Worried about microplastics in clothing but unsure where to start? You're in the right place.
Most modern clothes – especially activewear – are made from plastic. These fabrics shed tiny synthetic fibers into the environment, the air, and even our bodies.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- What microplastics are and how they affect your health and the planet
- Which fabrics shed the most microplastics
- How to spot safer, natural alternatives
- Practical steps to reduce your exposure (without overhauling your entire wardrobe)
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What are Microplastics in Clothing?
- Which Fabrics Release the Most Microplastics?
- Microplastics in Clothing: Why It's a Problem (Especially for Activewear)
- Microplastic and Nature
- Microplastics and Health: The Science You Need to Know
- A Quick Note On Bioplastics
- How to Avoid Microplastics in Clothing: 5 Simple Steps
- Tripulse's Safer, Smarter Material Approach
- Microplastics in Clothing: FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Microplastics in Clothing: Key Takeaways
The Problem
- Microplastics have infiltrated just about every corner of the Earth – including our bodies.
- Microplastics from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are among the most persistent and harmful.
- Microplastics are carriers of toxic chemicals used to treat most modern clothing.
- Wearing synthetic activewear increases your exposure – especially during sweat, heat, and friction.
The Solution
There are simple and effective ways to avoid microplastics in clothing. With small, thoughtful changes, you can protect your well-being and the planet. Here's how:
- Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex – even recycled and biobased plastics.
- Choose certified, natural fibers like TENCEL™ Lyocell or organic cotton. For activewear, go for natural fiber blends paired with safer stretch alternatives like Roica® V550.
- Wash your clothes gently: use cool water, gentle cycles, and air-dry when possible.
- Swap synthetic items gradually, starting with skin-close basics like underwear and activewear.
- Be mindful of laundry bags and filters – they are somewhat effective but aren't a long-term solution.
What are Microplastics in Clothing?
Let's start with the basics:
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring 5mm or smaller. Nanoplastics are even finer – less than 1 micrometre in size. These particles come from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are intentionally manufactured at this size.
Microfibers and nanofibers are types of microplastic. They're tiny synthetic threads that shed from plastic-based fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex. Even natural fabrics like cotton can release microfibers, but these are plant-based rather than plastic.
Our wardrobes have become the largest source of microplastic pollution – especially synthetic activewear.
Today, around 60% of all clothing is made from petroleum-based plastics. Synthetic fibers are common in leggings, sports bras, and performance tops because they're stretchy, durable, and lightweight.
But with every movement, wash, and wear, plastic garments release thousands of invisible microfibers. They escape into water systems, drift through the air, and can even enter our bodies.
Which Fabrics Release the Most Microplastics?
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed high amounts of microplastic fibers. Even recycled and biobased options are just as polluting.
Just one laundry load of polyester clothing can release up to 700,000 plastic microfibers into waterways.
Microplastics can also escape during wear, especially when clothing rubs against the skin.
Fast fashion and its burgeoning supply chain also make the microplastic problem worse:
"Fast fashion accounts for particularly high levels of such releases [of microplastics] because fast fashion garments account for a high share of first washes, as they are used for only a short time and tend to wear out quickly due to their low quality." – European Environment Agency
In contrast, natural fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell, cotton, hemp and wool shed plant-based fibers.
Yet many natural fibers are still blended with synthetics or treated with harsh chemicals and dyes. The key is to look for materials that are plastic-free, responsibly processed, and certified non-toxic.
We share more tips on how to spot safe, clean fabrics in our checklist later in this guide. Keep reading to learn more!
Microplastics in Clothing: Why It's a Problem (Especially for Activewear)
Microplastics and Nature
When it comes to microplastics in nature, one thing is clear: they're everywhere.
From the deepest ocean trenches to the tallest mountain peaks, microplastics have reached nearly every corner of the Earth. Their presence is now so widespread that experts have started calling this era the "Plasticene" – a time defined by plastic pollution.
Clothing is a major part of the problem. Microfibers from synthetic textiles are some of the most persistent microplastics in the environment.
