How Fashion Became One of the Most Toxic Industries And What You Can Do About It

I’m sharing this because it’s time we become more conscious about the clothes we wear. Choosing organic natural fibers is no longer just a nice-to-have. it’s essential for your health.

These synthetic fibers are toxic, like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex and they’re mostly used by fast fashion giants like Zara, H&M, Shein, and many others. These clothes are produced under questionable, often exploitative conditions, ie. using cheap labor, including child labor, in environmentally destructive ways.

The Environmental Cost

Globally, the fashion industry produces over 100 billion garments each year. That’s enough clothing for every person on the planet to have 13 new items annually. And yet, every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned, that is about 87 billion garments a year end up in landfills.

It’s estimated that if we stopped producing clothing today, we already have enough garments on Earth to dress the next six generations.

Polyester, which is plastic-based, takes up to 200 years to decompose. And when washed, it sheds microplastics, contributing to over 35% of the microplastic pollution found in oceans. The dyeing and finishing processes used in fashion also pollute waterways, releasing over 20% of global industrial water pollution. Polyester now being found even in the placenta.

The Health Cost

But beyond environmental impact, the real danger is closer to your skin. Even if you buy a t-shirt that says "100% cotton," that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Unless it’s certified organic and toxin-free, the cotton was likely grown with pesticides and processed with harsh chemicals like:

• Formaldehyde used for wrinkle resistance is a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant

• Azo dyes, many of which are carcinogenic, can release harmful amines when in contact with sweat

• Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) for water and stain resistance; known as "forever chemicals" that disrupt hormones and are linked to cancer

• Phthalates and BPA mimic estrogen in the body, increasing the risk of breast cancer, infertility, heart disease, and developmental issues in children

• Heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which are toxic and can damage the brain, kidneys, and other organs

• And many other endocrine-disrupting chemicals

These substances are not regulated. There are currently very few legal protections for consumers when it comes to textile toxins. And the consequences? They’re serious. These toxins can:

• Disrupt your hormonal system by mimicking or blocking natural hormones

• Contribute to infertility in both men and women

• Increase the risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related diseases

• Trigger allergies, eczema, and respiratory issues

• Impair brain development and neurological health, especially in children

• Accumulate in organs over time, leading to long-term chronic illness

The Myth of “Organic” Labels

Many brands throw around the term “organic” like it’s a magic word. But not all certifications are equal. Some textiles may come from organically farmed fibers, but the manufacturing process still adds harmful toxins. That’s why the only label you should trust is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

GOTS-certified clothing is monitored from seed to finished product. It guarantees:

• Organic farming methods

• No toxic dyes or finishes

• No heavy metals or formaldehyde

• Fair labor practices

The Brand Scam: What Luxury and Fast Fashion Don't Want You to Know

High-end doesn’t mean healthy. Many luxury brands charge a premium not for cleaner fabrics, but for their logo and image. Brands like Prada, Gucci, or Loro Piana rarely use certified organic textiles, nor do they offer transparency about chemical use or labor conditions. They rely on status, not safety.

Similarly, mid-tier brands like Hugo Boss, GANT, and Ralph Lauren often use treated cotton or synthetic blends while marketing a polished, premium feel. But the materials are frequently no better than those in fast fashion.

Then there are fast fashion labels like Zara, H&M, and Shein. These brands flood the market with cheaply made garment.

Don’t fall for branding. Ask questions:

• Is it GOTS certified?

• Is the dyeing process toxin-free?

• Is the production traceable?

The Solution: Choose High-Frequency, Durable Natural Fibers

The future is in small, conscious brands that produce clothing in limited batches using GOTS-certified wool, linen, hemp, and cotton.

• Wool – Temperature regulation, hypoallergenic, EMF protection, UV protection, antibacterial, mold-resistant, aids allergies, asthma, and pain relief. Wool fiber vibrates at 5000 Hz frequency.

  
  

• Linen – Blocks gamma radiation, promotes healing, fights bacteria and fungi, boosts mood, regulates temperature and promotes wound healing. Linen fiber vibrates at 5000 Hz frequency.

  
  

• Hemp – Incredibly sustainable, strong, and naturally mold-resistant. Requires no pesticides and little water.

  
  

• Organic Cotton – When unbleached and undyed, it helps keep your body’s energy field balanced but doesn’t actively promote healing like wool or linen.

  
  

Make sure that your underwear, swimwear, socks, pajamas should come from these sources.

Final Thought

We can’t afford to keep choosing convenience over consciousness. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world and it directly impacts our bodies. The next time you shop, remember: what touches your skin, touches your health.

Start small. Choose well. And always check for certifications.