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Wearing Synthetic Fibres has been linked to hindering your wellness and weight loss goals.

Yep, you certainly read that right.

Welcome to 2025 where now wearing activewear is a risk to you health. Yikes!

Some of you may would seen already read the studies, however many will find this shocking, and perhaps this is the first you are coming across this information... but if you're anything like the team at ecocious and spend a lot of your “down time” running around or lounging in activewear, we are sorry to be the bearer of some pretty bad news. (Read part 2 to discover safe activewar brands we suggest working out in instead!)

If if you’re someone who reserves activewear for workouts yet you still can’t seem to hit that ideal look and feel you desire. It could be as simple as your choice of clothing to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

This (slightly scary) new research might have the answers you’ve been looking for.

Your Skin: The Body's Largest Organ

Before we dive into the details, let’s start with a quick reminder: your skin is your largest organ. It’s more than just a barrier—it’s your body’s first line of defence, protecting you from bacteria, fungi, viruses, UV rays, and environmental chemicals.

However, the skin isn’t a one-way shield; it also absorbs substances from its surroundings. This means the materials we wear can directly impact our health and wellness.

When we neglect our skin, we compromise its ability to function at its best, leaving us vulnerable to various external factors. And with the modern world already exposing us to an overwhelming number of toxins, it’s time we paid closer attention to what’s touching our skin.

Who Benefits Most From Avoiding Toxic Fabrics?

Certain groups are particularly susceptible to the effects of synthetic materials. If you experience any of the following, it might be time to reevaluate your wardrobe:

• Weight loss plateaus
• Autoimmune conditions or weakened immunity
• Hormonal imbalances or sensitivities 
• Hot/cold flushes (e.g., menopause)
• Skin conditions like eczema, acne, or dryness
• Respiratory issues
• Prone to/ suffers from with allergies
• Sensitive skin types
• Acne prone skin
• Dry skin
• Fluid retention or inflammation
• Active or humid lifestyles

Even if you don’t fall into one of these categories, being mindful of your clothing choices is a proactive step toward overall wellness.

Protecting our skin from harm looks like: being mindful of everything that comes in contact with it; chemicals, products, clothes, bedding etc..

The Worst Offenders: Synthetic Fabrics

When it comes to harmful clothing materials, synthetic fabrics top the list. The most common culprits include:

• Polyester
• Elastane
• Rayon
• Acetate
• Nylon
• Acrylic

Why Are These Fabrics Harmful?

1. How They’re Made
   Synthetic materials are made from man-made fibers that are typically derived from petrochemicals—byproducts of fossil fuels such as crude oil and natural gas. These raw materials undergo various chemical processes to create polymers, which are then spun into fibers used to make synthetic fabrics.

1. What They Contain
   Many synthetic materials are treated with flame retardants, like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), to reduce their flammability. While this sounds like a safety feature, PBDEs have been shown to disrupt hormonal balance by triggering the overproduction of aldosterone, which can lead to high blood pressure, muscle spasms, and increased risks of heart disease and stroke.

1. What They Release
   Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics when washed. These tiny particles end up in waterways, harming marine ecosystems and potentially re-entering our food chain.

Environmental and Health Concerns

1. Non-Renewable Resources: Most synthetic materials rely on finite fossil fuels.
2. Energy-Intensive Production: Manufacturing processes require significant energy and emit greenhouse gases.
3. Microplastic Pollution: Synthetic fabrics shed microfibers during washing, contributing to plastic pollution in oceans.
4. Chemical Residues: Residual chemicals from production can irritate the skin, disrupt hormones, or cause allergic reactions.

By understanding which chemicals are used in the manufacture of synthetic materials including what they are directly made out of as well as additional chemicals used in the process we can make more conscious choices and consider alternatives such as natural fibers like cotton, wool, hemp, and bamboo.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothing

It’s alarming to learn that nearly 70% of today’s apparel is made from synthetic materials. While these fabrics are cheap and easy to produce, they come at a high cost to our health and the environment.

Fast fashion health risks

Synthetic fibres start their life in a chemical plant or laboratory as by-products of petroleum or natural gas (fossil fuels) these petrochemicals are then manipulated into fabric form.

Many chemicals are needed in clothing manufacturing, most are considered hazardous in contact with humans. In particular, Flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are administered to synthetic clothing to ensure these highly flammable “materials” do not catch flame.

Human Cells that exposed to PBDEs show elevated release of aldosterone.

Aldosterone is responsible for regulating sodium homeostasis, thereby helping to control blood volume and blood pressure.

Overproduction of aldosterone causes the body to retain more sodium and loose potassium, which leads to elevated blood pressure, weakness and muscle spasms.

Patients with this condition are at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

In the US, industrial chemicals are quietly being phased out due to the mountains of research supporting that they are endocrine disruptors, as well as harmful to reproductive, thyroid, and metabolic functions.

Unfortunately its not just activewear we need to be cautious of, a recent discovery indicates 70% of fashion apparels are now being made entirely out of synthetic materials, with no hint of this slowing down or stopping.

This may feel astonishingly high due to its obvious lower quality, not to mention what its is made out of, during our global net 0 movement... but when you consider the competitive cost it’s a no brainer for corporations that this man made-made imitator is trumping its natural “alternatives."

Why we should be non-negotiable when it comes to what our clothing is made out of.

Why Choose Natural Fibers?

Switching to natural fibers isn’t just about avoiding the negatives—it’s about reaping the positives! Here are seven compelling reasons to embrace natural fabrics:

1. Breathability: Natural fibers allow your skin to breathe, keeping you cool and reducing sweat buildup.
2. Temperature Regulation: They help maintain a comfortable body temperature in various climates.
3. Odor Resistance: Natural fibers don’t trap odors like synthetic ones, so you’ll feel fresher for longer.
4. Biodegradability: Unlike synthetics, natural fabrics decompose naturally, reducing waste.
5. Microplastic-Free: No harmful particles are released during washing.
6. Comfort: They’re softer and more comfortable against the skin.
7. Skin-Friendly: Natural fibers are less likely to irritate sensitive skin or exacerbate existing conditions.

Environmental Benefits of Avoiding Synthetics

Transitioning to natural fibers isn’t just good for you—it’s great for the planet!

1. Less Landfill Waste: Natural fabrics break down over time, unlike synthetic ones that linger for centuries.
2. Lower Carbon Emissions: Producing natural fibers often requires fewer energy-intensive processes.
3. No Microplastic Pollution: Every synthetic garment sheds microplastics, but natural fabrics eliminate this problem entirely.

How to Make Smarter Choices

The next time you shop, check the care label on your clothing. Not only will this help you care for your garments better, but it will also give you insight into their quality and environmental impact. Ask yourself: is the price tag fair, or is it reflective of unethical practices and cheap materials?

By choosing natural fibers, you’re investing in yourself and the planet. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

Read part 2 of this blog post to discover brands that we love to workout in!

Final Thoughts

Wearing synthetic fibers might seem harmless, but the science paints a different picture. From endocrine disruption to microplastic pollution, these materials affect our health and the environment in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

By swapping synthetics for natural alternatives, you can support your wellness, improve your skin health, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember: your skin deserves the same care and consideration you’d give any other part of your body.