The Frequency of Fabric

Ditching the Polys...Particularly, on Your Privates.

Apr 12, 2025

Why I Stopped Wearing Polyester

I started Style Alchemist to guide people in what I call my holistic approach to style- where intention is everything.

I know we’re all doing our best out there in a world inundated with daunting news, expensive everything & constant chaos. I don’t want to add to that noise. But this subject is so important, so overlooked & so my obsession. I have also been asked many times recently, for non-toxic work-out gear recomendations. So, I am dedicating a whole post to Poly’s.

Nothing is more vital than our health & well-being. When we intrinsically learn to merge our habits with this in mind, Style & Wellness can go hand in hand.

What's Really in Your Closet?

Some of the most toxic chemicals are hanging & hiding in your closet.

Polyester, spandex, lycra, rayon, acrylic, tencel, nylon & bamboo (when processed into viscose or rayon) are synthetic polymers made from petroleum. And don’t get me started on clothing made from recycled plastic water bottles. 🙄

Have you ever noticed how certain fabrics make you itchy, irritable, or even angry? That’s because they literally throw off your vibration. Aren’t we all aiming for good vibes?

These synthetic fabrics literally create static… & sparks. They also attract EMFs (electromagnetic fields), which we’re surrounded by 24/7- from phones to towers. These chemicals are disruptive to your hormones, your skin & your endocrine system. Sweating in them? It can be detrimental to your health.

My Natural Fiber Shift

Several years ago, I made an intentional effort to stop wearing unnatural fibers. Today, I mostly wear organic cotton, linen, hemp, wool & cashmere.

Natural fabrics resonate at a natural frequency- just like the earth. They can actually assist in your healing.

There will always be exceptions. Fashion & function sometimes win over facts. That’s why I follow the 80/20 rule: aim for control where you can.

My Curated Guide to Natural Fiber Brands

MEN’S CASUAL, ATHLETIC, LOUNGE, & UNDIES:

Outerknown- Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, this brand blends style & sustainability with organic cotton, hemp & recycled materials.
Everlane- Known for radical transparency, Everlane offers organic cotton & natural fiber basics made ethically.
Future Ancient- Luxury unisex clothing, drawn from the ancient world, featuring natural fabrics made in small batches.
Jungmaven- Hemp pioneers creating nature-forward essentials that are effortlessly cool.
Ministry of Supply- Blends science & sustainability, with merino wool performance wear.
Industry of All Nations- Champions regenerative fashion with 100% natural dyes & materials from artisans globally.

Boldwill- Plastic-free activewear made from hemp & other natural fabrics.
Manduka- Durable yoga gear made from organic & recycled materials.
Prana- Eco-conscious casual & activewear using recycled & organic fabrics.
Icebreaker- Merino wool experts offering breathable, ethical performance wear.
Ryker- 100% cotton & merino wool gear right down to their natural rubber waistbands.
Industry of All Nations- Natural dyes & local sourcing for minimalist basics.
Nads- Paul Saladino’s organic underwear. I like & trust Paul.
Ethika- Bold, comfort-focused underwear often seen in streetwear culture.
Organic Basics- Danish brand making minimalist essentials with eco-friendly materials.
Pact- Elevated essential. Comfortable organic cotton loungewear made in Fair Trade Certified factories.
Tasc Performance- Bamboo, organic cotton & natural fibers designed for breathability & skin-friendliness.
Kent- 100% organic cotton underwear that is plastic-free, landfill-free & compostable at end-of-life. Made in CA, free of synthetics & plastics.

LADIES CASUAL, ATHLETIC WEAR & INTIMATES:

Everlane- Timeless essentials in organic cotton & natural fibers.
Dissh- Conscious style using sustainable natural materials.
Harvest & Mill- 100% U.S. made organic cotton basics with low carbon impact.
Ozma- Natural fiber pieces with earthy, timeless elegance.
Kowtow- Minimalist & bold, made from Fairtrade- certified organic cotton.
Kotn- Everyday basics using direct trade Egyptian cotton.
Menique- Staples crafted from organic merino wool & linen.
Quince- Luxe staples. Cotton, cashmere & silk, at an affordable price.
Levi’s- Organic cotton line with natural dyes launched for their 150th anniversary. Denim royalty

AKTIIV- Eco-friendly activewear in bamboo & organic cotton.
MATE the Label- Clean essentials in non-toxic, low-impact materials.
Namarie- Minimalist lingerie & loungewear made from organic cotton.
Pact- Soft, sustainable everyday pieces.
Prana- Yoga & outdoor wear in organic cotton & hemp blends.
Quince- Active basics in cotton, washable silk & more, without the markup
Brooke There- Organic cotton lingerie with a minimalist feel.
Eco Intimates- Handmade intimates from ethical, natural sources.
La Coochie- GOTS certified organic cotton underwear in fun, body-positive designs.
Pact- Basics made in Fair Trade factories using organic cotton.
Pansy- Bold & comfy underwear made from U.S.-grown organic cotton.

LADIES FANCY & FEMININE:

AYA- Elevated essentials in organic, sustainable textiles.
Awave Awake- Dreamy, nature-inspired pieces rooted in earth reverence.
Christy Dawn- Romantic fashion using organic cotton & deadstock.
Dôen- Ethereal silhouettes made with natural fabrics in a female-led supply chain.
Raquel Allegra- Hand-dyed luxe pieces in cotton and silk. Long time cult following. My sweet bud.
Reformation- Modern staples in eco-fabrics like organic cotton & linen.

Fun Fact: Polyester & Fertility

A study on dogs wearing polyester underwear showed a significant drop in sperm count- with most dogs recovering after removing the polyester exposure. Dogs wearing cotton saw no change.

More research is needed on human impact, but the findings are enough to make you pause.

It's More Than Clothes- It's What You Sweat In

I know firsthand how many people in the U.S. live in athleisure. But think about this: when you’re working out, your pores open to detox… & you’re wearing toxic fabrics- it’s putting those chemicals right back in.

Start Small. Swap Smart.

I get it- we can’t all afford to toss our wardrobes & start over.

My goal in sharing this is to help you make more informed, thoughtful choices, slowly, but surely. Start by swapping out:

✔️ Workout wear
✔️ Intimates
✔️ Socks

These are items worn closest to your body & they matter the most.

Some brands are purists & some offer only certain items.

Start Reading All Tags & All item descriptions.

This info should also inspire you to think about your sheets…towels…blankets…pillows, bedding & SOCKS!

A Final Word on Socks

Natural fiber socks matter more than you think.

They’re breathable, reduce moisture &minimize odor. They’re kinder to your skin, prevent blisters, fungus & keep your feet healthier overall. Most of the brands above offer great natural sock options.