A Note From Our Founder:
As a fashion designer, just saying the word polyester seems a bit radical in today's fashion climate. It is an extremely polarizing fiber, and, in my opinion, has been greatly misunderstood, by both sides.
No fiber is all good or all bad. Each fiber has its advantage and disadvantages. To be gathered and spun into thread, silk requires the destruction of the silkworm inside its cocoon. Wool requires processing and (typically) dyeing before it is ready to be used in a garment.
Polyester, a non-biodegradable, man-made fiber, is highly versatile and revolutionized tech wear due to its durability and waterproofing abilities. However, polyester's overuse in fast fashion is creating unbelievable of amounts of textile waste in area's of the world that are the least able to manage it.
I will be honest and say I do not have all the answers as to the impact of man-made fibers on our health. I await the results of the current studies with bated breath.
What I know for certain is we need to actively curb the overproduction of low-quality polyester garments to reduce clothing waste in the world.
The best way to do this is to educate ourselves about different fibers, and make educated decisions when we shop.
Which is why I am so happy you are here, learning about textiles, and I sincerely hope this article will help you in your journey to creating the best wardrobe of your life.
- Elise
"A single fiber is not the enemy. Fast Fashion is."
Over the past few decades, polyester has become one of the most widely used fibers in the world because it is inexpensive, durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for.
Recently, there has been increased attention on the potential negative health effects of polyester clothing and the microplastics they shed. As of today, there is no decisive study that supports the belief that polyester is negatively impacting our health (July 2026).
This does not change the fact that polyester is a nuanced fiber, and it's overuse in fast fashion is having a negative impact on the earth.
What You Should Know About Polyester
Polyester behaves differently than natural fibers because it is petroleum based and man-made. It is less breathable, absorbs very little moisture, and can trap heat and sweat against the skin. It also sheds tiny plastic fibers during washing and, because it is made from petroleum, does not biodegrade like natural fibers.
However, it is also extremely durable, waterproof, and versatile along with being relatively inexpensive to produce.
While all polyester is synthetic, not all polyester sheds constantly.
When considering purchasing a polyester garment, think about its construction and the garment's purpose before deciding.
Here's a handy chart on the difference between high-shedder polyester and very-low shedder polyester:
| Polyester Fabric Type | Relative Shedding | Why It Sheds This Amount | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Fleece | Very High | Deep, fluffy pile with many loose fiber ends | Jackets, blankets, pullovers |
| Polyester Fleece | Very High | Brushed surface allows fibers to detach easily | Outdoor jackets, hoodies, blankets |
| Faux Fur | Very High | Long synthetic fibers experience constant friction | Coats, trims, throws |
| Brushed Performance Fabrics | High | Brushing creates a soft nap that increases loose fibers | Leggings, athletic tops, base layers |
| Microfiber Cleaning Cloths | High | Extremely fine fibers are designed to release and capture particles | Household cleaning cloths |
| Polyester Knit (T-shirts & Sweaters) | Moderate | Knit construction allows more movement than woven fabrics | Everyday apparel |
| Polyester Blends | Moderate | Shedding depends on the percentage of polyester and the companion fiber | Dresses, trousers, casual wear |
| Performance Jersey | Low to Moderate | Smooth knit with fewer exposed fiber ends | Running shirts, athletic apparel |
| Tightly Woven Soft Shell | Low | Dense weave securely locks fibers in place | Soft shell jackets, hiking apparel |
| Ripstop Polyester | Low | High-density weave minimizes loose fibers | Outdoor gear, tents, backpacks |
| High-Density Woven Polyester | Very Low | Smooth surface and tightly packed yarns reduce fiber loss | Windbreakers, luggage, technical outerwear |
Microfiber (tiny fibers that sluff off a garment) release is influenced by several factors:
- Fabric construction (often the biggest factor)
- Brushed vs. smooth surface
- Fiber length
- Yarn quality
- Age of the garment
- Washing method
- Dryer use
In other words, how the fabric is made can matter as much as what it's made from.
A good example
Think about two polyester garments:
- A fuzzy Patagonia-style fleece jacket
- A smooth Arc'teryx-style soft shell
Even though both may be mostly polyester, the fleece will typically release far more microfibers over its lifetime because of its raised pile construction.
Why Should You Care?
Every piece of clothing represents a series of trade-offs. Some fabrics maximize comfort. Others maximize durability. Some are inexpensive. Others are designed to last for decades.
