When you hit the gym or the concrete to go on your daily run, you do so to stay fit and sweat out toxins. Well, it turns out that that whole toxin-sweating goal could be moot. Why? Because all sorts of lovely little toxins could be hiding in your sportswear.

According to The Guardian, Greenpeace, along with European regulatory bodies that monitor chemical safety, are concerned about the link between sportswear and cancer, developmental disabilities, and obesity. Now, most new clothing poses a risk to wearers as most conventional pieces contain toxins. But “sportswear is a particular problem because sweat and friction can prompt more rapid absorption of toxins into the body.”

The event that spiked concern about toxic sportswear was last month’s release of a Greenpeace report. The report discussed “how apparel companies are failing to regulate the chemicals in the sportswear they manufacture,” reports The Guardian.

Although it was the recent Greenpeace report that got people all riled up, The Guardian reports that there has been plenty of other research over the past few years that detail the dangers of chemicals used in sportswear. The main chemical culprits are dyes, solvents, and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs).

Another nugget of information that appeared in Greenpeace’s report was a few rankings it gave companies concerning their practices. According to the organization, Adidas is classified as a trendsetter and Nike, a greenwasher.

Adidas received this title because the company underwent some changes after previously receiving the greenwasher status.

“The company [Adidas] sat down with Greenpeace and committed to eliminating hazardous chemicals by 2020 and being 99% PFC-free by 2017. Manfred Santen, toxics campaigner for Greenpeace International in Germany, called this ‘a big step in the right direction,'” reports The Guardian.

Nike, however, disputes greenpeace’s claims and says the company “phased out long-chain PFCs at the beginning of this year, requiring that all materials meet the standards laid out in Nike’s Restricted Substances List.”

So, it probably goes without saying, but next time you look for sportswear, try to find some organic options.

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Find spring 2014’s biggest trend on Etsy – play it up in chic sportswear!

The spring 2014 runways saw a revival of ’90s minimalism mixed with fashionable sportswear items that could be suitable for nearly any season. And what better way to rock this sporty trend than by sifting on through Etsy shops offering amazing handmade and vintage items. Get ready to glam your spring wardrobe with sleek leggings, hoodie dresses, modernized varsity jackets and slouchy pants to get your game on.

GEO Women’s Yoga Pant from BELMAICA
Pictured above, these leggings are effortlessly chic, and perfect on or off the mat with their shape-retaining and moisture wicking qualities. Check out BELMAICA’s many other legging designs too!

BI/G Hoodie from ProperFit
Isn’t this hoodie just perfect with the leggings from BELMAICA? We certainly think so. Dress it up with a pair of sky high ankle booties or down with some cute Keds.

Vintage White Lacoste High Waisted Shorts from PaperDarlings
Looking for something warm weather appropriate? These darling, vintage Lacoste shorts are fresh and chic, ideal for your spring break getaway. Wear them with a simple tank top for a relaxed afternoon, or perhaps a game of tennis.

Hooded Dress “Veilchen” from bluetezeitberlin
This hooded dress from German designer Kristin Jacob is stylish, sporty and extremely comfortable. Casual and super easy to wear, this handmade, cotton dress is perfect for work, play and covering up on a chilly Spring night.

Baggy Tribal Print Cotton Pants from persephonevintage
These awesome pants combine two of spring 2014’s coolest trends – slouchy pants and graphic tribal prints. Easy to wear, comfortable and perfect paired with simple tops trendy tribal jewelry – can’t beat that!

Custom Varsity Jacket from clothoo
To really go after this trend, a varsity jacket should be your outerwear gear of choice. We think the custom jackets made by clothoo are pretty amazing, and will most certainly be the most unique version you’ll be able to find.

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Images: BELMAICA, ProperFit, PaperDarlings, bluetezeitberlin, persephonevintage, clothoo

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