An estimated 69% of textile production is centered around synthetic fibers, predominantly because they are easy to care for and cheap to produce. However, a growing number of voices on social media are rejecting the synthetic dominance that the fast fashion industry has brought about.
“You're wrapping yourself in plastic bags,” declared one TikTok commentator while explaining her avoidance of fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. “It does not allow your body to breathe.” Proponents of going natural generally cite waste, lack of longevity, discomfort, and potential health concerns as reasons to look at the fabric composition labels when shopping for clothes.
It is a worthy cause for anybody who believes in being more conscientious in their consumption habits. It is a straightforward way of practicing quality over quantity, practicing ‘quiet luxury’ through investing in a wool sweater instead of several acrylic ones. For women's fashion in particular, some stores make it feel like an impossible task to find items with a reasonable amount of natural fibers used in them.
That being said, the anti-polyester movement is not just about doing better for yourself and the planet. It can also be used as a demonstration that you are better, in general. In our current synthetic-addled world, choosing natural shows a knowledge and a selectiveness that the average clothes wearer these days just doesn't have. It is further underlined by trashing any garment found to be synthetic on social media, irrespective of the thought behind choosing it. Fashion historian Cora Harrington has even argued that the aggressive promotion of natural fiber clothing can sometimes be linked to pushing a political agenda.
Even at its most neutral, it is akin to the person who reads a book instead of doomscrolling on their phone, or who point-blank refuses to use AI. These are all things that can be very positive, but can be done in a way where the perfomativity seems to outweigh the benefits. Although the natural fiber movement has its benefits, it can't simply be used as a means to make people feel superior.
