11 Best Organic Cotton Leggings For Women (Reviewed)
The Good Trade editors endorse products weโve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. We earn a commission when you purchase products or services through some of the links provided. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Iโve sweated it out in nontoxic workout clothes for years โ these are the best organic leggings for natural materials, comfort, and squat-proof coverage and durability across a range of price points.
I’ve sweated it out in organic and nontoxic workout clothes for years โ these are the best leggings and yoga pants for natural materials, comfort, and ethics across a range of price points.
Leggings are our all-day comfort clothing staple, whether weโre on Zoom meetings (business up top, cozy down low), watching our favorite Netflix series, or staying grounded and focused with a living room flow. We especially love organic cotton yoga leggings made with minimal spandex or elastane (to help retain stretchiness and durability!) and for their nontoxic properties that are free of harmful chemical treatments like PFAS.
Why consider organic cotton leggings?
We recommend organic leggings for their sustainability, environmental, and ethical features. Organic materials such as organic cotton support sustainable agriculture as they are farmed using methods that have minimal impact on our ecosystems, compared to conventional fabrics. This includes crop rotation practices, which help improve soil health and water conservation practices to help prevent water waste. Organic cotton is also biodegradable, which helps fight pollution! Organic cotton producers also support socially responsible labor practices, meaning each purchase supports the ethical and fair treatment of garment workers.
Itโs also important to note that because leggings are in such close contact with our skin, going for an organic fabric with fewer chemicals can prevent skin irritation. While some spandex or elastane is essential for retaining stretchiness and durability (prevents sagging waistbands and stiffness!), our favorites strike a balance between being made primarily with organic cotton and as little elastane or spandex as possible. Organic textiles are also free of GMOs, and organic cotton in particular is free of the harmful chemical PFAS, which is linked to period irregularities, ovarian disorders, high blood pressure, and fertility concerns. Be sure to look out for the GOTS certification on your next pair of organic cotton leggings to ensure the product adheres to strict environmental and ethical criteria.
Are there any downsides to organic cotton workout clothes?
Organic cotton leggings and yoga pants are ideal for gentle exercise and daily movement. Because cotton absorbs moisture instead of wicking it away, theyโre not designed for high-intensity workouts or performance. Itโs also important to note that the higher the percentage of organic cotton fabric to elastane or spandex, the less flexible the pair will be, which can be restrictive when participating in high-intensity training. When exercising, each of the pairs below works well for low-sweat workouts or in cooler climates.
If you’ll be training intensely, high-performance workout gear made with fabric blends or more technical natural fabrics might be a better option for their flexibility and sweat-wicking performance. Head to our sustainable activewear and compression leggings guides for the best ecofriendly performance leggings!
Our criteria:
I’ve personally tested each of the following leggings, assessing the fabric comfort, quality, texture, opacity, as well as stretch, movement, and thickness. For each brand, I made sure it passed the squat test and also tested its moisture-wicking capabilities. The brands below represent the best quality pieces that feel good and look good for workout sessions, natural materials, comfort, and leisure moments alike. We update this list regularly with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria.
- ORGANIC & NONTOXIC | The brands below carry leggings that are nontoxic and PFAS-free. These options are all safe, breathable, and comfortable for anything from lounging around to the most intense workout.
- COMFORT | Each pair of leggings has been editor-tested and approved with at least an 8 out of 10 on the comfort scale! No pulling, pinching, or sagging.
- ETHICS | Each brand is committed to ethical production and various sustainability initiatives. Weโve included details on sustainability certifications so you can be sure youโre supporting thoughtful business.
Youโll be reaching for these organic cotton leggings day in and day out. Snag yourself a pair (or two!) and thank us later! For more organic and nontoxic activewear, our guides on organic sports bras, sustainable running shoes, organic cotton and bamboo socks, and eco-friendly yoga mats will have you geared up and ready to seize your workout in comfort and style.
