Kids Sports Clothing: What Ancient Cultures Knew About the Healing Powers of Clothes

How the fibres on your child’s skin influence comfort, mood, breathability, and long-term wellbeing...

Quick Snapshot for Busy Parents

Kids sports clothing is almost entirely made from synthetic materials. These petrochemical based clothes can trap heat, shed microplastics, irritate the skin, and carry chemical finishes that children are more sensitive to than adults.

Natural fibres help reduce toxic load and keep children cooler, calmer and more comfortable during sport and play.

Learn what ancient cultures understood about the healing qualities of the clothes we put on our bodies, what modern science confirms, and how parents can choose better, natural kids sportswear.

Want to see the worlds first natural material activewear for kids, check out Svante natural sportswear, click on the links below: 

Svante Collection

Contents

1. The Truth about Kids Sports Clothing

2. What Ancient Cultures Understood About Healing Fibres

3. Children’s Skin and Physiology Are Different from Adults

4. Natural and Synthetic Materials in Kids Sports Clothing

5. Movement Breathability and Heat Regulation

6. Comparing Fabrics Through Science

7. Skin Sensory Load and Emotional Wellbeing

8. Hidden Chemicals in Polyester and Fast Sportswear

9. A Simple Checklist for Parents

10. How Svante Designs Natural Performance Wear for Kids

11. What We Do Not Claim

12. Final Thoughts

13. References

 

1. The Truth about Kids Sports Clothing

When parents think about sports clothing for children, they often look at style, fit and price. What usually gets overlooked is the single factor that affects everything from comfort to mood. The fabric.

Kids sports clothing is dominated by polyester and nylon. These synthetic fibres are super cheap to make. They require no soil, no growing season and no care for the environment, just endless chemical production, which is why companies love them.

Yes, they stretch and dry quickly, but they also trap heat, hold sweat, shed microplastics and carry chemical finishes that sit directly against our children’s skin.

Fabric choice influences how well your child regulates temperature, how comfortably they move and how their skin (and biology) responds. 

Discover the worlds Kids Natural Activewear

 

2. What Ancient Cultures Understood About Healing Fibres

Ancient civilisations had a surprisingly advanced understanding of how fabrics interact with the body.

• Egyptian priests wore fine linen because it was believed to support physical purity and calm the body.
• In India and throughout Asia, cotton and silk were understood to create harmony with the body’s natural energy field.
• In Africa and the Americas, breathable plant-based fibres were chosen for cooling, movement and resilience.

These choices were not mystical beliefs. They were informed by lived experience. Natural fibres simply work better for movement, heat and comfort under demanding physical activity.

In many ways, ancient parents knew exactly what today’s scientific research is rediscovering.

3. Children’s Skin and Physiology Are Different from Adults

Children are not small adults. Their physiology responds differently to temperature, pressure, sweat and abrasion.

Modern research confirms that children’s skin is thinner, more permeable and more reactive than adult skin. A review of children’s clothing materials concluded that natural and untreated fibres are far more suitable for children because they reduce irritation, allow the skin to breathe and carry fewer harmful residues.

This means that the material used in kids sports clothing affects them more intensely. Particularly during high movement and high sweat activity.

Source: A Review of Sustainable Material Selection for Children’s Wear, Textile Science and Fashion Technology Journal 2021.

4. Natural and Synthetic Materials in Kids Sports Clothing

Nearly all girls sportswear and sportswear for boys in shops today is made from synthetic materials.

These materials are created from petrochemicals and often include a cocktail of additional chemical treatments for stain resistance, waterproofing, colour fastness or stretch.

Stretch is helpful. Chemical load is not.

Challenges with synthetic fabrics

Synthetic sportswear tends to

• trap heat
• hold sweat against the skin
• shed microplastic fibres with friction and washing
• carry chemical finishes that are not disclosed to parents
• accumulate static electricity
• irritate sensitive skin

One study found that polyester clothing can shed millions of microplastic fibres in a single wash, and that these microplastic fibres enter air, water and potentially the respiratory and digestive systems of our children. 

Source: The Guardian environment investigation into school uniforms.

Benefits of natural fibres

Natural fibres are

• free from microplastic shedding
• naturally moisture regulating
• gentle on sensitive or reactive skin
• breathable
• soft
• cooling
• free from hidden chemical dyes and coatings

This makes a measurable and often noticeable difference in how children feel when wearing activewear. 

