Detoxing Your Wardrobe

Do you know what your clothes are made of? Until I began creating apparel, my concern wasn’t the type of fabric my clothes were made of.  Honestly, I was more concerned about how the “look”, which is to be expected. Now, more than ever, most of the attention regarding apparel is given to how the clothes are produced instead of the type of fabric used to create the garment. They are both equally important, not just as designers, but also as consumers. We should be aware of what we are purchasing and how it affects the human body and the environment.  

Ever heard of detoxing your wardrobe? Synthetic fabrics have certain drawbacks and potential negative impacts.  Below are six reasons for detoxing your wardrobe.

1.    Environmental concerns: synthetic fabrics are typically derived from petrochemicals, such as polyester, nylon and acrylic. The production of these materials requires the extraction and processing of non-renewable resources, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.

2.  Microplastic pollution: Synthetic fabrics shed microfibers during washing, which are tiny plastic particles that can end up in water bodies. These microplastics are difficult to filter out and can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, posing a threat to marine line and potentially entering the food chain.

3.   Lack of breathability: Synthetic fabrics often have poor breathability compared to natural fibers like cotton or linen. They may trap heat and moisture against the skin leading to discomfort, skin irritation, and the potential for bacterial growth.

4.    Reduced biodegradability: Synthetic fabrics are not easily biodegradable, meaning they can persist in landfills for long periods. This contributes to waste management challenges and the accumulation of textile waste.

5.    Chemical usage: The production of synthetic fabrics involves the use of various chemicals, including dyes, finishing agents, and flame retardants. Some of these chemicals may have adverse effects on human health and the environment, especially if not properly managed during manufacturing and disposal.

6.     Sustainability concerns: Synthetic fabrics are often associated with fast fashion, a model characterized by the rapid production and consumption of inexpensive clothing.  Fast fashion’s emphasis on frequent clothing turnover can lead to excessive waste generation and exploitation of labor, often in economically challenged countries.

I realize this is a challenge because we’ve spent our hard-earned money on items that we truly love. We are not telling anyone how to move forward with detoxing your wardrobe, but we encourage you to do so. A quick google search of “companies that recycle clothes” will provide you with a multitude of companies recycle clothing. This is a step in the right direction versus sending them to Goodwill or simply discarding them in the refuse bin. Remember, we are all in this together.