Dieser Beitrag wurde am 6. October 2022 veröffentlicht und zuletzt am 31. October 2022 von Sascha aktualisiert
The Dutch sportswear brand Iron Roots was founded in 2017 by friends. These friends were fed up with the fact that basically all sportswear is made of plastic in various colors and shapes. They set out to find plastic-free alternatives that would be in no way inferior to tried-and-true ones in terms of form and function. Find out here if they succeeded.
Plastic-free
We’ve always wondered why almost all activewear is made from plastics like polyester and nylon. We offer the alternative to all that plastic.
https://de.ironroots.com/
The Eucalyptus Performance T-Shirt – Mahogany Red
A shirt made of eucalyptus? Does that smell like koala? Admittedly, I had this expectation secretly and would have been very happy if there had been a sachet in the package. However, the shirt arrived absolutely odorless with me, which is not always the case with plastic running shirts.
Processing and wearing comfort
The performance T-shirt made of eucalyptus fibers makes a high-quality impression and lies softly and comfortably on the body. The seams are neatly sewn and the small details such as the lettering “Eucalyptus” on the bottom hem or the sewn Iron Root logo testify to value.
This Lyocell t-shirt is lightweight and breathable, but noticeably heavier than a comparable shirt made of synthetic material. However, the eucalyptus fabric is not only anti-static and anti-bacterial, but also keeps the body cooler, making it very comfortable during workouts. I put the antibacterial effect to the acid test when I wore the shirt on vacation for several days in a row on day trips to animal parks and playgrounds, and I also wore it as a running shirt for three consecutive days.
Overall, the Lyocell fabric feels more like cotton, but with better moisture transport. In size L, the shirt weighs 197 grams, which is considerably more weight and material than a light running shirt. However, this is only really noticeable in a direct comparison; once you have the shirt on, you can hardly feel it.
Cut and color concept
Iron Roots describes the fit as athletic and fitted at the arms, as you would expect from a performance line. In general, the Eucalyptus performance t-shirt is cut slightly longer and reaches about midway up my buttocks. I wear the shirt in size L, which is also my regular size.
The shirt is available in the mahogany red tested here, a pine green and classic black.
The Eucalyptus Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt – Black
Processing and wearing comfort
In contrast to the T-shirt, the fabric of the long-sleeve is slightly thinner. Thus, the whole shirt is also just under 25 grams heavier than in the short-sleeved version. Nevertheless, the seams are well finished and the shirt makes a good impression. This shirt can also be worn confidently for several days in a row without developing a strange smell.
The sleeves are pleasantly long (I also wear size L here) and wide enough. The last may be due to my runner’s arms, there is still air to the top. In the reviews on the website of Iron Roots, a buyer writes “A tip for the “pumpers” in the round: the sleeves are cut tight, which could give one or the other a constricting feeling.”
Cut and color concept
The longsleeve fits me loosely in size L and does not constrict. In motion sports it stays where it should and goes with every movement. The longsleeve was only available in black during my test period.
The Eucalyptus Performance Shorts – Fir Green
The Eucalyptus Performance Shorts are not made of 100% eucalyptus, but of 46% Tencel™ modal fibers. TENCEL™ modal fibers are obtained from naturally growing beech wood. The shorts are designed as an all-rounder for crossfit, yoga, running or other workouts.
Processing and wearing comfort
Also noticeable in the performance shorts is how soft and comfortable the fabric is against the skin and how cleanly the shorts are finished. To store small items, the performance shorts have two pockets on the sides. However, these pockets are not suitable in my eyes to store his cell phone there, but much more for lighter things like buffs, gloves or even sunglasses. The performance shorts are not classic running shorts, but rather sporty leisure pants that you can also wear for running. For runners who run their casual round in the park or around the block after work, this can work well, but for ambitious runners or long-distance runners, the shorts are not intended.
Cut and color concept
The cut of the shorts is pleasantly loose, so that you always have enough space and freedom of movement. Lunges, squats, jumps or other movements that you just perform during sports, make the performance shorts well with. Of course, no comparison to shorts made of elastane or similar. This elasticity is somewhat lacking in the fibers made of cellulose, but the cut is wide enough.
In terms of colors, the clothes of Iron Roots generally speak their own, unexcited language. All colors are chosen so that all available garments can be combined with each other without any problems, without looking like a clown. I like that very much.
ATHLETE OF NATURE
Beechwood Athleisure T-Shirt is emblazoned with a nice detail.
[Ath-leet of Nei-Chur ] noun.
Someone who reaches their goals,
without compromising on nature.
The Unisex Beechwood Athleisure T-Shirt – White Sand
Processing and wearing comfort
The shirt from the Athleisure line is a much wider cut shirt than the other shirts I was allowed to test. Here you should definitely choose a size smaller. For me, my shirt in size L is basically too big. I’ve written it a few times here in this review, but I’m really intrigued by how soft “wood” can be. The shirt, made of 50% beech wood and 50% organic cotton fiber, is mega soft and smelled delightfully good right out of the box. Iron Roots states on all of their garments that they may shrink a bit after washing, as they are natural materials. However, this is already considered in the size specifications.
Cut and color concept
Athleisure line means a much wider cut than performance line, you need to know when buying, but is also in the product description. The Buchenholz Athleisure T-Shirt is unisex, thus intended for each gender and is currently available in the color white sand.
How to find Iron Roots on the web
- Website: https://www.ironroots.com/
- Instagram: @ironrootsathletics
- Facebook: IronRootsAthletics
My conclusion about Iron Roots
With Iron Roots I was allowed to test exciting products of another young clothing brand that puts all cards on sustainable production. Here, however, not, as so often recycled plastics or merino wool are used, but exciting fibers from different woods and cotton. Iron Roots produces its sportswear locally (within Europe) to ensure sustainability, responsible sourcing and ethical production. The products are manufactured in Greece, among other places. The young company also sources the raw materials from Europe.
Instead of throwing away old and worn out products from Iron Roots, you can simply send back your shirts and co. Iron Roots will then recycle them into new sportswear. If you send back your worn Iron Roots clothes, you get a 20% discount on your next purchase. This is something that should become the industry standard!
I am delighted that there are more and more young and innovative companies like this. The love of nature, of movement in an intact environment, fits perfectly with the idea of sustainability in my eyes.
Lyocell, what is it and what can it do?
Lyocell is a fiber consisting of cellulose, i.e. plant fibers, which are naturally structured to regulate moisture transport and thus keep the body cool and dry. The brand name TENCEL™ is often found in the trade. Lyocell is biodegradable in both compost and seawater. 6.4 percent of global fiber consumption is met with these regenerative cellulose fibers. Under names such as modal, viscose or lyocell, the vast majority of people have probably already encountered these fibers. Lyocell is therefore an animal-friendly alternative to merino wool, albeit with minor drawbacks.
