Last Updated on April 10, 2025

You’ve probably heard of polyester fabric before: It’s commonly used to make clothes and home furnishings. But what is it and how does it compare to recycled polyester? Which is more sustainable? 

Personally, I try to opt for natural fibers whenever I can. Synthetic materials shed microplastics over time, aren’t as durable, and can’t be composted at the end of their life. Plus, I don’t really like how synthetic materials feel on my skin. 

However, there are certain items that are harder to find synthetic-free, like athletic-wear and period underwear. These clothing items tend to need synthetics to offer stretchability and enhance performance.  

When I first started going zero waste, I wanted to live a completely plastic free lifestyle, even free of recycled plastic. But then I started learning a lot more about recycled plastic materials, emissions and looking at the bigger picture. 

Recycling plastic, like recycled polyester, definitely has its place in the sustainability movement. If you’re wondering which is better for the environment, here’s everything you need to know. 

what is polyester? 

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based chemicals, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Petroleum (aka crude oil) is a non-renewable material that is often extracted from the earth unsustainably. 

To create virgin polyester, 70 million barrels of oil are used annually, and turning this oil into fabric releases a lot of toxins into the environment.     

However, most of our clothes are made of polyester because of how cheap it is to make. If you check a clothing label, chances are it will contain a certain amount of polyester in it. 

Polyester is non-biodegradable, meaning it can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.

Its widespread use in fast fashion exacerbates the issue, as discarded garments often end up as long-lasting waste. Not so fun fact: We have enough clothes on the planet right now to for the next six generations!

what is recycled polyester? 

Recycled polyester, often referred to as rPET, is made by repurposing existing plastic waste, such as used PET bottles or discarded fishing nets. This process reduces the need for virgin raw materials and diverts plastic waste from landfills and oceans. 

The production of rPET uses significantly less energy compared to virgin polyester and results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a step towards a circular economy, where materials are reused rather than discarded. 

Kayaness, a sustainable period company I co-founded with Shelby Orme, utilizes recycled polyester. The period underwear is made using ethical manufacturing and undergoes rigorous testing for safety. 

Plus, period underwear is reusable and helps keep a lot of single-use period products out of landfills (the average pad contains four plastic bags worth of plastic in it!).

RELATED: How to Use Period Underwear: The Ultimate Guide to Period Panties

There is so much plastic in the world — we should be turning it into something. In fact, we shouldn’t be using any virgin plastic! After all, the most ecofriendly plastic is the one that already exists. 

And plastic is only recycled 5-6% of the time, down from 9%. If we want to see that recycling rate go up, the best thing we can do is support brands that utilize recycled materials.

is recycled polyester a good material? 

In comparison to virgin polyester, yes, recycled polyester is a good material.

RPET repurposes plastic waste, such as PET bottles, reducing the need for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills and oceans.

It requires significantly less energy (59% less to be exact) to produce compared to virgin polyester.

Additionally, rPET retains the durability and versatility of virgin polyester, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.  

does recycled polyester release microplastics? 

Yes, recycled polyester does release microplastics. Like virgin polyester, it sheds tiny plastic fibers during washing and wear.

These microplastics can enter waterways and contribute to environmental pollution. While rPET reduces the need for new plastic production, addressing the issue of microplastic pollution remains a challenge for both recycled and virgin synthetic fabrics. 

can recycled polyester be washed? 

Yes, recycled polyester can be washed, and it is generally easy to care for. It can be machine-washed, but it’s recommended to use cold water and a gentle cycle to preserve the fabric’s quality.  

For example, Kayaness (made from recycled polyester) can be machine-washed on delicate in cold water with a mild detergent. Just make sure to air dry them!  

To minimize microplastic shedding with polyester fabrics, consider using a washing bag designed to capture fibers or washing less frequently. Always check the care label for specific instructions. 

is recycled polyester cool in summer? 

Recycled polyester is lightweight and moisture-wicking, which can help keep you dry in hot weather.

However, it is less breathable than natural fibers like cotton or linen, which makes it less ideal for staying cool in summer.

It’s a better choice for activewear or situations where moisture wicking is a priority, but for ultimate breathability and comfort, natural fabrics might be preferable. 

which is more sustainable? 

In terms of polyester vs. recycled polyester, you may be wondering which is more sustainable. Recycled materials are always going to be more sustainable than virgin materials.  

Here are the key differences. 

environmental impact: 

• Virgin polyester relies on non-renewable fossil fuels and contributes to resource scarcity. 

• Recycled polyester reduces plastic waste and conserves resources, making it a more sustainable option. 

energy and water consumption: 

• Producing recycled polyester uses about half the energy required for virgin polyester. 

