Why You Should Care About Chemicals — Especially in Activewear & Swimwear

When we talk about “clean,” “natural,” or “organic” fabrics in activewear or swimwear, many people immediately think of comfort, breathability, or environmental footprint. But one of the most compelling reasons to choose organic, non-toxic fabrics (think hemp, organic cotton, linen) is because your garments come into intimate contact with your skin—your most sensitive and sacred areas. What you wear on you can leach into you, subtly and continuously. And when that clothing is made from petroleum-derived fabrics treated with synthetic finishes and chemicals, the risk is real.

Below, we’ll walk through why chemicals in textile manufacturing matter deeply — for your body, for garment workers, and for the planet — and show you how organic activewear isn’t just a marketing angle but a meaningful line of defense.

The Hidden Chemistry in “Performance” Apparel

Modern “activewear” and “swimwear” brands often push fabrics that are moisture-wicking, stain-resistant, anti-odor, fast-drying, wrinkle-resistant, UV-blocking, waterproof, colorfast, etc. Achieving those traits often takes a cocktail of synthetic fibers and chemical finishes.

Key culprits include:

• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aka “forever chemicals.” These compounds resist breakdown, repel water or oil, and are used in stain-resistant, water-repellent, or wrinkle-resistant coatings.  
• Azo dyes and aromatic amines. About 70% of industrial dyes globally are azo dyes (derived from benzene, toluene, aniline, etc.).  Some azo dyes, under certain conditions, can release carcinogenic aromatic amines on degradation or skin contact.  
• Formaldehyde-based resins used in wrinkle-resistance, crease retention, or anti-shrink finishing.  
• Solvents, carriers, and finishing aids (like biphenyl, trichloroethylene, and various volatile organic compounds) used in dyeing and finishing steps.  

Because of sweat, friction, and body heat, some of these chemicals can migrate from the fabric to your skin, and potentially into your bloodstream. PFAS, in particular, are detected in the blood of most people globally.  The National Academies of Sciences has linked PFAS exposure to a range of adverse health outcomes: certain cancers (kidney, testicular), liver effects, thyroid disruption, changes in cholesterol, immune suppression, and developmental impacts. 

One especially alarming point: PFAS are persistent. They don’t break down easily in the environment or in the body, earning the nickname “forever chemicals.”  Some PFAS compounds are so persistent that they remain in human blood years after exposure. 

A 2024 Guardian article observed that some outdoor clothing brands still rely on PFAS coatings and that these chemicals have been linked to fertility problems, immune disorders, cancers, and more.  Meanwhile, regulatory action is beginning: as of January 2025, New York (and California) banned most apparel that intentionally includes PFAS (except for certain outdoor gear) to reduce these risks. 

What Happens Inside You — And at Your “Lady Parts”

Because activewear and swimwear hug your thighs, pelvis, groin, and intimate zones, the stakes are higher. Skin permeability, friction, moisture, and local blood flow all increase the opportunity for chemical absorption.

While we won’t overstate uncertainties, here’s what science suggests:

• PFAS and related compounds are known to bioaccumulate—they stick around.  
• Some PFAS have been associated in studies with reproductive disruption, decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and developmental impacts in fetuses and infants.
• The immune system and thyroid are vulnerable to PFAS. 
• Chronic low-level exposure is harder to study, but some research suggests that wearing PFAS-treated clothing could contribute to cumulative burden over time.  

It’s also worth noting that synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane are derived from petroleum. During production, byproducts, solvents, residual monomers, and additives may remain in the final fabric — some of which could irritate sensitive skin or combine with sweat to form reactive species. Although the direct evidence is less developed than for PFAS, the principle is concerning: clothing in direct contact with delicate tissues should be as chemical-sparse as possible.

Toll on Workers & the Environment

The dangers of chemical-laden textiles extend far beyond the wearer. Consider the people and ecosystems exposed during manufacturing:

Worker Health & Occupational Hazards

• In the textile and dyeing sector, workers are routinely exposed to dyes, solvents, finishing agents, dust, and chemical vapors. Many of these are known mutagens or carcinogens.  
• A review of 54 studies found increased rates of various cancers among textile workers (bladder, nasal, skin, lung) associated with exposure to textile chemicals.  
• Dyers historically had detectable benzidine or monoacetylbenzidine in their urine—both are associated with cancer risk.  
• Textile finishing workers are commonly exposed to formaldehyde (used in wrinkle-resist and resin finishes). In one U.S. plant, an 8-hour average exposure was ~1.2 ppm in certain operations.  
• Respiratory disease is common. Organic dust (cotton, flax, etc.) and endotoxin exposure in textile workers is linked to chronic obstructive lung disease, asthma features, and accelerated lung-function decline.  
• In low- and middle-income countries (where most fast-fashion manufacturing occurs), conditions may be lax, protective equipment minimal, and oversight weak.  

