Why We Should Move from Synthetic to Natural Fibers

Polyester is the most commonly used synthetic fiber in the world and represented over 50% of global fiber production volume in 2019. Polyester has gained wide popularity, but is also a major health and environmental hazard. Investigating how polyester affects health and why moving to natural fibers is an important and necessary step towards a more sustainable and healthy fashion industry.

Polyester is more than a fabric; it’s a possible health threat. Because polyester has zero breathability, it’s not as hypoallergenic as other materials, and  it can cause irritation and discomfort. It can also exacerbate skin problems like eczema. Experts warn that the manufacturing process employs substances like antimony trioxide, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. Indirectly, polyester also contributes to microplastic fragility in space, and poses potential health risks through the environment and the plastics we breathe.

Additionally, the heavy use of polyester is not without economic and social consequences. Poly fills are often chosen for fast fashion, which propel a throwaway culture, generating billions of waste each year and promoting unsustainable manufacturing. This is detrimental to the environment and takes advantage of workers in the textile industry, many of whom are forced to work in bad conditions. According to academic trio Bick, Halsey, and Ekenga, “fast fashion perpetuates environmental injustice and human rights abuses”.

Polyester fabrics release microplastics that are detrimental to the environment and human health. When ingested, microplastics induce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, as well as possible DNA damage. They also spread bacteria and viruses, presenting further health risks. Indeed, microplastics have been found in foodstuffs like beer, salt, honey and sugar, a sign of the wide contamination of the food chain. Microplastics are capable of absorbing toxic substances that can be carried to our bodies through ingestion of contaminated food and water, causing serious health problems.

Polyester may also be an endocrine disruptor that impacts reproductive health.  Some chemicals in synthetic fibers can disrupt hormone function, and polyester exposure has been linked to low sperm count and problems ranging from fertility issues to tubular disease in males. 

Alternatives to polyester include natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or hemp. Such eco-friendly materials use fewer chemicals to manufacture, encourage sustainable farming, and even benefit local communities. Sustainable farming of natural fibers for clothing is encouraged through practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. These methods include organic cultivation, which reduces chemical use and promotes soil health, and water-efficient farming techniques for crops like organic cotton and hemp. Additionally, sustainable fiber production often supports local economies by creating fair-wage jobs, preserving traditional artisan skills, and promoting rural development. According to an article from fashion sustainability non-profit Textile Exchange, “Natural fibers will be a pillar of the textile industry of the future.” 

As consumers, we can take action today. Start by reading labels and opting for natural fibers like cotton, linen, or hemp. Purchase from brands that prioritize sustainability, and shop second-hand to reduce overall demand for new synthetic clothing. Supporting brands who are addressing practices and prioritizing natural fibers will build a market focusing on healthy, environmentally-friendly clothing choice. Consumers can drive the fashion industry’s ability to become sustainable through purchasing decisions.

So, we need legislation that reduces our dependence on polyester and promotes natural fibers, as well as efforts by industry. This entails the enforcement of tighter microplastic release regulations and incentives for sustainable production practices. As Bick and colleagues urged, ”fast fashion environmental impacts require policy reforms.” Legislation to decrease polyester reliance and encourage natural fibers might involve imposing a tax on synthetic materials, restricting microfiber shedding, and providing incentives for sustainable manufacturing practices. For athletic apparel in particular, regulations might compel manufacturers to incorporate microfiber filtration in washing machines and impose warning labels on clothing with high levels of synthetic materials. We’ve been wrapped up in polyester for far too long. It’s time to break free from this synthetic straitjacket and embrace the breathable, beautiful world of natural fibers.

Picture a world where not only does your clothing cover you, but it takes care of you and the planet as well. Where each piece of yarn has a story to share of green farming, fair wages, and a better world. That’s the world we can have by dressing in natural fibers. Sustainable fashion is the only future of fashion, and that future lies with natural fibers. Using these materials can help us reduce the health and environmental hazards associated with polyester, as well as stimulate local economies while ensuring a more sustainable future for our planet. We need to change the relationship between the fashion industry and polyester for a healthier, more sustainable world.