My wardrobe mostly consists of clothes made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester, rayon, and spandex. Why does that matter?
One synthetic fiber t-shirt out of every 500 produced is lost due to microfiber pollution during manufacturing. Washing, drying, and wearing synthetic fibers release microplastics into the air. Synthetic clothing’s microfibers form the largest source of primary microplastics in the ocean. Huge patches of plastic now float in the world’s oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean spans the size of Texas.
Synthetics account for 67 percent of global fiber production, with polyester comprising 57 percent of that total. Cotton represents 20 percent, while other natural fibers comprise five percent. Despite the fact that synthetics dominate the majority of the market, most Americans are unaware that they are made from plastic.
Microplastics in Clothing: Consumer Awareness
A recent survey conducted in 2025 found that only a third of consumers are “very aware” of microplastic pollution. Only 42 percent of those aware connect microplastics in clothing, and 59 percent knew polyester is a type of plastic. But many didn’t know that nylon and spandex are also made from plastics. While 63 percent identified cotton as a natural fiber, only 38 percent chose to wear clothing from natural fibers.
Half of those surveyed (49 percent) were aware of the term microplastics, and the other half (52 percent) knew that synthetic fibers contribute to microplastic pollution. The majority of those surveyed (62 percent) thought degradation of larger plastics, such as water bottles, is the main cause of microplastic pollution. Only 46 percent identified synthetic microfibers from clothing as a cause, while 35 percent said they check labels before buying.
The survey results led the National Cotton Council to launch the Plant Not Plastic public awareness campaign. The aim is to educate consumers about the impact of microplastic pollution and the importance of natural fibers.
“The ‘Plant Not Plastic’ campaign is designed to provide a straightforward message: choosing clothing made from natural fibers like cotton is an easy, effective way to reduce your personal contribution to microplastic pollution and its potential health impacts. We want to empower consumers to know their clothing choices can make a real difference, simply and affordably.” Marjory Walker, Vice President of Council Operations, National Cotton Council.
Cotton vs Bamboo: Which one is more sustainable?
Cotton does not contribute to microplastic pollution. It provides a breathable fabric, gentle enough for people with skin conditions such as eczema to wear. However, cotton occupies only 2.5 percent of the world’s arable land, yet farmers use 200,000 tons of pesticides and eight million tons of fertilizers each year during cultivation. These activities account for 16 percent of global pesticides and four percent of fertilizers.
Producing just one cotton t-shirt requires about 2,700 liters of water, which equals the amount of water one person needs for two and a half years. The pesticides and synthetic fertilizers used on cotton contaminate groundwater and soil. The synthetic fertilizers also contribute to methane emissions. Organic cotton would eliminate those issues, but it accounts for less than one percent of global cotton production.
Bamboo is a renewable source because of its rapid growth and ability to regenerate very quickly after harvesting. Bamboo and cotton fibers both break down in the soil because they are plant-based. Bamboo has antibacterial properties and is soft, making it a great source for clothing fibers. It needs minimal water to grow, compared to cotton, which is a thirsty crop, and can thrive without pesticides or fertilizers.
Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen than trees do. However, most bamboo is cultivated in China, so shipping adds to its carbon footprint. Manufacturing bamboo is energy-intensive, and greenwashing in the bamboo industry is a problem. Many of the products labeled bamboo are not 100 percent bamboo.
How to Make Your Closet Sustainable
So, what should an eco-conscious consumer do? Look for organic cotton and bamboo labels. For example, Patagonia has organic cotton clothing, as does The North Face. After perusing your closet, create a list of what you need to replace. My list contains t-shirts, tank tops, blouses, jeans, leggings, black pants, khaki pants, dresses, socks, panties, and skirts. Then, check out sustainable clothing directories like Good On You, Project Cece, and the Good Trade.
Fair warning, clothing made from natural fibers is expensive. Ditch the need to have new clothing frequently, and buy classics that will last. The aim is to have less but better-made clothing. And buy slowly over time, keeping your budget in mind.
