from upcycled food waste such as carrot tops, onion skins, and coffee grounds. They make all of their own products in-house to ensure that their standards and values are fully executed.
Our Editor’s Review | After cycling through my haul of organic cotton leggings I keep coming back to the pair from Groceries. The high-waist makes me feel held and secure, the weight of the fabric is calming, and even the tag sewn into the back feels high-end and high-quality. For being on the heavier side weight-wise, they stretch well and mold perfectly to my body. The feel and fit of these are superb, and that paired with the knowledge that their upcycling dye process and values align with my own is *chefs kiss*.
4. Oddobody
Materials | 100% organic cotton
Sizes | XS – 3XL
Price | $70
Best For | Organic cotton intimates
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight
Oddobody is a women‑owned brand focused on intimate wear and basics made from 100% organic cotton, grown in Peru and manufactured in a fair‑trade, women‑owned factory. Their mission blends comfort, health, and education: they design with breathability and skin health in mind, avoid synthetic materials, and include “Body Manuals” to help customers learn more about anatomy, care, and well‑being. Their aesthetic is simple, practical, inclusive, and centered on classic colors and cuts.
Our Editor’s Review | This set never makes it into my dresser because I always pull it straight out of the wash and wear it until it needs to go back into the hamper again. The shorts are substantial enough to wear out, but comfortable enough to sleep, lounge, exercise and run errands in. I’ve dubbed this set as my new uniform, even though it’s basically underwear.
5. Pact
Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, elastane
Sizes | XS – 3XL
Price Range | $48 – $88
Best For | Organic cotton with stretch
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Medium
Pact has leggings for every kind of activity from lounging to exercising. All ethically made in fair trade factories, they’re made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and a touch of elastane so they’re soft and sustainable. We especially love that some come with pockets for when we’re on the move. Plus, Pact offsets its carbon footprint with each order. A win-win no matter which pair you pick up.
Our Editor’s Review | Pact has been a long-time favorite, and I’ve enjoyed several pairs of their leggings over the last decade. They’re tried, true, and last for years before wearing out at an accessible price point that makes these hard to beat. I find that these tend to be a bit snug, so sizing up is worthwhile if you’re between sizes.
6. tentree
Materials | Fair trade organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XS – XL
Price | $36
Best For | Affordable leggings
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight, medium, or heavyweight
tentree puts their mission right in the name: For every item purchased, the B corp plants 10 trees. The brand is on track to reach their goal of 1 billion trees planted by 2030! These leggings will be your new sustainable faves, made for everything from exercise to lounging, crafted from eco-friendly organic cotton that are chemical-free and so comfy, you’ll never want to take them off.
Our Editor’s Review | tentree’s mission and sustainability practices make these leggings an instant favorite. The feel is that of a classic cotton legging – the perfect medium weight that hugs every curve and has a flattering high-waisted cut. Note that the fit was noticeably snug and I definitely could have sized up in these!
7. Boody
Materials | Bamboo viscose, organic cotton, nylon, elastane
Sizes | XS – XL
Price Range | $28 – $31
Best For | Moisture-wicking performance
See-Through Rating | Slightly see-through when stretching
Weight | Lightweight
Boody‘s organic bamboo viscose leggings and tights are everything we love in a good quality activewear pant — comfy, soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. While these leggings aren’t made of purely cotton, we’ve included them on this list for their nontoxic benefits! Bamboo is a naturally organic plant and requires no pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers to grow, plus it consumes less water than cotton and produces more oxygen than trees. Those are some benefits we can stand behind! Choose between full-length, cropped, and 3/4 length options.
Our Editor’s Review | Boody’s bamboo leggings feel light, stay cool, and make me want to move! I reach for these ahead of weightlifting, a long hike, or when temps are higher. These can be slightly see-through when doing deep stretches, so keep this in mind if you’re headed to yoga.
8. Fair Indigo
Materials | 100% organic Pima cotton interlock
Sizes | XS – XXL
Price | $50 – $70
Best For | Durable design
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight
Fair Indigo is all about premium-quality apparel that’s sustainable for both the planet and all humans. Each item is made with hand-harvested organic Peruvian Pima cotton (considered the top 0.05% cotton available) grown from two family farms. Their care for their clothing and commitment to doing good shows – the company kept 28,056 pieces of clothing out of landfills and raised $117,000 for impoverished schools. Their cotton leggings also speak for themselves – made with substantial double-knit fabric, earth-friendly dyes, and a cling-free fit.
Our Editor’s Review | Fair Indigo’s leggings feel like a cross between my favorite leggings and my bamboo joggers. They’re lightweight, have a looser fit, and the pima cotton is noticeably softer and silkier than regular organic cotton. These are the ones I love to slip into at night before drifting off to sleep.
9. Reprise
Materials | TENCEL™ Lyocell, spandex
Sizes | XS – 6XL
Price | $120
Best For | Plant-based activewear
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Medium
The Reprise Aspen Leggings are made with a soft plant-based fabric that is compressive but still safe for your health. While these aren’t organic cotton, they are incredibly safe for your skin and the planet! Instead of plastic bottles, the NYC-based brand uses a clean and regenerative fabric composed of 93% TENCEL Lyocell and 7% Spandex. They are opaque and high-rise — our editor who tested them herself expressed feeling held and sleek while wearing them!
Our Editor’s Review | Reprise has officially replaced my lululemons, and to say I’m thrilled is an understatement! PFAS free high-performing athletic wear has been on my to-do list of swaps, and the only reason I’ve put them lower on the list is because they’re not organic cotton.
10. Pansy
Materials | 100% organic USA-grown cotton
Sizes | XS – 5XL
Price | $72
Best For | Retro fit & feel
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Heavyweight
Pansy’s spandex-free leggings are a lounging and light workout staple. 100% USA-grown organic Pansy cotton (hence the name!) is the foundational fabric of all of the brand’s comfy garments. This special cotton is grown in Texas without any conventional chemicals and is then shipped off to North Carolina where it’s spun and knit into Pansy’s signature cotton leggings. These high-waisted gems have us nostalgic for that classic ‘80s fit and feel. Trust us, you won’t want to take these off!
Our Editor’s Review | Pansy’s leggings feel substantial, grounding and cozy. The ribbed fabric is a heavier-weight than most of the other pairs I’ve tried, and these are the ones I reach for when I’m relaxing at home on the weekends or when I wake up in the morning and the air is cool. These don’t have much give, which is important to keep in mind if you’re hoping to use them for exercise. Ultimately though, if Taylor Swift’s album Red were a pair of leggings, it would be Pansy’s.
Kate Arceo is the Community Manager at The Good Trade. She has a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University and has over 5 years of experience reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, as well as organic kids’ apparel and nontoxic cosmetics. When she’s not hosting dinner parties with her husband at their home in Southern California, you can find her sipping a latte at their local coffee house or shopping for strawberries with her kids at the farmers market. Say hi on Instagram!
Featured image from The Good Trade
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