Synthetic fibers have become the backbone of modern fashion. Lightweight, stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, and inexpensive, they dominate clothing racks worldwide. Over 60% of global textile production now relies on synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic (Textile Exchange, 2024). 

Synthetic textiles are man-made materials derived from petroleum through energy-intensive chemical processes. Unlike natural fibers, synthetic textiles shed microplastics, release toxic chemical residues, trap bacteria, and degrade quickly. Growing scientific evidence links long-term exposure to these fabrics to skin disorders, hormonal disruption, respiratory irritation, and potential carcinogenic risks—turning fast fashion into what can only be described as fast toxic.

1. Environmental Impact: Fast Fashion’s Invisible Footprint

• Synthetic textiles contribute about 20% of global clean water pollution, largely from dyeing and finishing processes (United Nations, 2024).

• Its production requires large amounts of crude oil and releases about 1.35 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent per year (Changing Markets Foundation, 2021).

• The fast fashion industry is responsible for 35% of all primary microplastics in the ocean, equating to roughly 200,000 tons per year (European Environnement Agency, 2022).

• Fast fashion production also involves the extensive use of hazardous chemicals, accounting for a quarter of the world’s toxic chemical consumption (MIT, 2021).

All of these figures are fueled by the rise of fast fashion, which prioritizes low-cost garments and rapid production over quality and sustainability, resulting in excessive resource use, environmental degradation, and growing risks to human health.

2. Human Health Impacts: Wearing Chemicals Daily

2.1. Hormonal and Fertility Disruption

Our endocrine system depends on precise hormonal balance. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) —substances that mimic or block natural hormones—can derail this balance.

Synthetic fabrics are often treated with:

• Phthalates
• Bisphenols (BPA, BPS)
• Brominated flame retardants

These chemicals have been linked to infertility, thyroid disorders, metabolic dysfunction, developmental issues in children, cardiovascular disease, and hormone-related cancers (Endocrine Society, 2015).

In May 2024, South Korean authorities revealed that children’s clothing sold by SHEIN contained phthalate levels hundreds of times above legal safety limits, chemicals used to soften plastic textiles (Korean Agency for Technology and Standards).

2.2. Microplastic Exposure & Toxic Chemicals

Most synthetic fabrics are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a petroleum-derived plastic commonly used in single-use water bottles. When worn and washed, PET-based textiles continuously shed microplastic fibers that come into direct contact with the skin.

Research conducted by the University of Plymouth (2016) demonstrated that washing a single polyester garment can release up to 700,000 microplastic particles in one cycle. These microplastics don’t disappear. They’ve now been detected in bloodstreams, placental tissue, lungs, and even brain tissue (Nature Medicine, 2022–2024).

Beyond microplastic exposure, synthetic garments are routinely treated with toxic chemical finishes—including formaldehyde, phthalates, and azo dyes—to enhance softness, elasticity, or wrinkle resistance. 

2.3. Bacteria Proliferation & Skin Irritation

Plastic-based fabrics do not breathe. They prevent sweat from evaporating and can create a warm, damp microclimate where skin irritation and bacteria thrive. They also build up static electricity, attracting dust and airborne pollutants that cling to the fabric surface.

Studies have shown that synthetic fabrics hosts significantly higher bacterial loads than organic fabrics, primarily due to their moisture-wicking features and reduced breathability. More critically, prolonged exposure increases risks of skin irritation, allergic reactions, folliculitis, fungal infections, and eczema flare-ups, especially in sensitive individuals

3. Synthetic Fabrics to Avoid

Tackling toxic in textiles requires a holistic approach that addresses the entire fabric lifecycle, from production and use to disposal and environmental impact.

Choosing safer fabrics isn’t about being perfect or radical. It’s about lowering cumulative toxic exposure, minimizing environmental damage, and shifting away from a system built on speed, volume, and disposability. This is where slow fashion matters: small production batches, transparent production, sustainable fabrics, durable wear—and significantly less chemical burden.

Safer Alternatives

• Organic Cotton
  Grown without pesticides, bleach, or formaldehyde. Biodegradable, gentle on sensitive skin, and softens with time.

• Linen (Flax)
  Naturally antibacterial, breathable, durable, and requires minimal water and chemicals to produce.

• Hemp
  Low-toxicity fiber, naturally strong, breathable, little water and land required, biodegradable.