For those of you expanding your loungewear collection, our guides to the best organic cotton underwear, organic cotton bralettes, organic cotton sweatpants, organic pajamas, and organic cotton clothing cover all the bases for a cozy and nontoxic closet.
1. MATE the Label
Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XSโ3X
Price Range | $88โ$108
Best For | Overall favorite
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Medium
When you pick up a pair of MATE the Labelโs organic leggings, you may be surprised how comfortably they move, just as you do! This organic cotton blend, made without pesticides, BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde, unlike most other activewear, is ideal for low- to mid-impact exercise. The brand is a certified B Corp and its factories hold GOTS or OEKO-TEX certification. Headquartered in Los Angeles, MATE brings together high standards for both the brand’s aesthetic and its impact.
Kate’s Review: MATEโs leggings feel like quiet luxury. Theyโre so well made, a fabulous medium-weight that is well-suited for a day full of errands or even moderately active exercise. Iโm especially fond of their matching sets, which are my most-reached-for outfits when I want to feel comfortable yet pulled together, and maybe squeeze in a workout if I have an extra twenty minutes. One thing to note is that MATE moved its production overseas in 2023, so these are no longer made locally for West Coast shoppers. If that matters to you, PuraKai still cuts and sews their leggings in Los Angeles.
2. Organic Basics
Materials | 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton, 5% elastane
Sizes | XXSโ3XL
Price | $86โ$100
Best For | Transparent production practices
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight
Organic Basics was founded in Copenhagen in 2015 to make everyday essentials that last longer than fast-fashion basics. Itโs a certified B Corp and a member of 1% for the Planet, and its materials are independently certified under GOTS, GRS, OCS, and RWS. The brand prioritizes products made with at least 70% organic cotton, and the Core Leggings are 95% organic cotton with a high waist and ankle length. In 2022, Organic Basics was bought by Delta Galil, a large apparel manufacturer, and it has kept its B Corp certification since then.
Kate’s Review: Organic Basics is great for being a one-stop shop where I can grab relatively affordable basics that not only align with my budget but with my values as well. The Core Capri legging is lightweight and easy to move in, and the mid-rise fit feels comfortable around my midsection, which is always a consideration for me after my body has evolved after having two children. My favorite set these days, though, is the True Knit Wide Leg Pant. If you are searching for the perfect lounge pant, look no further!
3. PuraKai
Materials | 92% GOTS-certified organic cotton, 8% spandex
Sizes | XSโXXL
Price | $72โ$86
Best For | Made-in-USA leggings
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Medium
PuraKai is a father-and-daughter company founded in 2012, long before natural fabrics were a trend. The founders started it because of the negative impact synthetic clothing has on the oceans, as the microfibers that synthetics shed in the wash are one of the largest sources of plastic pollution.
At PuraKai, every garment is designed, patterned, cut, sewn and packaged in PuraKaiโs own facility in South El Monte, Los Angeles, and knitting and dyeing are done by partners nearby. Making clothes in California means a brand must follow SB 62, the stateโs Garment Worker Protection Act. Since 2022, the act has required garment workers to be paid at least minimum wage by the hour instead of by the piece, and it holds brands responsible for unpaid wages in their supply chain. California garment manufacturers also have to register with the state and pass an exam, so being able to say their product is made in CA is no small accomplishment. Their PureFlex leggings are thicker and more matte than synthetic activewear and come in three inseams (23, 25 and 28 inches). The brand is still 100% family-owned with no outside investors.
Kate’s Review: PuraKai has shot to the top of my list because they fulfill every hope when Iโm shopping with a brand. Not only is my set undeniably high quality and made from organic materials, but as a family-owned, small business that has no outside investors, shopping with them is the epitome of supporting a small business. And bonus? Their facility is located not 30 minutes from my house, so I (along with anyone in the Los Angeles area) can consider shopping with them as โshopping local.โ I also love how they offer three different inseam lengths for short gals like me (Iโm 5โ!)