• The extraction of virgin raw materials and manufacturing them into single use items uses up water. Recycling reduces the need for materials, thus creating a smaller water footprint. 

durability and quality: 

• Both materials are durable, but recycled polyester offers comparable performance while being more eco-friendly. 

microplastics: 

• Both virgin and recycled polyester shed microplastics during washing, which can pollute waterways. Innovations in fabric technology are needed to address this issue. 

Recycled polyester is the more sustainable choice. By repurposing existing materials, it reduces the environmental footprint of production and helps tackle the global plastic waste crisis.

However, it’s not a perfect solution, as it still sheds microplastics and relies on synthetic materials. The most sustainable choice will always be to thrift natural fabrics and materials when possible. Or support sustainable, nontoxic clothing brands.

What are your thoughts on recycled polyester? Do you utilize it in your wardrobe? Let me know in the comments!

Last Updated on May 14, 2025

You may have seen deadstock fabric on a clothing tag before. But what exactly does it mean? And is it sustainable? In comparison to using virgin materials, it is. 

Most of the clothes we wear today are made using virgin materials (in fact textile production relies on 99.7% virgin materials). Virgin materials are raw materials that have never been used before, either for manufacturing or any other purpose.  

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

This is a problem, considering the environmental impact due to resource extraction, energy consumption, and pollution. Virgin polyester production alone emits 119.59 kg of CO₂ per 100 kg of fabric.  

Opting for recycled materials in our clothing is one solution to this problem. Deadstock material is made from recycled fabrics. Here’s what you need to know about deadstock material and which brands use it. 

what does deadstock mean? 

Deadstock refers to leftover or unused fabric that was originally manufactured for a purpose but never sold or used in production.

This could be due to overproduction, canceled orders, or slight imperfections that prevent it from meeting a brand’s standard.

Instead of being discarded, deadstock fabric is repurposed, giving it a second chance in fashion, upholstery, and other creative industries. 

Some examples of deadstock materials include: 

• Surplus fabric: Excess fabric from textile mills or factories that cannot be used for other orders or collections.
• Cancelled orders: Fabric produced for a specific order that was later canceled by the brand.
• Fabric samples: Unused fabric samples from designers or brands.
• End-of-roll remnants: Small pieces of fabric left over from larger rolls.
• Slightly imperfect materials: Fabrics that don’t meet stringent quality standards but are still usable.
• Designer excess: Unused fabric from designers or brands that were not incorporated into their collections 

Here are some types of clothing that utilize deadstock materials: 

• Bathing suits – Some brands repurpose deadstock fabrics to create unique swimwear.  
• Dresses – Many sustainable fashion labels craft limited-edition dresses from surplus textiles. 
• Jackets & outerwear – Deadstock materials are often used for one-of-a-kind outwear. 
• Loungewear and activewear – Leggings and sweatpants can be made from repurposed fabrics. 
• Accessories – Scarves, tote bags, and hats frequently incorporate deadstock textiles. 

is deadstock fabric good? 

Deadstock fabric is good in terms of sustainability because it reduces textile waste. It makes sure fabric scraps that would’ve ended up in landfill get a second chance at life. 

It also reduces the demand for new textile production, which saves resources. This helps promote a more circular economy and innovation through creative solutions. 

However, it’s worth noting that just because a brand utilizes deadstock materials, doesn’t make them completely sustainable. You should always investigate a company’s ethics and practices in-depth to see what other steps they’re taking to help people and planet. 

Also, deadstock fabrics can be natural or synthetic – so keep that in mind when shopping. Natural fabrics generally have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fabrics. But utilizing deadstock fabrics (be they synthetic or natural) automatically cuts down on emissions simply for being recycled content. 

what is a deadstock piece? 

A deadstock piece refers to any item created using deadstock fabric. Many brands craft limited-edition clothing, accessories, and furniture using these materials, offering consumers something unique while contributing to waste reduction.

Since deadstock fabric availability varies, pieces made from it tend to be one-of-a-kind or produced in small batches. 

is deadstock fabric expensive? 

Since deadstock textiles are essentially excess, unused fabrics, they often aren’t as expensive as virgin materials. However, some deadstock materials may utilize high-end, rare designer fabrics, which may elevate the cost of the finished piece.  

Deadstock pieces are usually made in small-batch production, considering the designer can only work with the scraps they acquire. This makes them more exclusive, which can also bump-up the final price tag. 

sustainable brands that use deadstock 

Here are some eco-friendly clothing brands that use deadstock material in some of their garments. All of these brands try to reduce their environmental footprint through using organic materials, low waste packaging, and/or achieving eco certifications.  

Keep in mind deadstock pieces tend to be small-batch and may be harder to find, even on these websites. Searching ‘deadstock’ on the brand’s website can help you narrow your search. 

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information. 

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So, would you give deadstock material a shot? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!