Synthetic fibers have made a name for themselves in the textile industry, but most prominently in the fashion industry. The majority of activewear is solely composed out of these chemically sourced materials, such as polyester and nylon. This can be attributed to the fact that such fibers are moisture-repellent, letting sweat dry quickly, durable, and lightweight. Nowadays, people tend to wear casual, professional, and formal wear that are made out of polyester, and they don’t even realize it.
That is, until the chemicals in the fabric start to seep into the pores of our skin, interrupting our bodily systems and hormones. Maybe people begin to realize that spandex and acrylic clothes leave their skin feeling irritated and uncomfortable. Or, perhaps consumers realize how the clothes provide no breathability and retain odors that are impossible to get rid of.
Lately, people have been discussing ‘non-toxic living’, where one of the key lifestyle elements is to wear natural, clean fibers rather than the artificially designed ones. This seems impossible in our current world where there is always some form of polyester or nylon in our clothes, regardless of the style is. Even with its consumer concerns, these synthetic materials are everywhere.
So, what IS the deal with synthetic fabrics?
Takeover of Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fabrics dominate the textile industry, making up more than 60% of the global fiber market as of 2021 [1]. The reason behind this? Corporations find that using them is the easiest way to mass produce products in a short amount of time.
Natural fibers like cotton and wool rely on biology to grow. If a devastating weather event occurs, these crops could be destroyed. To successfully grow, the plants need a consistent climate, lots of land, and an abundance of water [2]. This elongates the length of time to grow and harvest natural materials.
Moreso, the process to cultivate natural fabrics is risky and expensive, driving corporations away as they seek more cost effective materials that can be quickly manufactured. Their prayers are answered in the form of synthetic materials (polyester, acrylic, spandex, nylon, etc.). To create such fibers, petrochemicals and fossil fuels are transformed into a liquid, which are then spinned into long threads.
No abundance of land, intensive extraction processes, or risky moves are required to produce synthetic fabrics. Since it saves companies the money and effort, many of them use the materials as their sole source of production. That’s why it seems like all our clothes are constructed out of polyester fabric. It’s grown on consumers due to the materials’ durability, affordability, and overall versatility.
When you look at how beneficial it is for these corporations to produce synthetics, as well as the appeal it has to consumers, questions on why other condemn these chemically manufactured goods continue to arise.
Environmental Degradation
The textile industry in itself is a major producer for carbon dioxide emissions. However, synthetic fibers take it to another level. Unlike natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, or linen, most synthetic fabrics are made of nonrenewable fossil fuels. Manufacturing these textiles requires significant amounts of energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions before a garment is ever worn. The European Environment Agency states that nylon production generates up to 5.5kg of CO2e per fiber [3].
Additionally, every time synthetic clothing is washed, tiny plastic fibers break free. These microfibers travel through wastewater systems, and many eventually end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once there, they can be consumed by fish, shellfish, and other wildlife, becoming part of the food chain [4].
Researchers have found synthetic microfibers in marine ecosystems, drinking water, and even the air we breathe. Eventually, we will begin to be exposed to microplastics, polluting our bodies and causing health issues.
Probably the biggest problem with human made materials is how they are disposed of. Fast fashion encourages frequent purchases and quick disposal. Because synthetic fabrics are essentially plastics, they do not biodegrade like natural fibers. Instead, they slowly break down into smaller and smaller plastic particles over decades or even centuries [5]. So, millions of discarded garments pile up in landfills every year, creating museums of all past fashion trends, long after they have changed.
Human Health Concerns
Beyond the environmental concerns, synthetic fabric can significantly disrupt bodily functions. As previously mentioned, microplastics from washing these products end up in the water we drink and the air we breathe, eventually causing us to drink or breathe in these substances. The biggest concern regarding microplastics in our bodies is that they may expose us to chemicals or bacteria that cling onto the tiny plastics. The Stanford Medicine News Center has reported that “studies have linked microplastics to biological changes including inflammation, an impaired immune system, abnormal organ development, cell damage, and more” [6].
