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 pants have moderate skin contact. Natural fibers generally involve simpler chemistry and fewer persistent additives, especially when organically certified.
Laurel recommends pants 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 pants made from synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) and semi-synthetic materials (rayon, modal, viscose, lyocell).
Tip: Denim jeans are a great starting point -- most are already primarily cotton. Just check that they aren't blended with polyester.
Pants
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 pants 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 pants made from synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) and semi-synthetic materials (rayon, modal, viscose, lyocell).
Tip: Denim jeans are a great starting point -- most are already primarily cotton. Just check that they aren't blended with polyester.