Oasis

The Ultimate Fabric Ranking Guide

The average person wears textiles for over 90% of their daily life. However, many of these fabrics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the body, disrupt hormones, or cause skin irritation. Studies show that:

72% of synthetic fabrics contain hazardous chemicals that may be absorbed through skin contact.
Microplastics from synthetic clothing are found in 83% of tap water samples worldwide.
PFAS (forever chemicals) in water-resistant fabrics are linked to a 4x higher risk of certain cancers.
Formaldehyde in wrinkle-resistant clothing has been measured at levels 5x above safe exposure limits in some garments.

To help you make healthier choices, we’re ranking fabrics from worst to best based on their chemical exposure risks and impact on skin health.

10. Chemically Treated Synthetics (PFAS-Coated, Flame-Retardant, or Antimicrobial Clothing)

Stain-resistant shirts, waterproof outdoor gear, flame-resistant pajamas, antibacterial activewear

Loaded with toxic chemicals like PFAS (forever chemicals), brominated flame retardants, silver nanoparticles, and triclosan.
PFAS in water-resistant fabrics are linked to cancer, thyroid dysfunction, and immune suppression.
Flame retardants (PBDEs) can disrupt hormones and accumulate in the body.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Columbia (Omni-Shield), The North Face (waterproof outerwear), Under Armour (antibacterial sportswear).

9. Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Spandex, Fleece)

Examples: Polyester shirts, acrylic sweaters, nylon leggings, fleece blankets

Made from petrochemicals, these fabrics shed microplastics onto skin and into the environment.
Antimony (a heavy metal) in polyester can leach into skin, especially with sweat.
Disperse dyes in synthetics are the most allergenic and can cause rashes.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Adidas (polyester activewear), H&M (fast fashion synthetics), Patagonia (recycled fleece).

Bamboo viscose leggings, Tencel bed sheets, modal underwear

Standard rayon and bamboo viscose use carbon disulfide, a toxic solvent linked to nerve damage.
Tencel (Lyocell) is safer and processed in a closed-loop system, reducing chemical residue.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Boody (bamboo viscose), Allbirds (Tencel shoes), Eileen Fisher (modal and Tencel apparel).

7. Conventional Cotton (Non-Organic)

Standard cotton T-shirts, sheets, towels

Non-organic cotton is treated with pesticides, and some residues remain in fibers.
Formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resistant finishes can cause skin irritation.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Gap (standard cotton basics), Ralph Lauren (cotton shirts), Target (cotton home textiles).

6. Linen

Linen shirts, sheets, summer dresses

Naturally antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, and breathable.
Typically grown with fewer pesticides than conventional cotton.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Rough Linen, MagicLinen, Cultiver, Uniqlo (linen summer collections).

5. Wool (Merino & Untreated Wool)

Merino base layers, wool blankets, sweaters

Naturally flame-resistant (no chemical retardants needed).
Odor-resistant and antimicrobial, making it a safer alternative to treated synthetic activewear.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Smartwool, Icebreaker, Ibex, Wool&.

4. Silk (Undyed, Unprocessed)

Silk pillowcases, scarves, pajamas

Minimal chemical processing makes it one of the safest textiles.
Hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant.

Brands Using These Fabrics: LilySilk, Ethical Silk Company, Fishers Finery.

3. Hemp

Hemp T-shirts, denim, towels

Requires little to no pesticides.
More durable than cotton while being breathable.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Jungmaven, Patagonia (hemp blends), Outerknown.

2. Organic Cotton

Organic cotton bedding, clothing, towels

Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
No wrinkle-resistant chemical treatments.
Soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Coyuchi, PACT, Boll & Branch, MATE the Label.

1. The Best Fabric for Health: Certified Organic Hemp & Linen

Organic hemp and linen bedding, clothing

Zero synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or chemical treatments.
Naturally antimicrobial, breathable, and hypoallergenic.
Most durable and environmentally friendly fabric choice.

Brands Using These Fabrics: Rawganique, Patagonia (organic hemp & linen blends), Avocado (organic hemp bedding).

Takeaways

Avoid heavily treated synthetics (PFAS, flame retardants, antimicrobial finishes).
Limit conventional synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic) to reduce microplastic exposure.
Choose Tencel over bamboo viscose or rayon.
Prioritize natural fibers like linen, hemp, wool, and organic cotton.
Look for certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Bluesign to ensure fabric safety.

By choosing cleaner, more natural textiles, you can reduce your daily exposure to toxins and create a healthier wardrobe and home environment.

References

Benzothiazole and Other Contaminants in Textiles – Environmental Science & Pollution Research Overview of Clothing Chemicals and Health Effects – Cognitive Vitality (Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation) Microplastics in Clothing and Health Risks – PlanetCare Blog Are Your Clothes Making You Sick? – The Guardian OEKO-TEX & GOTS Certifications – Textile Safety Standards and Testing PFAS and Textile Chemical Analysis – Environmental Working Group (EWG) Formaldehyde Exposure Studies – Health Risks from Wrinkle-Free Clothing