Are the synthetic fibers in our favorite activewear actively contributing to our environmental crisis? From natural fibers sourced from plants, animals, or minerals to synthetic fabrics derived from fossil fuels, making informed and conscious choices in fashion is essential to slow down and minimize their impact on Earth. This article explores the lifecycle of synthetic fabrics and their unsustainability, emphasizing the urgent need to reconsider our consumption patterns.
Synthetic fabrics are made by chemical synthesis and developed to imitate natural materials. The group includes some of the most common fibers worn today: nylon, polyester, acrylic, and spandex. Unlike natural fibers, synthetic fibers depend on non-renewable sources of fossil fuel and are non-biodegradable; large-scale production has huge ecological concerns, such as pollution, microplastic release, and also difficulties in recycling.
History of Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics entered the clothing industry for the first time with nylon being launched and announced as the “world’s first fully man-made fiber” on October 27, 1938. The production process of nylon involves coal, water, and air. With this creation, the fabric production was promised to never be the same. As coal forms from prehistoric forests compressed over geological time, its transformation into nylon reveals the complex relationship between our reliance on natural resources and the significant implications of industrial manufacturing.
Coal is found mostly in places where prehistoric forests existed.
The economic, social, and cultural circumstances of the 20th century drove the rapid adoption and acceptance of synthetic fibers, leading to an explosion in clothing production and consumption over time. Classic, raw, and natural materials like cotton, silk, and wool were gradually replaced by synthetics that imitated their appearance and feel, driven by consumers’ desire for new fashion options in the post-war era.
Consequences of Synthetic Fabrics
Nylon, polyester, and acrylic are made from petroleum-based chemicals, meaning they are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years when discarded. This persistence significantly contributes to pollution and the growing issue of microplastics infiltrating ecosystems. As a result, waste management becomes increasingly challenging as landfills fill up with thrown-away synthetic clothing.
Reliance Industries in India and China’s Hengli Group are the world’s largest polyester manufacturers. Russia is the largest oil supplier to Reliance Industries and its polyester manufacturing. Hengli Group is purchasing Russian oil to make its polyester-based products.
The environmental impacts associated with synthetic fabrics are shocking! Not only do they contribute to waste, but their production processes and incineration also result in the release of greenhouse gases. But, how can the fashion industry continue to rely on fossil fuels without acknowledging its role in environmental degradation? Investigations reveal an ongoing issue of greenwashing from fashion companies, presenting and marketing themselves as more sustainable than they truly are, when at the same time, they are sourcing polyester in nonsustainable ways, such as purchasing Russian oil to make its polyester-based products at a time of war.
The Evolution of Sportswear
During the 1950s, following two decades of economic depression and war, synthetic fabrics continued to meet consumers’ demand for new clothing options. This led to a revolution in sportswear design, whose core premise was based on the idea that wearing the right attire is essential for successful performance in sports. Sportswear adapted to the demands of various sports, activities, and events.
Today, sportswear continues to evolve with performance-enhancing features and technological developments. Fabrics that absorb sweat, regulate body temperature, and provide compression support have become the norm, essential for both performance and comfort. As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, the fashion industry must shift toward sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices in athletic apparel.
While synthetic materials offer essential qualities—such as durability, elasticity, and moisture management—they also present environmental challenges. Recognizing the dual nature of these fabrics is crucial for consumers seeking to balance performance needs with sustainable practices.
A family in the Western world throws away an average of 30 kg of clothing each year.
Time for a Change
The time for carelessness is over! The urgent need to explore alternatives to synthetic fabrics in sportswear is not just necessary—it’s critical. The fashion industry must understand and confront the jarring reality: biodegradable or organic materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester are not options but lifelines for the Earth. The fashion industry’s reliance on petroleum-based fabrics is not sustainable. It’s a destructive cycle that threatens our environment and future.
The call to action is clear: We must abandon fossil fuels for new textile production and drastically reduce the manufacture of new products. The truth is, the planet is filled with thrown-away clothing—there’s plenty of unused inventory. It’s time to hold brands accountable for their commitments to sustainability. Choose to support those who genuinely prioritize eco-friendly practices. Every purchase is important and counts for the environment we want to see and live in.
As consumers, our power is greater than we think. We can reshape the fashion industry’s trajectory by recognizing synthetic fabrics’ terrible environmental impact and making conscious choices that reflect our values. Now is the moment to educate ourselves, advocate for sustainable practices, and demand a sportswear future that honors not just our performance, but the health of our planet Earth. The situation is serious, and our planet can’t handle our lack of concern anymore, —let’s make a difference now!
Written by Daniela Guerrero
Daniela is an environmental advocate writer based in El Salvador. Her passion for conservation began at 14, leading her to embrace vegetarianism and a sustainable lifestyle. An invaluable internship with the Slow Fashion Movement enriched her understanding of sustainable fashion and deepened her commitment to promoting a circular wardrobe and waste reduction.
References:
- https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/synthetic-threads/
- https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=synthetic&tl=true
- https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/nylon-the-creation-of-a-revolutionary-fabric/
- https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-coal-works
- https://evaathletic.com.au/blogs/gym-gear-tips/the-history-of-sportswear?srsltid=AfmBOorbb0IajDEgjzM6x1d4_5GOSEha4zmOt_gdXE3ZVEoBrI99PmXN
- https://textileexchange.org/app/uploads/2024/04/The-Future-of-Synthetics.pdf
- https://changingmarkets.org/report/dressed-to-kill-fashion-brands-hidden-links-to-russian-oil-in-a-time-of-war/
- https://www.oudtshoorncourant.com/News/Article/LifeStyle/fashion-the-2nd-largest-polluter-in-the-world-201906050902
- https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/Polyamides.aspx
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