In my wardrobe, garments made from synthetic fabrics are rare guests. And when they do appear, they don’t stay long. Why? Simply because they don’t meet my quality standards. The only exceptions are sportswear and swimsuits, but I’ll talk about those a bit later.
To start, let me give a brief explanation of what synthetic fabrics actually are. Polyester, for example, is a type of polymer made from petroleum, coal, air, and water. In simpler terms, wearing synthetic fabric is like putting on a plastic bag with tiny holes, as synthetic materials don’t breathe like natural fibers.
Why are so many clothes made from polyester?
The answer is simple: polyester and other synthetic fabrics are cheaper than natural fibers, wrinkle less, and are more durable. This makes synthetic garments appear more practical for everyday wear, as they require less maintenance.
However, as is often the case in life, what’s cheap isn’t always good. Synthetic fabrics, aside from their well-known environmental impact (I won’t go into that because we’ve all heard it by now), aren’t very friendly to our skin.
One of the biggest drawbacks: sweat stains
Synthetic fabrics tend to “trap” moisture, which means sweat stays on the surface of your skin. This is especially noticeable when you’re nervous or in a rush – sweat accumulates under your arms, and it feels like the sweat stains are growing by the minute. Moreover, these fabrics don’t absorb sweat, so they don’t regulate your body temperature effectively. As a result, synthetic clothes don’t “breathe,” and the more you sweat, the more uncomfortable you feel.
Unpleasant odors? You bet.
Synthetic fabrics, particularly polyester, tend to trap not just moisture but also skin oils. This leads to an easier buildup of bacteria, which causes unpleasant odors. Even after washing, these clothes can retain smells, which is not only annoying but also unhygienic.
Hot or cold – either way, it’s uncomfortable!
Synthetic clothing poorly regulates body temperature. In hot weather, it makes you sweat more, and in cooler conditions, it fails to retain warmth. This means that in colder months, wearing synthetic garments can leave you feeling even colder because they don’t insulate heat like natural fibers, such as wool or cotton.
A “cocktail” of chemicals on your skin
Synthetic fabrics are often treated with various chemicals, such as flame retardants, water-resistant coatings, or stain prevention treatments. These chemicals can irritate the skin, especially for those with sensitivities or for children, whose skin is still delicate.
When is synthetic fabric justified?
Sportswear and swimsuits. Athletic clothing is often made with special technologies designed to wick away sweat and dry quickly. Also, jackets or blazers, which don’t directly touch the skin, can be made from synthetic fibers.
When should you avoid synthetic fabrics?
Avoid synthetic fabrics in underwear, t-shirts, dresses, or pants – basically anything that directly touches your skin. Choose natural fabrics so your skin can breathe, and your clothes remain comfortable and soft.
What about blended fabrics?
Many clothes are made from blends of natural and synthetic fibers. If the synthetic fiber content is around 40%, this can be an acceptable compromise. These garments will be more durable, wrinkle less, but still retain some of the benefits of natural fabrics.
Synthetic materials have their place, but they shouldn’t dominate your everyday wardrobe – let them stay reserved for sports and special occasions!
