Science shows that clothing can release PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols, heavy metals, and microplastics. Synthetic fabrics carry higher loads of plastic-derived additives and shed microplastics that act as vectors for these chemicals.
This is MEDIUM PRIORITY because dresses have moderate skin contact. Natural fibers generally involve simpler chemistry and fewer persistent additives, especially when organically certified.
Laurel recommends dresses made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, mulberry silk, linen, denim, and non-superwashed wool. We allow some spandex for stretch, but there are plenty of 100% natural fiber options.
Laurel avoids dresses made from synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) and semi-synthetic materials (rayon, modal, viscose, lyocell).
Tip: When shopping, check the full material label -- many dresses that look and feel like cotton or silk are actually polyester blends.
Dresses
Science showsclothing can release PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols, heavy metals, and microplastics. Synthetic fabrics carry higher loads of plastic-derived additives and shed microplastics that act as vectors for these chemicals.
Laurel recommends dresses made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, mulberry silk, linen, denim, and non-superwashed wool. We allow some spandex for stretch, but there are plenty of 100% natural fiber options.
Laurel avoids dresses made from synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) and semi-synthetic materials (rayon, modal, viscose, lyocell).
Tip: When shopping, check the full material label -- many dresses that look and feel like cotton or silk are actually polyester blends.