Why Natural Fibers Matter: The Real Impact of Plastic in Clothing

In a world where clothing trends move fast and fabrics are often chosen for cost instead of quality, it’s easy to forget that what we wear every day actually affects our bodies, the planet, and even the future of fashion. At Too Tomboy, we’ve made a conscious choice to build a brand rooted in natural fibers—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s truly better. Here’s why understanding natural vs. synthetic fabrics matters, and why choosing natural fibers is one of the simplest ways to support ethical, sustainable fashion without the fear-mongering.

So… What Exactly Is “Plastic in Clothing”?

A huge portion of the fashion industry today relies on synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, spandex, and acrylic. These are essentially plastics—petroleum-based fibers created through chemical processing. They’re cheap to produce, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to scale, which is why they’ve become the go-to for many brands, including luxury labels.

But “cheap to produce” doesn’t mean “good for you.”
And “easy to scale” doesn’t mean “easy on the planet.”

How Plastic Fibers Affect Your Body

Wearing synthetic clothing might feel normal, because it has become normal, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Here’s what science is beginning to uncover:

• Microplastics shed from clothing daily, especially during washing. These tiny particles can end up on your skin, in your home, and in the water system.

• Synthetic fabrics trap heat and bacteria, which can lead to irritation, odor retention, and skin flare-ups.

• Many plastic-based fabrics are treated with chemical coatings to improve stretch or performance—chemicals that can transfer through friction and heat.

Choosing natural fibers like organic cotton is one of the simplest ways to reduce your exposure to unnecessary chemicals and plastic.

How Synthetic Clothing Impacts the Planet

Every time synthetic fabrics are washed, they shed microplastics that flow into waterways, oceans, and eventually the food chain. This is currently considered one of the biggest sources of microplastic pollution worldwide.

Other environmental effects include:

• Dependence on fossil fuels to produce synthetic fibers

• Non-biodegradable waste—plastic clothing can take hundreds of years to break down

• High-impact overseas manufacturing that drives up carbon emissions

It’s not about creating fear, it’s about awareness. Fashion has consequences, and natural fibers are a proven way to reduce them.

Why So Many Brands Charge More for Cheaper Fabrics

This is the part most people don’t realize.

Many well-known brands—fast fashion and luxury labels alike—charge high prices for clothing that’s still made mostly from polyester or plastic blends. Why? Because synthetic fabrics are inexpensive and profitable.

Cheaper to make → higher margins → bigger profit
Even when the price tag reads $300.

That’s why a “designer” crewneck made overseas using synthetic fibers often costs the same—or more—than a natural, ethically made piece. The price isn’t for the quality. It’s for the branding.

How Too Tomboy Does It Differently

We made a promise when we launched:
No synthetics. No plastic. No shortcuts.

Every Too Tomboy piece is:

• 100% natural fiber — no polyester, no nylon, no microplastics

• Made in the USA, supporting ethical labor and reducing carbon emissions

• Crafted from organic cotton, grown without harmful chemicals

• Built to last, not built for landfills

• Produced in small batches, so nothing goes to waste

Our margins aren’t inflated—we simply choose better materials and ethical manufacturing. It costs more to create, but it’s better for your skin, better for the planet, and better for the future of fashion.

This is the standard we believe in.

Why Natural Fiber Clothing Is Worth the Investment

When people invest in natural fiber clothing, they’re not just buying a garment—they’re choosing:

• Breathability

• Comfort

• Longevity

• Sustainability

• Less exposure to synthetic chemicals

• A lower environmental footprint

• A piece made with intention

Organic cotton ages beautifully. It softens, molds to your body, and lasts far longer than synthetic blends. Natural fibers feel better because they are better.

Changing the Narrative: Slow, Ethical, Plastic-Free Fashion

At Too Tomboy, we’re here to challenge the industry norms—because the fashion industry doesn’t need more clothing. It needs better clothing.

We believe clothing should feel good, look good, and do good.

Natural fibers aren’t just a trend. They’re a return to what clothing was always meant to be: breathable, biodegradable, and built with care.

If this resonates with you, we’re honored to be part of your wardrobe.
And if it inspires you to think differently about what you wear, that’s a win too.

Shop Natural. Shop Ethical. Shop Plastic-Free.

Explore our collection of 100% sustainably sourced cotton, Made-in-USA essentials.
Pieces designed to last—and made without plastic, ever.

👉 Shop the Collection tootomboy.com