Polyester is basically plastic. Through a chemical process it is made into clothes. So yes, you're wearing plastic.
Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber. It is a kind of plastic and is usually derived from petroleum. Alternatives to oil-derived polyester exist, including those made from recycled plastic, agricultural crops, or even waste.
Chemical jargon aside, polyester is a common plastic with a wide range of applications extending beyond the fashion industry. It ranks third behind polyethylene (packaging and water bottles) and polypropylene (ropes, stationary, and Australian bank notes) as the most commonly used plastic.
You might have never checked the label of your clothing. If you do, you will find words like “polyester,” “nylon,” “polyamide,” “acrylic.” These are examples of plastic materials very commonly used in clothing.
Feel and wear
Polyester is lightweight and has a slightly silkier feel to it than cotton does. It's also perfect for sports. Apparel made from polyester traps the sweat against the skin. This means that polyester shirts may feel slightly clammy in warm weather, but warm in cooler weather.
Due to this static electricity polyester clothes is remain cling next to skin, which is a great cause of discomfort. And there remain a small gap between garments and skin which trap hot air into it, as polyester is a less air permeable fiber, therefore discomfort is perceived by wearer.
Beyond allergies, some cheap polyester fabrics are simply uncomfortable, especially as bedding. Polyester is by nature hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it. So when it is used in a non-breathable design, it can cause uncomfortable sweating and chafing.
It is possible to create non-polluting fabrics. Choose plastic-free fabrics. This includes organic cotton, wool, linen, and other natural fibers. These fabrics are easy to find and do not contain the synthetic microfibers that are shed in washing machines.
Feel and wear
Polyester is lightweight and has a slightly silkier feel to it than cotton does. It's also perfect for sports. Apparel made from polyester traps the sweat against the skin. This means that polyester shirts may feel slightly clammy in warm weather, but warm in cooler weather.
Polyester is one of the cheapest materials on the market. That is why it dominates the fast fashion space. Polyester was first introduced to drive the cost of products down. That being said — like all materials, there are different levels of quality.
Skin exposure to Polyester can cause rashes, itching, redness, eczema, dermatitis, blistering or make existing skin problems worse for those with sensitive skin, up to 3 days later. Heat releases Polyester chemicals like Antimony oxide Sb2O3, which is used to make Polyester and is a known carcinogen.
Since polyester is made of plastic it is not biodegrable, it takes hundreds of years for the fibre to dissolve. When sent to land-fill, the toxic materials used during the production process leach into the soil and could contaminate the water of the local population.
Answer: To put it in layman's terms, polyester don't absorb sweat and makes you feel uncomfortable quickly and that is the last thing you would want in summer. Polyester isn't a “breathable” fabric i.e. it doesn't allow the wetness (created out of sweat) to evaporate.
Among the synthetic materials used, polyester fibres shed more microfibres compared to other synthetic fibres such as acrylic and polyamide. Knitted fabrics were also found to release more fibres.
Microfibres are a type of microplastic released when we wash synthetic clothing – clothing made from plastic such as polyester and acrylic. These fibres detach from our clothes during washing and go into the wastewater.
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, begins with a fabric base such as polyester. The fabric is then given an imitation leather finish and texture with wax, dye, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyurethane.
A lot of high-end brands use polyester in their collections, mainly to increase durability, ease of care and exciting effects. It is all about being savvy when it comes to choosing your fabric. Remember, not all polyesters are created equal.
Polyester fabric is durable: It tends to stretch without tearing, is resistant to abrasion and normal wear and tear, and doesn't easily pill like other natural fibers. Polyester fabric is water resistant: Don't forget, polyester is a plastic and is therefore hydrophobic.
As a general rule, we recommend you stay away from synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon in hot and humid weather conditions since these materials tend to trap odors and bacteria. Garments made of synthetic materials cannot breathe and will trap the heat and make you feel warm.
Don't run to your closet and get rid of all your polyester. 65% of clothing made is now polyester and if your closet aligns with that statistic you'll be losing more than half your wardrobe. Instead wash your poly garments sparingly, only when they really need it.
Because synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic are known to produce microplastics, choosing natural fibers for your clothing and household goods would logically help reduce airborne exposure. Therefore, select carpeting, clothing, bedding, and towels that contain natural fibers whenever possible.
Completely eliminating microplastics from your daily life is next to impossible, but these 10 easy tips can help you reduce the amount of potentially dangerous plastic pollution you accidentally consume.
It's better to avoid wearing synthetic fabrics like polyester altogether as much as you can in favor of sustainable fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie, and jute.
Polyester fibers resist liquid droplets, meaning that the fabric will wick away moisture rather than soak it up—making it a popular material for outdoor clothing and gear (like tents) that need to keep off rain and precipitation. Also, polyester's ability to resist moisture helps it remain stain-resistant.