Even the appealing qualities of these materials, like wrinkle resistance, water repellency, and stain resistance come with risks. The positive attributes come from chemical treatments. Some of these chemicals have been linked to serious health problems, from both the worker and consumer sides.
Workers are repeatedly exposed to toxic substances during production. Some have reported to have suffered from chemical burns, cracked skin, and even respiratory illnesses [7]. A research report revealed that prolonged occupational exposure to microplastics and toxins have led 4% of textile workers to develop conditions like fibrosis and bronchitis.
On the consumer side of things, individuals with chronic skin conditions may notice rashes, irritation, and even contact dermatitis developing after wearing synthetic fiber clothes all day. Artificial fabrics trap sweat, so your skin becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, weakening the skin barrier over time [8]. An estimated 60% of individuals with sensitive skin have claimed that they experienced rashes or something similar after wearing synthetic clothes in humid weather, making the issue alarming [9].
Final Thoughts
Synthetic fibers have engraved their place in numerous industries, and it’s for a reason. The versatility, affordability, and efficiency of such materials is something corporations and consumers have looked for. But convenience can come with some serious drawbacks.
They are a growing environmental concern, with their reliance on fossil fuels, contribution to microplastic pollution, and role in overflowing landfills. It has created a detrimental impact that is only continuing to be bolstered by trends.
At the same time, many individuals have come forward to state that they’ve experienced some significant health concern when wearing or producing these artificial fabrics. Namely, workers have opened up about situations where they got chemical burns from dyeing the fabric, cracked skin and itching from particles, and major lung diseases from inhaling microplastics. Consumers, especially those with sensitive skin, have expressed issues with skin irritation and dermatitis after wearing polyester clothes.
People condemn the usage of synthetic materials due to the numerous threats they pose against our environment and our bodies. When compiled in a list like this, it makes it clear that the $10 shirt has a larger cost not present on the price tag.
Resources
[1] Textile Exchange. “Synthetics.” Textile Exchange, 2026, https://textileexchange.org/synthetics/. Accessed 10 May 2026.
[2] Midani, Mohamad. “Reversing the shift back to natural fibers.” International Fiber Journal, 4 February 2021, https://www.fiberjournal.com/reversing-the-shift-back-to-natural-fibers/. Accessed 10 May 2026.
[3] SELVANE. “Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers: Carbon Footprint Revealed.” SELVANE, 3 March 2026, https://www.selvane.co/blogs/knowledge/carbon-footprint-of-natural-vs-synthetic-fibers-a-life-cycle-assessment-comparison?srsltid=AfmBOor0yeGjHvT1vaVo3bnprRqNLeICmayj9FrQ7LqULPakrBJ-w0u0. Accessed 10 May 2026.
[4] Akyildiz, Sinem Hazal. “Release of microplastic fibers from synthetic textiles during household washing.” ScienceDirect, 15 September 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749124011692. Accessed 10 May 2026.
[5] Nicolaus, Teddi. “Textile waste a growing issue as Americans consume more.” The Nation’s Health, May 2025, https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/55/3/1.1. Accessed 10 May 2026.
[6] Savchuk, Katia. “Microplastics and our health: What the science says.” Stanford Medicine, 29 January 2025, https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/01/microplastics-in-body-polluted-tiny-plastic-fragments.html. Accessed 12 May 2026.
[7] Munarriz, Jordy. “The Hidden Health Risks of Synthetic Fibers.” Arms of Andes, 19 June 2025, https://armsofandes.com/blogs/news/health-risks-of-synthetic-fibers-microplastics?srsltid=AfmBOoq9pOM_5ZXy0dq86QUO1hprdIyhP_ofpm8SlbdfTuWsYvSN_NKG. Accessed 12 May 2026.
[8] Broadhead, Rosie. “The Future of Functional Clothing for an Improved Skin and Textile Microbiome Relationship.” PMC, 31 May 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8226598/. Accessed 12 May 2026.
[9] Farage, Miranda A. “The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin.” PMC, 17 May 2019, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6533878/. Accessed 12 May 2026.