Is wearing polyester really that bad for my hormones?

I didn’t always pay attention to what my clothes were made of. And I know I’m not alone—most of us don’t think twice about it. They’re just… clothes, right? But when you consider that fabric sits against your skin all day (and often all night), it makes sense to wonder: could what we wear actually affect our health?

Recently, more women have been asking me whether synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon are harmful. The conversation is everywhere in the media, with claims about “toxic clothes,” “vibrational frequencies,” and “endocrine disruptors in fabrics.” So let’s unpack what we know, what we don’t, and how this ties in with women’s health—particularly our hormones.

Natural vs Synthetic Fibres – A Quick Recap

• Natural fibres: cotton, wool, linen, hemp, silk, bamboo (depending on processing). These come directly from plants or animals.

• Synthetic fibres: polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, rayon. These are made from petrochemicals in industrial processes.

Synthetics were celebrated in the 20th century for their affordability, stretch, and wrinkle resistance. But they also brought with them a hidden load of chemicals—some of which can interfere with women’s health.

Hormones & Hidden Chemicals in Clothing

PFAS – “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS are sometimes added to fabrics to make them water- or stain-resistant. The concern? PFAS are known endocrine disruptors. They can mimic or interfere with our hormones, affecting thyroid health, fertility, menstrual cycles, and even menopause symptoms.

Heavy Metals in Dyes

Synthetic dyes often contain trace heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, or chromium. These can leach through skin contact or washing and may accumulate in the body. Heavy metals are also hormone disruptors and place extra stress on the liver—an organ crucial for hormone metabolism.

Formaldehyde and Finishes

Wrinkle-free finishes often rely on formaldehyde. While levels are generally considered low, for sensitive women this can trigger skin irritation, allergies, or systemic effects with ongoing exposure. I’ve had clients with sensitive skin tell me they cannot wear anything other than cotton, as synthetic materials leave them with rashes.

Everyday Effects You Might Notice

• Feeling clammy or suffocated in polyester: Synthetics don’t breathe well, trapping heat and sweat. I still remember the first time I bought a polyester dress as a teenager. I loved the look of it, but within minutes I hated the clammy, sweaty feeling. I never wore it again. To this day, I feel uncomfortable in polyester—it’s as if my body remembers and instinctively rejects it.

• Menopause: Poor breathability makes synthetics especially uncomfortable for women already dealing with hot flushes or mood swings.

• Skin sensitivity: Women with eczema, dermatitis, or PMS-related flare-ups may find synthetics more irritating.

• Energy and mood: More controversial, but worth mentioning—natural fibres are often said to carry a “higher vibration” because they come from living sources. Interestingly, many women describe feeling calmer and more grounded in cotton, wool, or linen.

The Bigger Picture: Environment, Society & Women

This isn’t just about individual health. Cheap synthetics have fuelled fast fashion—a system where women (as both consumers and workers) are most affected. Many garment workers are women exposed daily to dyes, solvents, and finishing chemicals in unsafe conditions. And as consumers, we’re left with closets full of clothes that don’t breathe, don’t last, and won’t break down in landfill.

So… Are Synthetic Clothes a Hormone Hazard?

Here’s how I see it:

• Well-documented concerns: PFAS and heavy metals disrupting hormones; poor breathability affecting skin and comfort; landfill burden.

• Less studied, but worth noticing: Vibrational frequency and subtle energetic effects.

• Context matters: Wearing a polyester raincoat occasionally isn’t the problem. But living day in, day out in synthetic, chemically treated fabrics may tip the scales—especially if you already have hormone imbalances.

Practical Tips for Women Choosing Healthier Clothing

• Choose natural fibres like organic cotton, hemp, linen, silk, or wool where possible.

• Look for labels free from “stain-resistant” or “wrinkle-free” treatments.

• Wash new clothes before wearing to reduce chemical residues.

• Buy fewer, higher-quality items instead of fast fashion pieces.

• Opt for undyed or naturally dyed fabrics if you have sensitive skin or hormone concerns.

Final Thoughts

As women, our bodies are finely tuned systems—our hormones, skin, and nervous systems respond to even small environmental cues. While synthetic fabrics aren’t the only factor influencing our health, they’re one piece of the puzzle we can control.

Some women go all the way, even making their own clothing from scratch! I don’t have a perfectly natural wardrobe myself, but I do make intentional choices to buy natural fibres as often as possible. My favourite finds often come from op shops—quality pieces with plenty of life left in them.

We live in a consumerist world where overflowing wardrobes feel normal. But perhaps it’s time to step back, simplify, and choose clothes that last—focusing on fewer, better-quality items made from natural fibres.

Clothing is something we live in. Let’s choose fibres that support our health, let our skin breathe, and tread more lightly on the planet.

AUTHOR: TALITHA

I specialise in gut health (IBS, IBD, microbiome testing), women's health (preconception, fertility, hormone balance), and mental health (depression, stress, anxiety). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!