If you’ve spent even a few minutes scrolling sustainable fashion content, you’veprobably seen it: the polyester panic.

The message is loud and clear, and for a lot of people, pretty scary. Naturally, questions start to bubble up: Is polyester safe to wear? Should I avoid polyester in clothing altogether? Is it toxic to my skin or to the planet? 

And hey, I get it. The idea that your clothes might be shedding microplastics or leaching harmful chemicals onto your skin is enough to make anyone start questioning their closet. 

But here’s the problem: most of the content floating around out there about polyester is either oversimplified, out of context, or just plain wrong. 

This post isn’t about defending polyester as some perfect material (spoiler: it’s not). It’s about pulling back the curtain on what polyester actually is, what it isn’t, and why the real conversation about clean, safe, and sustainable fashion needs to go way deeper than “natural good, plastic bad.” 

Because if we’re serious about building better wardrobes, ones that protect our bodies, the planet, and the people making our clothes, we need to move beyond fear-based headlines and into fact-based thinking. 

Let’s break it all down. 

Let’s start with the most common fear: that polyester is just plastic, and plastic = bad.

So… is polyester plastic? 

Yes. Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based compounds, specifically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is also used to make plastic bottles and food containers. So technically, yes: wearing polyester means you’re wearing a form of plastic. 

But context matters. 

There’s a huge difference between the type of plastic used in textiles and the kind that clogs landfills and oceans. Polyester fabric is durable, long-lasting, and often recyclable, it’s not a single-use throwaway item. In fact, some of the most sustainable fabrics on the market today are made from recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles. 

Why is it used in clothing? 

Polyester exploded in popularity in the mid-20th century for a reason: it’s strong, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and incredibly versatile. Today, it’s a go-to for everything from everyday basics to high-performance activewear because it holds color well, retains shape, and resists wear and tear. 

Natural fibers have their strengths too, but they can break down faster, wrinkle easily, and require more care. Polyester, when used thoughtfully, brings longevity and functionality that many consumers love. 

But isn’t it made from fossil fuels? 

Yes, and that’s a valid concern. Polyester does originate from petrochemicals. But here’s where things get complicated: all fibers have trade-offs. 

• Cotton, while “natural,” requires massive amounts of water and pesticides to grow. 
• Viscose (a semi-synthetic made from wood pulp) contributes to deforestation. 
• Even bamboo, often marketed as eco-friendly, is chemically processed in a way that raises environmental and safety red flags. 

So instead of asking, “Is it plastic?”, the better question is: 

“Was this made responsibly, designed to last, and created with safety in mind?” 

Plastic isn’t inherently evil, wasteful design is. 

Let’s talk about the T-word: toxins. 

You’ve probably heard that polyester is toxic, that it leaches chemicals, disrupts hormones, or puts your health at risk just by wearing it. It’s one of the biggest fears in clean fashion spaces. But here’s the thing: the truth is way more nuanced. 

Is polyester toxic in itself? 

No. Polyester fiber on its own is not inherently toxic. 

Polyester is a synthetic polymer, and as a raw fiber, it’s stable. It doesn’t off-gas. It’s not “leaking chemicals” into your bloodstream through your leggings. In fact, the vast majority of polyester fabrics are considered safe for skin contact, especially when untreated. 

But here’s where it gets tricky: what happens to polyester during processing is what can turn it from safe to sketchy. 

The real issue? Finishes, dyes, and chemical treatments. 

Toxicity in clothing usually comes from what’s added after the fiber is made, not the fiber itself. We're talking: 

• Formaldehyde-based resins used to prevent wrinkles 
• Azo dyes containing carcinogenic amines 
• PFAS used for “moisture-wicking” or stain resistance 
• Flame retardants, anti-bacterial agents, and more 

These treatments can be found on all types of fabrics, natural and synthetic alike. 

That "clean cotton" tee? If it’s been dyed with questionable chemicals, finished with anti-odor treatments, or processed with heavy metals, it's not necessarily cleaner than polyester. 

How can you tell what’s safe? 

Unfortunately, most clothing labels won’t tell you what treatments were used. That’s why third-party certifications matter. If you're looking to avoid endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, and skin irritants, look for: 

• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: Ensures the finished fabric is free from over 100 harmful substances. 
• bluesign®: Focuses on chemical safety throughout the manufacturing process, not just the final product. 
• GOTS (for natural fibers): Verifies both organic status and chemical restrictions. 

