Beyond the Label: How Synthetic Fibres Impact Our Health

My research in mental health and neuroscience is fuelled by a deep curiosity about how the world around us, everything from our environment and experiences, to the most trivial details like the clothes we wear, shape our health and wellbeing.

As a child, I spent what felt like lifetimes following behind my mother and sisters during their shopping trips. While they scoured the clothing racks, I lingered beside my mother, watching her as she would inspect every garment label with intense focus. At the time, I could not fathom why something so straightforward had to consume hours of our time. What difference did it make what the clothes were made of? 

However, now that I am an adult, I understand. 

Clothing is part of our everyday lives, yet very few of us pause to question what they’re composed of. We often consider the price, style, trend, and fit, but rarely do we think about the fibres woven into the fabric or the consequences of these choices. 

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What Sets Natural and Synthetic Fibres Apart?

Within the world of textiles, fibres are the foundation of the clothes we wear daily. These fibres are classified into two categories: natural and synthetic fibres. Despite serving the same purpose, their characteristics, origins, and impact significantly differ. 

Natural fibres are sourced from plants and animals, making them a completely renewable resource. Common examples include cotton, wool, linen, and silk. Due to their breathable nature, comfort, and sustainability, these materials have been used for clothes for centuries. An advantageous feature of natural fibres is that they are biodegradable, meaning they can breakdown naturally over time without leaving a mark on the planet.

In contrast, synthetic fibres are entirely man-made, and mass produced through complex chemical processes involving non-renewable resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Common synthetic fibres used in clothing include polyester, nylon, and acrylic, and all of these materials dominate the fast fashion industry due to their low cost and durability. With increased profits for retailers come major environmental drawbacks. Synthetic fibres are non-biodegradable, therefore synthetically derived clothes often end up in landfills or pollute waterways, contributing to the global issue of textile pollution. In addition to the environmental impact, recent research is beginning to raise important questions on how synthetic fibres can also be detrimental to human health. 

Potential Health Risks of Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibres often undergo chemical treatment during manufacturing. Substances such as benzene derivatives, formaldehyde, and other industrial chemicals are applied to enhance fabric performance. Unfortunately, these chemicals can remain embedded in the textiles. When absorbed through the skin or inhaled, health concerns may arise. Chronic exposure to these chemical agents has been linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even hormonal imbalance. 

A chemical agent named formaldehyde is often present in synthetic clothing materials such as polyester and spandex. When worn, the chemical residues within the fabric can trigger allergic reactions and contact dermatitis. More particularly, many undergarments and sportswear are composed of spandex. Despite its need to be breathable as it is worn every day and in the context of exercise, spandex lacks the ability to properly absorb perspiration. In turn, wearing spandex can lead to folliculitis, a condition characterised by inflamed hair follicles, or even bacterial infections caused by trapped heat and moisture. 

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The health implications of synthetic fibres further extend beyond skin irritation. Polyester is arguably the most used synthetic textile. A range of chemical additives including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, flame retardants, and antimicrobial agents are used in polyester garment production. Ethylene glycol is also often used, which is a known carcinogen associated with kidney damage and nervous system disorders with prolonged exposure. 

Recent investigations have further highlighted the concern of BPA in clothing. A study conducted by the Centre for Environmental Health (CEH) detected elevated BPA levels in products such as socks, sports bras, and activewear from well-known brands. This is especially alarming given the mounting scientific evidence linking BPA and phthalates to hormone disruption. Not only do these chemical additives affect testosterone and oestrogen production, BPA has been associated with reduced sperm quality and testicular atrophy in men, and infertility, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women.

Rethinking Synthetic Clothing and Why Awareness Matters 

Alternatively, natural-derived fibres offer a range of health benefits, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Unlike many synthetic materials, natural fibres are less likely to cause skin irritation as they are often processed organically without the need for harsh chemicals. This means that they are less likely to carry hidden toxins. For example, cotton has hypoallergenic properties thus making it an ideal choice for individuals who are eczema prone.

Due to an increased awareness of the benefits of naturally derived fibres, there’s a growing movement encouraging people to move away from synthetic clothing. While much of the online discourse highlights the importance of sustainable wardrobe choices, more attention needs to be drawn to considering natural alternatives for your wellbeing.  

When advice surrounding sustainable shopping is delivered in a tone that shames people for being ‘non-environmentally conscious,’ the message becomes alienating for the listener. Instead of motivating individuals to change their shopping habits, this approach can often shut down meaningful dialogue and learning. It is imperative that discourse surrounding synthetic fibres expands beyond environmental guilt, and embraces education on sustainability and the implications for human health. 

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The truth is that avoiding synthetic clothing is not always easy as most high street retailers stock garments made predominantly from synthetic fibres. When natural garments containing cotton, linen, or wool appear on shelves, they often come with a significantly higher price tag. This pricing gap has contributed massively to the perception that natural fibres have become a luxury, whilst synthetic fibres are affordable and the default. 

Becoming aware of the issues in the clothing industry has made me more conscious of my choices. Like many, I cannot afford to replace every item I own with nature-fibre alternatives. Instead, I am for progress over perfection. I make the active effort to choose blended garments with both natural and synthetic composition; I prioritise natural fibres when I can and I sometimes raid my mother's 90s and 2000s wardrobe, discovering timeless pieces made with ideal fabric compositions.

Ultimately, the decision of what to wear is personal. The goal is not to strive for the perfect wardrobe without synthetics, but to be more conscious of the growing health and environmental implications tied to what we place on our bodies every day. Small, yet informed changes add up, and most importantly, those changes begin with awareness and not guilt.