I’ll be the first to admit that non-toxic clothing wasn’t on my radar for the longest time. Like many, I gravitated toward all of those big-name fast fashion brands: Forever 21, H&M, Papaya, Shein. They were trendy, incredibly cheap, and everywhere. As a budget-conscious shopper who loved trying out different styles, it just made sense. Those brands always had so many trendy options that were easy on the pocketbook!
However, something gradually changed when I became a mom to my first child (I’ve heard this is common). I started paying a little bit more attention to textiles and materials that had contact with my baby’s skin, especially since he suffered from really bad eczema. And after having my second baby, something completely flipped. It’s almost like my quiet awareness started turning into a life mission (this is one of the many reasons Present & Pure exists today). Now, like so many others waking up to the health and environmental impacts of our daily choices, I’m rethinking what I wear and why it matters. With how much our clothing sets on our skin all day and night, this is such an important topic that hasn’t gotten nearly as much attention as it deserves!
Detoxing Your Closet, One Item at a Time
If you were anything like me back when I frequented stores filled to the brim with fast fashion brands, the thought of detoxing your closet may feel overwhelming. Let me start out by saying that the goal isn’t for you to overhaul your entire closet overnight. I know I definitely don’t have time and money for that. I’m still slowly but surely detoxing my closet over a year later and have a long way to go. But that’s not even the point of this article. The point is not to pressure you or make you feel overwhelmed. It’s simply to bring to light what I wish I’d known many years before about clothing fabrics. By reading this article, my hope is that you’ll be able to make informed, values-aligned decisions going forward.
Whether your motivation is health, sustainability, ethics, or all three, this guide is here to help you explore clothing materials and their health and environmental impacts with more clarity and confidence.
Non-toxic Clothing: What Makes Clothing Healthier and More Sustainable?
When you are shopping for non-toxic, sustainable clothing, understanding the materials in your clothing is key. But before I jump into actual materials, let’s first discuss what it means for clothing to be non-toxic and eco-friendly.
When deciding what materials to avoid or reduce, you want to consider both the fabric itself and how it’s made. Some materials might sound natural (like rayon), but still involve heavy chemical processing. Others are petroleum-based and can shed and release microplastics or off-gas toxins over time. Non-toxic clothing refers to garments made from materials that are safe, sustainable, and free of harmful toxins.
These are the three main things I look for in fabrics now when I shop for clothing:
- Avoid harmful toxins and unnecessarily unsafe synthetics,
- Require less energy and water during production, and
- Are biodegradable (are able to break down naturally).
Now that we know what makes clothing materials healthier and more sustainable, let’s talk about which fabrics to avoid.
Toxic Clothing Fabrics to Avoid
Before jumping into the list of fabrics to avoid, let’s be real for a minute. Sometimes we just need a raincoat that actually keeps us 100% dry. Or yoga leggings that stretch just right. There’s no shame in having thoughtful synthetic pieces that serve a purpose, especially if they’re very well-made, long-lasting, and recyclable.
But when we do have the option to choose differently, it helps to know which fabrics are most worth swapping out.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s continue on with the list of toxic clothing materials to avoid!
1. Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Spandex, etc.
All synthetic fabrics are derived from petroleum-based materials and are commonly found in fast fashion clothing items. They don’t biodegrade, often shed microplastics in the wash (which end up in our waterways), and can be irritating to sensitive skin. They also release toxins during both production and breakdown.
Some synthetic fabrics that can be found in clothing include:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Spandex
- Acrylic
- PVC
- Vinyl
Something I’ll need to note is that even conscious clothing brands may use a bit of spandex (a.k.a. elastane or Lycra) in their clothing in order to achieve some stretch. It’s honestly pretty hard finding a pair of leggings or a sports bra with zero spandex. In these cases, you can make the call about whether it’s worth it to you to try and find that 100% organic cotton sports bra or if you’re okay with that 2-10% spandex.
Honestly, the leggings I’m wearing right now have 8% spandex and 92% micromodal in them. Would I rather not have the spandex and perhaps even swap the micromodal for organic cotton? Yes. But right now, I just need some leggings to wear, and this is what I have. And it’s better than 100% synthetic leggings like many out there are. Whenever I need a new pair of leggings, I’ll look for ones with no synthetic materials. But for now, I’m okay with what I’ve got!