These certifications aren’t just fluff, they’re your best defense against greenwashing and hidden toxins. 

TL;DR? Polyester isn’t the enemy. Opacity is. 

What’s harmful in clothing isn’t the word “polyester," it’s the lack of transparency. That’s why we should be asking: 

“Was this fabric treated with endocrine-safe, skin-safe processes?”  “Was this brand thoughtful about finishes and certifications?” 

At Losano, we don’t add endocrine-disrupting finishes, and we don’t use PFAS, period. Why? Because being skin-safe shouldn’t be a trend. It should be the baseline. 

Because at the end of the day, what’s touching your skin matters more than what marketing label is sewn into the collar. 

One of the most common gripes you’ll hear about polyester is that it’s “unbreathable.” And sure, we’ve all experienced that suffocating, sweaty feeling in a cheap poly shirt on a hot day. 

But here’s the deal: the idea that all polyester is hot, clingy, or suffocating? It’s outdated and flat-out misleading. 

Breathability isn’t just about fiber. It’s about fabric structure. 

Here’s the truth: breathability depends more on how a fabric is knit or woven than what it’s made of. 

A tight, non-porous weave in any fiber, cotton included, will trap heat and moisture. Meanwhile, a performance-engineered polyester with strategic venting or mesh panels can be way more breathable than a heavy organic cotton hoodie. 

So if you’ve had a bad experience with polyester feeling swampy, chances are the fabric wasn’t designed for airflow or sweat management. 

Not all polyester is created equal. 

Performance brands use polyester for a reason. It’s highly customizable. With the right knitting, texturizing, and finishes (read: not PFAS), it can mimic natural fibers in softness, wick away sweat, and dry fast. 

Think buttery-soft leggings that move with you, instead of sticking to you.  Think lightweight tops that stay cool through a workout and a grocery run.  Think comfort that lasts longer than a linen shirt on laundry day. 

So… is polyester breathable? 

It can be. And when it’s done right? It can feel like a second skin, without the cling, the heat, or the stink. 

At Losano, we develop fabrics like EcoBrush and SculptLux with breathability baked in from the start. Our knits are lightweight, stretchy, and built for real life—whether you’re in a hot yoga class or on your third Zoom call of the day. 

The point is: don’t write off a fabric because of old assumptions. Polyester has come a long way, and in the right hands, it performs like a dream. 

If you’ve done any research on synthetic fabrics, you’ve probably come across a scary headline or two about microplastics: tiny plastic fibers that shed from clothes and end up in oceans, waterways, and even the air we breathe. 

It’s a serious environmental issue, and polyester is often the villain in this story. But let’s unpack what microplastics really mean for your wardrobe, and what you can actually do about it. 

What are microplastics? 

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. They can come from a variety of sources: broken-down packaging, cosmetics, industrial pollution, and yes, synthetic textiles like polyester. 

When polyester fabrics are washed, tiny fibers can break off and slip through wastewater filters, eventually reaching the ocean and harming marine life. 

So… does polyester shed more than natural fibers? 

All textiles shed fibers during washing, natural fibers included. Cotton, wool, and even silk release microfibers too. The difference is that natural fibers biodegrade over time, while synthetic fibers like polyester persist in the environment for hundreds of years. 

Tackling the plastic problem: a two-pronged approach 

At Losano, we believe solving plastic pollution isn’t about vilifying polyester or plastics in general. Instead, it demands a two-pronged approach: 

1. Stop creating new plastic. We never use virgin plastics in our fabrics or packaging. Using recycled materials means no new plastic is entering the planet’s ecosystems. 
2. Manage the plastics that already exist. Plastic pollution won’t disappear on its own. Without recycling and reusing existing plastic waste, these materials will only continue to pollute our land and water and break down into microfibers faster than if they were given a second life as high-quality activewear. 

In other words: recycling and repurposing existing plastics is essential, not optional. It’s how we prevent mountains of plastic from becoming an unstoppable environmental disaster. 

What can be done to reduce microfiber pollution? 

There’s good news: 

• Innovative washing bags and filters (like the Guppyfriend or Cora Ball) capture microfibers before they enter waterways. 
• Washing machines with built-in microfiber filters are becoming more common. 
• Choosing higher-quality fabrics with tighter weaves reduces fiber shedding. 
• Brands committed to durability, like Losano, design fabrics to last longer and shed less over time. 

