Microplastics
Penalty 100/100 - weighted impact 45
Polyester is recorded as Synthetic and tied to Polyethylene terephthalate, which drives the material's microplastics score pressure.
Synthetic
Polyethylene terephthalate
Polyester clothing: health and sustainability score
Petroleum-based and non-biodegradable, but recycled polyester (rPET) transforms plastic waste into useful textiles. Durable and wrinkle-resistant when properly cared for.
Score drivers
Greener Closet scores materials from several penalty inputs. The same material can be reasonable in one product and weak in another, but these are the default drivers behind the base material record.
Very high concern
PFAS uncertainty
Penalty 80/100 - weighted impact 12
Polyester receives a PFAS uncertainty penalty because performance synthetics and finish-dependent uses can make PFAS claims harder to verify from a label alone.
Half-life and biodegradability
Penalty 100/100 - weighted impact 15
Polyester is treated as slow to break down, so half-life and biodegradability are major sustainability concerns.
Fiber shedding
Penalty 80/100 - weighted impact 4
Polyester can shed fibers during wear and washing; the MaterialsDB shedding penalty captures that release risk.
Manufacturing energy
Penalty 85/100 - weighted impact 8.5
Polyester carries a manufacturing-energy penalty, so production impacts remain part of the score even when microplastic risk is low.
Safer alternatives to consider
Best next step
Paste the full fabric label into the homepage checker. A 95% cotton, 5% elastane garment will not score the same as 100% cotton, and the checker handles those percentages.
Use the material-label checkerRelated scored products
281 visible scored products include Polyester.
American Vintage Unisex Pullover
Brand: American Giant
90/100
UnisexSweatshirts
High Rise Wide-cut Jeans
Brand: H&M
86/100
Women'sPantsDenim
Ava Ultra High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Brand: H&M
80/100
Women'sPantsDenim
Brandy Satin Skirt
Brand: The Reformation
77/100
Women'sSkirts
Pike Satin Dress
Brand: Reformation
77/100
Women'sDresses
Ultra Stretch Calf Socks
Brand: Bombas
77/100
Men'sSocks
Sportswear Club Fleece Pullover Hoodie
Brand: Nike
77/100
Men'sSweatshirts
Adults' Bean Boot Socks
Brand: L.L. Bean
76/100
Men'sSocks
Common questions
Does Polyester clothing shed microplastics?
Polyester is associated with Polyethylene terephthalate, so Greener Closet treats it as a microplastic-shedding concern.
Is Polyester biodegradable?
Polyester carries a half-life penalty in MaterialsDB, meaning persistence and biodegradability are important concerns.
How should I check a Polyester blend?
Use the Greener Closet material-label checker with the full percentage label, because blends can change the final score even when Polyester is only one part of the garment.