Polyester is a ubiquitous fabric. From wrinkle-free dress shirts to cozy fleece jackets, it's almost woven into the very essence of our wardrobes. 

But in recent years, concerns have grown about the potential health impacts of this synthetic material. Mainly due its effects on skin health and levels of micro-plastics toxic chemicals. 

Although, like other synthetic fabrics, it does offer an affordable and effective material to make garments from. This arguably gives it a wide range of uses and applications for different types of clothes manufacturing.  

But an ever increasing number of health and eco conscious consumers of fashion are beginning to fall-out-of-love with polyester, in favour of natural textiles. 

So, the question remains,is polyester bad for you?

Well, without wanting to give the game-way, it might not pay to be too poly-amorours. As will be explained in this article, read on to learn why.

Skin Sensitivities: A Scratchy Reality

The tightly woven fibers of polyester can trap sweat and heat, creating a less breathable environment next to the skin. This trapped moisture can irritate the skin, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Here's a closer look at some of the potential problems:

• Itching and Rashes - The most common reaction to polyester is itching, which can range from mild to severe. The constant friction of the fabric against the skin can also cause redness and irritation, sometimes developing into a bumpy rash.
• Eczema Flare-Ups - People with existing skin conditions like eczema may find that polyester worsens their symptoms. The combination of trapped sweat and friction can exacerbate dryness, redness, and inflammation.

• Contact Dermatitis - In some cases, the chemicals used in processing polyester or the dyes added to the fabric can trigger contact dermatitis. This allergic reaction causes an itchy, red, and blistering rash that appears on areas of skin directly exposed to the polyester.

Chemical Exposure: A Cause for Caution?

The production process of polyester involves a number of chemicals, raising concerns about potential health risks from exposure. 

One such chemical is antimony trioxide, a flame retardant used to prevent polyester fabrics from igniting easily. 

While antimony trioxide is tightly bound to the fibers during manufacturing,some studies suggest it may leach out in small amounts, particularly when exposed to high heat (like from drying clothes at high temperatures) or sweat. 

Here's a breakdown of the potential risks andongoing research:

• Potential Health Concerns - Antimony exposure has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory issues, heart and lung problems, and even certain types of cancer. It is important to note that the levels of antimony potentially released from clothing are likely very low, but do you really want to wear polyester clothing on a daily basis? 

• Beyond Antimony- Other chemicals used in polyester processing, such as formaldehyde andcertain dyes, might also pose potential health risks. However, similar to antimony, the research on direct health effects from these chemicals in clothing is ongoing.

Beyond Polyester: Exploring Sustainable Options

When you look at the existing evidence, the case against polyester seems fairly strong. Ans it seems that polyester is probably  pretty bad for you and best avoided.

The good news is there are plenty of safer and eco-friendly alternatives to polyester. 

Organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel (a fabric derived from wood pulp) offer comfortable and breathable options with a lower environmental footprint and toxin content.  

Truly organic cotton for example is 100% toxin free. The only issue with these natural fabrics is that they tend not to provide the same performance and durability benefits as polyester.

Which is especially important when buying clothing like activewear or leggings that you use for the gym, yoga or just everyday lounging.

If you’re seeking high-performance activewear without the toxins of polyester then you should checkDOJO leggings. 

Our award-winning, organically mineral treated cotton is a ground-breaking textile that has all the benefits of polyester and natural cotton combined. Plus unique anti-microbial properties that no other activewear can match. 

Learn more about our technology and leggings on ourtech page, or visit ourshop to purchase your pair today.