Sure, polyester is everywhere, but did you know it could be silently causing problems for your children.
We all want the best for our little ones—healthy food, safe toys, and plenty of cuddles. But have you ever thought about what they’re wearing? If you’ve been choosing kid's clothes based on cuteness and price (we totally get it!), but you might be surprised to learn that most are made from polyester—a fabric that’s more plastic than anything!
5 sneaky ways polyester clothing might be messing with your kid (and what to do instead!)
Polyester is made from the same stuff as plastic bottles. Would you wrap your kid in a plastic grocery bag? Probably not. But that’s kind of what polyester does—it traps heat, sweat, and who-knows-what-else against your kid’s delicate skin.
Better Alternative? ☁️ Choose organic cotton, bamboo, or linen—they’re like giving your kid a cozy, breathable hug all day!
2. Polyester can release “secret” chemicals (That sounds way too sci-Fi for kid clothes!)
Ever heard of off-gassing? It’s when polyester releases chemicals into the air (and onto your kid’s skin!). Some of these chemicals, like formaldehyde, can irritate breathing and cause allergies. Babies breathe faster than adults, so they inhale a lot more of whatever is in the air.
Better Alternative? 🌱 Stick to natural, toxin-free fabrics like linens, that won’t make your kid feel like they’re wearing a science experiment.
3. Polyester contains toxic chemicals that absorb into the Skin
Many polyester fabrics contain endocrine disruptors such as phthalates—chemicals that mess with hormones. Babies, whose hormones are still developing, are especially vulnerable, potentially leading to metabolic issues.
What to do instead?
Opt for organic fabrics that are free from harmful dyes and toxins.
4. Micro-plastic in clothing: Absorbed through skin?
Yes, micro-plastics in clothing can potentially be absorbed through the skin. When synthetic fabrics like polyester are worn, microplastics can shed from the fibers, especially when the clothing is washed. These tiny plastic particles can come into contact with the skin, and sweat can further increase the absorption of harmful chemicals carried by micro-plastics. Micro-plastics can enter the body through sweat glands, hair follicles, or skin wounds, which is a concern, especially for babies with more sensitive skin.
5. It might be giving your kid the itchies (No one likes the itchies!)
Babies with sensitive skin (which is basically all babies) can get red, itchy, and irritated from synthetic fabrics. And let’s be honest—nobody enjoys being covered in mystery rashes! Polyester is known to trap bacteria and moisture, which can make skin problems like eczema worse.
Better Alternative? 🌿 Linen and organic cotton are naturally hypoallergenic and let your kid’s skin breathe—no more surprise rashes!
Final thoughts
Give your kids the softest start in life!
Our little ones deserve the purest, safest, and softest fabrics against their skin. Polyester might be cheap, but natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and bamboo are better for their skin, health, and the planet.
Next time you shop, ask yourself: Would I want to wear plastic all day? If not, then why should your kid? 🌿💚
Look for conscious brands you can trust, using nature-based fabrics, with linen being one of the best. At PureStitch, we believe in linen-based fabrics for kids—it's not only great for them in all respects but also one of the most eco-friendly fabrics around.
Source: Cotton Monk, Wikipedia - Sustainable Fashion, Good Maker Tales, The Kids Point, Colechi, Wikipedia - Microplastics, The Guardian