Are Your Clothes Harming You?

Did you know that most synthetic clothing may contain chemicals that can interfere with our hormones?

Polyester, the most prevalent fiber seen in most modern-day fabrics...especially in athletic gear. It is a plastic-based fiber, and certain chemicals used in textile manufacturing, dyes, and finishes, including phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS, have been associated with endocrine disruption.

Because we wear clothing directly against our skin for hours, exposure may increase with heat, sweat, friction, and prolonged contact. Even though polyester itself has not been yet proven to directly disrupt your hormones, it cannot be ignored that it is made from the same material used to make plastic bottles. 

When you wear polyester, you are wearing a thin layer of plastic fibers against your skin. These fibers shed microplastics, absorb and release chemicals, and interact with your body and ultimately your hormones in a way that natural fibers do not.

So, should you throw away your entire polyester wardrobe? Maybe not.

However you should consider making simple swaps:

Choose natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp, and wool when possible.

Prioritize natural fabrics for underwear, pajamas, and everyday clothing.

Be mindful of garments marketed as stain-resistant, antimicrobial, or wrinkle-resistant, which may contain additional chemical treatments.

Wash new clothing before wearing it.

The goal isn't to live in fear of chemicals, it's to reduce unnecessary exposure where we can.

You don't have to become afraid of your clothes. Think of it as reducing your total chemical burden rather than trying to live in a chemical-free bubble.

You are exposed through food packaging, cosmetics, household dust, cleaning products, textiles and many other sources. Clothing is just one potential exposure pathway.

And if someone wants to make one easy change?

Natural-fiber underwear + pajamas + everyday basics is probably a much more practical place to start than throwing out every pair of polyester leggings.

Small choices, made consistently, can be part of a more mindful approach to your health and wellness.