Originally published July 2019 | Updated June 2026
Quick answer: What are microplastics in clothing?
Microplastics in clothing are tiny plastic fibres shed from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane during wear and washing. These fibres can enter waterways, oceans, household dust and the wider environment. Choosing natural fibres such as organic cotton, hemp, linen and wool can help reduce plastic in your wardrobe and lower the amount of microplastic fibres released.
It may surprise you to learn that plastic can be found within most of our wardrobes in the form of synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane. Go on, check a few garment tags out of curiosity.
These synthetic fibres are created through chemical processes using fossil fuel-derived ingredients. In short: it's plastic spun into fabric.
Every time these garments are worn and washed, tiny plastic fibres can be released into the environment. These microfibres can enter waterways, oceans, household dust and the wider environment, contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution.
Microplastics have now been detected in oceans, rivers, drinking water, food, air, household dust, human blood, lungs, placentas and other tissues. Scientists are increasingly concerned about the scale of human exposure and the persistence of plastic pollution in the environment.
What are microplastics in clothing?
Microplastics in clothing are tiny plastic fibres shed from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane during wear and washing.
These fibres are often called microfibres. Because they are so small, they can travel through wastewater systems, become part of household dust and accumulate in the environment.
Synthetic fabrics are common because they are lightweight, stretchy, durable, quick-drying, inexpensive to produce and easy to blend with other fibres.
The most common plastic-based fibres in clothing include:
- Polyester — used in activewear, fleece, dresses, shirts, jackets and fast fashion
- Nylon — used in swimwear, stockings, underwear, activewear and outerwear
- Acrylic — often used in knitwear and jumpers as a wool alternative
- Elastane, Lycra or spandex — used to add stretch to leggings, jeans, underwear, swimwear and fitted clothing
Polyester, for example, is made from the same broad family of plastic used to make PET drink bottles, but instead of being moulded into a bottle, it is spun into fibres and woven or knitted into fabric.
Fabric label tip: A garment may look and feel natural, but the care tag might show a blend such as 60% cotton and 40% polyester, or cotton with elastane for stretch. Always check the fibre composition label.
Synthetic fibres can also sneak into garments by being blended with natural fibres. For example, a dress might be 60% cotton and 40% polyester, or a pair of jeans may contain elastane to help them hold their shape.
Blended fabrics can be difficult to recycle because separating different fibre types remains a significant challenge. When bringing new clothes into your life, look for 100% natural fabrics where practical.
Which fabrics contain plastic?
| Fabric | Plastic-based? | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Yes | Activewear, fleece, dresses, jackets, fast fashion |
| Nylon | Yes | Swimwear, activewear, hosiery, underwear |
| Acrylic | Yes | Knitwear, jumpers, scarves, blankets |
| Elastane / Lycra / spandex | Yes | Stretch clothing, leggings, swimwear, underwear |
| Bamboo viscose / rayon | Not petrochemical plastic, but processed | Basics, underwear, sleepwear, activewear blends |
| TENCEL™ lyocell | Not petrochemical plastic, but processed | Clothing, underwear, bedding, activewear blends |
| Modal | Not petrochemical plastic, but processed | Underwear, basics, sleepwear |
| Organic cotton | No | T-shirts, basics, underwear, baby clothing |
| Linen | No | Shirts, dresses, pants, summer clothing |
| Hemp | No | Durable basics, shirts, pants, accessories |
| Wool | No | Jumpers, socks, thermals, outerwear |
Are bamboo, TENCEL™ and modal plastic-free?
Bamboo viscose, modal and TENCEL™ lyocell are made from plant materials rather than petrochemical plastics. However, they are processed fibres rather than raw natural fibres like cotton, hemp, linen and wool.
They are also frequently blended with elastane for stretch, so it's important to check the fibre composition label rather than relying on marketing claims alone. A simple takeaway: plant-based doesn't always mean plastic-free, and natural-sounding fabrics can still contain synthetic fibres.
Why are microplastics from clothing a concern?
