As a new business owner in the fashion industry, one of the first things that caught my attention was the overwhelming use of polyester in many mid luxury and high end clothing lines. When I see pieces made from this fabric priced at over $150, I can’t help but question why we’re paying such a premium for something that’s known to be harmful to the environment, doesn’t last as long as other materials, and even has negative effects on our skin?
Polyester is everywhere in fashion. It’s cheap to produce, versatile, and easy to care for. But after learning more about its environmental impact, skin-related concerns, and limitations, I started to ask myself: why are brands still charging these high prices for polyester based garments when there are so many more options out there?
The Environmental Toll of Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum, and while it may seem like a great fabric choice for its cost-effectiveness, it has some serious environmental downsides. Not only does polyester production use a lot of energy and resources, but the fabric is also non-biodegradable. That means when polyester clothes end up in landfills, they’ll sit there for hundreds of years without breaking down.
Even worse, every time polyester is washed, tiny microplastics are released into the water system, which eventually end up in our oceans, polluting marine life. These environmental consequences are hard to ignore, especially when we're talking about clothing that costs hundreds of dollars.
Polyester and Skin Health: A Hidden Concern
Another factor that often gets overlooked when it comes to polyester is its potential harm to the skin. Unlike natural fabrics like cotton, which allow the skin to breathe, polyester is a synthetic fabric that can trap heat and moisture. This lack of breathability can cause irritation, rashes, and even exacerbate conditions like eczema. The chemicals used in the production of polyester can also irritate sensitive skin, leading to discomfort.
When you’re paying top dollar for a garment, you should expect not only a stylish piece but also a comfortable one that supports your skin’s health. Yet with polyester, many consumers unknowingly pay a premium for a fabric that might actually harm their skin in the long run.
The enemy: Fast Fashion/A Major Contributor to the Problem
One of the biggest drivers behind the overuse of polyester is the fast fashion industry. Fast fashion brands prioritize mass production, cheap materials, and quick turnover, which often means using synthetic fabrics like polyester to keep costs low. Polyester is affordable, easy to produce in large quantities, and holds dye well, making it the go-to choice for these brands.
Fast fashion has led to a culture of overconsumption, where consumers are encouraged to buy more, wear less, and discard quickly. As a result, polyester has flooded the market, and clothing items are often priced cheaply despite the harmful environmental and health impacts associated with them. Fast fashion brands capitalize on this cycle, offering low-quality garments at high rates, but without any regard for the long-term effects on the planet or consumers.
The Price Tag: What Are We Really Paying For?
Given all these environmental impacts, skin-related concerns, and the rise of fast fashion, it’s hard to understand why luxury brands are still charging so much for clothing made from polyester. It’s not as though the material is particularly durable or breathable, either. While polyester might look sleek initially, it doesn’t age well. After a few washes, it loses its sheen, and the fabric can start to feel cheap.
So, when you’re paying over $150 for a piece of clothing made from polyester when this fabric is priced at $2 per meter, what exactly are you paying for? The design? The brand? The marketing? It’s easy to see how premium prices can be attached to an item because of its name, but should we really be paying top dollar for something that’s not even a long-term investment in terms of quality or comfort?
And with fast fashion contributing to poor labor practices and environmental damage, it’s clear that the high price tag doesn’t necessarily reflect a commitment to fair wages or sustainability. In the end, the consumer is left with a garment that might look good at first but isn’t built to last or do any good for the planet or the people making it.
Switching to Cotton: A More Sustainable and Skin-Friendly Alternative
Cotton is a fantastic alternative to polyester for both environmental and health reasons. It’s a natural, breathable fabric that doesn’t trap moisture or heat, making it much kinder to your skin. Cotton clothing is less likely to cause irritation or rashes, making it a better choice for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, cotton is biodegradable, unlike polyester, meaning it will break down naturally when discarded.
At Oceana Swimwear, we’re committed to offering high-quality clothing, swimwear, and footwear made from sustainable materials, including organic cotton, Hemp, Silk, Linen, Bamboo, Wool, Tencel, Flax, Cashmere, Renylon, Piñatex, Organic Hemp, Recycled Wool, Cork Fabric.. We believe in providing our customers with products that not only look good but also feel good. Our mission is to create pieces that are gentle on both the skin and the planet, ensuring that you’re investing in something durable, comfortable, and eco-friendly.
As a business owner, I want to be part of the change that’s pushing for more conscious, eco-friendly choices in fashion that not only look good but feel good for our skin and the planet.
Thank you for reading up to here,
See you soon!
Ana