 

5. Movement Breathability and Heat Regulation

Children run hotter than adults and sweat more quickly during physical activity. If the fabric traps heat and moisture, irritation can rise rapidly.

A study on functional textiles found that fabrics which hold sweat close to the skin increase irritation, bacterial growth and odour formation, which then affects comfort and mood.

Breathable natural fabrics reduce this problem because they allow heat to escape and moisture to evaporate more evenly.

Many parents notice fewer meltdowns, less fidgeting and more comfort simply by switching to lighter natural materials.

Source: Broadhead R, Functional Clothing for Improved Skin and Microbial Balance, Journal of Dermatological Research.

 

6. Comparing Fabrics Through Science

Here is a science based view of how common materials perform for active children

Medical textile research consistently recommends natural fibres for children because these materials support healthier breathability and reduce exposure to unwanted chemicals.

Svante has created Earthknit™ the worlds first regenerative cotton activewear and athleisure wear for children. 

This fabric begins in healthy soil, supports biodiversity and is crafted with complete respect for your child’s skin. It feels soft, breathes beautifully and contains none of the hidden chemicals found in most synthetic sportswear.

If you want to learn more about Earthknit™, how regenerative cotton is grown and why it matters for children, you can read our full blog on regenerative cotton. You can also explore the Earthknit™ collection here. EXPLORE EARTHKNIT™ COLLECTION

Source: Sustainable Material Selection for Children’s Wear.

 

7. Skin Sensory Load and Emotional Wellbeing

Children respond strongly to physical stimuli. They feel itch, heat and friction more intensely than adults.

For children who are already sensory sensitive, the wrong fabric can make an ordinary day feel overwhelming.

A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Research showed that textiles which hold moisture and heat raise skin irritation and increase sensory discomfort. This can translate to irritability, restlessness or reduced focus during activity.

Natural fibres reduce these triggers. They stay cooler, reduce friction and allow the skin to breathe even during active play.

 

8. Hidden Chemicals in Polyester and Fast Sportswear

As parents we have been shocked and surprised to learn that there is no requirement for clothing companies to disclose the chemicals applied during production.

Research into infant clothing found more than three hundred chemicals present in baby garments ranging from pesticide residues to drug compounds.

This is particularly concerning because many synthetic finishes are known endocrine disruptors which interfere with hormone balance and immune function.

Rising Childhood Health Issues Linked to Environmental and Chemical Exposure

Over the past twenty to thirty years, children’s health patterns have shifted in ways that concern researchers. While no single factor can be blamed, endocrine disrupting chemicals found in synthetic fabrics and household environments are increasingly studied as contributing influences.

Early puberty

Paediatric studies show early puberty has risen significantly

• In girls, rates of early breast development have increased by more than 20 percent worldwide since the 1990s
• Environmental exposures, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals like phthalates, PFAS and BPA, are strongly associated with earlier onset of puberty

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.

Infertility trends

Although infertility presents later in life, the foundations are laid in childhood.

• Sperm counts in men have dropped by more than 50 percent since the 1970s
• Several studies identify exposure to phthalates, flame retardants and PFAS as risk factors that begin affecting reproductive development in childhood
  

Source: Human Reproduction Update.

Neurodevelopment: ADHD and Autism

No one claims chemicals “cause” ADHD or autism. These conditions are complex and multifaceted. However, researchers do note concerning correlations.

• Prenatal and early life exposure to PFAS and phthalates is associated with higher rates of ADHD type symptoms
• Several studies show children with higher PFAS levels have increased risk of behavioural dysregulation, sensory issues and executive function challenges
  

Source: Environmental Health Perspectives.

Parents cannot control every environmental exposure. But we can reduce unnecessary chemical contact in clothing, especially sportswear that sits tightly on the skin during high movement and sweat.

These early life exposures matter more than we realise. The skin is not a barrier. It is a gateway.

Typical items that may contain harmful and PFAS finishes include

• stain resistant and water repellent leggings and tops
• water resistant sports jackets and coats
• brightly coloured polyester gym tops & leggings
• printed synthetic shorts
• quick drying activewear and sports sets
• stain resistant school trousers

Parents would never know which chemicals are applied because this information does not have to be disclosed by large corporates and fashion brands. 

