Medically Reviewed by Lucas Rosa, PhD in Molecular Biology

If you’re focused on clean eating and non-toxic products, there’s one sneaky source of hormone disruptors you might be overlooking… your clothing.

Specifically, synthetic fabrics. We wear clothes every day (obviously), but what they’re made of matters more than we realize.

Synthetic fabrics are everywhere – leggings, bras, gym wear, socks – and while they might be stretchy and sweat-wicking, some of them come with hidden chemicals that could affect your hormone health.

What Are Synthetic Fabrics?

Synthetic fabrics are man-made textiles created from chemical compounds, mostly derived from petroleum (yes – the same stuff used for gasoline). Unlike natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or linen, synthetic fabrics don’t come from plants or animals.

Common types of synthetic fabrics include: (1)

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Acrylic
• Spandex (Lycra/Elastane)
• Rayon (semi-synthetic)

These fabrics are loved for being cheap to produce, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and flexible – making them especially popular in activewear and fashion trends.

Image by freepik

How Are Synthetic Fabrics Made?

These fabrics are made through a process called polymerization. (2) Here’s a quick peek at the process: 

1. Chemical Extraction: Synthetic fabrics start with petrochemicals (like crude oil), which are refined and processed.
2. Polymerization: These chemicals are transformed into long-chain polymers (plastic-like molecules).
3. Extrusion and Spinning: The polymer is melted down and spun into fibers, which are then woven into fabric.
4. Chemical Treatments: The fabric is often treated with dyes, flame retardants, water-repellent coatings, anti-odor agents, and softeners – many of which contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.

This chemical soup is what makes synthetic fabrics perform well, but it’s also why they’re a concern for hormone health.

How Common Are Synthetic Fabrics?

Very common. In fact, over 60% of clothing produced globally is made from synthetic materials.

It’s in:

• Workout clothes
• Swimwear
• Underwear
• Leggings and shapewear
• School uniforms
• Cheap fashion brands
• Even some baby clothes and pajamas

Because they’re affordable, easy to dye, and fast-drying, they’ve become the default for many brands – especially fast fashion and performance wear.

Image by pressfoto on freepik

How Synthetic Fabrics Could Impact Hormone Health

Here’s where things get serious. While synthetic fabrics feel harmless, they can expose your body to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are chemicals that mess with your natural hormone system, mimicking or blocking hormones like estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones.

1. Off-Gassing and Skin Absorption

Synthetic fabrics often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and BPA-like substances. These can be inhaled or absorbed through your skin, especially when you sweat or wear tight-fitting clothes. (3)

• Example: Polyester clothing can release antimony, a chemical used in manufacturing, which is a known irritant and potential toxin.

2. Phthalates and Plasticizers

Phthalates are commonly used to make synthetic fabrics flexible and soft. They’re also known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to issues like early puberty, infertility, low testosterone, and thyroid problems. (4)

3. Flame Retardants and Finishes

Some synthetic clothes – especially kids’ pajamas – are treated with flame-retardant chemicals that are hormone-disruptive and even linked to cancer and developmental issues.

4. Microplastics and Environmental Exposure

Every time you wash synthetic clothing, tiny plastic particles (microplastics) shed into the water and end up in oceans and the food chain. These particles absorb toxins and disrupt the hormonal systems of marine life. Eventually, they make their way back into our bodies through water and food. (5)

Real-World Effects of Hormone Disruption

Let’s keep it real. While wearing one synthetic shirt isn’t going to ruin your health, long-term exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals from all sources (clothing, food, packaging, beauty products) adds up. Some possible effects include:

• Irregular Periods
• Fertility Challenges
• Thyroid Imbalance
• Early Puberty
• Mood Swings and Anxiety
• Low Libido or Low Energy
• Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight

If you’re already dealing with hormonal issues, removing avoidable sources of endocrine disruptors can make a big difference over time, and switching your wardrobe is one of the easiest lifestyle upgrades you can make.

How to Reduce Exposure to Synthetic Fabrics

You don’t have to toss everything out, but small, intentional changes can reduce your body’s chemical burden.

Choose Natural Fabrics When Possible

Opt for clothing made from:

• Organic Cotton: breathable, safe for sensitive skin
• Organic Linen: made from flax, naturally antimicrobial
• Hemp: durable, naturally resistant to pests (requires fewer chemicals to grow)
• Bamboo Fabric (untreated): soft and sustainable, but make sure it’s not chemically processed
• Organic Wool: great for cooler climates and naturally breathable
• Organic Silk: great formal wear and naturally hypoallergenic

Check clothing labels and start by switching out what you wear the most, like underwear, bras, sleepwear, and activewear.

Wash New Clothes Before Wearing

New synthetic clothes are often coated in resins, dyes, and finishers. Washing them before use helps remove surface chemicals (though it won’t remove what’s embedded in the fibers).

Limit Tight, Sweat-Trapping Fabrics

Tight clothes made from synthetics (like spandex leggings and compression gear) can trap sweat and chemicals against your skin, increasing absorption. Try to alternate with breathable fabrics or natural fiber base layers.

Avoid Fast Fashion

Fast fashion brands often use the cheapest synthetic materials with little regulation. Investing in higher-quality, natural fiber garments may be more expensive up front, but they last longer and support your health.

Support Eco-Friendly and Organic Brands

Look for clothing companies that are transparent about their fabrics, dyes, and ethical sourcing. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX® indicate lower chemical use.

Non-Synthetic Clothing Alternatives

Ready to detox your wardrobe? Here are practical, affordable swaps:

Item	Synthetic Fabric	Natural Alternative
Workout Leggings	Polyester/Spandex	Organic Cotton Leggings
Underwear	Nylon/Polyester	Organic Cotton or Bamboo
Pajamas	Flame-retardant Polyester	Organic Cotton Sleepwear
T-Shirts	Rayon/Polyester Blend	100% Organic Cotton
Socks	Nylon/Spandex Blend	Hemp or Wool Socks

Conclusion

We’re exposed to hormone disruptors every day, but your clothes shouldn’t be one of them. Synthetic fabrics, while convenient, can contribute to hormonal imbalance over time through skin contact and chemical exposure.

The good news is that swapping your wardrobe doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Start with the pieces closest to your body. Over time, build a collection of breathable, natural fabrics that support your skin, your health, and the planet.

References

1. “Synthetic Fiber – an Overview.” ScienceDirect, 2017, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/synthetic-fiber.
2. Bhat, Gajanan & Kandagor, Vincent. (2014). Synthetic polymer fibers and their processing requirements. 10.1533/9780857099174.1.3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285859807_Synthetic_polymer_fibers_and_their_processing_requirements.
3. Iadaresta F, Manniello MD, Östman C, Crescenzi C, Holmbäck J, Russo P. Chemicals from textiles to skin: an in vitro permeation study of benzothiazole. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2018 Sep;25(25):24629-24638. doi: 10.1007/s11356-018-2448-6. Epub 2018 Jun 17. PMID: 29911295; PMCID: PMC6133113. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6133113/.
4. Wang Y, Qian H. Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Healthcare (Basel). 2021 May 18;9(5):603. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9050603. PMID: 34069956; PMCID: PMC8157593. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8157593/.
5. Ullah S, Ahmad S, Guo X, Ullah S, Ullah S, Nabi G, Wanghe K. A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Jan 16;13:1084236. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1084236. PMID: 36726457; PMCID: PMC9885170. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9885170/.