The Hidden Dangers in Your Closet
Why You Should Avoid Plastic-Based and Non-Organic Fabrics
Fast fashion may look good on the outside — trendy, affordable, easy to find — but what's inside your clothes might be harming your skin, the planet, and even the oceans. From microplastics to toxic dyes, non-organic and synthetic fibers are at the root of a silent crisis. Here's what you need to know about the dangers of these materials and what to wear instead.
What Are Plastic-Based and Non-Organic Fabrics?
Most people don't realize that many everyday fabrics are made from petroleum, the same material used to make plastic bottles. These include:
Polyester
Nylon
Acrylic
Elastane/Spandex (Lycra)
Polyamide
On the other hand, non-organic natural fibers (like conventional cotton or rayon/viscose) may come from natural sources, but they’re often grown or processed using harmful chemicals, pesticides, and heavy water use.
In short: Just because it feels soft doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Environmental Fallout: Microplastics and Pollution
Synthetic fabrics = plastic. And like plastic, they don't biodegrade.
When you wash synthetic clothes, they shed tiny plastic fibers called microplastics — millions of them per load. These microfibers enter our waterways, travel into oceans, and are ingested by fish and other wildlife, eventually ending up in our food chain.
Key Facts:
Up to 35% of microplastics in the ocean come from synthetic clothing.
A single wash can release 700,000 microfibers into the water supply.
Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, and breast milk.
Health Hazards: What’s Lurking in Your Clothes
Wearing synthetic or non-organic clothes can have direct effects on your skin and overall health:
1. Skin Irritation & Allergies
Synthetic fabrics don’t breathe well, trapping heat and sweat.
Chemicals used in dyes, flame retardants, and wrinkle-resistance (like formaldehyde) can cause rashes or dermatitis.
2. Endocrine Disruption
Many synthetic textiles are treated with phthalates and PFAS (also known as "forever chemicals").
These substances are linked to hormonal disruption, fertility issues, and even cancer.
3. Toxic Absorption
The skin is the body’s largest organ — and it absorbs what you put on it.
Wearing synthetic fabrics for long hours (like tight polyester gym wear) increases your exposure risk to these chemicals.
Fabrics to Avoid
Here’s a breakdown of what to watch out for in clothing labels:
FabricWhy to AvoidPolyesterPetrochemical-based, sheds microplastics, traps heat, can contain antimony (a toxic heavy metal).NylonEnergy-intensive to produce, sheds fibers, non-biodegradable.AcrylicOften treated with harmful chemicals; sheds easily and is flammable.Spandex/LycraNot breathable, chemically processed, non-biodegradable.Rayon/Viscose (non-organic)Made from wood pulp but processed with toxic chemicals (like carbon disulfide).Conventional CottonGrown with large amounts of pesticides and water; not eco-friendly unless certified organic.
Healthier, More Sustainable Alternatives
Check our post here with an overview of the best sustainable options, mainly organic and natural options.
Tips for a Healthier Wardrobe
You don’t have to throw out your entire closet today — but small steps add up.
Here’s how to start:
Check your labels. Aim for natural or organic fibers.
Wash synthetics less often and use a microfiber-catching bag (like Guppyfriend) when you do.
Avoid wrinkle-free or stain-resistant labels — they often use PFAS.
Buy fewer, better-quality items from ethical brands.
Air out new clothes before wearing, or wash with non-toxic detergent.
Final Thoughts: Wear With Care
Clothing should protect your body — not pollute it. By avoiding plastic-based and non-organic materials, you're choosing healthier skin, a safer home, and a cleaner planet. The next time you shop, remember: What touches your skin matters more than what trends say.
You don’t have to be perfect — but you can be more conscious. And that’s where change begins.
Want to Dig Deeper?
Watch: The True Cost (Documentary)
Read: Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas
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