Fast fashion rules the day. Polyester and other industrial materials have become the go-to for affordable, trendy items. But at what cost? Keeping up with cultural expectations (don’t wear the same dress twice!) is submerging us in a slew of synthetics. And it's harming our hormone health.

You might have noticed the signs. Chemical-based fabrics can trap heat, irritate the skin, cling in uncomfortable ways, and feel less comforting than natural materials.

Your body knows something is wrong. Listen. 

Major Impacts of Synthetic Materials:

• Endocrine Disruption: Phthalates and BPA, often found in polyester, can interfere with hormone production, contributing to hormone imbalances, reproductive health issues, and conditions like PCOS.

• Increased Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, such as azo dyes and benzidine, found in some textiles has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer.

• Immune System Suppression: Toxins like perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), used for stain-resistant clothing, can weaken immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and reducing overall immune resilience.

Multi-Generational Impacts of Synthetic Materials.

• Infertility: Prolonged exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with reproductive health, causing issues like infertility or complications with pregnancy.

• Neurodevelopmental Issues: Chemicals in synthetic clothing, especially those that disrupt hormones, have been linked to neurodevelopmental issues in children, leading to challenges in brain development if exposed in utero or during early childhood.

Clothing that cares for us, inside and out.

Reintroducing natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk into our wardrobes offers more than just a return to comfort—it’s a choice that feels grounding, like coming home. Natural fibers carry the Earth’s energy and were once considered essential in healing spaces. Unlike synthetic fabrics, these natural materials allow the body to breathe and relax.

Making a conscious shift back to these high-vibration fibers can reconnect us with that ancient wisdom, supporting hormone health, stabilizing energy, and helping us resonate with the natural rhythms of the Earth.

Let’s explore the materials best for your body, the ones to limit, and the ones to avoid WHENEVER POSSIBLE!

High-Vibe Materials to Embrace

Prioritize natural materials that support your body and mind, enhancing hormone balance:

• Cotton: Breathable, soft, and suitable for all skin types. Cotton keeps the skin cool, reducing cortisol spikes associated with overheating. Organic cotton is even better, as it’s grown without harmful pesticides, reducing the body’s exposure to EDCs.

• Wool: Wool’s natural insulation and breathability help regulate body temperature, keeping you warm without causing overheating or trapping moisture. Wool’s natural lanolin content is also hypoallergenic for most, minimizing inflammatory reactions and providing gentle, comforting warmth.

• Silk: Known for its luxurious feel, silk is naturally pH-aligned with the body and hypoallergenic, which minimizes inflammatory responses that can disrupt hormone balance. Silk's natural amino acids and soft texture soothe the skin and promote relaxation, contributing to lower cortisol levels. Silk also helps keep the body cool and balanced, which helps us sleep.

• Linen: Cooling, antimicrobial, and grounding, linen is known for its healing properties. Linen’s grounding effect can also help calm the nervous system, supporting lower cortisol levels. 

The Linen Story in Healing Spaces

Historically, hospitals used linen sheets. Naturally antibacterial, breathable, and cooling, they were thought to support healing at an energetic level, offering comfort and stability to patients’ energy fields. 

But as time went on, cost-effectiveness took priority, and many medical facilities replaced linen with polyester-based sheets. Polyester, however, lacks linen’s natural vibrations and breathability, which can impact comfort and healing. 

Some holistic practitioners even argue that synthetic fibers like polyester might even AMPLIFY stress, as they create a static, artificial layer between us and the environment.

Better Brands for your Body 

I've been revamping my wardrobe lately, focusing on slow fashion pieces made from high-quality, all-natural materials. Here are some brands I personally love and recommend:

• Naked Cashmere

• Donni

• Almina Concept

• & Daughter

• Babaà

• Shaina Mote

• Extreme Cashmere

• Deiji Studios

• B Sides

• Lauren Manoogian

• Another Nue

• Flippa K

• Souer

• Everlane

• Jenni Kayne

• Na Nin

• Reformation

• Mate the Label

• Amour Vert

• Christy Dawn

• Sezane

Low-Vibe Materials to Limit

These synthetic blends can often contain microplastics and chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system but may be used in small amounts for specific functionality:

• Rayon (Viscose): Although derived from plant sources like wood pulp, rayon undergoes intensive chemical processing, often involving toxic solvents such as carbon disulfide. Carbon disulfide exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption, affecting thyroid function and potentially causing irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

• Spandex/Lycra (Elastane): Frequently used in activewear and stretch garments, spandex contains chemicals like polyurethane, which can off-gas VOCs, impacting respiratory and hormonal health. Spandex is known to trap heat and moisture, which may stimulate the body’s stress response, leading to increased cortisol production and potentially worsening hormonal imbalances over time. It’s best to keep spandex use to a minimum to avoid prolonged skin contact and exposure.

