Microplastics in Clothing: What’s Hiding in Your Underwear?

You might not see them, but every time you wash your clothes, especially synthetic ones, you’re releasing thousands of tiny plastic fibers into the environment. These are microplastics in clothing, and they're quietly polluting the planet… and possibly irritating your most sensitive areas. At CUFT®, we believe what touches your skin should be safe for you and safe for the Earth. So, let’s pull back the seams and explore what’s really hiding in your underwear drawer!

What Are Microplastics and Why Should You Care?

Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles, often smaller than 5mm, that shed from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex. In the context of fashion, microplastics in clothes are mainly released as microfibers, which are tiny strands that break off during wear and especially during each wash cycle.

These synthetic fabrics are cheap, stretchy, and widely used in everything from leggings to lingerie. But with every wash, they shed plastic that escapes into waterways, ends up in the ocean, and even makes its way back to us through the food chain. Studies show that microplastics have been found in bottled water, sea salt, and even human blood.

It’s a full-circle issue, and it starts in your laundry room.

How Do Clothes Release Microplastics?

Every time you wash a load of synthetic laundry, thousands of microfibers are released from the fabric and flushed down your drain. While your washing machine might seem like a clean place, it’s actually a major source of microplastic pollution.

Not all machines are equal, either. Top-loading machines tend to release more microplastics compared to front-loading washers, which are gentler on clothes. Plus, washing smaller loads or half-empty machines tends to increase microfiber shedding, while washing full loads can help minimize friction and reduce the damage.

In addition to your wardrobe, other everyday items like blankets, towels, and even masks, are also culprits in microfiber release.

Where Do These Microplastics Go?

One of the most alarming studies from 2020, details how scientists discovered microplastics on Mount Everest, Earth’s highest point. From mountain peaks to ocean trenches, these invisible particles have traveled farther than we can imagine.

Here’s their typical journey:

washer → wastewater system → enters oceans, lakes, and rivers → marine life → food

Once these plastic particles travel from washer to ocean, they’re ingested by marine life; everything from plankton to fish. And eventually, they land right back on your dinner plate. Yes, the food chain is now part plastic.

How Microplastics in Underwear Affect Your Intimate Health

Let’s bring the conversation closer to home, and closer to your skin. When it comes to underwear made from synthetic fabrics, microplastics don’t just harm the planet. They can also have an impact on your personal health.

Synthetic fabrics often contain chemical additives used for softening, dyeing, or enhancing stretch. These chemicals, in close contact with delicate skin, can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even disrupt the natural balance of your intimate area. Some dermatologists and gynecologists suggest that breathable, natural fabrics are safer for preventing infections and promoting long-term skin health.

The takeaway? Your underwear should never be a source of hidden toxins.

How to Reduce Microplastic Pollution from Your Laundry

The good news: this problem has solutions. By making a few simple changes, you can dramatically reduce your personal contribution to microfiber pollution and support your health at the same time.

Switch to Natural Fabrics (Like TENCEL™)

At CUFT®, our underwear is made from 100% TENCEL™, a plant-based fiber that doesn’t shed plastic particles. TENCEL™ is:
- Free from synthetics and chemical additives
- Naturally breathable
- Quick-drying and odor-repellent

Not only does CUFT® feel luxuriously soft on your skin, but it also respects your body and the planet. Unlike cotton, which uses excessive water and pesticides, or synthetics, which pollute waterways, TENCEL™ is a cleaner choice, especially when worn every day.

Use a Cora Ball or Laundry Bag

If switching your entire wardrobe isn’t an immediate option, tools like the Cora Ball or Guppyfriend laundry bag can help. These devices catch microfibers before they escape to your washer, making it easier to collect microfibers and dispose of them responsibly.

Install a Washing Machine Filter

For a long-term solution, consider installing a washing machine filter. These filters trap microplastics before they enter the plumbing system and can capture up to 90% of fibers shed during a wash.

Final Thoughts on Microplastics in Clothing

The issue of microplastics in clothing is complex, but your response doesn’t have to be. Choosing natural fabrics, washing with care, and using fiber-catching tools can drastically reduce your impact.

At CUFT®, we believe in starting with the basics—literally. Your underwear is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off. It should protect you, not pollute you.

So the next time you get dressed, ask yourself: what's hiding in my underwear?