Polyester: The New Trend
Serenity Sena, Guest Writer from Global Human Rights Advocacy
Note: This article was written by a student of Dr. Meghan Cohen, in the class, Global Human Rights Advocacy. The Highlander is proud to serve as a platform for guest contributions and encourages collaboration between our community and our publication.
When browsing the mall and stores, how often do you make a point of looking at the tags attached to clothing pieces? Unfortunately, it is not a habit for most people. This lack of attention is exploited by fast fashion brands. These companies prioritize cost effective methods by using synthetic fibers while still increasing the price. More supply chains keep opting for the use of synthetic fibers over natural fibers, which raise questions about sustainability and ethical sourcing in the fashion industry. They capitalize off of the lack of awareness of material sourcing, ethical practices, and sustainability. So why is this important for the environment and ourselves?
The use of synthetic fiber was a significant shift in the fashion industry as they are a man-made fiber that have largely replaced natural fibers in the production of garments and textiles. A 2023 Earthday article explained how synthetic fibers make up almost 70% of our clothing. The most common types of synthetic fibers used are polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and nylon. They offer advantages of production speed and costs, as it is comparatively cheaper to produce polyester clothing than cotton. However, this comes with a price. It is estimated that 342 million barrels of oil is used to produce plastic fibers each year. The fashion industry also accounts for the 700 million tons of CO2 emission each year. The making of clothing accounts for the significant environmental damage.
Not only is this harmful for the earth, but it’s also harmful for humans. The plastic material leads to discomfort as it can be itchy, produce unpleasant odors, and has the tendency to appear cheap. According to an Inspire the Mind article, plastic fibers contain formaldehyde; a harsh chemical that is linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and hormonal imbalance. Not only does it have an effect on humans, but synthetic fiber clothes break down faster causing wear and tear on clothes. With this, clothes have a tendency to break down faster which ends up being trashed. According to the EPA report, 11.3 million tons of textile and garments end up in landfills. It causes long-term environmental damage due to their slow degradation rates, as they can take up to 200 years to decompose.
The quality of clothing has changed over the years. Previously, most clothing articles were made from cotton, silk, wool, and linen. They provide comfort, breathability and durability. The benefits of natural fibers include being more comfortable; regulating heat and moisture allowing the body to perform properly and are gentle on skin. The preamble fabric allows sweat and odor to pass through. Online clothing store Crann Organic, reports that natural fibers are more absorbent than synthetic fibers and makes us stay more drier and comfortable. It is natural for the body to wear natural fibers instead of synthetic fibers as they are less constricting and have less altercations.
Natural fibers are environmentally conscious. Garments and textiles are more durable, meaning they will be thrown out less. They are biodegradable clothing, so they decompose faster than synthetic fibers. They leave a smaller environmental footprint compared to their synthetic counterparts. However, there are drawbacks to natural fibers. These materials can be delicate and require extra care. Furthermore, the environmental impact is not always straightforward. For instance, Suston Magazine explained cotton cultivation can deplete water resources in already arid regions. Additionally, some textiles derived from bamboo or wood pulp utilize chemicals in their manufacturing processes, reducing their overall sustainability. Ultimately, there is no entirely ethical way to obtain clothing without some level of impact, but we can make conscious choices to minimize harm and select the most sustainable alternatives
The shift in the fashion industry has been dependent on synthetic materials by brands, a trend that ultimately damages both the environment as well as the fashion industry itself. Clothing should prioritize comfort and quality, yet many brands seem to lack care, focusing only on profit. Therefore, it is essential that we become more mindful of our purchasing decisions for the planet’s well-being.
Sustainable fashion is a luxury. It is important to shop with intention. Look at the tags and notice what you are buying. It may not be accessible for some, but many thrift stores and second hand shops have a variety of good quality clothes compared to the mall that are cheaper. It is challenging to not buy from places like H&M or Shein. It is more affordable but it comes with a cost of knowing workers are exploited and corporate chains are harming the environment. Overall, we are here for a small amount of time, and we have to help the earth as much as we can.