Microplastics in Clothing: What’s the Impact on Fertility and Health?

Written By The Mr. Fertyl Research & Education Team

Understanding Microplastics and Clothing Fibers

You’ve probably heard of microplastics polluting our oceans, but did you know your clothes can be a major source? Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic (less than 5 mm) that come from the breakdown of larger plastics or from manufactured microfibers. Fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are essentially plastics in textile form. When we wash or even wear these synthetic materials, they shed microscopic fibers that enter the environment [9]. In fact, up to 35% of the microplastic pollution in the world’s oceans may originate from laundering synthetic textiles [9]. That favorite fleece or pair of polyester gym shorts is quietly releasing countless tiny threads with each wash.

But microplastics don’t just vanish down the drain – they persist. These fibers have been found everywhere from deep ocean sediment to Arctic snow. And it’s not just aquatic life swallowing them; we’re exposed too, through the air, water, and even food. Alarming studies have detected microplastic particles in human blood, lungs, and placentas [11]. This means the microfibers from your clothes could potentially end up inside your body. Before you panic, let’s break down what that could mean for your health, especially reproductive health, and what you can do about it.

From Skin to Hormones: How Synthetic Fabrics May Affect Your Body

Wearing clothes is obviously a necessity (unless you’re a fan of the emperor’s new clothes look), and our skin is pretty good at protecting us. However, what we wear – particularly next to sensitive areas – might influence what sneaks past that barrier. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are treated with a slew of chemicals to give them stretch, color, and performance. Many of these are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can leach out over time. For example, additives such as phthalates (used to make plastics flexible) and bisphenol-A (BPA, used in some polyester blends) are notorious for mimicking or interfering with hormones.

When you wear polyester underwear or a nylon swimsuit, you’re in prolonged skin contact with those materials. Heat, sweat, and friction can speed up the release of chemicals from the fabric. A recent study provided the first experimental evidence that toxic additives in microplastics can indeed transfer into our bodies through skin contact [12]. Researchers used a 3D human skin model to show that flame-retardant chemicals (like PBDEs) embedded in microplastic particles could leach into simulated sweat and then be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream – in as little as 24 hours [13]. Notably, sweatier skin absorbed more of these chemicals than dry skin [13], which is a bit concerning when we think about exercise clothes or tight underwear on a hot day.

Why does this matter? Because many of these plastic additives are EDCs that mess with our hormone systems [14]. The endocrine system is like the body’s internal messaging network, using hormones to regulate everything from metabolism to reproduction. If chemicals that mimic estrogen or testosterone leach out of your clothing and into your body, they can potentially “hack” those hormonal messages. Mounting evidence has linked plastic-associated EDCs to health issues such as thyroid dysfunction, metabolic changes, and reproductive problems [14]. In essence, microplastics and their chemicals can act as tiny Trojan horses carrying hormone disruptors through your skin.

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Your Underwear Shouldn’t Mess With Your Hormones.

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Synthetics and Sperm: What Does the Research Say?

It might sound far-fetched that your fashion choices could impact something as personal as sperm quality or hormonal balance. But emerging research suggests this is not so crazy. Scientists have begun looking at microplastics and fertility, and the findings are eye-opening:

  • Hormone Interference: In wildlife and lab studies, microplastics have been shown to alter normal hormone levels. One experiment on male fish found that ingesting microplastic fibers led to clear signs of endocrine disruption – the males started showing elevated estrogen levels and even signs of feminization [15]. While we’re not fish, it hints at how these fibers and their chemicals can throw off the hormonal balance of the reproductive system (in this case the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis that controls sex hormones). Closer to home, a 2025 review of available evidence in mammals concluded that microplastic exposure may impair male reproductive health through mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal disruption [2]. In other words, tiny plastic particles can trigger big reactions in the body – generating inflammatory chemicals and reactive oxygen species that damage cells, and disturbing the endocrine signals that regulate sperm production.
  • Sperm Quality and Count: Perhaps most concerning, microplastics are being found in the male reproductive tract and seem linked to reduced sperm quality. A large multi-site study in China in 2024 examined semen samples from 113 healthy men. They discovered microplastics in every single sample of semen – typically 3 to 5 different types of plastic polymers in each person [5]. Men with higher levels of certain plastics, especially PTFE (the polymer in Teflon non-stick coatings), had significantly lower sperm counts and less motile sperm [5]. In fact, those with the greatest PTFE exposure had sperm counts about 15% lower on average than those with minimal exposure, and their forward-swimming sperm (the ones you want for fertility) was also reduced [5]. The researchers labeled microplastics a potential “hazard to reproductive success”, echoing findings from earlier animal studies [1][5].
  • Testicular Damage: Animal studies offer a deeper look into cause-and-effect – and they’re not reassuring. Laboratory rodents fed or exposed to microplastics often show damage to the testes and epididymis (where sperm mature). For instance, male mice exposed to polystyrene microplastic particles for just 28 days had drops in testosterone levels, fewer sperm produced, and evidence of inflammation in testicular tissue [5]. Scientists have observed abnormal sperm shapes (two tails, misshapen heads) and even cell death in the testicular tissue of microplastic-exposed animals [1]. Essentially, the presence of these foreign plastic particles and their additives can stress out the sperm-making machinery enough to impair its output.
  • Polyester vs. Natural Fabrics: There’s even some (decades-old but intriguing) research directly comparing clothing materials. Back in the 1990s, Egyptian scientists ran a rather unusual experiment: they asked men to wear a polyester mesh sling around their scrotum – basically a makeshift piece of underwear – 24 hours a day for a year. This was tested as a form of male contraception. Amazingly (or alarmingly), it worked: after about 5 months, all the men’s sperm counts plummeted to zero while wearing the polyester sling [6]. The men became temporarily infertile until they stopped the experiment. The effect was reversible, but it demonstrated that polyester in close contact with genital skin wasn’t benign. The researchers hypothesized that electrostatic charges generated by the fabric, plus perhaps minor heating, impaired spermatogenesis (sperm production) [6]. Another study around the same time found that dogs made to wear polyester underpants for 24 months also developed significantly lower sperm counts and more abnormal sperm, whereas dogs wearing cotton underpants or nothing at all maintained normal sperm health [7]. These older studies underline that what touches our reproductive organs (and in what material) can impact functionality. Polyester isn’t officially labeled an endocrine disruptor on its own, but these results suggest it can create an unhealthy environment for sperm – whether through static electricity, off-gassing chemicals, excess heat, or all of the above.
  • Heat and Breathability Factors: It’s well known that testes need to be a few degrees cooler than core body temperature for optimal sperm production – that’s why they hang outside the body. Tight or non-breathable clothing can raise testicular temperature, potentially hurting sperm output [10]. Synthetic fabrics often trap heat and moisture more than natural fabrics do. If you’ve ever worn cheap polyester underwear on a hot day, you know the swampy feeling. Urologists commonly advise men attempting to conceive to switch from tight briefs to looser boxers for better air flow. Now, add the fact that polyester and nylon are not only trapping heat but also possibly leaching chemicals, and you have a recipe for “toxic tighty-whities,” so to speak. Even the Mayo Clinic recommends staying cool “down there” and avoiding unnecessary chemical exposures to protect male fertility [10]. So it isn’t just an urban myth – your choice of underwear fabric and fit really can make a difference.

