Ingredient
Polyester (80%)
What is Polyester (80%)?
Polyester is a synthetic polymer made from a chemical process involving petroleum-derived components. It is created through a process called polymerization, where monomers like ethylene and terephthalate are bonded together to form long chains.
Polyester is primarily used in textiles due to its durability, wrinkle resistance, and ability to retain shape. In clothing, it is often blended with natural fibers like cotton to improve product performance. There is no substantial health evidence indicating that polyester poses a health risk when worn as clothing.
When seen on a label, polyester typically refers to the makeup of the fabric rather than an ingredient in a consumable product. It doesn't have direct health implications from contact but is less biodegradable than natural fibers, raising environmental concerns.
Commonly found in: Clothing, Upholstery, Sportswear, Luggage, Footwear
What to watch
- Polyester is less biodegradable, contributing to environmental concerns.
Benefits
- Polyester is durable and resistant to wrinkling, making it a popular choice in textiles.
The FDA does not regulate polyester as it pertains to textiles and clothing.
There is no significant research indicating health risks from wearing polyester clothing.
Polyester is synthetic and not derived from animals, making it suitable for vegan use.
Sources: Polyester Fibers and Fabrics
Scout's take
Petroleum-derived synthetic plastic fiber forming the main fabric. Polyester+spandex is the exact fabric class CEH found BPA in across multiple major activewear brands (Oct 2022 / May 2023 testing). Sheds microplastic fibers with every wash. Worn in maximum skin-to-fabric contact during sweaty exercise, which amplifies absorption of any residual chemical finishes.
Found in 2 products
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