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 shirts have moderate skin contact. Natural fibers generally involve simpler chemistry and fewer persistent additives, especially when organically certified.
Laurel recommends shirts 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 shirts made from synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) and semi-synthetic materials (rayon, modal, viscose, lyocell).
Tip: "Wrinkle-free" or "easy-care" shirts often contain formaldehyde-based finishes -- opt for natural fiber shirts and embrace the wrinkles (or iron them!).
Shirts
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 shirts 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 shirts made from synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) and semi-synthetic materials (rayon, modal, viscose, lyocell).
Tip: "Wrinkle-free" or "easy-care" shirts often contain formaldehyde-based finishes -- opt for natural fiber shirts and embrace the wrinkles (or iron them!).