MARO
no plastic,
no problem.
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MARO

Reduces Microplastic Absorption

Organic cotton toe socks and plastic-free basics

MARO creates natural athletic apparel using GOTS-certified organic cotton and biodegradable materials, with a focus on toe socks for barefoot shoe wearers.

Plastic-Free Products:

  • Organic Cotton Boxers (Hybrid, Relaxed Fit) - 100% organic cotton with natural rubber waistband
  • Organic Cotton Shorts - 100% organic cotton with natural rubber waistband
  • Lightweight Organic Cotton Sweatpants — 100% organic cotton with natural rubber waistband and cuffs

Contains Minimal Plastic (5% Spandex):

  • Organic Cotton Toe Socks (Crew, Mini Crew, No Show)
  • 95% organic cotton / 5% spandex (enclosed, no skin contact)
  • Merino Wool Toe Socks — 80% merino wool / 15% organic cotton / 5% spandex
  • Organic Cotton Grip Toe Socks — 95% organic cotton / 5% spandex + silicone grip dots

All products are recyclable or biodegradable through MARO's Circular Promise take-back program. Made in OEKO-TEX certified facilities.

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MARO began with a simple mission: to create organic cotton toe socks.**

I started wearing barefoot shoes a couple of years ago, but didn't see much progress until I started wearing toe socks. Regular socks that pushed my toes together prevented me from taking full advantage of the wide toe box in my barefoot shoes.

I began wearing toe socks from a leading brand, while also becoming more aware of the kinds of materials I was wearing. I learned that polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers come from petroleum and contained endocrine disruptors, toxic flame retardants, and other dangerous additives. I also learned that these plastic fibers damage the environment, shedding hundreds of thousands of microplastics each time they're washed.

As I began to replace the synthetic items in my wardrobe with natural fibers, there was one key piece I couldn't find a replacement for: my toe socks.

So I decided to bring them into the world.

After a year of development (and manufacturing and shipping delays), MARO Organic Cotton Toe Socks are finally a reality.

But our mission doesn't end there.**

I learned a lot about the clothing industry while I was developing my first product. I learned about materials, certifications, sourcing, and all the stuff you'd expect someone to learn. But I also learned about just how inefficient, wasteful, and careless the current apparel production system is.

I learned about how the fashion industry produces about 100 billion garments a year, 60% being made from synthetic fibers, but only recycles about 1% despite the fact that we have enough source material to clothe the next six generations.

I realized that I had to create a brand that not only uses natural fibers, but works to solve the waste problem. Every MARO product is recyclable or biodegradable and made only with naturally-derived fibers. No plastic bottles or soup cans.

Real sustainability is supposed to promote human health and the health of the planet, not make a false choice between one or the other.

In addition to recycling each product through our *Circular Promise*, we'll also offer several items that use innovative natural fibers like recycled cotton, without blending them with synthetics like most brands do.

MARO is a shortened form of marrow, which means the inmost or most essential part. It also means strength and vitality.**

At MARO, we care not only about how our apparel performs on the outside, but what it's doing to us on the inside. It's time for a holistic approach to athletic apparel built with three pillars: performance, health, and nature.

I'm glad you've decided to join us.

— Ian

Microplastics can be absorbed through skin contact with synthetic (non-organic) clothing and bedding, as well as plastic-containing skincare products.

This brand offers plastic-free options within their catalog, meaning they have some products that are free from plastic materials, but not all products are plastic-free.

Users are encouraged to do their own research before making any purchases.

Read more on our "plastic-free" terminology.

Organic cotton is chemically identical to regular cotton but grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds, using farming methods that prioritize soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. Certified by standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or USDA Organic, organic cotton farming began gaining traction in the 1990s as an alternative to conventional cotton's heavy chemical use.

For those seeking to minimize both microplastic and chemical exposure, organic cotton represents the gold standard in natural textiles.

Merino wool is a fine, soft fiber sourced from Merino sheep, a breed that originated in Spain during the 12th century and is now primarily raised in Australia and New Zealand. Merino fibers are significantly finer than standard wool (typically 15-24 microns in diameter compared to 25-35+ microns for regular wool), making them less itchy and suitable for direct skin contact. The fiber excels at temperature regulation, naturally resists odors, and has superior moisture management compared to conventional wool, making it the premium choice for performance base layers, activewear, and next-to-skin garments.

For plastic-free living, merino wool often outperforms synthetic athletic wear and base layers without any microplastic shedding, making it invaluable for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers seeking plastic-free alternatives to technical synthetic fabrics.

Natural rubber, also called natural latex, is an elastic material derived from the milky sap (latex) of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) which is composed of polymers of isoprene, a natural hydrocarbon, making it completely biodegradable and renewable. The material is highly elastic, water-resistant, durable, and does not shed microplastics, all while being sustainable.

For plastic-free living, natural rubber provides an essential alternative to synthetic rubber (made from petroleum) and semi-synthetic alternatives (silicone).

This list of materials or microplastic removal methods is only representative of the brand's products that are 100% plastic free, with a few exceptions for certain product categories.

Read more about our exceptions for "plastic-free" products.

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