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Polyester

Man-made fabrics such as this shed micro and nanoplastics at increasing rates over their lifetime. Man-made fabrics may also emit volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly those with waterproof, fire retardation and antimicrobial coatings or treatments. Also, these textiles are made from derivatives of petroleum (a non-renewable resource) and are not biodegradable. Buying clothes and other products that use these fabrics indirectly supports the fossil fuel industry and the destruction of the planet.

The unique benefits of man-mad fibres can include;

  • lower cost
  • lower weight
  • greater insulation potential
  • greater elasticity
  • higher durability (dependent on quality)
  • lower water absorption
  • shorter drying duration
  • lower likelihood of staining
  • a higher ignition temperature (360°C/500°C except wool at 570-600°C)

Possible drawbacks can include;

  • non-renewable
  • not biodegradable
  • rarely hypoallergenic
  • producing poisonous gases when burnt
  • electrically insulating (produce static)

With all of that in mind, it's clear that man-made fabrics are probably a better choice for sports, water and adventure activities such as camping, kayaking and hiking and any other activity where good insulation, low weight, waterproofing and moisture wicking are high priorities. Outside of that, assuming you can afford it, cotton and other natural fibres are, dare I say it, a natural choice.

All of that said, modern manufacturing practices mean things are not always clear cut, read on for a little more nuance.

Oeko-Tex Certification

Further to the negatives described above, this fabric can be even worse for you if it has been treated with harmful chemicals such as dyes or cleaning agents. To avoid this you should look for clothes, bedding, curtains and similar that are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. This standard tests textiles, thread, buttons and other attached accessories against a list of over 1000 harmful substances and certifies that they are not present at harmful levels.

The standard complies with;

Thread Counts & Weights

Washing & Drying

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Last Updated: 2026-05-04