Synthetic clothing: what to avoid and what to wear instead

Here's the ultimate guide to choosing better materials and building a cleaner, more sustainable wardrobe.

In this practical and enlightening guide, you will discover:

• Why synthetic clothing—like polyester and acrylic—harms the planet
  
  

• What is viscose fabric and why is this material often misunderstood?
  
  

• A clear comparison between cotton vs polyester and how to make the right choice
  
  

• Five toxic materials to avoid — and five eco-friendly materials to adopt
  
  

• Sustainable and smart alternatives you can start wearing today

If you're ready to dress with intention and reduce your environmental impact—without sacrificing comfort or style—this guide is for you.

Let's start where it all begins: the fabric.

Why the choice of materials is crucial in responsible fashion

What we wear every day may seem insignificant—but behind many garments lies a much larger reality. The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world, and much of that impact starts with the materials used. From pesticide-laden crops to fossil-fuel-derived fibers like synthetic clothing, our fabric choices affect more than just our closet—they affect the planet.

That's why choosing the right materials isn't just a matter of style. It's an environmental and ethical decision. And it all starts with knowing what to avoid—and what to embrace.

5 materials to avoid if you want to dress more responsibly

1. Polyester: practical, but at what price?

Polyester is everywhere—especially in sportswear, loungewear, and fast fashion. It's durable, affordable, and easy to wash. But it's also one of the most problematic fabrics in circulation today.

This popular synthetic clothing option is made from petroleum. Its production consumes large amounts of energy and releases harmful emissions. Even more concerning: polyester clothing releases tiny plastic fibers into our waterways with every wash. These microplastics don't break down and end up in our oceans, where they are ingested by marine life—and, eventually, us.

If you're undecided between cotton and polyester, the choice clearly leans towards cotton, especially if it's organic.

Alternative: Recycled polyester is a more responsible option, but natural and biodegradable materials remain the most sustainable.

2. Acrylic: false softness

That seemingly soft acrylic sweater hides a much less pleasant reality. Acrylic is another synthetic fiber derived from petroleum, and its production releases pollutants. Like polyester, it releases microplastics with every wash and persists in landfills for decades.

Acrylic fibers are often of low quality—they pill easily, retain odors, and lose their shape after a few washes. While they mimic wool, they don't offer the same durability or environmental friendliness.

Alternative: Choose wool (preferably recycled or organic), or blends with cotton and hemp.

3. Elastane (Spandex): elasticity at a high price

Spandex is found in almost all stretchy clothing: leggings, underwear, swimwear. While it provides flexibility and comfort, its environmental impact is far from flexible.

Made from fossil fuels, this fabric is difficult to recycle and degrades quickly. It is also one of the main contributors to micro-waste from synthetic clothing, released into the oceans with every wash.

Best choice: Choose clothing with a low percentage of elastane or support brands that use recycled versions of this fiber.

4. Nylon: strong, but tough

Nylon is known for its strength and silky texture. It's often found in outerwear and tights. But its environmental impact is significant.

It's made from plastic, and like polyester, nylon contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, microplastic pollution, and non-biodegradable waste. One of the most problematic aspects? It can take decades to decompose—if it ever does.

Tip: Choose clothing made from recycled nylon or opt for natural alternatives like silk or modal.

5. Viscose: the “natural” fabric that isn’t really natural

It sounds eco-friendly—after all, viscose (or rayon) is made from plant cellulose. But before we classify it as a "green" material, let's take a look at what viscose fabric actually is.

To transform this plant material into fabric, it undergoes an intensive chemical process involving toxic solvents such as carbon disulfide. These substances pollute aquatic systems and also pose a serious danger to workers.

This is the whole danger of viscose: a fabric that claims to be natural, but which leaves a toxic footprint if it is not manufactured responsibly.

Best option: Choose TENCEL™ or lyocell, made from wood pulp in a closed loop that reuses water and solvents.

5 materials that are better for you — and for the planet

1. Organic cotton: healthy, classic and conscious

The eternal cotton vs. polyester debate often comes down to comfort versus cost. But when you consider environmental impact, organic cotton clearly stands out.

Unlike conventional cotton, which requires heavy use of pesticides and large amounts of water, organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals and uses much less water. It is gentler on the skin, kinder to the planet, and far more biodegradable than any synthetic fiber.

Look for: GOTS-certified organic cotton when shopping responsibly.

2. Linen: Lightweight, breathable and low impact

Linen has been around for centuries—and for good reason. Derived from the flax plant, it requires far less water and chemicals than cotton. It's naturally breathable, regulates temperature, and gets softer with each wash.

Although it tends to wrinkle easily, many appreciate the relaxed charm of linen. It is particularly suited to warm climates and all-season staples.

Why it matters: Flax can be grown locally, without irrigation, making it a water-saving, low-pesticide superstar.

