Why Is Polyester Bad For You?

Have you ever wondered why wearing polyester is bad for you? Polyester is actually a fairly new fabric created around the 1940s and there are many reasons why it's used and many other reasons why you might want to avoid it. First, it's important to understand what polyester actually is. To make it simple, polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum. The process of making it typically starts with crude oil or discarded plastic bottles which are then broken down and melted at extremely high temperatures, turning them into this thick liquid. This liquid is then pushed through some tiny holes called spinnerets to form long plastic threads. These threads are then cooled and twisted into yarn and then synthetic dyes and chemicals are added for color, softness, and stretch, finally creating this polyester fabric which can look similar to many other fabrics except it's made from plastic. Some of the issues with polyester are number one, it doesn't absorb moisture. Instead, it moves sweat across the surface. So, that makes it a fabric that is notorious for odor retention. Two, as it's made out of plastic, there will be constant shedding of microplastics throughout the garment's life cycle, especially when washing it. And three, there are some studies that suggest polyester could have an impact on your hormones, lowering testosterone and sperm counts in men and disrupting progesterone in women which could affect fertility. With all that said, that doesn't necessarily mean polyester doesn't have a place in fashion at all. It is commonly used for various reasons. Number one and probably the most obvious, — it's cheaper to produce. It allows brands to make clothes at a lower cost and offer a cheaper price to the end consumer. Number two, polyester has great elastic recovery which means it doesn't crease easily and it holds pleats and folds really well. Hence why Issey Miyake use it for their famous A Poc trousers. Three, not all polyester is created equally. Higher quality polyesters can be stronger, smoother, and highly resistant to abrasion and UV degradation. So, it can perform well for certain products such as outerwear shells, for example. And for blending it with natural fibers can offer functional benefits that you otherwise wouldn't get from the natural fabric alone. So, I do think there are scenarios where using or blending synthetic fibers like polyester can be beneficial when done with a purpose in mind. But, for everyday staples, I personally would always favor natural fibers. And within my brand, The Saints, we decided to create clothes purely from natural fibers of the highest quality we can get our hands on. And so far, we've been fortunate enough to be able to do so. I just think nothing can replace the luxurious feel of a tightly knit, soft merino wool, or a silky smooth pima cotton. But, what do you think of polyester? Does it have a place in fashion? Should we avoid it at all costs? Or is there a happy medium?