4. Pact
Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, elastane
Sizes | XSโ2XL
Price Range | $28โ$48
Best For | Organic cotton with stretch
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Medium
Pact has leggings for every kind of activity, from lounging to exercising. All ethically made in fair trade factories, theyโre made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and a touch of elastane, so theyโre soft and sustainable. We especially love that some come with pockets for when weโre on the move. Plus, Pact offsets its carbon footprint with each order. A win-win no matter which pair you pick up. For more details on these PFAS-free leggings, our editor does a deep dive in her firsthand review.
Kate’s Review: Pact has been a long-time favorite, and Iโve enjoyed several pairs of their leggings over the last decade. Theyโre tried, true, and last for years before wearing out at an accessible price point that makes these hard to beat. I find that these tend to be a bit snug, so sizing up is worthwhile if youโre between sizes.
5. Groceries
Materials | Organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XSโ2XL
Price | $88โ$118
Best For | Durability over time
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Heavyweight
Operating in their own vertically integrated clothing factory in downtown Los Angeles, Groceries is dedicated to transparency in every step of their supply chain. The brand has eliminated heavy metals and PFAS from their process, and every garment is colored with plant-based dyes from upcycled food waste such as carrot tops, onion skins, and coffee grounds. They make all of their own products in-house to ensure that their standards and values are fully executed.
Kate’s Review: After cycling through my haul of organic cotton leggings, I keep coming back to the pair from Groceries. The high-waist makes me feel held and secure, the weight of the fabric is calming, and even the tag sewn into the back feels high-end and high-quality. For being on the heavier side weight-wise, they stretch well and mold perfectly to my body. The feel and fit of these are superb, and that, paired with the knowledge that their upcycling dye process and values align with my own, is *chefs kiss*. I’ve worn and washed them dozens of times over the last six months, and they still look and feel brand new โ no pulled threads, loose seams, or stretched-out sections.
6. tentree
Materials | Fair trade organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XSโXL
Price | $40
Best For | Affordable leggings
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight, medium, or heavyweight
tentree puts their mission right in the name: For every item purchased, the B Corp plants 10 trees. The brand is on track to reach its goal of 1 billion trees planted by 2030! These leggings will be your new sustainable faves, made for everything from exercise to lounging, crafted from eco-friendly organic cotton that is chemical-free and so comfy, youโll never want to take them off.
Kate’s Review: tentreeโs mission and sustainability practices make these leggings an instant favorite. The feel is that of a classic cotton legging โ the perfect medium weight that hugs every curve and has a flattering high-waisted cut. Note that the fit was noticeably snug and I definitely could have sized up in these!
7. Oddobody
Materials | 100% organic cotton
Sizes | XSโXXXL
Price | $70
Best For | Organic cotton intimates
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight
Oddobody is a womenโowned brand focused on intimate wear and basics made from 100% organic cotton, grown in Peru and manufactured in a fairโtrade, womenโowned factory. Their mission blends comfort, health, and education: They design with breathability and skin health in mind, avoid synthetic materials, and include โBody Manualsโ to help customers learn more about anatomy, care, and wellโbeing. Their aesthetic is simple, practical, inclusive, and centered on classic colors and cuts.
Kate’s Review: This set never makes it into my dresser because I always pull it straight out of the wash and wear it until it needs to go back into the hamper again. The shorts are substantial enough to wear out, but comfortable enough to sleep, lounge, exercise, and run errands in. Iโve dubbed this set as my new uniform, even though itโs basically underwear.
8. Boody
Materials | Bamboo viscose, organic cotton, nylon, elastane
Sizes | XSโXL
Price Range | $29โ$86
Best For | Moisture-wicking performance
See-Through Rating | Slightly see-through when stretching
Weight | Lightweight
Boodyโs organic bamboo viscose leggings and tights are everything we love in a good quality activewear pant โ comfy, soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. While these leggings arenโt made of pure cotton, weโve included them on this list for their nontoxic benefits! Bamboo is a naturally organic plant and requires no pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers to grow; plus it consumes less water than cotton and produces more oxygen than trees. Those are some benefits we can stand behind! Choose between full-length, cropped, and 3/4 length options.