3. Hemp: the ultimate eco-champion

Hemp is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. It grows quickly, requires no pesticides, and can even regenerate soil health. It absorbs more CO₂ per hectare than most plants and produces strong, durable fibers.

Although hemp clothing may feel a little rough at first, it softens beautifully over time—just like your favorite pair of jeans. It's durable, breathable, and perfect for basics, denim, and even coats.

Try: hemp and organic cotton blends for extra softness.

4. TENCEL™ (Lyocell): modern, soft and smart

If you love the fluidity and softness of viscose, but want to avoid its drawbacks, TENCEL™ is your solution.

It's made from sustainably harvested wood—often eucalyptus—and produced in a closed-loop system that recycles nearly all of the water and solvents used. The result? A luxuriously soft, breathable fabric that's suitable for sensitive skin.

Bonus: TENCEL™ is 100% biodegradable and leaves a much smaller ecological footprint.

5. Cork: a natural wonder for accessories

Cork is increasingly appearing in wallets, shoes, and bags—and for good reason. Harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree (without cutting down the tree), it's renewable, biodegradable, and incredibly durable.

Cork is waterproof, antimicrobial, and a great alternative to both traditional leather and plastic-based vegan leathers.

Fashion asset: its unique texture and soft feel bring a natural and authentic elegance to all your outfits.

Find sustainable and committed style at Dérive ecobrand — Designed in Canada

Dérive ecobrand was born from an underwater shock. After witnessing the devastation of coral reefs, our founder returned to Quebec inspired to question the waste and damage caused by synthetic clothing. This moment gave birth to a brand rooted in sustainability, created to raise awareness and make an impact—one conscious piece at a time.

Today, Dérive ecobrand offers carefully designed collections for men and women, made locally from natural and recycled materials. Each garment reflects our values: uncompromising comfort, pollution-free fashion. Because what you wear should be good for you and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is synthetic clothing and why is it harmful to the environment?

Synthetic clothing refers to items made from artificial fibers such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, or spandex. These materials are created from petroleum derivatives and are not biodegradable. One of the main concerns related to these materials is microplastic pollution—tiny plastic fibers that break off during washing and end up in the oceans, threatening marine life.

Additionally, their production consumes significant amounts of energy and water and emits greenhouse gases. These fabrics are also difficult to recycle and take centuries to decompose, significantly contributing to landfill overload. While some brands offer recycled versions as an alternative, choosing natural materials like organic cotton or hemp remains a more sustainable solution.

Understanding the impact of what we wear allows us to make smarter, more sustainable choices—for our wardrobes and for the planet.

2. What is the difference between cotton and polyester in terms of durability?

The cotton vs. polyester debate is a common one in eco-conscious fashion. While both fabrics are widely used, they differ considerably in terms of sustainability. Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum, and it releases microplastics during washing. Its production is energy-intensive and is not biodegradable.

Conversely, conventional cotton, while natural, requires large amounts of water and pesticides. That said, organic cotton—grown without harmful chemicals and with less water—is a much better choice. When comparing the two materials, organic cotton stands out for its biodegradability, breathability, and gentleness on both skin and the planet.

Synthetic materials may last longer in some applications, but their environmental cost is much higher. For a truly sustainable wardrobe, cotton—especially organic—is often the best choice.

3. What is viscose fabric and how is it made?

If you're wondering what viscose fabric is, the answer lies somewhere between natural and synthetic. Viscose is derived from plant cellulose, usually from bamboo, eucalyptus, or beech trees, but it's heavily processed using chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide to become a soft textile fiber.

This process raises serious environmental concerns due to the release of chemicals and health risks to workers. Although it's often touted as environmentally friendly due to its plant-based origins, viscose can contribute to deforestation and pollution if it's not produced responsibly. If you're wondering about viscose from a sustainability perspective, be aware that it can be harmful without strict manufacturing standards.

Instead, consider alternatives like TENCEL™ or lyocell, which offer similar softness with a much cleaner manufacturing process.

4. What is the danger of viscose and how to avoid it?

The danger of viscose lies in its misleading image as a "natural" fabric. Although it is plant-based, viscose undergoes intense chemical processing that makes it environmentally problematic. The process involves toxic solvents such as carbon disulfide, which can harm the health of workers and pollute local ecosystems.

Additionally, some viscose production contributes to illegal deforestation, particularly when the wood pulp isn't sustainably sourced. Consumers often choose viscose for its softness and affordable price, but without ethical manufacturing, the dangers of viscose become real.

To avoid this, choose sustainable materials like lyocell or TENCEL™, produced in closed-loop systems that safely reuse water and solvents. Making the right choice allows you to enjoy comfort without compromising ethics—or your values.

Final Thoughts

Every outfit starts with a choice—and that choice starts with the fabric. By ditching synthetics in favor of sustainable alternatives, you're not just dressing well—you're making a real difference. Let's change the world through our choices.