Microfibres can be released when:
- Clothes are worn and rubbed during everyday use
- Garments are washed in the washing machine
- Fabrics break down over time
- Fibres become part of household dust
- Clothing is disposed of and breaks down in landfill or the environment
Wastewater treatment systems capture some fibres, but not all of them. Millions of microfibres continue to enter waterways, rivers and oceans where they contribute to plastic pollution.
Did you know?
A single load of synthetic laundry can release hundreds of thousands of microfibres into wastewater.
Synthetic textiles are estimated to contribute 16–35% of the microplastics entering the world's oceans, making clothing one of the largest sources of primary microplastic pollution globally.
The European Environment Agency estimates that 200,000–500,000 tonnes of textile-derived microplastics enter marine environments every year.
Microplastic shedding from textiles is now recognised as a significant source of plastic pollution. Once released, these fibres can persist in waterways, oceans, soils and ecosystems for decades.
Microplastics are consumed by marine life and can move through food chains. Studies have linked microplastic pollution to impacts on feeding, digestion, growth and behaviour in a range of aquatic species.
Microplastics have now been detected in drinking water, food, household dust, human blood, lungs, placentas and other tissues. Human exposure is no longer theoretical — it is already occurring.
Some synthetic fabrics may also contain chemical additives. Testing has identified elevated levels of BPA in certain activewear products, while PFAS can be used in some performance fabrics for water- and stain-resistant properties.
While research into the long-term health impacts is ongoing, the widespread presence of microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals in the environment and the human body is driving growing concern worldwide.
Because synthetic fibres break down extremely slowly, the clothing choices we make today can continue affecting ecosystems and future generations long after a garment has been discarded.
How to reduce microplastics from your laundry
You do not need to throw out every synthetic garment you own. Keeping clothing in use is usually better than sending it straight to landfill.
The most practical place to start is the laundry.
| Laundry habit | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Wash synthetic clothing less often | Fewer washes means less fibre shedding over time |
| Spot clean when practical | Reduces unnecessary washing |
| Use cold, gentle cycles | Gentler washing reduces stress on fabric fibres |
| Wash full loads where possible | Less friction and movement can help reduce fibre breakage |
| Wash similar fabrics together | Reduces friction between rough and delicate fabrics |
| Avoid tumble drying where possible | Heat and friction can weaken fibres faster |
| Use a microfibre-catching laundry bag | Helps capture fibres before they leave the washing machine |
Reduce microplastics in your laundry
A microfibre-catching laundry bag is a simple way to care for synthetic clothing you already own while helping reduce fibres entering waterways.
Shop Guppyfriend washing bag
Best natural fibres for a plastic-free wardrobe
When bringing new clothing into your life, look for natural fibres that are breathable, durable and free from synthetic plastic fibres.
Organic cotton
Soft, breathable and versatile. A good everyday option for T-shirts, basics, underwear and children's clothing.
Hemp
Durable, breathable and long-lasting. Hemp softens with wear and is a strong choice for basics, shirts, pants and accessories.
Linen
Made from flax and naturally breathable. Linen is especially comfortable in warm Australian climates.
Wool
Warm, durable and naturally insulating. Wool can regulate temperature and often requires less frequent washing than synthetic fabrics. Learn how to care for wool and whether you really need a dedicated wool wash.
Natural fibres may still shed fibres during washing and wear, but they are not plastic fibres. Choosing 100% natural materials helps reduce the amount of persistent synthetic microplastic released from your wardrobe over time.
When shopping, check the garment composition label carefully. Look for 100% organic cotton, 100% linen, 100% hemp or 100% wool where practical.
Looking for natural fibre clothing? Explore our range of organic cotton, hemp and linen clothing.
Is activewear made from plastic?
In many cases, yes. Activewear is one of the trickiest wardrobe categories to make plastic-free because stretch, compression, moisture-wicking performance and shape retention often rely on synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon and elastane.
Most leggings, sports bras, bike shorts, swimwear and performance tops contain polyester, nylon and elastane. These fibres help the garment move with your body, but they are also plastic-based.
