Why we chose TENCEL™ Lyocell
Most performance wear is built for speed, sweat, and stretch. But look closer at the label and you’ll find a different story: synthetic materials made from fossil fuels, designed for short-term performance but long-term pollution.
At Alvarius, we asked a simple question:
What if your gear could perform at the highest level, without leaving a plastic footprint?
We weren’t interested in greenwashed blends or half-measures. We set out to build the first high-performance activewear tee that’s 100% plastic-free — and engineered to keep up with serious athletes.
That journey led us to TENCEL™ Lyocell.
What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?
TENCEL™ Lyocell is a next-gen fibre made from eucalyptus trees grown in sustainably managed forests. It’s produced by Lenzing AG, an Austrian company known for its eco-innovations in textiles.
The raw material? Wood pulp.
The result? A fabric that feels like silk, breathes like cotton, and outperforms synthetic fabrics in almost every category that matters to athletes.
How it’s made
Unlike traditional fibres, TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced through a closed-loop process, where over 99% of the water and solvents used are recovered and reused. That makes it one of the most sustainable fabrics on the planet.
From tree to thread, the process is clean, traceable, and radically less resource-intensive than cotton or polyester.
Why we use it: High performance. Zero plastic.
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1. Breathability
TENCEL™ fibres regulate temperature and allow for exceptional airflow, keeping you cool in the heat and comfortable in the cold.
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2. Sweat-wicking & fast-drying
Its hydrophilic structure pulls sweat away from the skin and disperses it across the fabric surface, helping it dry faster and avoid clinging.
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3. Naturally odour-resistant
Thanks to its smooth fibre surface, TENCEL™ Lyocell reduces bacterial growth. That means less stink, even after high-intensity sessions.
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4. Unreal softness
TENCEL™ is often compared to silk, but it doesn't baby you. It's soft enough to wear for hours, yet durable enough to train hard in.
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5. High durability
Despite its softness, TENCEL™ Lyocell resists pilling, stretching, and tearing — even with repeated movement and wash cycles.
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6. UV resistant
Ideal for training under the sun. It provides natural protection against harmful UV rays.
Why most activewear is still made from plastic
Go into any athletic store and you’ll find wall-to-wall polyester and nylon.
These materials are made from crude oil, spun into plastic fibres, and woven into fabric. Why?
- It's cheap to produce
- It’s stretchy and light
- Brands are used to it
But there’s a cost:
- Every wash releases tiny plastic fibres into waterways
- Synthetics trap heat and moisture, not ideal for long sessions
- Plastic traps bacteria
Worst of all, they never truly break down. A single polyester shirt could outlive every PR you’ll ever set.
Plastic-free isn’t easy. But it’s necessary.
Even brands that claim to be "eco" often include 5-10% elastane or polyester stitching. That small percentage makes the entire product a plastic problem.
Alvarius doesn’t cut corners.
Our Performance Tee is:
1. 100% plastic-free, including threads and labels
2. Packaged in compostable, plastic-free wrapping
3. Made for athletes who care about their body and the planet
Environmental benefits of TENCEL™ Lyocell
Let’s talk numbers:
1. Uses up to 20x less water than conventional cotton
2. 99.5% of the solvent is recycled
3. Lower carbon footprint than polyester or bamboo
4. Breaks down naturally in soil or water
This is what real sustainability looks like.
TENCEL™ Lyocell vs other natural fabrics
TENCEL™ combines the best of all worlds: lightweight, strong, breathable, and clean.
How the Alvarius Tee is built for movement
We didn’t just pick a premium fabric and call it a day.
We tested. Tweaked. Refined.
- Feedback from runners, lifters, and movement practitioners
- To prevent chafing during long sessions
- Moves with you without clinging
- Just clean lines, clean materials
Every detail was considered, because you feel the difference when you train.
The future of performance is natural
We believe we’re seeing a shift.
- From foam soles to barefoot shoes
- From ultra-processed to wholefoods
- From overstimulation to mindful training
Athletes are coming back to nature — and demanding gear that matches.
The Alvarius Performance Tee is just the beginning.
Train hard. Tread light.
Choosing better materials isn’t just about sustainability.
It’s about performance that respects the body and the earth.
No plastic. No compromise.