The Backlash Against Polyester Has Gone Too Far

The recent backlash against synthetic clothing has been swift and merciless, with many enthusiasts trading in their polyester boxer briefs for natural fibers like cotton and wool. While it’s true that synthetics have their drawbacks – microplastics, forever chemicals, and a host of other environmental concerns – the pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction.

Natural fibers are indeed wonderful, but they’re not always the best choice. Consider the humble raincoat: an all-natural design may look great, but its ability to repel water is often sacrificed for the sake of aesthetics. A synthetic-coated raincoat will keep you dry in a downpour – and that’s not just about performance; it’s also about sustainability.

Synthetic materials were invented to solve problems. Nylon, for example, was first unveiled at the 1939 World’s Fair as a game-changer for women’s lives. It promised to free them from endless laundering and usher in an era of luxury. While this vision didn’t quite play out as planned – synthetics still have their uses.

Synthetic fabrics offer several benefits that are often overlooked in our zeal to banish all things man-made. They can enhance a garment’s lifespan by making it more durable, less prone to wrinkles, and easier to care for. Polyester repels moisture, dries quickly, and is used extensively in athletic gear for its performance aspects.

However, our natural-fiber fixation has led us to ignore semi-synthetic fibers like Tencel, modal, and rayon. These materials are made from natural plant material that’s been chemically dissolved and reconstituted – a process that can be either staggeringly toxic or ecologically responsible.

The environmental impact of our choices needs closer examination. While organic cotton is often touted as sustainable, conventional cotton production is far more water-intensive than semi-synthetic fibers like lyocell and modal. Terms like “recycled cotton” are also misleading in many cases – they’re little more than marketing gimmicks.

The backlash against polyester has led to a curious phenomenon: the rise of “polyester as an insult.” Gen Z now uses it to describe anything deemed cheap or inauthentic. However, this attitude is misguided. Polyester may have its drawbacks, but it’s not inherently bad – and neither are synthetic fibers more generally.

We need to find a balance between our desire for sustainable fashion and the needs of our clothing. Sometimes, synthetics really are the best materials for the job. Issey Miyake’s famous pleated pieces, for example, use polyester because its thermoplastic qualities help them keep their shape. Polyester actively repels moisture and dries quickly – essential benefits in athletic gear.

Let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater. We can have a more nuanced conversation about the role of synthetics in our clothing, one that acknowledges both their limitations and their benefits. By doing so, we might just create a more sustainable fashion industry – one that values performance, durability, and environmental responsibility above all else.

The natural fiber frenzy may be the latest chapter in our ongoing saga with synthetic materials, but it’s also an opportunity to rethink our relationship with clothing altogether. We can strive for a more thoughtful, more responsible approach to fashion – one that balances aesthetics with performance, and sustainability with practicality.