The best approach is to keep and care for the activewear you already own, wash it gently, use a microfibre-catching laundry bag and choose better fibres when you need to replace something.
Related read: Is your activewear made of plastic? Learn what to look for in leggings, sports bras, synthetic fibres, BPA, PFAS and workout clothing.
10 simple ways to reduce plastic in your wardrobe
Whether you're taking part in Plastic Free July or simply looking to reduce plastic in everyday life, small changes to how you buy, wear and care for clothing can make a difference over time.
Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to look beyond reusable coffee cups and shopping bags and explore one of the most overlooked sources of plastic in everyday life: our clothing.
✓ Check the fibre labels on five garments you already own
✓ Wash activewear and synthetic clothing less often
✓ Spot clean between washes where possible
✓ Start using a microfibre-catching laundry bag
✓ Choose a natural fibre when replacing a clothing item
✓ Swap an acrylic knit for wool
✓ Swap a polyester basic for organic cotton
✓ Repair, mend or alter a garment instead of replacing it
✓ Buy one high-quality piece you'll wear for years
✓ Learn what's really in your wardrobe by checking the fibre composition labels
Taking part in Plastic Free July? Choose just one action from this list and build from there. Plastic-free living isn't about perfection. Small changes add up over time.
One small action is a great place to start. 💚
Ready to reduce plastic in your wardrobe?
Small changes in how you buy, wear and wash clothing can reduce plastic in your wardrobe and help lower microplastic pollution.
Explore women's natural fibre clothing
Related reads
Is your activewear made of plastic?
A deeper look at leggings, sports bras, synthetic fibres, BPA, PFAS and microplastics in workout clothing.
Why go plastic free?
Learn why plastic-free swaps matter for your home, health, waste and the environment.
Plastic pollution statistics Australia
Key facts and figures about Australia's plastic waste problem.
Successful Plastic Free July tips
Simple ways to reduce plastic at home, at work and on the go.
FAQs
What is plastic-free clothing?
Plastic-free clothing is clothing made from natural fibres rather than synthetic plastic-based fibres. Examples include organic cotton, linen, hemp and wool. Polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane are plastic-based fibres.
Is polyester a plastic?
Yes. Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from petrochemicals. It is a form of plastic that is spun into fibres and used to make fabric.
Is nylon a plastic?
Yes. Nylon is a synthetic plastic-based fibre. It is commonly used in activewear, swimwear, hosiery, underwear and outerwear.
Does clothing release microplastics?
Synthetic clothing can release microplastic fibres during washing, wearing and general use. Polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane are key fibres to watch for.
Do natural fibres shed microplastics?
No. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp and wool may shed fibres, but those fibres are not plastic microfibres. The main concern for microplastic shedding is synthetic clothing.
Is bamboo clothing plastic-free?
Bamboo clothing is often made using bamboo viscose or bamboo rayon, where plant material is chemically processed into fibres. While bamboo originates from a plant, bamboo fabrics are not always plastic-free and are frequently blended with elastane or other synthetic fibres. Always check the fibre composition label rather than relying on marketing terms.
What fabrics should I avoid for a plastic-free wardrobe?
For a more plastic-free wardrobe, avoid or reduce polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane where practical. Check garment labels, as these fibres are often blended with cotton, linen or wool.
Is activewear plastic-free?
Most activewear is not plastic-free. Leggings, sports bras, bike shorts and performance tops usually contain polyester, nylon and elastane for stretch, compression and quick-dry performance.
What are the best natural fibres for clothing?
Organic cotton, hemp, linen and wool are strong choices for a lower-plastic wardrobe. Cotton is soft and versatile, hemp is durable, linen is breathable and wool is insulating.
Do I need to throw out synthetic clothes?
No. Keep using what you already own. Wash synthetic clothing carefully, repair garments where possible and replace worn-out items with natural fibres over time.
Are recycled polyester clothes plastic-free?
No. Recycled polyester is still a synthetic plastic fibre, even when it is made from recycled materials such as PET bottles. While recycled polyester can help reduce demand for virgin plastic, it can still shed microplastic fibres during wear and washing.
