Can you remember the times when there was no synthetic clothing? I’m pretty sure I know your answer. There are not many people left who actually could remember the introduction of plastic-based fibers into the apparel industry. It all started in 1935, when DuPont (a chemical company) introduced nylon, the first truly synthetic fiber, at the New York World's Fair. Nylon stockings quickly became a popular fashion item. Followed by polyester and acrylics, synthetic fibers revolutionized the fashion industry by providing cheap, durable textiles that don’t shrink or wrinkle.
Sounds like a dream, right? Not quite. As much as I hate ironing and would like to avoid it at all costs, I couldn’t just ignore the negative health and environmental impact of plastic-based materials in fashion industry.
Let me shed some more light on that matter:
Environmental Impact:
Microfiber Pollution: Synthetic fibers release tiny plastic particles known as microfibers during washing, which find their way into water bodies and harm aquatic life*.
Non-Biodegradable: Unlike natural fibers, synthetics do not biodegrade easily, contributing to landfill waste. Pro tip: Blends are much more complicated to recycle than single-fibre clothing.
Energy and Resource Intensive: The production of synthetic fibers is energy-intensive and relies on petrochemicals, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion.
Low Durability: While synthetic fibers are durable, they are more prone to pilling and wear over time compared to natural fibers like cotton or wool.
Health Concerns:
Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience skin irritation and discomfort when wearing synthetic fabrics, as they do not allow the skin to breathe as well as natural fibers
Chemical Exposure: The production of synthetic fibers involves the use of chemicals, some of which may remain in the fabric and come into contact with the wearer's skin.
Next time you update your wardrobe, make sure to check the care label. If you wish to make more conscious fashion choices try to avoid buying clothing made of:
Polyester Polyester is one of the most commonly used synthetic fibers in the apparel industry. It is known for its moisture-wicking properties and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking.
Nylon Nylon is another popular synthetic fiber used in clothing. It is prized for its strength and elasticity, making it a common choice for activewear and hosiery.
Acrylic: Acrylic fibers are often used as a substitute for wool in sweaters and other cold-weather garments. They are lightweight and retain their shape well.
Spandex: Spandex, also known as elastane or Lycra, is widely used in stretchy and form-fitting garments, such as swimwear and athletic wear. Pro tip: Choose clothing that has no more than 5% elastane - it's easier to recycle.
While synthetic fibers offer numerous advantages in terms of cost and performance, it's important to consider their environmental and health impacts. As consumers become more conscious of these issues, there is a growing interest in innovative, more sustainable natural alternatives and recycled synthetic fibers.
It all comes down to our daily fashion choices. The more natural and sustainable clothing we buy, the more we contribute to decreasing the demand for synthetic fibers. Are you ready to make the change?
References: *Browne, M. A., Crump, P., Niven, S. J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., & Galloway, T. (2011). Accumulation of microplastic on shorelines worldwide: Sources and sinks. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(21), 9175-9179.
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