I had never really thought that much about microplastics until a few months ago when two different clients mentioned that they did not want microplastics in their clothing. I interpreted that to mean clothing made of pure fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool rather than polyester and other synthetics. So I made it my goal to understand what microplastics are as an Indiana Wardrobe Stylist.
And of course water in plastic bottles has been a common discussion. Many of us have switched to Stanley Cups or other sustainable ways to drink our water. I am not a purist though; if I am out and and about I won’t turn down a free bottle of water.
In recent years, the topic of microplastics has entered the global conversation about environmental sustainability, and for good reason. These tiny plastic particles are everywhere: in our oceans, in the food we eat, in the water we drink, and even in the air we breathe. But one surprising source of microplastics is often overlooked: our clothing.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in length, and they come from a variety of sources. Some are intentionally manufactured (like microbeads in cosmetics), but many originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items. In the context of clothing, microplastics are primarily shed from synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex. These materials are essentially forms of plastic, and when garments made from them are washed, they release tiny fibers—microplastics—into the water system.
According to research, a single load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of microplastic fibers into wastewater. Most wastewater treatment plants aren’t equipped to completely filter them out, meaning many of these fibers end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Why Are Microplastics a Problem?
Once microplastics enter the environment, they are incredibly difficult to remove. Marine animals often mistake these particles for food, which leads to ingestion and bioaccumulation in the food chain. This doesn’t just affect wildlife because it circles back to us. Studies have found microplastics in seafood, table salt, bottled water, and even human blood.
The impact of microplastics on human health is still being studied, but early research suggests they may contribute to inflammation, hormone disruption, and other health issues. For the environment, the effects are already more apparent: microplastics harm marine ecosystems, reduce water quality, and contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
How Clothing Contributes to Microplastic Pollution
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to microplastic pollution. Fast fashion in particular relies heavily on synthetic fabrics because they’re cheap to produce and easy to maintain. Unfortunately, this affordability comes at a significant environmental cost.
Each time we wash synthetic clothing, microfibers break off and flow down the drain. Over time, this creates a persistent stream of pollution that’s hard to see but impossible to ignore. Even clothes labeled as “recycled polyester” are not immune. While they reduce dependency on virgin plastic, they still shed microfibers.
Indiana Wardrobe Stylist Tips
Avoiding synthetic fabrics altogether is one of the most effective ways to reduce your contribution to microplastic pollution. Natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, linen, and hemp do not shed plastic when washed and are biodegradable.
You can also reduce microfiber shedding by washing synthetic clothes less frequently, using a microfiber-catching laundry bag or filter, and choosing higher-quality garments that are less prone to breakdown.
Ultimately, being mindful of the materials in your wardrobe is a powerful step toward reducing microplastic pollution. By choosing natural fibers and supporting sustainable fashion brands, we can help protect our planet and ourselves from the growing threat of microplastics.
For many people, just buying fewer clothes from Amazon, a retailer king in polyester clothing, is a great first step toward eliminating microplastics from your closet.
Receive Help from an Indiana Wardrobe Stylist
For more help evaluating the contents of your closet, reach out to me at beth@bethdivinestyle.com. You can also reference my weekly blog and list of Beth Divine Style services.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC, Indiana Wardrobe Stylist
