Why the fabrics you wear matter more than you might think
Plastic pollution is often associated with single-use bottles, food packaging and shopping bags, but one of the biggest hidden sources of plastic is much closer to home: your wardrobe. From everyday essentials to performance clothing, many garments are made from synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels. Polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane are all forms of plastic, and together they account for around two-thirds of global textile production. (Textiles Exchange, 2023)
Every time these fabrics are washed, they can release microscopic plastic fibres known as microplastics, which pass through wastewater systems and enter rivers, oceans and even the food chain. (IUCN, 2017) Beyond pollution, synthetic textiles are energy-intensive to produce and contribute significantly to the fashion industry's carbon emissions. For anyone looking to embrace a more carbon-conscious lifestyle, understanding where plastic hides in your wardrobe is an important first step.
Fortunately, sustainable fashion is making it easier than ever to choose ethical fashion made from innovative plant-based and regenerated fibres. Here are five of the most common plastic-heavy clothing categories—and the vegan alternatives worth considering.
1. Underwear
Your everyday essentials may be made from fossil fuels
Underwear is one of the most frequently worn items in any wardrobe, yet it often contains a surprisingly high percentage of synthetic fibres. Polyester, nylon and elastane are commonly blended into briefs, bras and socks to improve stretch, durability and moisture management.
While a small amount of elastane is often difficult to avoid, many brands now prioritise natural and regenerated fibres that dramatically reduce plastic content while remaining soft and breathable.
A vegan alternative
TENCEL™ Lyocell is one of the best sustainable alternatives for underwear. Produced from responsibly sourced wood pulp in a closed-loop manufacturing process, it is breathable, naturally soft and gentle on sensitive skin. Organic cotton blended with TENCEL™ also offers excellent comfort without relying heavily on fossil-fuel-based fibres.
Brand suggestion:Stripe and Stare offers underwear made with TENCEL™ Modal, focusing on ethical manufacturing and lower environmental impact.
2. Sportswear
Performance clothing is often almost entirely plastic
Workout clothing is perhaps the biggest contributor to hidden plastic in modern wardrobes. Leggings, sports bras, running tops and gym shorts are typically manufactured from polyester, nylon and elastane because these materials provide stretch and moisture-wicking properties.
Innovative plant-based fibres like TENCEL™ Lyocell can naturally regulate temperature and absorb moisture without requiring large amounts of synthetic materials. Some brands also incorporate responsibly sourced organic cotton with minimal elastane for flexibility.
Brand suggestion:Pangaia creates ethical activewear using Evo-Nylon and organic cotton while prioritising durability and responsible production. Choosing longer-lasting garments is also a key principle of circular fashion.
3. Swimwear
Traditional swimwear is almost impossible to recycle
Most swimwear is made from nylon and elastane, allowing garments to stretch and retain their shape after repeated exposure to water. However, these fibre blends are difficult to recycle and continue contributing to microplastic pollution throughout their lifespan.
Although completely plastic-free swimwear is currently unrealistic due to performance requirements, there are significantly better options available.
A vegan alternative
Swimwear made from regenerated ECONYL® nylon gives discarded fishing nets, industrial waste and old carpets a second life while reducing demand for virgin fossil-fuel plastics. Although still a synthetic fibre, it supports circular fashion by keeping existing materials in use for longer.
Brand suggestion:Agda Studios and other sustainable swimwear brands increasingly incorporate regenerated nylon alongside ethical manufacturing practices.
4. Fleeces and Hoodies
That cosy fleece is probably made from plastic bottles—or virgin polyester
Fleece jackets, oversized hoodies and cosy pullovers have become wardrobe staples, but many are produced entirely from polyester fleece. Even recycled polyester fleece continues to shed microplastics during washing, although it reduces demand for virgin plastic.
Because fleeces have a brushed surface, they can release particularly high numbers of fibres over time.
A vegan alternative
Instead of synthetic fleece, look for garments made from brushed organic cotton, hemp blends or TENCEL™ Lyocell fabrics that provide warmth and comfort without relying on petroleum-based fibres. Hemp is particularly durable, breathable and requires significantly less water than conventional cotton.
Brand suggestion:Colorful Standard offers ethically produced organic cotton sweatshirts and hoodies designed for longevity rather than fast fashion trends.
5. Fashion Knitwear and Everyday Basics
Not all soft fabrics are as natural as they seem
Many jumpers, cardigans and lightweight knitwear marketed as "soft touch" are actually made from acrylic—a plastic fibre designed to imitate wool. Acrylic garments are among the highest emitters of microplastic fibres during washing and are entirely fossil-fuel derived.
Basic T-shirts, camisoles and layering pieces can also contain hidden polyester blends even when labels suggest they are primarily cotton.
A vegan alternative
Lyocell, modal, hemp and organic cotton provide softness, breathability and durability without animal fibres such as wool or silk. High-quality regenerated cellulose fibres also drape beautifully and require less intensive processing than many synthetic textiles.
Brand suggestion:Armed Angels produces timeless basics using organic cotton and TENCEL™, combining ethical fashion with transparent supply chains and long-lasting quality.
Small Swaps Can Make a Big Difference
Creating a more sustainable fashion collection doesn't mean replacing everything overnight. Instead, focus on making informed choices as older garments naturally wear out. Reading fibre labels, choosing higher-quality pieces and investing in durable vegan materials all help reduce reliance on virgin plastics.
It's equally important to care for your clothing well. Washing garments less frequently, using cooler temperatures and air drying where possible can reduce both energy consumption and microfibre shedding. For synthetic items you already own, using a microfibre-catching laundry bag or washing filter can also help minimise environmental impact.
Every purchase represents an opportunity to support ethical fashion, encourage circular fashion practices and reduce the fashion industry's dependence on fossil-fuel-derived textiles. By understanding where plastic hides in your wardrobe, you can make choices that are better for your comfort, your health and the planet.
Ready to Build a More Sustainable Wardrobe?
Making more carbon-conscious clothing choices starts with knowing what your garments are made from. Whether you're replacing everyday underwear, upgrading your activewear or investing in timeless wardrobe staples, choosing ethical, vegan and sustainably made alternatives helps reduce plastic pollution while supporting brands committed to positive environmental change.
At The Carbon Closet, we're proud to champion sustainable fashion by bringing together carefully selected ethical brands that prioritise lower-impact materials, responsible production and circular fashion principles. Explore our collection to discover stylish alternatives that help you build a wardrobe that's better for both you and the planet.