Introduction:

I need to make a confession: during my long career as a designer in the fashion industry, the thought of our clothes making us sick rarely crossed my mind. Now that I'm a mom, I'm stuck in a battle I can't win—trying to pry my 9-year-old son out of his polyester-packed football gear. Seriously, try finding sports gear for a kid that isn't made of synthetic materials. Trust me, it's like searching for a needle in a haystack. And just to add fuel to the fire, I stumbled upon a study by the Plastic Soup Foundation called "Do Clothes Make Us Sick?" It turns out that our little ones are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of micro-plastics and synthetic fibers, which can mess with their developing systems. So yeah, I'm living with this constant dread of synthetic fibers, which, let me tell you, doesn't exactly make me the most popular mom in the house. My kids adore those high street brands that churn out clothes made mainly from synthetic materials. Sigh.

The Polyester Predicament:

Alright, let's take a closer look at the so-called wonder fabric—polyester. It's got some good stuff going for it, no doubt. It's cheap, it's durable, it breathes well, holds its shape even after a spin in the washer, and dries in a flash. But here's the catch: polyester has a smell that can rival a post-marathon stench, even if you've only climbed a few measly stairs. Plus, a recent study from the University of Alberta revealed that body odour-causing bacteria absolutely adore polyester fabric. That funky smell? Yeah, it's not going anywhere. Turns out, those smelly compounds in sweat find polyester more attractive than other fabrics like cotton, and they cling on for dear life, even after a good wash. Plus, let's be honest, polyester doesn't exactly give you the warm fuzzies when it touches your skin—it's basically like wearing a layer of plastic. So here's the million-dollar question: can't we have performance fabrics that are all-natural, with natural dyes and everything?

The Blame Game:

Alright, I'm pointing fingers here, folks. I blame the never-ending race to the bottom for this mess. It's all about companies trying to score the cheapest price, even if it means sacrificing the quality of the products we wear. Cutting corners, rushing to market, and ending up designing products that meet price targets rather than considering what's actually good for us.

The Iconic Fleece Jacket:

Let's talk about one superstar in the synthetic world—the fleece jacket. These items were originally designed for the outdoorsy types, providing warmth and a shield against water. But over time, they've become a fashion statement. But here's the catch: their production raises some serious environmental concerns. Traditional fleece is made from petroleum, which doesn't exactly break down easily in nature. And don't get me started on the microfibre party that happens every time you wash your fleece. Those little particles end up polluting our precious water systems. A study from the University of California at Santa Barbara (Bren) found that each wash can release as many as 250,000 synthetic fibers. Yikes! Some brands try to be eco-warriors by using recycled plastic bottles for their fleece, but guess what? Research shows that the plastic still finds its way to the ocean. So, we're caught between a rock and a hard place, trying to find that perfect balance between sustainability, durability, and softness.

The Health Hazards:

Hold on to your seats, because synthetic fabrics have raised some serious red flags when it comes to our health. There are studies suggesting that wearing synthetic clothes, including fleece, might expose us to harmful chemicals and micro-plastics that can sneak their way into our bodies through our skin or even through inhalation. Now, let me be clear, we need more research to fully understand the risks and long-term effects. But it's definitely something we should be aware of and keep an eye on.

Finding the Sweet Spot:

Okay, my fellow conscious consumers, here's where we come in. We have the power to make informed choices and support brands that prioritise ethics and eco-friendly practices. Companies like Patagonia and Finisterre are taking steps in the right direction by using recycled materials or blending fleece with natural fibers. But here's the deal: it's not just about individual brand initiatives. We need new laws and industry-wide collaboration and innovation to pave the way for a truly sustainable future in fashion.

Conclusion:

Synthetic clothes, including fleece jackets, have undoubtedly changed the way we dress, offering affordability and practicality. But we can't ignore their environmental impact and potential health risks. It's high time we take serious action to reduce the production and release of micro-plastics into our environment. Let's raise awareness about micro-plastics and their potential health risks. By supporting sustainable fashion practices and making conscious choices, we can be part of the solution, a future that prioritises our well-being and the health of our planet.

#microplastics #plastics #plasticsoupfoundation #universityofcalifornia #fleece #polyester