Most of us are careful about avoiding plastic in our kitchens and bathrooms. But have you ever thought about how much plastic you're wearing?

Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are fossil-fuel based. They have become the default in modern fashion because they are cheap, scalable, and easy to sell as "performance." Textile Exchange reports that polyester remains the most widely produced fiber globally, around 59% of total global fiber output in 2024, with most of it fossil-based.

If you have ever flipped a tag and felt surprised by what you own, you are not alone. The goal here is not purity. It is progress: fewer plastics, better materials, and a wardrobe that feels calmer on the body and lighter on the planet.

Start with a Label, Then Trust Your Senses

Turn tag-reading into a quiet habit. You are mostly looking for plastic-based fibers such as:

• Polyester
• Nylon (polyamide)
• Acrylic
• PVC / vinyl
• Polyurethane (PU)
• Elastane / spandex

There are also "in-between" fabrics worth knowing: viscose, rayon, modal, and lyocell are made from plant cellulose but processed into fiber. If your focus is specifically reducing fossil-fuel plastics, these can be a reasonable middle ground.

Over time, you will start to recognize synthetics by feel. That is when shopping gets easier.

Keep What You Own, Replace with Intention

A plastic detox does not require a closet purge. In practice, the most sustainable piece is often the one already in your home.

Instead, let replacement happen at natural points: when something wears out, no longer fits, or genuinely irritates your skin. If you want a simple priority order, start with items that sit close to the body and get washed frequently, then work outward from there.

Expect Trade-Offs, Then Choose Wisely

Natural fibers behave differently. They crease, they stretch less, they can feel heavier, and some categories are hard to avoid synthetics in completely.

That said, durability still matters most. Where synthetics are unavoidable (for example, certain outdoor or technical gear), aim for fewer, better pieces you can keep in use for longer.

Secondhand Can Be a Win, With a Quick Filter

Secondhand reduces demand for new production, but the racks often reflect today's fiber mix: lots of synthetics.

A practical approach: shop secondhand with a label filter. Denim is a standout category, where you can still find 100% cotton pieces built to last.

Be Careful with "Vegan Leather" as a Shortcut

In fashion, "vegan" frequently means plastic, not plant-based. Many vegan leathers are PU or PVC, and acrylic often replaces wool. That does not automatically make a product low-impact.

If you are trying to reduce plastic, focus on fiber content and longevity rather than marketing language.

Let This Be a Slow Detox

The most realistic way to reduce plastic in your wardrobe is over time: wear what you have, learn what you are drawn to, and upgrade slowly as pieces wear out.

At AIZOME, we tend to think of textiles as part of your living environment. What touches your skin all day, and all night, should be chosen with the same care you bring to the rest of your home.