Every child is taught about the food groups and the key to eating for health. But wellness is not just about what goes in your body; it’s also about what goes on your body.
Rates of production and consumption are at an all-time high, and over 100-150 billion items of clothing are manufactured each year. Compared to the 1970s, households are spending less on clothing, but each member of the family now owns 70 more garments than in the past. Industry standards have changed, and subpar clothes that aren’t made to last are rapidly being produced.
People are mainly focused on the disastrous environmental effects of producing fashion at such prodigious rates. There is no doubt that fast fashion speeds up climate change, but the lackluster quality of clothing is also dangerous to our health. Synthetic fabrics like nylon, spandex, and polyester are created completely from petroleum-based chemicals. Formaldehyde is used to make clothes wrinkle-free and on heavy metals.
Formaldehyde and potentially toxic chemicals are regulated during the manufacturing process. However, chemical gases are released when synthetic clothing is heated in your home’s dryer. Not only are you wearing these chemicals on your body, but you may also be releasing them throughout your home.
Nonylphenol ethoxylates, Teflon, and formaldehyde are woven into the fabrics you wear or used in the manufacturing process. Hearing these big, multisyllabic words sounds scary, but why should you be scared? All of these chemicals have been linked to reproductive harm and endocrine system-related illness. They contribute to cancer and have the potential to wreak havoc on your kidney, liver, and brain systems. Heavy metals like lead and chromium can stabilize the synthetic, chemically processed dyes in clothing. In the short term, these chemicals can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even hair loss. Living in constant discomfort because of the clothes you spend your money on doesn’t seem like such a great deal anymore.
So, how do we avoid buying garments that harm us? Start by looking at the labels. Many clothing items do the work for you and list the percentages of what fabrics are used. Synthetic fabrics can seem unavoidable these days, but take the time to assess how much each piece of clothing is really needed. It’s normal to consider the money you will be spending and the effects on the earth that come with each purchase, but value your health in the process.
E-commerce fashion sales hit almost $110 billion in 2023. Looking online for clothing has become the norm, making it easier to be conscious about the brands you buy from. A simple keyword search in the search bar of any of your favorite apps will lead to a laundry list of non-toxic brands. Social media algorithms also allow for personally curating content, making it easier and easier to find resources on clean, sustainable fashion the more you look for it.
Switching from synthetics is not easy, requiring a total mindset shift. We have become accustomed to spending less and buying more but at a severe cost to our bodies. Trade in the body acne and cancer-causing chemicals for long-lasting garments that don’t antagonize the wearer. Not only will you be helping the environment by divesting from fast fashion, but you will also open yourself up to a world where each clothing item in your closet was bought with meaning and good intentions.
Will you start the journey to a cleaner, better you?
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