Synthetic textiles are believed to contribute around 35% of all microplastics in the ocean. Some studies suggest they make up as much as 90% of the plastic particles ingested by marine life. If current trends continue, we're on track to add another 22 million tonnes of microplastics by 2050.
It's no wonder our oceans are now being described as a swirling "plastic soup"!
What Microfibers Are Doing to Nature
- Food chain disruption: Tiny marine organisms like zooplankton confuse microfibers for food. This affects their health and the health of animals that feed on them. The plastic then moves up the food chain, eventually ending up on our plates.
- Harm to wildlife: Microfibers can cause a myriad of problems when ingested by marine life. They disrupt feeding patterns, impair growth, and can even result in fertility issues.
- Contributes to climate change: Did you know the ocean is the Earth's largest carbon sink? It absorbs CO2 through a process called "marine snow" – where dead plankton sink and take carbon with them. Microplastics make plankton more buoyant, slowing their descent and reducing the ocean's ability to store carbon and slow the effects of climate change.
- Threat to crops and soil: Microplastics might reduce photosynthesis in plants, including staple crops. One study estimated a 12% drop in growth, which could have serious effects on global food systems.
"The predictions are that we'll see wide-scale ecological harm from the microplastics in the next 70 to 100 years." – Richard Thompson, Marine Biologist.
Microplastics and Health: The Science You Need to Know
The average adult is exposed to over 320,000 microplastics each year.
Microplastics in clothing are among the most common, and potentially most harmful, forms.
The science around microfibers and human health is still emerging. Here's what we know so far:
1. Microplastics Can Absorb Through the Skin (+ the Chemicals They Carry)
Our skin is designed to protect us. It's our body's natural barrier to the outside world.
Experts currently believe that the outer layer of skin isn't porous enough for most microplastics to pass through directly.
But emerging research suggests that micro- and nanoplastic fibers could still enter the body through natural openings – including sweat glands, hair follicles, or damaged skin.
In fact, skin-to-fabric contact is now seen as one of the main ways these particles can enter the body.
"Micro- and nanoplastics represent a form of emerging pollutants [...] The possible penetration of these particles through the skin has become a major concern for human health." – (Menichetti et al., 2024)
But it's not just about the tiny plastic fibers themselves – it's also what they carry.
Most synthetic clothing – especially activewear – is treated with performance-enhancing chemicals like PFAS, BPA, and flame retardants.
A 2024 study by the University of Birmingham found that microplastics act like "Trojan horses" for these chemicals, carrying them directly into the skin. Researchers found that:
- Hazardous chemicals can leach from microplastics into sweat.
- Up to 8% of those chemicals can then be absorbed through the skin.
- Sweatier skin absorbed more, showing that moisture increases the risk of exposure.
"Microplastics are everywhere in the environment…they play a role as 'carriers' of harmful chemicals, which can get into our bloodstream through the skin." – Dr Ovokeroye Abafe.
2. You Can Also Inhale Microplastics From Clothing
What we wear affects not just our skin – but also what we breathe.
One of the biggest sources of airborne microplastics is synthetic clothing. Scientists are discovering we may inhale up to 170 microplastics a day, most of which are likely microfibers.
In fact, one study found that wearing polyester can release even more microfibers into the air than washing it.
Scientists from the University of Hull discovered microplastics in the deepest parts of the human lungs. One of the most common types was nylon; a plastic fiber widely used in activewear.
3. Microplastic Can Build Up in Your Body Overtime
Microplastics and nanoplastics don't simply pass through us; they can stay and accumulate in the body over time.
Once inside, microplastics can travel through the bloodstream and settle in various organs and tissues.
Beyond the lungs, microplastics have also been detected in other sensitive areas like the brain, placenta, and even breast milk.
Early research suggests long-term exposure to microplastics, and the chemicals they carry may be linked to:
- Endocrine (hormone) disruption
- Inflammation
- Damage to cells (which can contribute to long-term disease)
- Reduced male fertility
- Higher risk of developing some cancers
What This Means for Your Activewear
When it comes to microplastic–or microfiber– exposure, synthetic activewear creates the "perfect storm":
- It's tight, sits close to the skin and is often worn for long periods.
