Basics

Clothes made from synthetics (plastics) pose a risk to human health because of the chemical nature of each thread. These synthetics, derived from petroleum and chemically engineered into textiles, break down through everyday use and eventually shed and spread microplastics onto our skin and into the air we breathe.

Microplastics, notoriously known as chemical carriers, pose various health risks to humans when exposed to the body via skin contact or ingestion. These include increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalances, neurological implications, and irritation in the lungs and digestive tract.

Research on the health implications of microplastics, specifically from apparel, is fairly new and ongoing, but studies show that microplastics can spread to every organ in the human body.

Removing synthetic apparel from your life can be extremely efficient in limiting your exposure to plastics. And fortunately, there are a ton of healthier alternatives one can opt for.

‍Apparel made with natural fabrics: Choose brands using all-natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk to design their apparel. It’s the safest bet. All natural fibers derived from plants are biodegradable and free of microplastics. There’s a reason they’ve been clothing humans for centuries.

‍Apparel made with bio-based fabrics: Bio-based apparel is another plastic-free alternative. These fabrics, such as rayon, are derived from renewable natural resources like wood pulp and chemically engineered into fibers. Remember, while mostly plastic-free, some bio-based fabrics may still involve harsh chemicals in processing.

Look for brands prioritizing natural dyes: The textile dye industry is another toxic mess with significant health concerns. Today, roughly 90% of our clothes are dyed synthetically. Toxic chemicals are often used in the production process, some of which contain carcinogenic properties. Some dyes are so potent that they can alter the natural properties of textiles like cotton. This potency sometimes results in cotton fibers acquiring characteristics akin to microplastics.

Certifications & transparency: The best plastic-free apparel brands prioritize supply-chain transparency, organic practices, and 3rd-party certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), MADE SAFE, and OEKO-TEX.

The problem is twofold: For starters, synthetic textiles in apparel take centuries to biodegrade. In other words, when you throw these clothes away, they don’t just decompose and disappear—they end up in landfills and our environment. Simply put, synthetic textiles are almost impossible to recycle.

Then comes the microplastics dilemma. As synthetic textiles break down, especially during washing and drying cycles, microplastics are released in our waterways and atmosphere and eventually find their way into our oceans and land. Studies show the synthetic textiles industry alone is responsible for over a third of the ocean's microplastic pollution

Microplastics are released from synthetics in apparel through everyday use and during washing and drying cycles while the fibers are exposed to heat, stress, or abrasion.

Interestingly, it’s not difficult to see microplastics released from apparel in real time with your own eyes. The laundry room is one common spot where microplastics can easily be found in your home. After a drying cycle, your dryer lint screen hosts a range of shredded microfibers.

In another simple example, if you were to take a pair of worn socks made with nylon, stretch the fabric, and snap it back under good light, you’d see something reminiscent of a small dust cloud abruptly appear. That dust cloud typically includes a combination of microfibers and chemically hazardous microplastics.

All-natural apparel – completely free of plastics – is generally more expensive than synthetic apparel for numerous reasons:

‍Cost of raw materials: Both natural plant-based and protein-based fibers require more labor-intensive cultivation and harvesting methods than synthetic fibers, which are derived from petroleum, a relatively cheap resource.

‍Apparel quality and features: To enhance the versatility and functionality of natural clothing, manufacturers and designers often employ complex weaving techniques and engage in extensive research. This effort focuses on emulating the distinct properties of synthetic fabrics, such as their fit, stretch, temperature regulation, or even water resistance. Such processes and innovations contribute to the higher costs associated with natural apparel.

Environmental and social responsibility: Brands that produce plastic-free apparel often invest in sustainable, ethical manufacturing processes. This includes fair labor practices, which often means paying higher wages, and environmentally responsible production methods that may be more costly than conventional methods.

Lack of economies of scale: The plastic-free apparel market is smaller than synthetic apparel. This smaller production scale can lead to higher costs per unit, as these brands can't leverage the economies of scale that larger, synthetic fiber producers can.

Putting it all together: The fast fashion industry heavily relies on synthetic materials, constantly seeking ways to reduce costs and expedite production. This sector often opts for inexpensive source materials like polyester to quickly and cheaply deliver apparel to consumers. Such brands achieve scale through these cost-cutting measures.

In contrast, the slow fashion movement prioritizes traditional farming methods and sustainable practices. As a result, they rely more on manual labor and have longer production timelines. This approach ultimately leads to higher production costs, reflecting their commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

Yes and no. Synthetic fibers are practically engineered for durability. They can last for a long, long time (in fact, too long) and often boast unique features such as wrinkle, stain, and water resistance, offering consumers a more bullet-proof apparel option.

However, this doesn't mean natural fabrics lack durability. Many plant-based fibers, like hemp and linen, owe their strength to the structure of cellulose, which imparts high tensile strength, making them tear-resistant. Animal-based fibers, such as silk and wool, are also known for their resilience. In addition, natural fibers are generally easier to repair and patch, which can extend the garment's life.

‍Good to know: If you’re seeking durability and longevity in the all-natural department, opt for apparel designed with fabrics such as linen, hemp, silk, and wool. Cotton garments, especially those lacking stronger weaves (twill or sateen), are more prone to tearing.

Yes! Certified organic labels play a crucial role in choosing plastic-free clothing. They ensure the absence of harmful pesticides and chemicals used in the growth of natural fibers.

Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, in his autobiography “Let My People Go Surfing," reveals a surprising fact: garments marketed as "100% cotton" often contain only about 73% cotton, with the remainder being “resins, plasticizers, and chemicals added in the finishing process.”

This highlights the value of opting for certified organic fabrics, which prohibit such additives and offer a more authentic, natural textile option.