At Losano, we’re actively working to minimize microfiber pollution by: 

• Using recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles, giving existing plastic a second life instead of creating new waste. 
• Prioritizing durable fabric constructions to reduce shedding. 
• Educating our community about responsible garment care to reduce environmental impact. 

The takeaway? 

Microplastic pollution is real and worth addressing. But polyester isn’t the only culprit, and it’s far from a lost cause. With thoughtful design, responsible sourcing, and smarter washing habits, synthetic fabrics can be part of the solution, not just the problem. 

When it comes to choosing fabrics, many assume natural fibers like cotton or linen are always the “greener” choice—and synthetics like polyester are the enemy. But the reality? It’s far more complex. 

Both natural and synthetic fibers come with environmental trade-offs. Understanding these can help us make smarter, more informed decisions. 

The natural fiber dilemma 

Natural fibers are renewable and biodegradable, which sounds great on paper. But conventional cotton, for example, is one of the most water- and pesticide-intensive crops worldwide. Producing cotton can require thousands of gallons of water per pound, and many farmers rely heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. 

Plus, natural fibers often need more land and energy to cultivate, process, and transport. 

Polyester’s environmental profile 

Polyester is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and its production releases greenhouse gases. However, recycled polyester, which is what we use at Losano, significantly reduces these impacts by diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans. 

Recycled polyester requires less water, less energy, and no new fossil fuels compared to virgin polyester. 

Durability and lifespan matter 

One of the biggest environmental wins for polyester is durability. 

High-quality polyester fabrics last longer, resist stretching and shrinking, and maintain their shape better than many natural fibers. This means fewer replacements, less waste, and a longer useful life for your garments. 

In other words, the most sustainable fabric might just be the one you already own, especially if it’s durable, well-made polyester. 

How Losano approaches environmental trade-offs 

• We only use recycled polyester, never virgin. This reduces new plastic production and gives a second life to existing materials. 
• We design fabrics that prioritize durability, comfort, and performance, so our pieces can keep up with your busy lifestyle and last. 
• We’re transparent about the impacts, helping you make educated choices without the fear-based marketing. 

The takeaway? 

No fabric is perfect, but recycled polyester stands out as a powerful player in the sustainable fashion mix. It’s not about demonizing synthetics or blindly worshipping natural fibers. It’s about understanding the full picture and making conscious choices that align with your values and lifestyle. 

Polyester often gets a bad rap. People call it “plastic,” “toxic,” or “bad for the planet.” This kind of blanket fear creates what we call the “plastic panic,” where all things synthetic get lumped into a big, scary category. 

Let’s unpack that panic and bring some nuance back into the conversation. 

Polyester isn’t just one thing 

Polyester is a type of plastic, yes, but it’s a broad category that includes many variations, some made from virgin fossil fuels, some from recycled plastics, some blended with other fibers, and some engineered for performance and sustainability. 

Lumping all polyester into the same bucket ignores innovation and progress in textile science. 

Toxicity isn’t inherent to polyester 

Concerns about “toxic” polyester usually stem from chemical finishes, dyes, or the production process, not the fiber itself. And many of those concerns apply to natural fibers too (hello, pesticide residues on conventional cotton). 

At Losano, we prioritize non-toxic, endocrine-safe fabrics free from harmful chemicals like BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde. Our recycled poly fabrics are rigorously tested to meet these standards. 

Polyester can be part of a sustainable wardrobe 

With all the advances in recycled polyester and fabric technology, polyester can actually reduce environmental impact while delivering performance, durability, and comfort. 

The key is choosing brands that are transparent about sourcing and manufacturing and that commit to sustainability at every step. 

The bottom line? 

Don’t buy into the plastic panic. Instead, seek out well-made, thoughtfully produced polyester garments that fit your values. It’s about informed choices, not fear-driven decisions. 

Polyester has earned a lot of criticism, and some of it is justified. But it’s time to move beyond the myths and panic. 

As we’ve explored, polyester isn’t inherently bad. When thoughtfully designed and responsibly sourced, especially as recycled polyester, it can be a powerful tool in creating sustainable, durable, and high-performance clothing. 

Plastic pollution is a real challenge, but ignoring the plastic already in our world won’t solve it. Instead, we need to embrace smarter solutions: stop creating new plastic waste and give existing plastics a second life, like the fabrics we make at Losano. 

Choosing polyester doesn’t mean sacrificing your values or comfort. It means making informed choices based on facts, science, and a deeper understanding of the environmental trade-offs.