There is much debate over natural vs synthetic fabrics for environmental and health reasons. My focus will be on health, but it is worth mentioning the environmental concerns.

Synthetic fabrics in most cases are made from plastics, and when washed, can shed microfibers into our water supply, before making its way into the environment. These are non biodegradable materials. Valid concerns? Yes.

However, my focus will be on the the absorption of these microplastics into our bodies if synthetic fabric are your go to. Especially when there is potential for sweat. So let’s include bed sheets in this discussion as well.

Some health advisors would suggest you throw out your entire wardrobe and bed sheets that contains these plastics. That’s a tall order so here is what i suggest.

I stay away from these synthetic fabrics on articles of clothing that are in contact with my skin, and gravitate to natural fabrics on items such as : bed sheets, socks, hats, underwear, undershirts, gloves, ….girdles.

Then overtime you can become more health and environmental conscience with each article of clothing you replace.

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Natural Fabrics

• Cotton derives from the cotton plant.
• Wool is sources from mainly sheep, sometimes alpaca, goats, and rabbits.
• Linen comes from the fibers of a flax plant.
• Silk is produced by the silkworm.
• Cashmere comes from the undercoat of a specific breed of goat.
• Hemp derives from the hemp plant.
• Denim is mainly made from cotton, or a blend of wool and silk.
• Flannel is made from cotton and wool, but be careful, sometimes microfiber is added and labeled as Flannel.

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Synthetic Fabrics

• Polyester is usually derived from petroleum and or ester.
• Acrylic similar to rayon but instead uses synthetic wood.
• Spandex is made mainly from polyurethane.
• Fleece is made from polyethene terephthalate.
• Nylon is manufactured from coal, water, and air.
• Rayon is made from natural wood, but uses toxic chemical to breakdown during production, some consider it a semi-synthetic fabric.
• Microfiber is typically a blend of polyester and nylon.