Polyester, Natural Fibers, and Why This Fabric Debate Matters

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the uproar around polyester. People are calling out mid-luxury brands for using it, grouping them in with fast fashion, and questioning why pieces that cost two hundred dollars are made with synthetic fibers. I’ve seen these conversations too, and honestly, they’ve been on my mind a lot while designing the first collection for Triplicity.

There’s this idea floating around that if a brand uses polyester, it’s automatically cutting corners or being cheap. And while yes, polyester is generally less expensive to produce than natural fibers, there’s way more nuance to this than social media gives credit for.

One of the biggest complaints I’ve seen about popular mid-luxury brands is that they charge a premium for garments made with polyester, and people feel like it’s not worth it. They want quality. They want luxury. And to many shoppers, polyester just doesn’t feel luxurious. But then I’ll post a poll or ask around, and tons of people will say they actually prefer polyester because it’s less fussy, easier to wear, and doesn’t wrinkle like crazy.

Polyester has been used for decades because it’s durable, wrinkle resistant, and easy to care for. That last part might sound basic, but it really matters. Not everyone has the time or the knowledge to hand wash or dry clean their clothing. Just because you might spend the time or have the knowledge to take great care of your clothes that are made with natural fibers does not mean everyone else does. And when I think about the kind of pieces I’m designing for Triplicity, minimalist staples that are meant to be worn on repeat, what that means to me is something that holds up time and time again, that isn’t harming the planet, that feels good on the body, and that you can throw on for anything from the office to dinner to a casual weekend. So this begs the question, what fibers do I use for Triplicity?

Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool are incredible for breathability and sustainability. And when cared for correctly, they can last a long time. But they also wrinkle much more easily, often require specific washing methods, and don’t always hold their shape over time in the same way synthetic blends do. The truth is, not every customer has the bandwidth or interest in that kind of upkeep.

That being said, synthetic fabrics have their own major concerns. One of the biggest issues is microplastic pollution. When you wash synthetic fibers like polyester, they shed microscopic plastic particles that can end up in waterways and oceans. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, about 35% of the microplastics found in the ocean actually come from synthetic textiles. Polyester is also not biodegradable, which means when it ends up in a landfill, it stays there for decades or even centuries. So yes, while it might last a long time in your closet, it also lasts a long time in the environment.

This is exactly why I’m currently working with my factory to source recycled polyester and other recycled synthetic fabrics. If we’re going to use materials that don’t naturally break down, I’d rather use the ones that are giving a second life to plastic bottles and post-consumer waste instead of adding more to the planet’s growing trash problem. Using recycled synthetics allows me to prioritize wearability and longevity while at least taking a step toward circularity.

But to be completely transparent, I’m still figuring this out. I plan to incorporate natural fabrics like cotton into the collection too, and I want to be thoughtful about which pieces use which materials. There’s no one perfect answer and it is not black and white. I’m constantly talking to people about this. Friends, family, fellow designers, consumers on social media. And I’m hearing both sides loud and clear.

It kind of feels like a lose lose. But I’m trying to think of it more like a design challenge. I’m asking myself how I can strike the right balance. How can I design investment pieces that look elevated, feel luxurious, last for years, and also consider the planet.

Drop a comment or reach out to me on social media letting me know your thoughts on this- what do you prioritize when you’re shopping? Do you care more about natural fibers and sustainability even if it means higher maintenance? Or do you prefer something that’s easy to care for and wearable every day, even if that means it’s a recycled synthetic? I need every bit of feedback so I can design what people actual want, and will love for years to come!

 

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Xoxo,

Arianna

Founder of Triplicity