Why People Are Saying Goodbye to Polyester (And Why Esme and Elodie Agrees)

What is polyester, and how did it take over our closets?

Polyester is a plastic. It's made from petroleum, melted down and spun into fibers, the same family of material as a plastic water bottle.

It took over because it's cheap, fast to produce and wrinkle-resistant. In 2024, polyester made up 59% of all fiber produced worldwide, about 78 million tonnes, according to Textile Exchange's Materials Market Report (Apparel Resources). Roughly 88% of it is made from fossil fuels (USB Certification).

That cheapness is exactly what fueled fast fashion: more clothes, worn fewer times, thrown away sooner.

5 reasons people are saying goodbye to polyester

1. Microplastics in every wash

Every time polyester goes through the washing machine, it sheds tiny plastic fibers. Researchers at the University of Plymouth estimated a typical 6 kg load can release around 700,000 microfibers (EEB META). Washing synthetic textiles is linked to roughly 35% of primary microplastics released into the ocean, per an IUCN study (Lenz fact check). Those fibers end up in rivers, oceans and, eventually, the food chain.

2. It doesn't breathe

Polyester repels water instead of absorbing it. That sounds handy until you're wearing it on a warm day: sweat sits on your skin, heat gets trapped and you feel sticky. For curvy bodies, where fabric meets fabric under arms, thighs and busts, breathability isn't a luxury. It's comfort.

3. The smell that won't wash out

Odor-causing bacteria cling to synthetic fibers, which is why a polyester top can smell stale even right out of the dryer. Natural fibers tend to release odors more easily in the wash.

4. Growing health questions

Scientists are still studying what microplastics and the dyes and finishes on synthetic fabrics mean for our bodies. The answers aren't all in yet, and many people would simply rather not wear plastic against their skin all day while they wait.

5. It doesn't last, and it doesn't go away

Cheap polyester pills, snags and loses shape fast. Then it sits in a landfill for decades. Recycling isn't the fix people hope: textile-to-textile recycling is still under 1% of global fiber production (USB Certification).

Why Esme and Elodie agrees

Fabric is a huge part of that. Here's how we think about it:

• Comfort comes first. If a piece is hot, clingy or itchy, it won't make you feel good, no matter how cute the print is. Breathable fabrics simply work better for curvy bodies.
• We'd rather you buy less and love it longer. A well-made cotton or linen piece that lasts for years beats a polyester top that pills by spring.
• We curate with intention. We prioritize ethically made products and women-owned brands, and fabric content is part of that checklist.
• We'll always tell you what it's made of. Ask us about any piece in the store. No greenwashing, no guilt trips.

We're not perfect, and a little stretch (hello, spandex) sometimes makes a waistband actually work. But every season, we're choosing more natural, breathable fabrics, because that's what our customers are asking for and what we want to wear ourselves.

How to start saying goodbye to polyester (without tossing your whole closet)

You don't need a wardrobe purge. The most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own. Instead, shop smarter going forward:

1. Read the care tag first. Look for cotton, linen, hemp, wool, silk, Tencel (lyocell), modal or rayon/viscose.
2. Know the natural-ish options. Tencel, modal and rayon are made from wood pulp. They're soft, drapey and breathable, a great middle ground.
3. Watch for sneaky blends. "Cotton-feel" or "linen-look" often means polyester. A small amount of spandex for stretch is fine; mostly polyester is the thing to avoid.
4. Do the touch test. Natural fibers feel cool and soft and wrinkle a little. Polyester often feels slick, slightly shiny and warm.
5. Wash smarter. For the polyester you keep, wash cold, use shorter cycles and air-dry to cut shedding.
6. Ask your boutique. A good shop knows what's in its clothes. Ours does.

Frequently asked questions

Is polyester bad for you?

Polyester isn't toxic to touch, but it sheds microplastics, traps heat and sweat, and can hold onto odor. Research on long-term health effects of microplastics is still ongoing.

What's the most breathable fabric?

Linen is generally the most breathable, followed closely by cotton and Tencel.

Is recycled polyester better?

It keeps some plastic bottles out of landfills, but it still sheds microfibers and is hard to recycle again. Recycled polyester is only about 12% of polyester made today (USB Certification).

Is rayon a natural fabric?

Rayon (viscose) is made from plant cellulose, usually wood pulp, but it's processed with chemicals. It's semi-synthetic, and it breathes far better than polyester.

Where can I find plus-size clothing in natural fabrics near Renton, WA?

Esme and Elodie at 710 S 3rd St in downtown Renton carries size-inclusive boho styles, with more breathable, natural-fiber pieces every season. You can also shop online.

A final note

Saying goodbye to polyester isn't about perfection. It's about choosing clothes that feel good on your body, last longer in your closet and leave a lighter mark on the planet.

That's the kind of shopping we believe in at Esme and Elodie. Come see us at 710 S 3rd St in downtown Renton, or browse our latest arrivals online, and ask us anything about what your next favorite piece is made of. To check out some natural material options- Our All Cotton Collection is HERE to stay.