The Hidden Dangers of Synthetic Clothing and How to Transition to Natural Fibers
Aug 18, 2024
From Shopping Addiction to Clothing Conscious
Growing up, I was bullied for wearing the same clothes repeatedly, old clothes, or hand me downs from my aunts. As I grew older, this fueled my obsession with shopping and always wanting the best brand names all in the effort to soothe the hurt little girl inside. My self-worth was tied to my appearance and part of my identity. I thought, “If I have this brand of jeans, people will have to like me.” “If I have this handbag then people will respect me and be kind to me.” This was the self talk that ran through my head. However, I eventually realized that this behavior was rooted in low self-esteem and external validation. It took years, but I’ve transformed my relationship with clothing, and today, I want to share that journey with you. I will also share how it happened to rid me of a shopping addiction.
The Shocking Truth About Synthetic Fabrics
Did you know that about 60% of our clothing today is made from synthetic materials? These fabrics are not only harmful to the environment, but also to our health. What touches our skin matters! Have you noticed the label that says, “Keep Away from Fire,” which is a clear indicator that the fabric is toxic due to the chemicals used in its production. Not to mention the toxic dyes. To learn more about the dyes in clothing check out Alden Wicker’s book To Dye For.
The Impact on Our Bodies
Synthetic fabrics, especially those used in athletic wear, release harmful chemicals, which can disrupt our endocrine system and cause hormonal imbalances. Even worse, we tend to wear these clothes when working out and when heated up even more toxins are released onto the skin. These fabrics are also known for absorbing body odors and laundry scents, which become embedded in the plastic fibers and maintain the smells. They can also cause skin irritations due to the toxic dyes used in their manufacturing process.
Plastic is being found in our air, water, and food. These synthetic clothes shed microplastics into our water systems with every wash, contributing to environmental pollution. We are finding microplastics in the blood stream now. Research indicates that we are eating a credit card worth of plastic a week.
Understanding the Frequency of Fabrics
What really inspired this blog is research by Heidi Yellen in 2003 and is also the reference for this blog. Fabrics have different frequencies, and these can affect our health. Natural fabrics like linen and wool have high frequencies, which are beneficial for our bodies, while synthetic fabrics have low or zero frequencies, which can be harmful. The human body vibrates at a frequency of 100 when not ill. This means we do not want to wear anything less than that. The higher the frequency the higher energy it brings to your body.
Polyester, acrylic, lycra, nylon, viscose: 0
Silk: 10
Rayon: 15
Bleached/Dyed Cotton: 40
Organic Cotton: 100
Linen: 5000
Wool: 5000
Linen: The Super Fabric
Linen in Latin means, being most useful. It stands out with a frequency of 5,000, making it one of the most healing and high vibe fabrics you can wear. It has been shown to support health and enhance our body’s energy field. However, it’s important to note that linen and wool should not be worn together as their frequencies cancel each other out. This is because the energy of linen moves right to left and wool and cashmere moves from left to right. The electrical field then collapses and brings the frequency to 0. Even more interesting from a quantum perspective is that linen reflects light! It acts like a mirror to our light!
EMF of Fibers:
Wool: left to right
Cashmere: left to right
Linen: right to left
Camel: right to left
Goat: right to left
*This means you can wear camel and goat with linen, it will not cancel out.
What to Avoid
In the article it suggests to “avoid black…as they will hinder your health by discharging and extinguishing one’s electrical field light.” “If you use cotton, rayon, these are not as strengthening to your body and may serve to keep your health ‘average’ with the typical western illnesses.”
List of fabrics to avoid:
▲ Black clothing
▲ Rayon, Polyester, and nylon stockings
▲ Anything synthetic
▲ Anything less than a frequency of 100, especially if you are ill or need healing
▲ Linen and wool together
Transitioning to a Healthier Wardrobe
Switching to a wardrobe made of natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, and wool doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worthwhile. Over the past six years, I’ve been gradually replacing my synthetic clothes with natural ones, and the benefits are:
▲ Non-toxic and irritating to the skin
▲ Higher energy frequency - better mood
▲ Breathable
▲ I wash my clothes less often
▲ Many times when you shop this way you support small business and slow fashion
▲ Costs more up front, but lasts much longer, saving me money over time
▲ Switched my values in such a way that I no longer have a shopping addiction
▲ Everything naturally dyed matches
▲ Less decision fatigue when picking out what to wear
▲ Safer for the planet, air, food and water supply
Tips for Making the Switch
- Start Small: Begin by replacing one item at a time as you need things. Focus on the underwear, bras, socks, as these things are close to the skin. Also everyday t-shirts or workout gear. Here are some brands that sell things in these categories: Eco Aya, Mate the Label, Harvest & Mill, and my favorite for athleisure and working out Groceries because it is not only organic, but also naturally dyed which is hard to find.
- Thrift Stores: This will help you save money. Also think about fabric, if you find an oversized linen dress for instance, that can be sewn into something else, so if it is a good price think about that. Hit up small towns for the best prices.
- Read Labels: Always check the tags before buying clothes. Look for 100% natural fibers like organic cotton, organic hemp, linen, or wool. Also cashmere and other animal fibers like alpaca are good too.
- Invest in Quality: Natural fiber clothing can be more expensive, but it lasts longer and is better for your health and the environment. Some of my favorite brands are: Gaia Conceptions; Wyoming Based; Ace & Jig; Industry of All Nations; Older Brother; Rudy Jude; and Indi & Ash.
- Shop Mindfully: Try to know where your clothes come from. Supporting brands that prioritize sustainable practices can make a huge difference.
- FiberShed: know who makes your clothing and where it comes from. Know your sewist (mine is Jeanah from Plant Matter Hemp); find a good tailor; find a knitter; or learn a craft to slowly make some of your own clothing. I personally love to knit, but I knit very slowly, so I still have my knitter, Pearl, knit me sweaters.
- Stay Informed: I have learned so much from EcoCult a blog written by Alden Wicker. This is a great way to keep up on what is happening and the brands that align with your values and standards.
Conclusion
Our clothing choices have a profound impact on our health and the environment. By opting for natural fibers and being mindful of what we wear, we can protect our bodies, support our energy, and contribute to a healthier planet. Remember this won’t happen overnight. Give yourself grace and enjoy the process!