Understanding polyester helps you make intentional decisions rather than assuming that every fabric serves the same purpose.
Our goal is to help you understand when polyester might make sense, and when it most definitely does not make sense.
"Just as there is high-quality and low-quality wool, there exists high-quality and low-quality polyester. Our challenge as consumers is to sniff out which is which."
Our Guide to Shopping Polyester:
Here's another handy chart to help you make decisions when you are shopping:
| Polyester Garment | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap fuzzy fleece pullover | Think Twice | High microfiber shedding, often pills quickly, and may have a shorter usable lifespan. |
| Faux fur jackets & accessories | Think Twice | Long synthetic fibers can shed heavily and are difficult to recycle at end of life. |
| Low-cost fast fashion sweaters | Think Twice | Often made with lower-quality yarns that wear out quickly, increasing waste and replacement frequency. |
| Performance base layers | Good Use | Moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties make polyester well suited for high-intensity activities. |
| Soft shell & outdoor jackets | Good Use | Dense woven construction sheds less, offers excellent weather resistance, and is built for long-term durability. |
| Backpacks & outdoor gear | Good Use | Polyester's strength, abrasion resistance, and longevity make it an excellent technical material. |
| Insulated winter jackets | Good Use | Synthetic insulation performs well in wet conditions and can provide years of reliable use when well made. |
What Does Current Research Say About Health? (As of July 2026)
Skin
For most people, polyester is considered safe to wear.
Some individuals with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema may find polyester less comfortable because it tends to trap heat and moisture, which can aggravate irritation. That is generally a comfort issue rather than evidence that the fiber itself is harmful.
Chemicals
During manufacturing, polyester can contain processing chemicals, dyes, and finishing treatments. By the time garments reach consumers, these substances are typically present at levels that comply with safety regulations in many countries.
Some specialty finishes, such as stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, or antimicrobial treatments, may introduce additional chemicals beyond the polyester fiber itself. In many cases, it's those finishes rather than the base fiber which deserve more scrutiny.
Microplastics
One of the better-established concerns is microfiber shedding.
Synthetic garments, including polyester, release tiny plastic fibers during washing. Wastewater treatment captures many of these fibers, but not all, and some enter rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Researchers continue to study the long-term environmental and potential human health implications of microplastic exposure. While microplastics have been detected in human tissues, scientists are still working to understand what those findings mean for health. At present, there is no scientific consensus that wearing polyester clothing directly harms human health through microplastic exposure.
Indoor Air
Polyester textiles can contribute to household dust as fibers shed through everyday wear. House dust contains material from many sources—synthetic and natural alike—and research is ongoing to understand the significance of inhaling or ingesting microplastic particles in indoor environments.
Marketing Myth
Myth: Polyester clothing is toxic to wear and anything made with it is going to be low quality.
Reality: Current evidence does not support the idea that wearing polyester clothing is inherently harmful for most people.
The more established concerns relate to comfort, environmental persistence, and microfiber pollution rather than direct toxicity from the fiber itself. These are all valid concerns, which need to be given more airtime.
There are many high-quality polyester fibers created to be highly durable with low-shedding, which can perform as well as or better than their natural fiber counterparts, such as in outerwear and technical gear.
Just as there is high-quality and low-quality wool, there exists high-quality and low-quality polyester. Our challenge as consumers is to sniff out which is which.
Additional Note From Our Founder:
Just because I do not hate all polyester does not mean I am not a natural fiber girly at heart. In my personal shopping and in my designing, I lean towards natural fibers whenever it is feasible.
I have found organic cotton t-shirts to be more comfortable than polyester t-shirts, just as I have found wool sweaters to be more durable and more beautiful than acrylic or polyester sweaters. I prefer a cupro or viscose lining to polyester lining ANY DAY.
However, I have a synthetic, water-resistant running jacket I have owned for over ten years that still looks brand new. I will continue to wear it because it is comfortable and useful, and it is better for the earth on my back than in a dump.
The question isn't whether a garment contains polyester. It's whether polyester is the right material for that garment. Durable, technical pieces that last for decades is a better use, and, I would argue, the best use for this fiber.
Cheap, poorly made garments costing $10 which are worn once only to be thrown away are never the best use of any resource.
A single fiber is not the enemy. Fast Fashion is.
Until next time,
Elise
