What are microplastics and does your clothing shed them?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size that shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic every time they are worn, washed, or dried. A single load of synthetic laundry can release hundreds of thousands of microfibers into waterways, and these particles have been found in drinking water, food, human blood, lung tissue, and even placental tissue.

When you wear synthetic clothing, friction between the fabric and your skin releases microfibers directly onto your body. During exercise, when pores are open and blood flow to the skin increases, the potential for absorption rises. These particles are so small that they can penetrate skin and enter the bloodstream. Studies are still emerging, but early research associates microplastic exposure with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage.

Switching to natural-fiber clothing is the most direct way to eliminate textile microplastic shedding from your wardrobe. Plant-based fibers like Tencel and organic cotton biodegrade naturally and do not release persistent plastic particles. At ONDU, every brand we carry prioritizes plastic-free or minimal-synthetic materials, so you can work out, sleep, and live without adding to the microplastic burden on your body or the planet.