
July 11, 2025
Your clothes are disrupting your hormones (our guide to healthy clothing)
You likely don’t give much thought to the fibres that brush against your skin each morning. A bra clasped in haste. A pair of leggings pulled on for the gym. A t-shirt that boasts “100% Recycled Polyester” in proud green lettering. It sounds promising...waste transformed into something new. But behind the marketing, the truth is much less comforting. Polyester is the textile incarnation of the same plastic that strangles oceans and clogs our landfills. It is the silent infiltrator of our endocrine systems, the molecular saboteur finding its way into our lymphatic pathways. And it has become the default fabric of modern life. Why it is so harmful Polyester is, quite simply, a petroleum product. Every time you slip on that soft-feeling synthetic, you are enrobing yourself in plastic polymers derived from crude oil. These polymers don’t just sit inert on your skin. When warmed by body heat. or more crucially, soaked in sweat during exercise, polyester fibres can release xenoestrogens (synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in your body). Over time, chronic exposure can subtly alter your hormone balance. Research has linked synthetic textiles to: Lowered sperm count and testosterone in men Menstrual irregularities and estrogen dominance in women Disruption of thyroid function through constant low level absorption of petrochemical residues The greenwashed myth of recycled polyester And then there’s the well-meaning marketing “Made from Recycled Bottles!”. You see this on exercise clothes, fleece jackets, even children’s pyjamas. But recycling plastic doesn’t make it harmless. Here’s what often isn’t mentioned: “Recycled” polyester sheds microplastics in every wash. These microplastics end up in waterways, ingested by marine life, and. Eventually, us. But they don’t just get in through what we eat or drink. When synthetic fibres sit against warm, damp skin, especially during exercise, tiny particles and residues can also be absorbed transdermally. Over time, they can make their way into our lymphatic pathways, circulating through tissues and quietly adding to the body’s toxic load. The chemical processes required to break down and reform plastic often leave behind residues of antimony, BPA, and phthalates, known endocrine disruptors linked to hormone imbalances and metabolic issues. But what feels especially troubling is how brands like H&M, already known for relying on low-wage factories, are using recycled polyester to make children’s clothes (and proudly championing it). They take the cheapest plastic waste and turn it into bright, appealing kids’ clothes. You can read their own article about it here. It's deeply unsettling how they're marketing this as something for the youngest. These are children whose detoxification systems are still developing, who are more susceptible to hormone disruption and bioaccumulation over time. And the cycle continues, disposable fast fashion, microplastic pollution, and the quiet erosion of health, rebranded as ethical consumption. The frequency of fabric Now this one may seem a little more esoteric, but if you’ve ever slipped into a pure linen dress or wrapped yourself in wool on a cool evening, you may have noticed a peculiar, almost ineffable calm. There’s a reason for this. Natural fibres like linen, cotton, and wool possess high bioenergetic frequencies. Everything has a measurable frequency, an electromagnetic resonance. Linen, for instance, has been recorded at 5,000 Hz, while organic cotton measures at around 100 Hz. Polyester and most synthetics hover near 0 Hz. A body clothed in high-frequency fibres is more likely to remain in an optimal vibrational state, supporting the delicate electrical currents that govern cellular health. Natural fibres also offer tangible physical benefits: They are breathable, reducing bacterial overgrowth and odour. They wick moisture without trapping heat or toxins against your skin. They are more durable and resistant to pilling, meaning they often last decades rather than months. While a cotton t-shirt or linen trousers may cost more upfront, the lifespan, and the absence of health costs, make them an investment rather than an expense. Exercise clothing, where it matters Think about the moments you sweat the most: running, weightlifting, yoga. Your pores open. Your circulation increases. If your clothing is polyester, you’re intensifying your exposure to plastic-derived chemicals precisely when your body is most absorbent. That’s why exercise clothing is one of the most critical areas to rewild. Organic cotton, hemp, and merino wool alternatives exist, and while they may not have the neon sheen of synthetic activewear, they respect your biology far more profoundly. First steps towards a healthier wardrobe Let’s be honest: overhauling an entire wardrobe is neither cheap nor simple. Fast fashion is designed to be convenient and irresistible. But you don’t have to do everything at once. Here are the most impactful first swaps to consider: 1. Underwear first Your underwear has the most sustained contact with your reproductive organs. Prioritise 100% organic cotton underwear and bras. This single change can meaningfully reduce daily exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. 2. Exercise clothing next Switch out synthetic leggings, sports bras, and tops for natural fibre alternatives. When you sweat, you amplify the absorption of any residues. 3. Shop second hand High quality linen, wool, and cotton are often available in excellent condition on resale platforms. Think of it as rescuing a garment that was made to last, and already survived years without fraying. 4. Mindful maintenance Natural fibres respond beautifully to proper care. Learn to mend, air-dry, and store them thoughtfully. Over time, you’ll build a wardrobe that feels alive and resilient. Our ancestors clothed themselves in materials that returned to the earth without fanfare or pollution. Today, our closets are lined with materials that may outlive us by centuries, and compromise our health along the way. To rewild your wardrobe is to step out of the synthetic slipstream and back into resonance with nature’s intelligence. It is a gesture of self respect, a vote for a slower, richer existence. And perhaps most surprisingly, you often save money over time. When you become discerning about what you bring into your wardrobe, choosing only natural, high-quality pieces, you naturally pause before buying something simply because it’s 40% off in a flash sale. You stop impulse purchasing polyester sweaters you’ll wear twice before they lose their shape. You buy fewer things overall, but you treasure each of them.Natural fibres respond beautifully to proper care. Learn to mend, air-dry, and store them thoughtfully. Over time, you’ll build a wardrobe that feels alive and resilient.