Why We Don't Use Polyester

Walk into almost any clothing store today and you'll find polyester everywhere.

It's in shirts, dresses, trousers, jackets, activewear and even garments that look and feel natural at first touch. In fact, most of the clothing produced in the world today contains synthetic fibres in some form.

At Creatures of Habit, we've chosen a different path.

We make our clothing using natural fibres and do not use polyester, nylon, elastane or other synthetic fibres in our garments.

It's a decision that costs more and often makes manufacturing more complicated. But we believe the clothes we wear every day should be comfortable, breathable and made from materials that work with the body rather than against it.

Here's why.

Polyester Is Plastic

Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from petroleum-derived chemicals. Put simply, it's a form of plastic that has been turned into fabric.

The same family of materials used to make plastic packaging and bottles is used to make polyester clothing.

Over the last few decades, polyester has become the dominant fibre in fashion because it's inexpensive, durable and easy to produce at scale. Today, it's found in everything from luxury garments to fast fashion basics.

But widespread use doesn't necessarily make something the best choice.

Clothes Should Feel Good To Wear

We spend most of our lives in clothing.

It touches our skin from morning to night. We work in it, travel in it, cook in it, rest in it and make memories in it.

That's why we think comfort matters.

Natural fibres like linen and cotton breathe easily, allow air to circulate and help the body regulate temperature. They soften with time and develop character through wear.

Synthetic fibres often do the opposite. They can trap heat, retain odours and feel uncomfortable in hot and humid weather.

If you've ever changed out of a synthetic garment at the end of a long day and immediately felt relief, you probably know exactly what we're talking about.

The Environmental Cost

The environmental impact of polyester doesn't end when a garment is made.

Because polyester is a plastic-based fibre, it doesn't biodegrade in the way natural fibres do. Instead, it gradually breaks down into smaller and smaller particles over time.

These microplastics have now been found in rivers, oceans, soil, wildlife and even the air around us.

Each wash can release tiny synthetic fibres into waterways, where they can persist for decades.

While the full impact of microplastic pollution is still being studied, one thing is clear: once plastic enters the environment, it tends to stay there for a very long time.

Polyester Changed The Way We Buy Clothes

Polyester helped make clothing cheaper and more accessible.

But it also helped create a culture where clothing became disposable.

When garments are inexpensive to make and inexpensive to buy, they are often treated as temporary. Worn a handful of times. Replaced quickly. Forgotten easily.

We believe clothing can be something more than that.

A well-made shirt should become softer over the years. A favourite dress should travel with you through seasons of life. A pair of trousers should earn their place in your wardrobe.

The best clothes aren't the ones you buy most often.

They're the ones you never want to part with.

Why We Choose Natural Fibres

For thousands of years, people dressed in natural fibres.

Linen kept them cool in the heat.

Cotton offered comfort and versatility.

Wool provided warmth and durability.

These materials existed long before synthetic alternatives and continue to be loved for the same reasons today: they're comfortable, breathable and made by nature.

We believe there is wisdom in that simplicity.

When we choose fabrics for a collection, we aren't looking for shortcuts. We're looking for materials that feel good against the skin, age beautifully and encourage a slower, more thoughtful relationship with clothing.

A Small Choice That Adds Up

The clothes we wear are habits.

They're the first thing we reach for in the morning and often the last thing we take off at night.

Choosing natural fibres may seem like a small decision, but small decisions repeated over time have a way of shaping the world around us.

At Creatures of Habit, we're committed to making everyday clothing that's better to wear, made to last and kinder to the planet.

No polyester. No nylon. No elastane.

Just natural fibres, thoughtfully made.