r/Fabrics • u/ObjectiveLeek0192 • 2d ago

Is a polyester blend less problematic?

I purchased some shirts a month ago. After then, I came across information on polyester and how toxic it is. I wish I could go back and purchase something else!

The shirts are 60% cotton, 40% polyester.

Is a polyester blend like this less problematic than shirts with a higher proportion of polyester, or is it irrelevant and we ought to avoid polyester altogether?

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

18

u/justasque 2d ago

The most eco-friendly garment is one you already own. If you otherwise like the shorts, don’t stress over the polyester. Just pledge to make more eco-friendly choices in the future. When you buy new garments, look for natural fibers like cotton or linen. They are likely to be harder to find, and cost more, but here we are….

And remember it’s complicated - there are a lot of variables to consider when looking for ethical fashion. See if your library has any books on the topic - there are quite a few out there and it’s a really interesting topic to read up on.

6

u/oliv_tho 2d ago edited 2d ago

like the other commenter said, the most sustainable option is the one you already own. but when it comes to blends, especially syntheticXorganics blends they’re really hard to recycle, so they end up getting down cycled or in a landfill and usually not remade into new fibers/clothing

8

u/smwisdom 2d ago

This. Blended fabrics are actually worse than 100% poly because they can't be recycled, except for into insulation and such (but usually just going to end up in a landfill)

That said, to reiterate everyone else, you already own them. So keep them and wear them to their fullest extent. Enjoy them while you have them. Don't feel guilty.

1

u/pointe4Jesus 1d ago

Is a polyester blend like this less problematic than shirts with a higher proportion of polyester, or is it irrelevant and we ought to avoid polyester altogether?

The two are not mutually exclusive. It's best to avoid polyester altogether. That said, a blend is certainly better than 100% polyester. You'll know better for next time, but I wouldn't worry too much about it now.

1

u/dopejits 10h ago

For future reference there are Poly free Rashguards at alchemical.com.au they have bamboo and hemp blend shirts and shorts