5 Reasons to Ditch Your Toxic Polyester Gym Shorts
And the best alternative to choose...
MICROPLASTICS
1. Polyester Sheds Microplastics
Polyester = plastic. Which means you're practically wearing saran wrap.
Every wash & wear, polyester sheds microplastics - directly onto your skin.
Polyester = plastic. Which means you're practically wearing saran wrap.
Every wash & wear, polyester sheds microplastics - directly onto your skin.
HAMRFUL CHEMICALS
2. Polyester Often Contains Toxic Chemicals
You know the nasty chemicals in plastic bottles & tupperware?
Polyester often has those too. We're talking BPA and even "Forever Chemicals".
One shocking study found that 100+ activewear brands contained high levels of endocrine disrupting BPA - some even have 40x the legal limit!
You know the nasty chemicals in plastic bottles & tupperware?
Polyester often has those too. We're talking BPA and even "Forever Chemicals".
One shocking study found that 100+ activewear brands contained high levels of endocrine disrupting BPA - some even have 40x the legal limit!
CHEMICAL LEACHING
3. Your Body Can Absorb These Chemicals - Especially When Sweating
These chemicals don't just stay on the fabric either.
Research shows that heat & sweat can cause chemicals like BPA in clothing to leach directly into your skin.
Not exactly what you want during your workout.
These chemicals don't just stay on the fabric either.
Research shows that heat & sweat can cause chemicals like BPA in clothing to leach directly into your skin.
Not exactly what you want during your workout.
HORMONE & FERTILITY IMPACTS
4. These Chemicals May Have Hormone & Fertility Impacts
These chemicals aren't harmless.
Chemicals in polyester - such as BPA and PFAS - are linked to hormone disruption & fertility impacts.
One shocking study showed wearing polyester underwear made men azoospermic - meaning their sperm count dropped to zero. Not only that - it caused their balls to shrink too.
These chemicals aren't harmless.
Chemicals in polyester - such as BPA and PFAS - are linked to hormone disruption & fertility impacts.
One shocking study showed wearing polyester underwear made men azoospermic - meaning their sperm count dropped to zero. Not only that - it caused their balls to shrink too.
OPTIMIZE WHAT MAKES SENSE
5. You Optimize Everything Else - Shouldn't You Optimize This?
You spend $200 on supplements. You track your Whoop data. And you avoid plastic elsewhere.
Why wrap yourself in it when you're hot & sweaty?
Make the simple, one time switch - and stop wrapping yourself in plastic.
You spend $200 on supplements. You track your Whoop data. And you avoid plastic elsewhere.
Why wrap yourself in it when you're hot & sweaty?
Make the simple, one time switch - and stop wrapping yourself in plastic.
SHOP THE SOLUTION →
Introducing Ryker: Natural, Non-Toxic Activewear for Men
Ryker's activewear is made of natural fibers and 3rd party tested to be free of toxins.
100% Natural Fibers
Organic cotton outer + Merino wool liner. No polyester or plastic based fabrics.
3rd Party Tested BPA and PFAS Free
Some companies claim "non-toxic" - we prove it. Independently tested to be FREE of BPA, PFAS, and phthalates.
Naturally Breathable & Moisture Wicking
Our Merino wool easy wicks away sweat to keep you feeling clean & comfortable- even during your most intense workouts.
Designed for Athletic Performance
A return to natural fabrics, without sacrificing fit or function. Fits exactly like your Lulus - and performs even better.
100% Natural Fibers
3rd Party Lab Tested
100,000 Pairs Sold
Zero Hormone Disruptors
100% Natural Fibers
3rd Party Lab Tested
100,000 Pairs Sold
Zero Hormone Disruptors
Natural Fiber Gym Shorts With A Compression Liner
The Apex Short - (100% Organic Cotton + 100% Merino Wool Liner)
100% organic cotton outer short + 100% organic Merino wool liner
Organic cotton from GOTS-certified sources + fabrics from OEKO-TEX certified partners
Fits just like Lululemon shorts
Naturally stretchy, temperature regulating and odor resistant
$66.00
$89.10
Select Size:
XL
XXL
Small
Medium
Large
XL
XXL
RUNS LARGE - SIZE DOWN FOR A PERFECT FIT
Select Color:
Select Inseam:
5.5"
7"
5.5"
7"
Quantity
BUY ONE GET ONE 30% OFF + Free Shipping
The Apex Short
$99.00
$68.30
SAVE 30%
Added! Click "Add To Cart" Below for 30% Off
100% Natural Fibers
Certified Non-Toxic
3rd Party Tested BPA & PFAs Free
SHIPS IN 24 HOURS
90 DAY EASY RETURNS
FREE SHIPPING OVER $150
Description
- 100% organic cotton outer short + 100% organic Merino wool liner
- Organic cotton from GOTS-certified sources
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics & dyes
- Our fabrics are 3rd party tested BPA, PFAS and phthalate free - see report here
- Our Merino wool is not superwashed - it's processed using an organic, plastic-free treatment - learn more here
Enough with the polyester shorts with the toxic liners. Switch to Apex shorts made with natural fibers.
