If you were to ask me what is the best way to start having a more ethical wardrobe that’s kinder to the planet and non-toxic to your body there’s one simple thing that makes a huge impact:
Always read the fabric label.
And when you see polyester… put it back.
Why Say No to Polyester?
Polyester is everywhere. It's cheap to produce, easy to care for, and found in everything from activewear to everyday fashion. But polyester is fashions dirty little secret and behind its convenience lies a heavy environmental and human cost.
Let’s take a look:
1. It’s Made from Fossil Fuels
Polyester is a type of plastic and it’s derived from petroleum—a non-renewable resource. Producing it releases significant greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and pollution.
2. It Doesn’t Break Down
Polyester can take up to 500 years to break down in landfill. That cute top you wore once before it pilled or lost shape? It’ll outlive you. And your children. And their children.
Every time we wash polyester, it also sheds microplastics—tiny plastic particles that end up in our oceans, harming marine life and entering our food chain.
“Polyester is derived from plastic and can take anywhere from 20 up to 200 years, and sometimes even 500 years, to break down—often fragmenting into microplastics that linger in the environment long after the garment is gone.” (Sources: DecompositionTime.com; Bliss Tulle; Redonate.uk)
3. It’s Not Great for Your Skin
Polyester doesn’t breathe like natural fabrics. It traps sweat and heat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and irritation. That’s not exactly ideal for all-day wear. It messes with hormones too.
Plus, it’s often treated with harsh chemicals to make it stain-resistant, wrinkle-free, or stretchy. These can linger in the fabric and be absorbed by your skin—especially in humid weather.
So What Can You Do?
Choose natural, biodegradable fibres like organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, and wool (if you wear it). These fabrics break down in months—not centuries. They feel better on your skin, support healthier ecosystems, and are a step toward a more ethical, circular fashion industry.
Every time you choose natural over synthetic, you're casting a vote for:
-
Lower carbon emissions
-
Less plastic in the ocean
-
Safer clothing for your body
-
A more sustainable, conscious fashion system
It Starts with One Simple Habit
Look at the tag.
Think before you buy.
Say no to polyester.
Because better fashion starts with better fabric.