You’re Washing Your Clothes — But Where Do the Fibres Go?
You toss your clothes into the wash without thinking twice. But with every cycle, tiny synthetic fibres break off and flow down the drain. These microscopic plastic particles don’t disappear.
They enter waterways, oceans, and even the air.
If you own activewear, fleece, polyester blends, or stretchy fabrics, your wardrobe could be quietly contributing to microplastic pollution.
Let’s unpack why this happens — and what you can realistically do about it.
The Quick Answer
Clothes shed microplastics because many fabrics are made from synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. During washing and wear, friction breaks off tiny plastic strands that pass through wastewater systems and enter the environment.
The more synthetic the fabric, the more likely it is to shed.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Microplastics are now found in oceans, soil, drinking water, and even human bodies. Unlike natural fibres, plastic-based textiles do not biodegrade.
Why this matters:
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Synthetic fibres make up a large percentage of modern clothing.
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Washing machines are a major source of microplastic release.
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Wastewater systems cannot filter out all microscopic fibres.
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These particles accumulate in ecosystems over time.
Your wardrobe choices have environmental ripple effects.
What Are Microplastics in Clothing?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimetres. In clothing, they are microscopic fibres that break off synthetic textiles.
Common shedding fabrics include:
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Polyester
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Nylon
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Acrylic
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Spandex blends
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Fleece
Each wash cycle creates friction, loosening fibres that rinse away with wastewater.
Why Do Synthetic Fabrics Shed So Easily?
Synthetic fabrics are essentially plastic threads woven into fabric form. Over time:
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Mechanical agitation weakens fibres.
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Heat degrades synthetic polymers.
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Friction from other garments increases fibre breakage.
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Lower-quality fabrics shed more quickly.
Even high-quality synthetic garments shed — just at different rates.
Does Shedding Only Happen in the Wash?
No.
Microfibres are released during:
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Wearing (through friction and movement)
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Drying (especially tumble drying)
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Washing (the highest release stage)
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Manufacturing and disposal
Washing, however, remains one of the largest contributors to household microplastic pollution.
Which Fabrics Shed the Most?
Generally, shedding levels rank as follows:
Higher Shedding Risk:
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Fleece
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Brushed synthetic fabrics
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Low-quality polyester blends
Moderate Risk:
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Standard polyester
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Nylon
Lower Risk:
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Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool
(Though natural fibres have other environmental considerations.)
Blended fabrics can be especially problematic because separating fibres for recycling is difficult.
Are Natural Fabrics Completely Safe?
Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk biodegrade over time, but that doesn’t mean all natural clothing is impact-free.
Concerns may include:
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Pesticide use in cotton farming
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Water-intensive production
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Chemical dyes and treatments
However, natural fibres do not contribute to plastic-based microfibre pollution in the same way synthetics do.
Practical Ways to Reduce Microplastic Shedding
You don’t need to replace your entire wardrobe. Instead:
Wash Less Frequently
Overwashing increases fibre breakdown.
Wash on Cold, Gentle Cycles
Lower agitation reduces friction.
Use Full Loads
More water and balanced loads reduce garment abrasion.
Air Dry When Possible
Tumble drying increases fibre release.
Choose Higher-Quality Fabrics
Better construction generally sheds less over time.
Prioritise Natural Fibres for Everyday Basics
Especially for items washed frequently.
Small changes can significantly reduce cumulative shedding.
Key Definitions
Microplastics
Plastic particles smaller than 5mm, including synthetic textile fibres.
Microfibres
Tiny strands released from fabrics during washing, wearing, or drying.
Synthetic Fibres
Man-made fibres derived from petroleum-based plastics, such as polyester and nylon.
Biodegradable Fibre
A natural material that decomposes over time through biological processes.
Myth vs. Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Only cheap clothes shed | All synthetic fabrics shed to some degree |
| Hand washing prevents shedding | Friction still causes fibre release |
| Natural fibres are impact-free | They biodegrade, but production still has environmental costs |
| One wash doesn’t matter | Microfibres accumulate over time |
Fabric Comparison: Shedding Risk Overview
| Fabric Type | Microplastic Risk | Biodegradable | Wash Frequency Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | High | No | High shedding per wash |
| Nylon | Moderate–High | No | Moderate shedding |
| Acrylic | High | No | High shedding |
| Cotton | None (plastic) | Yes | No plastic release |
| Linen | None (plastic) | Yes | No plastic release |
| Wool | None (plastic) | Yes | Minimal environmental persistence |
FAQ
Are microplastics visible?
No. Most textile microfibres are microscopic and invisible to the eye.
Does expensive activewear shed less?
Often slightly less, but it still sheds due to its synthetic composition.
Should I throw away synthetic clothing?
No. Replacing everything creates waste. Focus on reducing future purchases and washing habits.
Is fleece one of the worst offenders?
Yes. Its brushed surface releases higher volumes of microfibres.
Key Takeaways
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Synthetic fabrics shed microplastic fibres during washing and wear.
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Washing machines are a major source of microplastic release.
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Fleece and polyester blends shed the most.
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Natural fibres do not contribute to plastic microfibre pollution.
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Washing less, air drying, and choosing durable fabrics reduce impact.
Your wardrobe doesn’t have to be perfect — but awareness helps you make smarter, lower-impact choices moving forward.