Guaranteed to be the most comfortable gym short you've ever worn.
Size Chart
NEW SIZING: RUNS LARGE - SIZE DOWN FOR A PERFECT FIT
Materials and Care
Shorts: 100% Organic Cotton
Liner: 100% Organic Merino Wool
Care Instructions: Machine wash on cold with gentlest setting available. Wool specific setting if possible. Gentle washing avoids felting and shrinking.
Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry.
Wash only when needed - Merino naturally avoids odor, meaning less washing is needed!
Shipping & Returns
FREE Shipping on orders $150+.
If you don't love it, return it (unused) in 90 days for a full refund.
Care Instructions
Cold wash & hang to dry.
Trusted By Top Health Experts And Biohackers
Over 100,000 Pairs Sold To Men Like You...
MH
Mark H.
Founder & CEO
Miami
I optimize everything else. This was my one blind spot.
"I spend $600/month on supplements, recovery, and bloodwork. I track every input that goes into my body. Then I realized I was spending 4 hours a day training in petroleum-based plastic that's been linked to hormone disruption. Once I saw the data on polyester and endocrine disruptors, I couldn't unsee it. Switched to Ryker, and I won't go back. These are now a non-negotiable in my protocol."
WT
William T.
Managing Director
New York
I looked at the research. The decision was obvious.
"I don't buy anything based on marketing alone. I looked at the actual studies on polyester, microplastics, and BPA - and the data is hard to argue with. Ryker's third-party lab results showing zero endocrine disruptors sealed it for me. The Merino liner is genuinely more comfortable than any synthetic I've worn. These are the only shorts I train in now."
JG
James G.
VP, Technology
San Francisco
The last gap in my health stack.
"Eight Sleep, WHOOP, my sauna - I've invested in all of it. But I was still training in polyester shorts that shed microplastics. It's absurd when you think about it. Ryker closed the last gap. The fit is identical to Lululemon, the Merino liner handles sweat better than any synthetic, and I'm not absorbing endocrine disruptors through my skin for two hours a day. Should've done this years ago."
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do you use?
We exclusively use natural fabrics like 100% organic cotton & Merino wool. No polyester or plastic based fabrics. These materials allow us to avoid microplastics & toxic chemicals.
Won't wool be hot?
Merino wool is NOT your grandma's wool sweat. Merino wool is naturally temp regulating - it keeps you cool when you're hot and hot when you're cold. It's why hikers & the military have used it for decades.
Our customers even say our shorts are comfortable in the Texas heat!
Why is it more expensive than some other synthetic brands?
Because we don't compromise. Because we only use high quality, organic fabrics like 100% organic cotton & Merino wool, our product costs are substantially higher than big brands who sell cheap materials (polyester) at a premium price.
Additionally, we only partner with ethical manufacturers who maintain GOTS & OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications, pay their workers a fair wage, and maintain safe conditions for their staff.
Last thing - we're proud that we're still priced competitively to premium brands like Lululemon, Vuori, Rhone and Ten Thousand - despite using high quality, 100% natural materials.
What are GOTS & OEKO-TEX Standard 100?
GOTS is the Global Organic Textile Standard. It means our cotton has been grown & processed without the synthetic pesticides or toxic chemicals (like formaldehyde), commonly found in conventional cotton.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 means all of our fibers, fabrics, and dyes have been 3rd party tested for a variety of toxic substances - including BPA, PFAS and other endocrine disruptors. When you wear Ryker, you can be confident you're only wearing the best.
What dyes do you use?
We use water based fiber reactive dyes that comply with GOTS & OEKO-TEX Standard 100 class 1 standards.
They're independently tested for heavy metals & other toxins commonly found in the apparel industry.
Are your clothes 3rd party tested?
Yes. Not only do we rely on regular factory audits from the governing bodies of GOTS & OEKO-TEX Standard 100, but we also independently test our fabrics & end garments.
You can see our latest test here. Completely free of BPA, PFAS, and phthalates.
What size should I get / will your products shrink?
For Apex shorts (built in liner), we recommend sizing down. If you're a large in Lulu, we recommend ordering a medium.
We have specifically sized our garments this way.
We always recommend washing on the most gentle setting available + laying flat to dry to reduce shrinkage.
What's the return policy?
We offer a 90 day return policy. As long as the garment is unused (meaning, you don't wear it several times and then decide to return), we will accept your return.
We want happy customers - not annoyed customers. So we're pretty generous here.
Done wearing toxic plastic shorts?
Make the risk free switch to Ryker.
90-day no hassle returns
Don't love your Ryker shorts? Return quickly and easily with a 90 day money back guarantee.
Ships out in 24 hours
In stock gear ships directly from our Wisconsin warehouse within 24 hours! After that, just 3-6 days until it's at your doorstep.
Free Shipping Over $150+
Spend over $150 (Just 2 pairs of shorts!) and get fast, FREE shipping.
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