Fabric VS Fabric
When we consider the potential hazards to our health which exist in this beautiful world, seldom do we give thought to the fabrics we place on our skin. Of course, we don’t ‘eat’ clothes, but in the same way that mercury - through prolonged contact with our skin - ultimately leeches into our bodies and causes harm, prolonged exposure to toxic ‘chemically treated’ fabrics have the potential to damage us by similar ways.
Luckily, most countries mandate textile manufacturers to list the fibres which constitute their products on an attached tag. Unfortunately, we aren’t readily informed of the dangers certain fibres can have on our body after the hours and hours we spend wearing our favourite garments.
As usual, what is best is often what is natural. When you find products made of Acetate, Acrylic, Nylon, Polyester, Rayon (Viscose) or claiming to be static-resistant, stain-resistant, permanent press, wrinkle-free, stain-proof, or moth-repellent, it’s worth thinking twice about your purchase. These fibres and the chemicals they’re treated with in the name of ‘convenience’ can lead to oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions, chronic inflammation (increasing cancer risks), hormonal dysregulation (due to phalates), dermatitis and an increased risk of tumours.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that modern sports-ware is largely made from the harmful synthetic fibres seen above. When we exercise, we open our pores in order to sweat and cool our bodies down from intense physical exertion. However, in doing so the synthetic fibres touching our skin begin to leach, at an increased rate, into both our skin and sweat-glands. This process is catalysed by the now moist environment said chemicals find themselves in, allowing them to mix with our soluble sweat and better absorb into our bodies.
The simplest way to protect yourself from these dangers is to remove all toxic clothing from your wardrobe - especially those you work-out in or use as pyjamas, as these items will pose the greatest risks.
Natural alternatives, despite being a little more pricy, often feel so much better on your skin and lead to far less skin-related diseases and irritations. Such materials include:
Bamboo
Hemp
Silk
Linen
Wool
Organic Cotton (most is treated with chemicals)
Lyocell/Tencell (man-made fibre created from wood pulp)
Cashmere
Leather
Cotton, Lyocell/Tencell, and Hemp are ideal for those days at the gym as they keep you relatively cool, and absorb any excess sweat.
By renewing your wardrobe with smarter choices your body will begin adapting to a cleaner living state, reducing autoimmune reactions, and resulting in the gradual improvement of your general health and wellbeing.