2. Conventional Cotton
This one may come as a surprise. While cotton in itself is technically natural, conventional cotton is often grown using large amounts of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals linger in the fibers and can be absorbed through the skin (something you’ll want to keep off of baby or sensitive skin).
Instead, opt for organic cotton (we’ll talk about this in the next section about non-toxic clothing fabrics!).
Can’t find organic cotton for what you’re needing? The next best thing you can do is to wash any new conventional cotton clothing pieces really well before wearing them!
3. Rayon (Viscose, Bamboo, Wood, etc.)
If you’ve ever looked at your clothing material labels and saw words like “bamboo”, “viscose”, or “rayon”, know that these clothing materials all fall under the category of rayon fabrics. Rayon fabrics are made from reformed or regenerated cellulose sources like bamboo and wood (Kiron, 2021).
Bamboo and wood both sound like they should create a completely safe, environmentally-friendly fabric. Honestly, when I first heard about it being used as a clothing fabric, I didn’t think twice about whether it was toxic or unsustainable. I just assumed it was!
But here’s the truth. As much as I love the idea of a good plant-based material, most traditional bamboo and wood fabrics unfortunately require production that involves toxic chemicals like carbon disulfide (Cohen, 2018) and sodium hydroxide (Sodium Hydroxide, n.d.) as well as excessive water use.
Although I am more likely to purchase rayon clothing than full-on synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, I try to avoid choosing clothing made with rayon if possible because of the non-sustainable production.
That being said, it’s possible to find rayon fabrics that are more sustainably produced. See the Clothing Materials That Are a Bit Better section further down in the article.
4. Clothing with Toxic Dyes and Finishes
Another thing you want to be mindful of are toxic dyes and finishes.
You will want to pay special attention to garments labeled “wrinkle-resistant,” “stain-resistant,” or “flame-retardant”. While these don’t necessarily mean that toxic finishes are used, marketing phrases like this can often clue you in on clothing pieces that contain toxic finishes.
When it comes to dyes, look for natural or low-impact dyes certified by Oeko-Tex or GOTS. Or opt for undyed options if you can!
Non-Toxic Clothing Fabrics to Get Instead
Now that we’ve discussed the materials to avoid, let’s get to the good part—better materials to look for!
When shopping for non-toxic clothing, you will want to try and find the following non-toxic fabrics.
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton stands out from conventional cotton because it is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. As a result, it is safer and gentler on sensitive skin, and the production process doesn’t contribute to environmental pollution. Organic cotton is also completely biodegradable.
2. Linen
Another material that is great to look for is linen, which is made from the flax plant. A lot of times you’ll see European linen listed in the materials list for linen clothing items.
Not only is linen a durable, lightweight, and breathable fabric, but it is also biodegradable and produced with minimal energy and chemicals.
4. Wool & Cashmere Wool (Ethically Sourced)
Wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material that is a great option for non-toxic clothing.
One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is responsible sourcing. Try to opt for wool sourced from responsible farms. It helps to look for certifications like Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
5. Hemp
Last but certainly not least is hemp. Hemp clothing is breathable, naturally antimicrobial, and surprisingly soft (especially after a few wears). It’s one of those rare materials that actually improves with time (Zamora-Mendoza et al., 2022).
What sets hemp apart isn’t just how it wears, but also how it’s grown. Hemp requires significantly less water than cotton, grows quickly, and doesn’t rely on chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers to thrive. It restores soil health, captures carbon efficiently, and supports biodiversity. When organically cultivated and mindfully processed, hemp becomes one of the cleanest, most conscious clothing options available.
A Quick Note About Clothing & Recycling
One quick note I wanted to mention is that synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can still be recycled and made from post-consumer waste such as recycled polyester and plastic bottles. This is not my favorite option, because I still find the toxicity issue of concern. What are the effects of having recycled plastic bottle materials on our skin all day, especially if it is really hot and we are sweating? I couldn’t tell you for sure, but it just doesn’t seem like the best option overall. I personally own a lot of Rothy’s shoes because I love the fit, but I have always wondered about recycled plastic bottle materials being on my feet all day.
