Today I want to share something that’s been on my mind for a while. As someone who loves comfort, crafts, and caring for both people and the planet, I've always leaned towards natural fibers: think cotton, linen, even silk (if I could afford more of it 😅). They just feel right. Soft, breathable, comforting.
But when I started working on my shop and testing samples from different suppliers, I was surprised.
The T-shirt dress and crop top made from polyester blends? Super comfy. Way better than expected. Soft, stretchy, not itchy like old-school poly. Honestly, they became part of my regular rotation. And yet, I had this lingering discomfort. Not on my skin, but in my mind.
The Microplastic Dilemma
I started reading more about synthetic fabrics and something hit me: microplastics. Every time we wash polyester (even the recycled kind), tiny plastic fibers are released into the water. These don’t just disappear.. they go into our rivers, oceans, and eventually, food and water.
Then I began to wonder: what about my skin? When I sweat, when it's hot, when I’m moving around in synthetic clothes... do those fibers go into my body? Do they seep in with heat and sweat?
The research isn’t 100% clear. Most scientists say microfibers aren’t absorbed through the skin easily. Our skin is a strong barrier. But microplastics have been found in lungs, blood, and even placentas. So... while the fabric might not poison you instantly, the idea that it could build up over time just doesn't sit right with me.
So What Do I Do About It?
Honestly? I still sell some recycled polyester in my shop, especially for activewear or items that need stretch. But I:
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Only offer styles I personally tested and felt comfy in.
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Clearly label materials and add care tips to reduce microfiber shedding.
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Include transparency about where it's made and how to care for it.
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Prefer organic cotton and natural fibers whenever possible.
My Promise to You
I'm not perfect.. and no clothing is. But I do my best to make thoughtful decisions, not just aesthetic ones. Every piece in ErdeGora has been picked with care, tested by me, and judged by both how it feels and how it fits into a bigger picture.
If you're like me, sensitive, curious, maybe a little overwhelmed by it all, you're not alone. I'm learning too. And if enough of us ask questions, maybe even small brands like mine can help change the bigger system.
Let me know what you think. Do you care about materials when you buy clothes? Do you avoid synthetics or just roll with it?
Stay cozy, stay curious 💚
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