5 + 1 reasons to avoid synthetic clothing

Polyester, polyamide, nylon, acrylic...synthetic materials make up almost 70% of all clothing today and are a common part of most of us' wardrobes. But if we knew the negative effects they have on our health and the environment, we might reconsider wearing them.

Synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon began to be industrially produced in the 1950s. Thanks to their durability and low production costs, synthetic materials quickly became popular and today account for less than 70% of the total volume of clothing in the world. However, the low price and easy availability are redeemed by a number of negative effects on the environment, health and comfort of users. Here are the top 6 reasons that made us at Moonia rethink wearing synthetic clothing.

It's from oil

The raw material for the production of synthetic clothing is oil and its derivatives. Materials such as polyester or nylon are created in the laboratory by chemical synthesis. The manufacturing process in a nutshell begins with the processing of crude oil into small plastic granules. These are melted and drawn into long fibers which are then woven into fabric (the process is similar to making artificial hair or sewing thread). And what is the problem? Well, in this one. :) When you put on a polyester blouse, you are wearing oil, or rather plastic. Is this really a material you want to have in contact with your skin all day long…?

It represents an ecological burden

Oil for the production of synthetic materials needs to be extracted. In addition to oil extraction itself, the production of synthetic clothing is associated with a high level of air pollution (production is energy-intensive and produces a large amount of CO2), water consumption and the use of toxic chemicals , which are often discharged into the rivers around the factory.

Discomfort and tightness

Unlike natural materials, synthetic materials are not breathable. Partial breathability can be achieved through technological modification, but even so, artificial materials cannot compete with natural ones in this respect. The non-breathability of the material leads to sweating and discomfort , especially in warmer weather.

It irritates the skin

With synthetic materials, the risk of irritation/allergy is much higher than with natural materials. A moist environment (see above) promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. More sensitive individuals may have a reaction to chemicals used in the production of synthetic materials, such as formaldehyde. By the way, have you noticed that synthetic materials are practically not used to make baby clothes?

It stinks easily

Synthetic materials are not breathable, we already said that. In addition to the discomfort, this means that sweat and moisture cannot easily escape from the surface of the body, creating a moist environment in which bacteria multiply rapidly.

Another problem is that synthetic clothing usually cannot be washed at high temperatures, which would destroy the bacteria. That's why the unpleasant smell in synthetic clothes can stick even after washing.

It will not decompose

As we mentioned above, polyester is a type of plastic and plastics do not decompose in nature. That is, they decompose, but it takes centuries. So if synthetic clothing ends up in a landfill, microplastics, dyes and other chemicals seep from it into the soil and water for hundreds of years.

They contain toxic chemicals

Easy iron, resistance to stains, wrinkle free, odor resistant, windproof , waterproof ... on the one hand, all these "super features" may seem great, on the other hand, you need to realize that they are added to synthetic clothing using dangerous chemicals that can causing skin irritation and negatively affecting our health. 

Finally, a small addition. The point of the article is not to force you to throw away anything that has polyester or nylon on the label. After all, there are types of clothing in which the use of synthetic materials is justified - for example, swimwear, windbreakers or raincoats. We will be happy if the article makes you think and carefully study the composition labels the next time you shop. And, of course, to the fact that you leave the "artificial" on the stand and prefer linen, organic cotton or perhaps Tencel Modal.

Author: Teresa Reyes