Microfiber is a synthetic fabric with powerful applications, but unfortunate side effects

Today’s widespread production of microfiber for clothing, fabrics, and other textiles can be traced back to the 1960’s by the Japanese research and development company Toray Industries. By 1970 they had officially invented the first microfiber called ‘Ultrasuede’, a non-woven plastic fabric still used today for clothing, upholstery, vehicle interiors, accessories and many more general applications.

Nowadays, most microfibers are made from varying combinations of polyester and nylon, rayon, or acrylic melted down and extruded into ultra fine fibers 100 times smaller than the human hair, woven together to form pleats of plastic fabric, or kept unwoven like the original ‘Ultrasuede’.

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These microfibers were celebrated for decades for their incredible properties such as being lightweight, flexible, anti-wrinkling, shape retaining, water repellent, soft, and quick to dry, making them good for applications such as travel towels, car detailing towels, or specialized outdoor gear.

However, no good modern invention goes without its caveats. Microfibers do have some serious disadvantages - they are simply not completely safe for human use. Since these fabrics are quite literally just plastic and extremely fine, they easily shed and release tens of thousands of tiny plastic particles called microplastics if you launder them in a washer or dryer.

A study from the University of Plymouth in 2020 concluded that even just wearing clothes could release more microplastics into the environment than washing them, shedding particles into the air.

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Toxic microplastics are constantly released from microfiber fabrics

Discussion on the effects of microfibers have largely been limited to whether or not they are environmentally friendly (spoiler: they aren’t - these plastics are rapidly destroying ecosystems and wildlife). However, research on the health risks to humans of microplastics released from microfibers is growing every year.

Namely, the disruption of the endocrine system and hormone functions, fertility, development (especially in young children and pregnant mothers), and cancer as a result of microplastic exposure.

This makes microfiber applications such as towels and the microfiber bedsheets you sleep on unsafe for prolonged direct skin contact, or when skin is wet (microplastics can be dermally absorbed even more easily when skin is moist).

Cotton and other plastic-free microfiber alternatives for towels and clothing

The main appeal to microfiber towels and sheets are their quick-drying properties, so what materials are similar to microfiber for these use cases?

Cotton is classic, non-synthetic and microplastic-free fabric with a variety of constructions with different properties.

One of the best types of cotton for quick-drying towels is Turkish cotton. This cotton, which is only grown in a small region of Turkey, has exceptionally long fibers compared to other types of cotton. The characteristics of these unique fibers produce a softer texture, increased absorbency, and a faster drying towel.

American Soft Linen Turkish Cotton Towels are an excellent choice for someone trying to swap out their plastic-ridden towel. Their bath towel set of 4 starts at $39.99, and comes in a variety of colors. They also sell oversized towels and hand towels in the same variations for a decent price.

Personally, I haven’t needed a replacement for these fantastic towels since. However, any 100% organic towels will already be a great step towards reducing your microplastic absorption.

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If you’re looking for non-plastic sheets, cotton also makes for a safe, comfortable bedding material, and can help achieve that hotel bed feel.

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In the same vein, consider swapping out your plastic underwear for organic blends that are better for your skin in order to reduce microplastic absorption near reproductive organs that are most susceptible to damage from exposure.

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What other fabrics contain microplastics?

If you want to learn more, check out our guide organic and synthetic fabrics, their properties, and whether or not they release microplastics.

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