- It's worn during movement and sweating, which can boost absorption of these fibers and the toxic chemicals they carry.
- Motion and friction alone can cause substantial micro- and nanofiber release – what we tend to do a lot of during exercise!
A Quick Note On Bioplastics
Bioplastics are made from starch-based sources fibers corn, rice, or sugarcane. They're often marketed as a green, biodegradable alternative to fossil-fuel plastics. You'll find them in everything from clothing to packaging.
Yet recent research shows certain bioplastics can be just as toxic and may carry similar health risks to conventional plastics. They can also shed "micro-bioplastics" where washing releases large amounts into the environment.
That said, the field of bioplastics is still evolving. With further development, they may still become a lower-impact and healthier solution to our burgeoning plastic problem.
How to Avoid Microplastics in Clothing: 5 Simple Steps
Microplastics in clothing are a concern. But you can take action.
In the following sections, we'll walk you through simple, practical steps to help reduce your exposure to microplastics in clothing.
We hope that these tips will help you manifest a better way to move and live.
1. Avoid Clothing Where the Primary Fabric Is Synthetic
Whenever possible, steer clear of clothing made from conventional synthetics like polyester, nylon, polyamide and acrylic.
Even "eco-friendly" options like recycled and biobased plastics can be problematic. One study found recycled polyester sheds even more microplastic fibers compared to virgin polyester.
That said, avoiding all synthetics isn't always realistic. For high-performance pieces like leggings and sports bras, some stretch is essential for movement, fit, and long-term comfort. This is why you'll often see natural fiber activewear blended with a percentage of elastane.
2. Choose Natural, Clean Fabrics
Opt for clothing powered by nature rather than plastic.
- Prioritize certified, minimally processed plant-based fibers such as wood-based TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton, hemp, linen, and wool.
- Whenever possible, go for 100% natural fibers. For skin-tight activewear where stretch and mobility are essential, look for:
- A high percentage of natural fibers
- A small amount of skin-safe, certified stretch alternatives like Roica® V550 (as noted above)
Watch Out for Harsh Chemical Processing
Even natural fabrics can be treated with toxic dyes or finishes that compromise their safety and sustainability. For example:
- Conventional cotton is often grown with synthetic pesticides and mixed with chemicals like formaldehyde to improve performance.
- Merino wool can undergo chlorine-heavy "superwash" processing to make the fabric machine-washable.
The shedding of chemically-treated natural fibers can be just as problematic as synthetic microfibers. These treatments can reduce biodegradability and leave behind skin-irritating residues.
Look for Trusted Certifications
To ensure natural fiber clothing and activewear is truly safe and responsibly made, check for third-party certifications. These labels confirm non-toxic processing and high environmental standards.
Key certifications include:
3. Wash Your Clothes Gently
Smart laundry habits can make a real difference in reducing microfiber shedding during wash and wear.
Gentle care helps protect fibers and reduces the number of microplastics released over time.
- Wash less often: Only launder clothing when it really needs it. Fewer washes mean less fiber breakage and shedding.
- Use gentle, cool cycles: Stick to cold water and delicate settings. Research shows gentle cycles can reduce microfiber shedding by over 70%.
- Avoid tumble dryers: They can shed up to 3.5x more microfibers than machine washing. Household dryers can release as many as 120 million microfibers per year into indoor environments.
- Hand wash: One study found that hand washing polyester released over 90% fewer microfibers compared to machine washing.
Note: These tips help reduce microfiber shedding but don't solve the problem. For a long-term solution, shifting away from synthetic materials to more natural options is key.
4. Replace Synthetics Gradually, Starting With Skin-Close Pieces
Let's be real: most wardrobes contain synthetic clothing. And that's ok.
Instead of replacing everything at once, take it step by step. When you do need something new, choose high-quality, natural pieces that are certified safe and sustainable.
We recommend starting with what sits closest to your skin. Activewear, underwear, and sleepwear are often worn for long periods or during sweat and movement. As mentioned above, these are the times when you're most vulnerable to microplastic exposure.