The clothes we wear can be created and covered with highly toxic and forever chemicals and not one them has to be declared as big companies claim it can damage the intellectual property of their products. WHAT?

But what about the damage to our children’s health? Sorry this is not on the agenda!

What Parents Need to Know About Forever Chemicals

Forever chemicals is the everyday name for a big family of substances called PFAS.

They are used to make fabrics resist water, stains, grease and sweat. Brands love them because they are cheap and help for great marketing with various performance claims.

They are called forever chemicals for a simple reason...

Once they are made, they do not break down. Not in the environment. Not in our bodies. They never dissolve or disintegrate. They are here, forever!

Studies have found PFAS in children’s clothing at levels that worry toxicologists. These chemicals have been linked in the research to hormone disruption, reduced immune function, thyroid problems and lower fertility.

They are also associated with higher cholesterol, changes in liver function and increased risk of some cancers in adults.

One of the most frustrating parts for parents is that clothing labels almost never mention PFAS. You cannot simply turn the tag over and read what is there.

The only real way to avoid them is to choose clothing that does not rely on plastic fibres and does not need these coatings to perform well.

In natural sportswear, fabrics breathe, move and release sweat because of the way the fibres are woven, not because of chemical tricks.

That is better for our children’s bodies and kinder to the environment.

PFAS are used to make clothing

• water resistant
• stain resistant
• oil resistant
• sweat proof
• colour fast

This means they are extremely common in sports and 'performance' wear. 

PFAS accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to

• hormone disruption
• reduced immune function
• thyroid irregularities
• reduced fertility
• lower birth weight
• increased inflammation

Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

What Can We Do?

There are more than ten thousand PFAS chemicals globally and almost none of them are disclosed on clothing labels. Large brands are not required to tell you whether your child’s sportswear contains them.

The safest approach is simple. Reduce exposure where you can.

Choose sportswear made from natural fibres, free from coatings, free from synthetic blends and free from the plastic fibres that most commonly carry PFAS.

Support smaller, founder lead companies that provide you with:

• transparency about natural activewear.
• Fibres that are grown naturally and processed without harmful chemical treatments.
• Natural sportswear that is made without polyester, toxic dyes and chemical coatings. 

This can significantly affect our toxic load by reducing our exposure to chemicals on a daily basis.

Source: Environmental Research study on toxic chemicals in baby clothing.

 

9. A Practical Guide for Parents

Here is a practical guide for choosing sportswear that supports comfort and wellbeing.

Choose

• regenerative or organic cotton
• linen or hemp for warm conditions
• natural blends like Tencel with small amounts of bio-based stretch
• soft weaves with good airflow
• pieces that naturally calk skin and feel cool when wearing 

Be cautious with

• stain resistant synthetic sportswear
• shiny water repellent fabrics
• polyester, spandex or nylon gym sets
• elastane rich leggings
• quick dry synthetic materials marketed as performance wear

These are the items most likely to contain unwanted chemical treatments or produce microplastic shedding.

10. How Svante Designs Natural Performance Wear for Kids

Svante creates girls sportswear and sportswear for boys that is designed with a health first approach. Kids sports clothing that respects the way children move and the way their bodies respond to heat and touch.

We do not compromise on fabrics and materials. Everything must be healthy for our children and sustainably made.

And yes, this quality and care costs a bit more but is still a fraction of the cost of other premium-luxury brands and we have not yet met one parent who does not think their child’s health is not worth the price.  

Svante uses 

• regenerative cotton; grown in harmony with the natural habitat and free from pesticides and chemicals 
• zero polyester
• zero nylon
• zero elastane heavy blends
• natural dyes
• no chemical coatings
• fibres designed to move with the body

• Naturally moisture wicking and temperature regulating
• weaves that maximise comfort and breathability

Every piece supports comfort performance and wellbeing.

Discover Svante Natural Kids Sports Clothing Sets

11. What is Toxic Load & Toxic Overload 

Toxic load is simply the total amount of harmful substances that enter and build up in our bodies over time.

Think of it like laundry. A little bit each day is manageable. Pile after pile without a break becomes overwhelming pretty fast.

Our children’s bodies work the same way. They are designed to cope with a certain amount of toxins. Their liver, kidneys, skin and lymphatic system work hard to remove what should not stay in the body. Under normal circumstances this works well.

The problem starts when the exposure becomes constant.

