Ingredient
Polyester (100%)
What is Polyester (100%)?
Polyester is a synthetic polymer made from a chemical reaction involving petroleum-derived materials such as ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It's known for being durable, strong, and resistant to many chemicals and environmental conditions.
Polyester is used in textiles and clothing due to its resistance to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkles. While there is little concern about health risks when polyester is used in clothing, environmental concerns exist due to its non-biodegradable nature.
When you see polyester on a clothing label, it's typically indicative of the fabric content. It makes garments less likely to shrink and is often blended with natural fibers to add durability and shape retention.
Commonly found in: Children's Clothing, Workout Shorts, Bedding, Upholstery, Outdoor Gear
Benefits
- Polyester is resistant to stretching and shrinking, which enhances the durability of textiles.
- Its wrinkle-resistance makes it easy to care for and maintain appearance over time.
The FDA does not regulate polyester as it is primarily used in textiles and not intended for ingestion.
Research focuses more on environmental impacts than health effects, with concerns about microplastics.
Polyester is not derived from animals and is generally considered vegan-friendly.
Sources: Polyester Fiber in Textiles
Scout's take
Petroleum-derived plastic fabric. Sheds microplastics during every wash cycle that enter waterways and the food chain. Confirmed plastic leaching onto skin during wear — acts as an endocrine disruptor mimicking estrogen. Non-biodegradable.
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