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When I first heard of some clothes and fabrics being harmful to my health, I thought… “meh.”

It just didn’t make sense to me that clothing—something you wear over your skin, that only rubs against you, (supposedly) without ever getting in—could have any significant impact on my physiology.

I’m here to tell you I was wrong.

Let’s dive into why.

Synthetic Fabrics: Unleashed

I don’t think I need to tell you plenty of modern fabrics are made from all sorts of plasticky materials; things like…

• Polyester, the most widely used fabric in clothing, commonly found in shirts, pants, jackets, and many other pieces, as well as sofas, mattresses, etc.
• Nylon, initially created as a synthetic replacement for silk, it's commonly used in sports, swimwear, and bedding.
• Acrylic, a lightweight, soft, and warm material with a wool-like feel, usually yarned in sweaters, fleece, and outdoor clothing;
• Rayon, a “semi-synthetic fiber”, often used in dresses, bedsheets, shirts, and other “silky” things;
• Spandex (or Elastane), known for its exceptional elasticity, ubiquitous in sportswear, leggings, and all influencer-clothing;
• Polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer also used in active wear and thermal underwear due to its moisture-wicking capabilities; and,
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), typically found in raincoats and some footwear.