Microplastic in Fashion: How Our Clothes Shape the Planet

Every time you do laundry, you’re polluting the ocean."

That might sound dramatic, but it’s the hidden truth behind the clothes we wear. From trendy polyester jackets to fast-fashion favorites, our wardrobes are shedding millions of invisible microplastics with every wash. These tiny fibers, barely visible to the naked eye, find their way into rivers, oceans, and even the food we eat. The fashion industry is not just shaping styles—it’s shaping the future of our planet’s ecosystems.  

"Wearing sweatpants is a sign you’ve given up control over your life" – Karl Lagerfeld. 

This famous statement by one of the most influential fashion designers may have been meant as a witty critique, but it also shines a light on a deeper truth: fashion is more than just clothes—it’s an expression of art, creativity, and identity. Yet, behind its allure lies an uncomfortable reality: fashion is fleeting. What we eagerly buy one season is often forgotten in the back of our closets quickly, eventually making its way to the trash.

the Ghana Report

The rise of fast fashion—where international textile companies sell clothes at extremely low prices—has revolutionized how we consume clothing. But this affordability comes at a cost: globally, an estimated 92 million tons of clothing waste are generated annually. Most of this waste ends up in landfills, incinerators, or worse — dumped into the oceans.

A Bigger Problem: What Our Clothes Are Made Of

The environmental toll of fashion isn’t just about how much we throw away—it’s also about what our clothes are made of. The majority of today’s clothing is produced using synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. While these materials offer durability and affordability, they’re also a significant contributor to global plastic pollution.

Here’s why:

Hernandez et al., 2017

Synthetic fibers don’t biodegrade. Once discarded, they persist in the environment for centuries. Washing synthetic clothes releases tiny fibers called microfibers into wastewater, which then find their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans. These microfibers—essentially a form of microplastic—are too small to be filtered out and become permanent pollutants.

Microfibers: A Hidden Ocean Pollutant

project cece

Research shows that a third of all microplastics in the ocean can be traced back to synthetic textiles. These invisible particles may be small, but their impact is vast: From the tiniest plankton to the largest fish, marine organisms inadvertently consume microplastics, leading to harmful effects on ecosystems, food chains, and ultimately, human health. Once in the environment, microplastics cannot be removed. Their microscopic size and widespread presence make them one of the most pressing and persistent problems for marine conservation.

Hope in Every Choice

Despite the overwhelming scale of the issue, there is reason for hope: we, as individuals, hold the power to make a difference. By making sustainable choices, we can reduce both the amount of clothing waste we generate and the microfibers that enter the environment.

Why does this matter?

Because every single one of us wears clothes—no matter our age, gender, culture, or income. Fashion touches us all, and our choices as consumers can have a tangible impact on the health of our planet.

This blog series aims to empower you with practical, science-backed strategies to reduce your plastic footprint in the realm of fashion and textiles. 

• The science behind textile waste and microfiber pollution
• Make more conscious decisions when buying clothes, sustainable clothes, including understanding recycled fabrics and sustainable brands.
• Choose laundry products and practices that protect your clothes while minimizing microfiber shedding.
• Protect not only the oceans and the environment but also your health through thoughtful clothing care.

crossline apparell group

Fashion connects us all—but it also connects us to our planet’s health. With Oceans & Emotions, my goal is to educate, inspire, and empower thoughtful choices that reduce pollution and protect our oceans. 

By following the principle of “think global, act local,” we can each contribute to preserving the beauty and balance of our oceans, one decision at a time. Let’s dive into the ways we can make fashion a force for good 😊. 

References:

Earth.org. (2024). Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact. 

Theroundup.org. (2024). 17 Most Worrying Textile Waste Statistics & Facts.

Projectcece.co.uk (2020). The Problem with Microplastics & How You Can Help the Ocean.

crosslineapparelgroup.com. Sustainability Issues in Textile Industry. 

Liu et al., 2022. Microfiber Pollution in the Earth Systems. DOI

Salvador Cesa et al., 2017. Synthetic fibers as microplastics in the marine environment: A review from textile perspective with a focus on domestic washings. DOI 

Avio et al., 2017. Plastics and microplastics in the oceans: From emerging pollutants to emerged threat. DOI  

Hernandez et al., 2017. Polyester Textiles as a Source of Microplastics from Households: A Mechanistic Study to Understand Microfiber Release During Washing. DOI