When the body spends every single day processing pollution, plastics, pesticides, chemical coated fabrics and everything else that comes with modern life. 

At some point the body simply cannot keep up. This is when toxic load becomes toxic overload.

Scientists describe toxic overload as the moment when the body’s detox systems fall behind and toxins start lingering in tissues, hormones become disrupted and inflammation starts to rise.

As moms and dads, we often see the early signs before anyone else. The sudden skin irritation. The rashes that come from nowhere. The moods that feel bigger than they should be. The sensitivities that seem to appear overnight.

These things can be brushed off as “kids being kids.” But they are also signs that the body might be working harder than it should be. 

How Toxic Overload Develops

Repeated exposure

Usually children do not get exposed to one big scary toxin.

They get exposed to lots of tiny ones, overtime, every day. Plastic residues from packaging. PFAS from stain resistant clothes. Pesticides in food. Fragrances and chemicals in cleaning spray. Microplastics in household dust. These are harmful enough on their own, together they can build up fast!

Metabolic stress

Research shows that children’s livers work overtime when these chemicals enter their system. Their bodies try to filter, neutralise and excrete everything, which places stress on their developing organs.

Bioaccumulation

Some chemicals do not leave the body easily. PFAS, flame retardants and certain plasticisers stay in the body for years. Imagine filling a bathtub faster than the water can drain. Eventually it floods.

Immune and hormonal disruption

This is the part that feels scary mums and dads. Many of these chemicals affect the very hormones that guide growth, mood, puberty, metabolism and immune function. Our children’s bodies are learning how to regulate themselves. These chemicals interfere with that learning.

Overload and symptoms

When the body cannot keep up, we often see:

• skin irritation
• unexplained rashes
• heightened sensitivities
• respiratory irritation
• tiredness
• mood swings

Over time, studies link toxic overload to:

• hormone imbalance
• thyroid issues
• chronic inflammation
• immune system strain
• developmental concerns

Why Clothing Makes a Difference

Clothing sits directly on the skin, which is our biggest organ. It is the one thing our children wear longer than anything else.

If their sportswear is made from polyester or nylon or coated in PFAS or synthetic dyes, their bodies have to deal with whatever sits on and in that fabric. During activity their pores open and absorb whatever is in contact with their skin. 

This is why natural clothing matters so much more than we think.

Choosing natural fabrics is not about being perfect. None of us can control everything our kids are exposed to. But we can remove the exposures that do not need to be there.

Natural sportswear takes away one of the daily sources of plastic and chemical contact. It lightens the load their little bodies have to carry.

For many of us, this swap feels like a simple and powerful way to protect them without making life complicated.

Sources: Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health. Environmental Health Perspectives. Endocrine Society Scientific Statement. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

12. Final Thoughts

There is mounting evidence that kids sports clothing plays a part in their early development and is the fabric that helps children move breathe and stay comfortable.

Synthetic sportswear may stretch and be cheap to make but it often brings heat irritation, chemical exposure and microplastic shedding.

Natural activewear and regenerative fibres actually give children what their bodies need:

• breathability
• softness
• cooling
• freedom of movement
• healthier skin contact
• reduced chemical exposure

Ancient cultures understood the healing properties of natural cloth long before modern science existed.

Today we are rediscovering why those choices matter especially for children.

Explore natural performance sets here or geek out on Svante Sustainability pages

Girls Sportswear

Sportswear for Boys

Svante & Sustainability

A Review of Sustainable Material Selection for Children’s Wear
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360651902_A_Review_Sustainable_Material_Selection_for_Children%27s_Wear

Functional Clothing for Improved Skin and Microbial Balance
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8226598

The Health Impact of Fast Fashion
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/5/2/84

Environmental Research Study on Chemical Burden in Baby Clothing
https://usrtk.org/healthwire/toxic-chemicals-in-baby-clothes

Microfibres and Health: State of the Evidence and Research Directions
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772416625001779

Early Puberty and Environmental Exposure, JAMA Pediatrics
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics

Global Decline in Sperm Counts, Human Reproduction Update
https://academic.oup.com/humupd

PFAS and Neurodevelopment, Environmental Health Perspectives
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov

Endocrine Disruptors, Endocrine Society Scientific Statement
https://www.endocrine.org

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
https://www.niehs.nih.gov

PFAS Overview, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas

Microplastics in School Uniforms Investigation, The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/environment