Natural performance fabrics are a game-changer for your wardrobe. They combine comfort, style, and functionality – all without relying on plastic and toxic treatments.
TENCEL™ Lyocell is one of the best natural performance fabrics available – especially for skin-close pieces. Here's why:
- Durable by nature – built to handle all kinds of movement from high-intensity workouts to everyday wear
- Breathable and moisture-wicking – keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable during activity
- Naturally odor-resistant – helps you stay fresher for longer without unpleasant smells and endless washing cycles
- Soft and skin-friendly – smooth, friction-free comfort (even for sensitive skin)
- Incredibly versatile – perfect for activewear, lounging, layering, and travel
- Outperforms cotton and other natural fibers – especially when it comes to comfort, odor and moisture management
- Certified safe and sustainable by trusted third-party labels– including OEKO-TEX® which ensures the fabric is tested for harmful substances and is safe to wear
6. Be Mindful Of Laundry Bags and Microplastic Filters
Microplastic laundry bags and washing machine filters can help reduce microfiber pollution. However, they're by no means the perfect solution.
Laundry bags like GuppyFriend bags and Cora Ball have been shown to catch some microfibers during washing.
A 2020 study found the GuppyFriend bag reduced fiber shedding by approximately 39% per wash.
There are also washing machine filters designed to catch microplastics from clothing. Peer-reviewed research shows microfiber filters can reduce fiber emissions by up to 90%.
However, the only real solution to microfiber pollution is to stop it at the source. In other words, phasing out synthetic fabrics that shed toxic and non-biodegradable microplastics entirely from the global fashion supply chain.
This shift requires both industry change and strong government action toward circular, plastic-free systems.
Tripulse's Safer, Smarter Material Approach
We get this question a lot: "Is your activewear completely plastic-free?"
It's a great question, and one we take seriously. Because for many of you (and us), what you put on your skin matters. In our recent community survey, more than half of you said you're concerned about microplastics, toxins, and synthetics in clothing.
At Tripulse, we've made it our mission to minimise those concerns – and that starts with materials.
We use one of the highest percentages of natural, wood-based TENCEL™ Lyocell in the activewear space. It's naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle on your skin. But here's the challenge: when it comes to activewear – especially leggings and bras that should sit on the body like a "second skin" – some stretch is still needed for comfort, freedom of movement, high performance and durability.
That's where it gets tricky. Fully removing synthetic stretch isn't technically possible yet, but we're always researching, testing, and choosing the cleanest, safest options available. And we use them only where they're absolutely needed.
Here's What Goes into Every Tripulse Piece:
TENCEL™ Lyocell
- Used in all our activewear with a percentage ranging between 84-100% (all our tank tops and T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts use 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell)
- Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp
- Naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant
- Only uses one non-toxic organic solvent N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) to turn wood into fabric
- Closed-loop production: 99.8% of water and solvent recovered
- Fully biodegradable and certified by OEKO-TEX®, FSC®, PEFC™, TÜV Austria, EU Ecolabel
Roica® V550
- Used at a small percentage in Original Leggings and Shorts to give the required stretch for high performance, freedom of movement and durability
- Biodegradable under industrial composting and decomposes into CO2 and Water after degradation. The yarn is also able to break down faster in microbiologically active soil without releasing harmful substances.
- Non-toxic and skin-safe – Cradle to Cradle Certified™ with with the material health category "gold"
- One of the most sustainable and healthiest elastane alternatives available today
Roica® EF
- Used at a small percentage in our Pro Leggings and Sports Bra to give the required stretch high performance, freedom of movement and durability
- Certified non-toxic pre-consumer recycled elastane
- Roica® V550 couldn't be used in this fabric due to current technical limitations. We explored every option, but it's not yet compatible with this particular TENCEL™ Lyocell/stretch blend required for these products
- Fabric certified sustainable and non-toxic by EU Ecolabel, FSC, PEFC, REACH and OEKO-TEX®
Dyes, Drawstrings & Labels
- Water-based, non-toxic dyes
- Drawstrings made from natural rubber and organic cotton
- Organic cotton care labels
Microplastics in Clothing: FAQ
What clothing has no microplastics?