These risks are compounded for women, who represent a large portion of garment workers, especially given reproductive and endocrine vulnerabilities.

Environmental Impacts

• Textile factories discharge untreated dyeing effluents carrying heavy metals, persistent organic compounds, solvents, and residual dyes into rivers and soils. These pollutants can devastate aquatic ecosystems and contaminate drinking water.  
• Because PFAS resist degradation, when they enter waterways or soils through factory waste, they persist for decades, bioaccumulate in food webs, and migrate into water supplies.  
• GreenAmerica notes that most chemical exposure burden falls on workers and ecosystems before the garment ever reaches the consumer.  
• The global textile industry uses over 8,000 different chemicals, many of which are non-biodegradable, toxic, or poorly studied.  

Why Organic Matters — It's Not Just Marketing

1. Fewer synthetic additives to leach. Organic and natural fabrics typically avoid petroleum-derived fibers and often omit or limit synthetic finishes (e.g. PFAS). That means less potential for chemical migration into your skin.
2. Better breathability, less friction, less heat build-up. Hemp, linen, and organic cotton are highly breathable and moisture-wicking by nature, reducing the demand for heavy chemical enhancements.
3. Lower chemical burden on workers and ecosystem. Ethically made organic lines often adopt “clean chemistry” standards, treating wastewater, using low-toxicity dyes, and minimizing hazardous inputs.
4. Transparency and trust. When a brand commits to non-toxic manufacture, third-party certifications, and supply-chain auditing, you know you’re protecting not just yourself, but the people who made the garments and the planet they came from.
5. Long-term health mindfulness. Especially for women, wearing non-toxic fabrics in intimate zones is a step toward reducing cumulative chemical exposure across a lifetime.

Real-World Cases & Policy Shifts

• A 2021 IPEN/NGO report found PFAS in many textile samples and detailed how PFAS is used widely across clothing and the challenge of eliminating them.  
• In experiments with children’s clothing, 79% of tested items (and 100% of those labeled “stain- or water-resistant”) contained PFAS.  
• Scandinavian and European regulators are increasingly cracking down: PFAS in textiles is a target for restriction in Europe’s circular-economy planning.  
• In the U.S., states are acting. As of 2025, New York and California ban most apparel intentionally containing PFAS (with exceptions for performance outerwear). 
• In one textile factory study (90 workers), symptoms correlated with chemical exposures and subpar working conditions.  
• Global estimates: over 60 million people work in textile or clothing manufacturing globally; many face chronic exposure to toxic dust, chemicals, and solvents.  
• Historical tragedies like severe chemical leaks (e.g. Seveso) highlight how industrial chemicals, once released, persist and wreak havoc; the lesson: we must minimize exposures.  

What You Can Do For Yourself 

• Prioritize fabrics with minimal chemical finishes — look for “PFAS-free,” “low-impact dyes,” or certifications (e.g. OEKO-TEX, GOTS, Bluesign).
• Limit synthetic stretch blends. Aim for natural fiber-rich with minimal, non-toxic stretch additives.
• Wash gently the first few times to reduce residual chemicals. (Although this is a mitigation, not a substitution for safe fabrics.)
• Support legislative change. Encourage bans or disclosure laws on PFAS in textiles; stay updated on state-level restrictions.

How You Can Be The Change

Your skin is the largest organ and an elegant interface between your inside and the world. Choosing organic, low-toxin activewear and swimwear isn’t just “eco fashion” — it’s a small yet powerful act of self-care, especially for garments worn in your most intimate zones. Over decades, even low-level chemical exposure accumulates. Meanwhile, the human and environmental toll of petroleum-based textile manufacturing is very real.

Prioritize your health, honor your body, and make every layer of clothing count. Explore BeachCandy’s organic activewear leggings and designer organic swimwear—crafted from low-toxin, non-toxic fabrics designed to move with you, protect your skin, and make you feel effortlessly confident. Shop now and step into a world where style meets wellness.