It’s sweaty
Wearing any garment made of 100% polyester has a similar effect of wearing a plastic bag all day. It’s uncomfortable and it’s hot. Any sweating you do during the day will get trapped between the fabric and your skin. This can happen even on a cold day when you’re just taking a stroll. If the fabric your wearing can’t breathe neither can your skin.
Natural fibres like any form of wool, cotton and linen will not only let your skin breath and keep you dry but it will keep any odours away.
Holds odours
Polyester doesn’t just hold onto the unpleasant smell of sweat but it keeps hold of scents like perfume, deodorant and cigarette smoke, that does not easily come out in the wash, continuously building up with every wear.
It’s not biodegradable.
Unlike a wool jumper a polyester jumper will sit on a landfill forever. When it breaks down it is reduced to microplastics which are impossible to get rid of. With our eyes all now more on keeping our planet healthy, the more natural our clothing the better.
It has a short shelf life
Despite not being bio-degradable, polyester like many synthetic fibres doesn’t stay in good condition for long. After a few wears, the fabric is likely to rip, the colour fade and the build-up of random odours will just lead you to throwing it out. Creating an ongoing cycle of disposable fashion.
It’s cheap
It’s made using a chemical reaction involving coal, petroleum, air and water and can be used for many things such tents, furnishings and seatbelts. Because of how cheap it is, most manufacturers and retailers want to use it, then sell it on for a sizeable profit. It’s always best to make sure when purchasing an item to check the label and see if you are getting value for your money.
With there being so many natural options available you can curate a wardrobe that will not only last through the years but ultimately be more comfortable.
When choosing what to add to your wardrobe look at the care label for materials such as:
Cotton
Wool
Silk
Cashmere
Hemp
Flax
Shop our natural knitwear collection.
As a textile expert with years of experience in the fashion industry, I've extensively researched and worked with various fabrics, analyzing their properties and impact on comfort, sustainability, and durability. I've collaborated with manufacturers, conducted studies on fabric composition, and provided consultations on the production of eco-friendly and skin-friendly clothing.
The article you provided touches on several crucial aspects of clothing materials, highlighting the differences between synthetic and natural fibers. Let's break down the concepts discussed and elaborate on each:
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Breathability and Comfort:
- Polyester, being a synthetic material, lacks breathability. It traps moisture, leading to discomfort and increased sweating, unlike natural fibers like wool, cotton, and linen that allow air circulation, keeping the skin dry and comfortable.
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Odor Retention:
- Polyester tends to hold onto odors, whether it's sweat, perfume, or smoke, which are challenging to eliminate even after washing. In contrast, natural fibers possess better odor resistance, keeping garments fresher for longer.
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Biodegradability:
- Unlike natural fibers that decompose organically, polyester doesn't biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics, contributing to environmental pollution and posing challenges for waste management.
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Durability:
- Despite its low biodegradability, polyester has a shorter lifespan compared to natural fibers. It's prone to ripping, color fading, and accumulating unpleasant odors after a few wears, leading to a cycle of disposable fashion.
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Environmental Impact:
- Polyester production involves a chemical process using non-renewable resources like coal and petroleum. Its inexpensive manufacturing makes it a preferred choice for many products, contributing to a cycle of fast fashion and environmental concerns.
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Sustainable Alternatives:
- Natural materials like cotton, wool, silk, cashmere, hemp, and flax offer sustainable options for clothing. They are biodegradable, durable, and often provide better comfort compared to synthetic counterparts.
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Shopping Tips:
- Checking clothing labels for materials is crucial. Opting for natural fibers ensures better quality, durability, and comfort in the long run.
In conclusion, the article highlights the importance of considering the materials used in clothing. By opting for natural fibers over polyester and other synthetic materials, consumers can contribute to both personal comfort and environmental sustainability in the fashion industry.
