Peer reviewed research on the chemistry in clothing, read in full and summarised without the marketing. Every figure is attributed, and every source is linked so you can check it yourself.
Nylon is a plastic polyamide, common in tights and activewear. We read it as Prefer less for wearer chemistry, recycled included. What to check: polyamide names, stretch percentage, and water or stain finishes. Certifications check process and limits, not a hidden health number.
Elastane is stretch polyurethane. We read it as Prefer less even at 5–10%. Production uses solvents such as DMAc and DMF, with clothing residue limits in some markets. A small percentage still counts on a wearer-facing label.
Acrylic is a plastic fibre used to mimic wool in jumpers and knits. We read it as Prefer less. Wash studies often find higher microfibre release from acrylic staple knits than from some other synthetics. Wool-look copy is not a fibre name.
We split cotton: organic is Prefer, conventional is Okay. Farm pesticides matter more in the field than on many finished shirts. Recycled cotton is Okay: a planet story, not a skin upgrade. GOTS and OEKO-TEX check process and limits, not a hidden health number.
Polyester is a plastic fibre. We read it as Prefer less for wearer chemistry, recycled included. What to check on the label: blend share, microfibre shedding, and stain or water-repellent finishes. Certifications check process and limits, not a hidden health number.
A fast guide to composition labels: find the real fibre names, note the elastane percentage, treat bamboo as viscose unless lyocell is proven, and ignore plant-based or eco copy. Those words are not a health tier.
A research backed guide for parents who want soft character prints without the marketing fog. What the studies actually say about bamboo viscose, cotton, and where PFAS really shows up in children's clothing.