Ultimate Stash 7/8 Tight
Athleta's tights use Econyl® recycled nylon — a sustainability improvement over virgin nylon, but still 100% synthetic plastic. Athleta deserves credit for using recycled materials and holding B Corp certification, but this specific product's fabric remains entirely petroleum-derived.
This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.
⚠️ HIGH EXPOSURE RISK: Athleta's tights use Econyl® recycled nylon — a genuine sustainability improvement, but still 100% synthetic plastic that sheds microplastics and sits against your skin during exercise. Recycling nylon does not eliminate the microplastic shedding problem — it only reduces the carbon footprint of production.
Why We Rated It This Way
This specific product scores D due to 100% synthetic content in a high-contact garment. Athleta's B Corp certification and recycled materials earn a better score than most, but the core microplastic issue remains. Note: Athleta makes other products that may score differently.
Chemical & Health Analysis
Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.
Recycled nylon (Econyl®) microfibers
The fabric itself
Recycled nylon has the same microplastic shedding profile as virgin nylon — recycling does not eliminate the microplastic problem. Econyl® nylon still releases ~700,000 microfibers per wash and sits against skin during exercise.
All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
