Advantages and disadvantages of synthetic fiber / Pros and cons of synthetic fiber
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Vintage clothing represents a sustainable alternative to new clothing because it already exists. However, since many vintage pieces are made entirely or partially from synthetic fibers, the question naturally arises at some point as to how sustainable this actually is, or to put it heretically: Is polyester really the devil?
Today it is impossible to imagine the fashion industry without synthetic fibers. They have some advantages. They are inexpensive, offer a large selection of colors and patterns, are easy to care for and dry quickly. You don't have to iron them, which is pretty cool! And straight out of the washing machine and into the exit? Easy possible with synthetic fiber!
However, synthetic fibers also have disadvantages. They can build up static electricity and are not as breathable as natural fibers such as cotton or silk. Of course, this can be stupid in the summer, depending on how much you sweat and where you spend most of your time. In an air-conditioned office? Easy! On the hot beach? Rather not! In addition, synthetic fibers are not biodegradable.
In the end, everyone decides for themselves which advantages and disadvantages should be weighted and how heavily, and it probably also depends on the individual item of clothing.
But non-biodegradable sounds stupid! If you choose to buy vintage clothing made from synthetic fibers, you are giving them a second life, which protects the environment. However, like clothing made from other materials, you should take good care of clothing made from synthetic fibers so that you can enjoy it for as long as possible and ultimately recycle it at the end of its life.
One organization that specializes in recycling textiles is Texaid. They collect clothing items all over Switzerland and sort them according to reusability or recyclability. Some of the clothes are then sold as second-hand goods, while others are recycled.
In my opinion, existing synthetic fibers are not the fault of the devil. Proper disposal should be easy for everyone.
In addition to sustainability, we should always keep an eye on how ethically the clothing we wear was produced. But that’s a topic for another blog post!
With that in mind, greetings, your Kate <3
Vintage clothing offers a sustainable alternative to new garments as they already exist. However, since many vintage pieces are wholly or partially made from synthetic fibers, the question naturally arises: How sustainable is that, or to put it provocatively: Is polyester really the devil?
Synthetic fibers are now integral to the fashion industry. They have several advantages. They are affordable, offer a wide range of colors and patterns, are easy to care for, and dry quickly. No need to iron them, which is quite cool! And straight from the washing machine to a night out? Easily doable with synthetic fibers!
However, synthetic fibers also have disadvantages. They can generate static electricity and are not as breathable as natural fibers, like cotton or silk. This can be inconvenient in summer, depending on how much you sweat or where you primarily spend your time. In an air-conditioned office? Easy! On a hot beach? Not so much! Additionally, synthetic fibers are not biodegradable.
The importance one places on these pros and cons ultimately depends on personal preferences and likely varies with each individual garment.
Non-biodegradability sounds problematic! If you decide to purchase vintage garments made from synthetic fibers, you're giving them a second life, which is environmentally friendly. However, you should care for clothing made from synthetic fibers, just like clothing made from other materials, to ensure it lasts as long as possible, and finally recycle it at the end of its life.
An organization specializing in textile recycling is Texaid. They collect garments throughout Switzerland and sort them based on their potential for reuse or recycling. Some items are sold as secondhand goods, while others are recycled.
In my opinion, existing synthetic fibers aren't the devil either. Proper disposal should be achievable for everyone.
In addition to sustainability, the ethical production of the garments we wear should always be considered. But that's a topic for another blog post!
With that in mind, warm regards, Yours Kate<3