Let’s be real—who doesn’t love squeezing into a pair of spandex? Gym clothes have become a wardrobe staple for many of us, and I’m no exception. I practically live in them. In fact, they've turned into a whole separate wardrobe category—because why not? They're comfortable, flattering, and make us feel like we’re ready to crush a workout (or at least look like we could).

But here’s the thing: as I’ve entered my mid-forties (hello, maturity), I’ve started to think a bit more critically about the clothes I’m wearing—specifically, my beloved gym gear. So I asked myself: How much spandex is too much? And what’s happening 'under the surface'—literally—when we wear these stretchy fabrics?

Here’s the scoop: Spandex is made from synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and lycra—fabrics that are highly processed and treated with chemicals. While they’re often marketed as miracle fabrics—moisture-wicking, breathable, and *so* comfortable—there’s a darker side we often overlook.

The Dark Side of Stretchy Fabrics

1. Toxic Chemicals:
Many gym clothes are made from polyester and other synthetic fibers that can release toxic chemicals—specifically, phthalates and BPAs—into our skin and bloodstream. Phthalates, commonly found in synthetic fabrics, are used to make plastics more flexible (and in our case, stretchy). But they’ve been linked to hormonal disruption, fertility issues, and increased risk of certain cancers**.

BPA (Bisphenol A) is another nasty culprit—found in some synthetic fabrics and known for its role in **endocrine disruption**, which can mess with everything from thyroid function to weight gain and even brain development in children.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), studies have shown that 40-60% of chemicals from personal care products (like lotions or deodorants) can be absorbed through the skin. But what about the chemicals in our clothes? Synthetic fabrics are notorious for releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritation, and even respiratory issues over time. When you factor in how close spandex is to our skin—especially during workouts where we sweat—well, let's just say it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

2. Microplastics:
Here’s a fun (not-so-fun) fact: When you wash polyester and spandex fabrics, they shed tiny **microplastics** into the water. These little guys are so small they pass through water treatment facilities and end up in our oceans, lakes, and rivers. In fact, a study from The Guardian found that a single load of laundry can release as many as 700,000 microplastic fibers into the environment. These microplastics are consumed by marine life, eventually making their way up the food chain—and yes, into our dinner plates. So when you're pulling on your leggings, remember: you might be helping create an ocean full of plastic soup.

3. Heat & Hormonal Havoc:
While spandex might keep you cool by wicking away sweat, it also traps heat next to your body. This can cause excessive heat buildup during workouts, leading to skin irritation or yeast infections (a not-so-glamorous side effect). But that’s not the only problem. Heat exposure combined with chemical leaching can lead to hormonal imbalances. Some studies have found that exposure to synthetic fabrics can mess with estrogen levels, especially in women. This could be especially concerning for women in their forties and beyond, where hormonal changes already come with their own set of challenges.

 What’s the Real Cost of Spandex?

So, what are we really paying for with our stretchy, moisture-wicking wardrobe? Well, aside from the obvious convenience and comfort, it turns out that those toxic chemicals could be infiltrating our bodies every time we pull on a pair of workout leggings or sports bras.

Now, I’m not saying you should toss your whole gym wardrobe out the window (because, let’s be honest, spandex is still pretty much life). But maybe it’s time to take a closer look at the fabrics we’re wearing—and choose options that are less harmful to our bodies *and* the environment.

What Can We Do About It?

The good news? There are options. The Sustainable Apparel Coalition has been pushing for greener, more eco-friendly alternatives, like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fibers that don’t involve harmful chemicals. Some brands are also leaning into eco-friendly dyes and non-toxic processing to reduce the chemical load. Look for clothing made with natural fibers or fabrics labeled Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means the materials have been tested and are free of harmful substances.

And while it’s great to see these changes on the market, we can also do our part by washing synthetic garments less frequently, using a microplastic filter in your washing machine.

 The Bottom Line:

We love spandex. We love how it makes us feel. But the truth is, we might be paying a hidden cost when it comes to our health and the environment. As women, especially those of us in our forties and beyond, we deserve to know what we’re putting on our bodies—and be more mindful of the choices we make.

So next time you’re slipping into those high-waisted leggings, just remember: While they might be flattering and functional, they might also be carrying a few hidden chemicals. And that’s a conversation worth having.

Let’s make informed choices and keep our health—and our planet—looking and feeling great!