Kate’s Review: Boodyโs bamboo leggings feel light, stay cool, and make me want to move! I reach for these ahead of weightlifting, a long hike, or when temps are higher. These can be slightly see-through when doing deep stretches, so keep this in mind if youโre headed to yoga.
9. Fair Indigo
Materials | 100% organic Pima cotton interlock
Sizes | XSโXXL
Price | $50โ$65
Best For | Durable design
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Lightweight
Fair Indigo is all about premium-quality apparel thatโs sustainable for both the planet and all humans. Each item is made with hand-harvested organic Peruvian Pima cotton (considered the top 0.05% cotton available) grown from two family farms. Their care for their clothing and commitment to doing good shows โ the company kept 28,056 pieces of clothing out of landfills and raised $117,000 for impoverished schools. Their cotton leggings also speak for themselves โ made with substantial double-knit fabric, earth-friendly dyes, and a cling-free fit.
Kate’s Review: Fair Indigoโs leggings feel like a cross between my favorite leggings and my bamboo joggers. Theyโre lightweight, have a looser fit, and the pima cotton is noticeably softer and silkier than regular organic cotton. These are the ones I love to slip into at night before drifting off to sleep.
10. Reprise
Materials | TENCELโข Lyocell, spandex
Sizes | XXSโ6XL
Price | $128
Best For | High-performance activity
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Medium
The Reprise Aspen Leggings are made with a soft plant-based fabric that is compressive but still safe for your health. While these arenโt organic cotton, they are incredibly safe for your skin and the planet! Instead of plastic bottles, the B Corp-certified NYC-based brand uses a clean and regenerative fabric composed of 93% TENCEL Lyocell and 7% Spandex. They are opaque and high-rise โ our editor, who tested them herself, expressed feeling held and sleek while wearing them!
Kate’s Review: Reprise has officially replaced my Lululemons, and to say Iโm thrilled is an understatement! PFAS-free high-performing athletic wear has been on my to-do list of swaps, and the only reason Iโve put them lower on the list is that theyโre not organic cotton.
11. Pansy
Materials | 100% organic USA-grown cotton
Sizes | XSโ5XL
Price | $76
Best For | Retro fit & feel
See-Through Rating | Opaque
Weight | Heavyweight
Pansyโs spandex-free leggings are a lounging and light workout staple. 100% USA-grown organic Pansy cotton (hence the name!) is the foundational fabric of all of the brandโs comfy garments. This special cotton is grown in Texas without any conventional chemicals and is then shipped off to North Carolina, where itโs spun and knit into Pansyโs signature cotton leggings. These high-waisted gems have us nostalgic for that classic โ80s fit and feel. Trust us, you wonโt want to take these off!
Kate’s Review: Pansyโs leggings feel substantial, grounding and cozy. The ribbed fabric is a heavier weight than most of the other pairs Iโve tried, and these are the ones I reach for when Iโm relaxing at home on the weekends or when I wake up in the morning and the air is cool. These donโt have much give, which is important to keep in mind if youโre hoping to use them for exercise. Ultimately though, if Taylor Swiftโs album Red were a pair of leggings, it would be Pansyโs.
Kate Arceo is a writer based in Southern California and the Community Manager at The Good Trade. She has a Bachelorโs degree in Communication Studies and has been reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, as well as organic kidsโ apparel and nontoxic cosmetics for the last ten years. In her free time you can find her hosting dinners on the back patio, reading a novel on the sofa, or sipping a latte at the local cafรฉ. Say hello on Substack and Instagram!
Psst! Google launched a new feature that lets you choose โPreferred Sourcesโ โ so your searches highlight trusted, values-driven outlets instead of clickbait. To add The Good Trade, tick the box beside our name. Thatโs it โ our stories will be waiting whenever you search. Read more about it here.