• Acrylic: Often marketed as a wool substitute, acrylic is produced from polyacrylonitrile, a substance considered a potential carcinogen. Wearing acrylic can contribute to the body’s toxic load through skin absorption, impacting liver function and hormone metabolism. Acrylic also lacks wool’s natural breathability, which helps regulate body temperature and prevent hormone-disrupting overheating. For sensitive skin, acrylic may trigger irritation, which can lead to inflammation, stress hormone production, and hormone imbalances over time.

Toxic Materials to Avoid Whenever Possible

These materials often contain EDCs, contribute to environmental pollution, and vibrate at the lowest frequency due to their synthetic nature and lack of connection to the Earth:

• Polyester: Ubiquitous in fast fashion, polyester is derived from petroleum and sheds microplastics with each wash, introducing endocrine-disrupting toxins into both the ecosystem and our skin. These microplastics can leach hormone-altering chemicals, such as BPA, which mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to imbalances, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.

• Nylon: Nylon traps heat and sweat against the skin, creating a warm, humid environment where bacteria can thrive. This interaction can trigger inflammatory responses, increasing cortisol production, which disrupts the body’s hormonal balance. Additionally, heat-sensitive chemicals in nylon can release small amounts of VOCs, adding to the body’s toxic load and impacting hormone function.

• Polypropylene: Used primarily in outdoor wear, polypropylene is non-breathable, which traps moisture and heat against the skin, causing irritation. This can heighten stress responses in the body, raising cortisol and contributing to adrenal fatigue. Long-term exposure to polypropylene in daily wear might also increase exposure to phthalates, which disrupt testosterone and estrogen balance.

• PVC/Vinyl: This dense, petroleum-derived material is among the most harmful for hormone health. Often used in faux leather, it can off-gas harmful chemicals like dioxins and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. Dioxins, in particular, are linked to thyroid disruption and increased risks of breast cancer, while phthalates interfere with both estrogen and androgen functions, further impacting fertility and increasing the risk of reproductive disorders.

Getting Quality Clothes on a Budget

Want to upgrade to a healthier wardrobe without maxing out your funds? Here are some brands that offer good quality material at a more affordable price:

• Elwood 

• Honest Basics

• Quince

• Uniqlo 

• Muji

• Organic Basics

• KOTN

I also encourage you to explore thrift stores, both online (such as Vestiaire Collective, The Real Real, and ThredUp) and in person, for gently used clothing. It’s creative and great for our planet. Because natural fabrics are known for their durability, you can find truly stylish and sustainable treasures.

So…Where to Begin?

Completely eliminating synthetic materials from your wardrobe can feel overwhelming, so start by focusing on the items you wear most often—like undergarments, sleepwear, loungewear, and workout clothes. These pieces are closest to your skin and play a big role in your overall exposure to toxins.

Workout clothes are particularly important since sweating opens up your pores, increasing absorption of any chemicals in your clothing. While finding fully plastic-free activewear can be a challenge—most contain at least some spandex or nylon—brands like Mate the Label offer significantly better options with lower synthetic content.

For an even better alternative, consider merino wool base layers, which are breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally odor-resistant. Great options include these thermal leggings and Arms of Andes 100% Alpaca Wool leggings.

Extra Support and More Resources

If you’re struggling with symptoms of hormone imbalance—like cystic acne, weight changes, irregular/painful periods, or fatigue—you’re not alone. And, good news, you can absolutely feel better! 

I’ve helped hundreds of women make meaningful changes to heal their hormones and live their lives at full tilt. There is a pathway for you. And I’d love to help you find it.

Check Out These Resources:

More for your body:

My Top Fragrance-Free Products for Hormonal Balance: Your Ultimate Guide

Something for your mind:

Embracing Neutrality: How To Release Your Grip & Manifest Your Dreams

A deeply collaborative journey with me:

The Transformational Wellness Journey

A budget-friendly program to kick-start optimal endocrine health:

The Mind Body Hormone Refresh