It’s Complicated…Polyester’s Hold on Fashion
What exactly is Polyester?
In today’s Closet Confession we are determined to understand its benefits and environmental impact.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made primarily from petrochemical products, specifically from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used to make plastic bottles. It is known for its slightly slick feel and can be shiny. Its appearance can vary depending on its weave and treatment and can often mimic other fibers. Polyester fiber was first developed in the 1940s by British chemists John Rex Whinfield and James Tennant Dickson, and it quickly gained popularity for its durability and versatility. The fibers are formed by polymerization, where monomers (small molecules) are chemically bonded together to create a long chain, forming a fabric that is both strong and lightweight.
The Benefits of Polyester
Durability: Polyester is known for its strength, resilience, and ability to hold up well over time. It resists stretching, shrinking, and wrinkles, making it a low-maintenance choice for clothing.
Affordability: Polyester is one of the most cost-effective fabrics to produce, making it widely accessible and used in a variety of price points in fashion.
Versatility: This fabric can be made to mimic the feel and texture of natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk, which makes it highly versatile for different types of garments, from everyday wear to performance gear.
Moisture Wicking: Polyester is commonly used in activewear because of its ability to wick moisture away from the body, helping athletes stay dry and comfortable.
Color Retention: Unlike natural fibers, polyester retains color longer, which means it’s less likely to fade after multiple washes. It’s also highly resistant to mildew.
The Environmental Impact of Polyester
While polyester has its perks, its environmental impact raises significant concerns. As a plastic-based fabric, polyester’s production and disposal come with several environmental challenges.
High Carbon Footprint: Polyester production involves energy-intensive processes that release carbon emissions. The extraction and refinement of petroleum required to create polyester are linked to significant environmental harm, including air pollution and contribution to climate change.
Non-Biodegradable: Polyester is a synthetic fabric that doesn’t break down naturally in the environment. This means that when polyester garments are discarded, they contribute to landfill waste, taking hundreds of years to decompose.
Microplastics: When washed, polyester releases tiny plastic fibers called microplastics into the water supply, which can end up in oceans and pose a danger to marine life. These microplastics have been found in everything from fish to drinking water.
Resource Intensive Production: The production of polyester requires significant water and energy, further taxing the planet’s resources.
Understanding Polyester: The Truth Behind the Fabric
The reality is that most clothing today contains some form of polyester. In fact, it is estimated that more than 60% of textiles on the market are made from synthetic fibers like polyester, and its use is only increasing. So, how can we make peace with this ever-present fabric?
Recycled Polyester: The rise of recycled polyester (rPET) offers a sustainable alternative. Made from post-consumer plastic waste, such as plastic bottles, rPET helps reduce the need for virgin polyester and keeps waste out of landfills. Many brands are beginning to use rPET to create fashion items, which lowers the overall environmental impact of polyester-based clothing.
Upcycling and Circular Fashion: One of the best ways to address the environmental concerns of polyester is by embracing upcycling and circular fashion. Rather than sending your polyester garments to the landfill, consider repurposing them or buying secondhand. That’s why The Thrifted Capsule continues to offer high-quality polyester pieces that have already been manufactured, giving them a second life. While we prioritize natural fabrics, we recognize that by giving polyester a second chance, we can contribute to improving the environment.
Mindful Consumption: As with all things fashion-related, moderation and conscious choices are key. If you choose to buy polyester garments, try to invest in high-quality items that are designed to last, and be mindful of how they’re disposed of when it’s time to let go.
Washing with Care: To minimize microplastic release, consider using a microfiber filter bag when washing polyester items, which traps the microfibers before they enter the water system. Washing clothes less frequently and at lower temperatures also helps reduce environmental impact.
Polyester: The Fabric of Our Lives, with Room for Improvement
Polyester is here to stay, but understanding its benefits and drawbacks allows us to make more informed decisions as consumers. By leaning into recycled options, secondhand finds, and careful care, we can mitigate some of the environmental impact while still enjoying the durability and versatility of polyester.
In the end, while polyester isn’t perfect, it’s part of the solution in fashion’s ongoing push towards sustainability. By making mindful choices, we can still wear it with a sense of responsibility toward the planet.