In any case, I think the use of recycled materials is worth mentioning, especially for items such as a waterproof pieces, since recycling fabrics reduces the need for virgin materials and keeps more clothing waste out of landfills.
Clothing Materials That Are a Bit Better
1. Lyocell (TENCEL™)
Lyocell is a a form of cellulose that is considered a more eco-friendly form of rayon. It is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp. Compared to regular rayon, it is produced in a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvent, making it more sustainable. Tencel™ is simply the brand name of a major lyocell producer.
I personally love the feel of lyocell since it is very soft and breathable. One of my favorite pairs of Levi’s jeans is actually a cotton Lyocell blend, and one of my favorite dresses from Quince is made of lyocell.
That being said, lyocell is not necessarily the best clothing fabric option if you’re seeking something 100% non-toxic and sustainable. Unfortunately, producing it still requires toxic chemicals and heavy processing, and it’s still technically considered a semi-synthetic. However, the fact that it is not petroleum-based like materials such as polyester and nylon is a plus! And the closed-loop processing definitely makes it a more sustainable option compared to most rayon fabrics.
2. Micromodal
Micromodal, like lyocell, is another semi-synthetic rayon material made from sustainably sourced wood, specifically beechwood pulp. Surprisingly, it is actually considered more eco-friendly than conventional cotton since it requires less water and land to produce.
That being said, just like lyocell, micromodal still involves chemical processing which is not ideal.
4 Tips for Shopping Non-toxic Clothing Items
If you are planning to go shopping for clothes, here are some quick tips to guide you while you shop!
- Read Labels: In addition to reading the materials label, look for certifications like MADE SAFE®, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, and Oeko-Tex.
- Support Ethical Brands: Choose brands committed to sustainable practices and transparency.
- Buy Less, Buy Better: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that last longer to reduce waste.
- Opt for Secondhand: Thrift stores and resale platforms are great for finding unique, eco-friendly clothing options at a better price point.
Why Shopping for Non-toxic Clothing Matters
Because more people are talking about switching to non-toxic, eco-friendly products, it may seem like a bit of a trend. However, it really is more than this. By embracing non-toxic clothing, you’re not only actively taking part in reducing environmental pollution and toxins, but also supporting sustainable farming practices and promoting safer working conditions for garment workers.
All of that being said, don’t rush out and dump all your nylon and polyester pieces just yet! If you love some of your clothing made from synthetic fabrics, there is no harm in keeping them until they wear out. Besides, using them longer keeps them out of the landfill longer, and that certainly matters too! Plus, there’s simply a balance between considering health benefits alongside other benefits (such as convenience, fashion preferences, financial situation). Although I am slowly transitioning to mostly eco-friendly and less- or non-toxic materials, I am planning to keep a handful of my absolute favorite pieces made from synthetic materials.
If you are planning to shop for some new wardrobe pieces soon, keeping the tips outlined in this article will help you choose clothing items that are less toxic for the environment and better for people and the planet. Wherever you are in your non-toxic clothing journey, every small step counts. Just remember that regardless of where you are on that path, you’re doing something truly worthwhile for yourself and the world.
Ready to take your next step toward a cleaner closet? Start by checking the labels on the clothing you have now. Pick one piece you love and research the fabric—it’s a small action that builds real awareness.
Want to go deeper into low-toxic living? Check out the Present & Pure The Ultimate Non-Toxic Living Guide for Beginners to explore easy, impactful swaps beyond your closet—from cleaner cookware to safer skincare!
References & Scientific Sources
Cohen, R. A. (2018). The ongoing history of harm caused and hidden by the viscose rayon and cellophane industry. American Journal of Public Health, 108(10), 1274–1275. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2018.304657
Kiron, M. I. (2021, September 28). What is Rayon Fiber: Types, Properties, Structure & Manufacturing Process of Rayon. Textile Learner. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://textilelearner.net/rayon-fiber-types-properties/
Sodium hydroxide. (n.d.). PubChem. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from Link
Zamora-Mendoza, L., Guamba, E., Miño, K., Romero, M. P., Levoyer, A., Alvarez-Barreto, J. F., Machado, A., & Alexis, F. (2022). Antimicrobial properties of plant fibers. Molecules, 27(22), 7999. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227999
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