Clothing made from natural fibers, not plastic-based ones, contains no microplastics. This includes materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and wool.
However, there's a small caveat to this! Natural fabrics can still shed harmful fibers if they're blended with synthetics or treated with toxic chemicals.
To stay truly microplastic-free, look for clothing that is:
- Free from polyester, elastane or other synthetic blends
- Free from harsh chemical dyes and finishes
- Certified by trusted standards like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, or Cradle to Cradle
Why is polyester clothing bad to wear?
Polyester may be the go-to fabric in fashion, but it comes with serious downsides for your health, comfort, and the planet:
- It's made from polluting plastic. Polyester is fossil-fuel-based and often treated with toxic chemicals during production.
- It sheds harmful microplastics. Polyester doesn't break down naturally. Instead, it releases tiny polyester microfibers when worn, washed or thrown away. These fibers pollute ecosystems and build up in wildlife and humans.
- It can release chemicals when you sweat. Heat and moisture may increase your skin's exposure to toxins used to make polyester fabric.
- It doesn't feel good to wear. Polyester isn't breathable or odor-resistant. It traps heat and bacteria – especially during workouts.
A better choice? Natural performance fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell.
TENCEL™ is one of the best natural alternatives to polyester. It offers superior breathability, moisture management and odor control without any harsh treatments. This is all while upholding the highest health and sustainability standards during production.
Read our guide to TENCEL™ vs. Polyester to learn more!
Can microplastics be absorbed through the skin from clothing?
Microplastics may not easily pass through intact skin. But new research shows that they can enter through natural openings such as sweat glands, hair follicles, or damaged skin. This matters most when wearing skin-tight clothing like activewear, where heat, sweat, and movement may increase exposure.
Will microplastics stay in your body?
Yes. Once microplastics enter the body (through skin, inhalation, or ingestion) they can travel through the bloodstream and build up (or bioaccumulate) over time.
They've already been found in the lungs, brain, and even breast milk. Research is still emerging, but early studies suggest links to long-term health concerns.
Can you wash microplastics out of clothes?
Microplastics are part of the fabric itself. This means you can't wash them out completely. As long as clothing is made from plastic, it will keep shedding microplastics.
Does 100% cotton have microplastics?
100% cotton sheds plant-based microfibers rather than microplastics. It's a natural material sourced from the fluffy hairs of the cotton plant.
That said, cotton is sometimes treated with toxic chemicals. If heavily processed, the fibers it sheds can still pose environmental and health risks. Always look for certified, organic cotton to be safe.
Final Thoughts
The fabrics we wear should support our well-being rather than work against it.
But the reality is, most clothing today is made from synthetic materials that shed microplastics.
Activewear can be especially tricky. Even pieces made with natural fibers often rely on added elastane for stretch.
The good news? Better options exist.
One of the simplest ways to cut your microplastic exposure is to choose certified fabrics made from nature, not plastic.
For skin-tight pieces that need stretch to perform, look for high natural fiber content paired with certified, non-toxic alternatives like Roica® V550 or Roica® EF.
You also don't need to overhaul your wardrobe all at once. Start by replacing the pieces you wear most and closest to the skin – like underwear and activewear.
With every thoughtful swap, you're doing something powerful for your health and the world around you.
Because better fabrics don't just make better clothes – they're the foundation for better living.
For more, visit:
- Your Ultimate Guide to Toxins in Clothing for a Healthier You
- How to Avoid PFAS in Clothing
- What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?
- TENCEL™ vs Polyester
- TENCEL™ vs Cotton
- Fast Fashion vs Slow Fashion
About the Author
This article is written in collaboration with Christie Johnson (B.A. Hons, PGCert), a health and sustainability writer with over five years of experience in the conscious fashion space. She explores how the clothes we wear affect our skin, well-being, and the planet - translating complex ideas into clear, empowering insights. With a strong foundation in clean materials and non-toxic living, Christie's work is grounded in integrity, curiosity, and a deep care for people and the world we share.
