You’re Wearing Plastic Right Now & It Could Be Bad For Your Health

If you feel like the latest research studies just confirm that the world is trying to kill you – you’re right. Now add the stuff you love to wear to the list, specifically, polyester, which since the 1970’s has taken over fashion and your closet.

What’s polyester? Polyester is a versatile synthetic fabric that has made fashion “faster” and more affordable for all. That’s the plus side – that more people can afford clothing. It’s also easy to take care of – you just throw it in the wash and go.

It’s found in everything from casual wear to activewear, often blended with natural fibers for stretch and durability. It’s also used in curtains, upholstery, and bedding, ropes, conveyor belts, and automotive interiors due to its strength and resistance to wear and even in plastic bottles and food containers.

It’s in clothing that ranges from mall stores – to pricey leisure-wear status brands.

Polyester clothing may seem convenient, but its hidden costs to health and the environment are considerable enough for you to worry.

So what’ the problem with wearing polyester?

Microfiber Shedding

• Polyester sheds tiny plastic fibers, known as microfibers, during washing and wearing. These microfibers can enter the air you breathe and the water you drink, contributing to plastic pollution in the environment and potentially entering the human body.
• Inhalation of these microplastics can irritate the lungs, and ingestion may cause inflammation or disrupt the body’s natural processes.

Heat and Breathability Concerns

• Unlike natural fibers, polyester is not breathable, trapping heat and moisture against the skin. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to skin irritation, rashes, or even fungal infections.
• The fabric’s inability to wick moisture effectively makes it uncomfortable in warm or humid climates.

Chemical Residues

• Polyester clothing is often treated with chemicals like dyes, flame retardants, and stain repellents. These chemicals can leach into the skin, particularly when the fabric is worn directly against the body, causing allergic reactions or exposing wearers to potentially harmful substances.

Disruption of Skin’s Natural Barrier

• Prolonged exposure to polyester can cause skin irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Natural fibers are often gentler and less likely to provoke such reactions.
• Microplastic Pollution
• Washing polyester garments releases microplastics into wastewater. These microplastics bypass water treatment plants and end up in rivers, oceans, and even the food chain, affecting marine life and potentially human health.

Now that we know how sus this material is, what can we do to avoid it?

The most important step is to slowly transition to natural and sustainable fabrics like:

• Cotton (preferably organic)
• Linen
• Hemp
• Wool
• Silk
• Bamboo (ensure it’s processed sustainably)

By opting for natural fibers and supporting sustainable fashion, we can reduce the impact of “wearing plastic” on ourselves and the planet. Small, intentional choices can contribute to a healthier future for all.