Choosing Safer, “Fertility-Friendly” Fabrics

If all this has you eyeing your yoga pants or favorite undies with suspicion, take heart: not all clothing is a microplastic menace. Natural fibers like bamboo, cotton, hemp, linen, and wool do not shed plastic bits (though non-organic cotton can have other chemical residues, and wool can be itchy – everything has trade-offs). One standout material gaining attention for health and sustainability is Bamboo Lyocell.

What is Bamboo Lyocell? It’s a fabric made from bamboo pulp, but unlike traditional viscose rayon (which also comes from bamboo or wood cellulose but uses harsh chemicals), the Lyocell process uses a non-toxic solvent in a closed loop. The result is a silky-soft, breathable textile that’s 100% plant-derived. Because it’s not a synthetic polymer, it doesn’t contain the plastic additives we’ve been worrying about. No BPA, no phthalates, no microplastic shedding – Bamboo Lyocell is free of those by default. It’s also naturally moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic, meaning it helps keep you dry and is gentle on sensitive skin. This makes it an ideal choice for garments that sit close to the body, especially undergarments.

For example, Mr. Fertyl’s Bamboo Lyocell underwear was created with exactly these benefits in mind. This brand recognizes that men’s reproductive health and comfort go hand-in-hand. By using Bamboo Lyocell fabric, they offer undergarments that are ultra-breathable and thermoregulating, to keep the groin area cool and dry (remember, heat stress is the enemy of sperm). Plus, the fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified (tested for harmful substances), so you’re not exposing some of the most absorptive skin on your body to a cocktail of textile chemicals every day. The feel is often described as softer than cotton and smoother than silk – a nice bonus when you’re literally cradling your “crown jewels.”

Beyond personal health, choosing clothes made from natural or sustainable fibers can have a positive ripple effect on the environment. If fewer people buy so many polyester clothes, less microplastic pollution ends up in our rivers and oceans. And garments like Bamboo Lyocell underwear last a long time and biodegrade at end-of-life, further reducing waste. It’s a win-win for fertility and for the planet’s fertility (soil and ecosystems thrive better without plastic litter).

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Healthy Habits and Final Thoughts

Discussing sperm count or endocrine disruptors over dinner might not have been considered polite conversation in the past, but times are changing – and that’s a good thing. Normalizing these topics helps all of us make more informed choices. The science of “microplastics in clothing” is still emerging, yet it aligns with a broader understanding that our environment and our health are deeply interconnected. Tiny plastic fibers from a cheap pair of boxers could conceivably contribute to fertility struggles or hormonal imbalances after years of exposure. While more research will continue to clarify the extent of the risk, the evidence so far is enough to justify some precautionary steps.

The great news is that these steps don’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Start with simple swaps: upgrade your underwear drawer with natural fiber options, wash synthetics in a mesh laundry bag to catch fibers, and perhaps save that polyester shapewear or compression gear for occasional use rather than daily wear. By wearing breathable, non-toxic fabrics where it counts, you give your body a break from constant contact with plastic. Think of it as creating a healthy microenvironment for some of your most important organs.

In summary, microplastics shed from clothing are a subtle form of pollution that doesn’t just vanish into the sea – we carry some of it with us. These particles can act as vehicles for hormone-disrupting chemicals and may contribute to inflammation and reduced sperm quality when they remain in close contact with our skin. On the flip side, being mindful about fabric choices is a proactive way to support your endocrine health. Slipping on a pair of Bamboo Lyocell briefs in the morning might not feel like a grand gesture, but it’s those small daily decisions that add up over time. After all, caring about fertility (and by extension, overall wellness) isn’t just about doctor visits and labs; it can start right in your closet. By choosing eco-friendly, fertility-conscious clothing like Mr. Fertyl’s line, you’re doing something good for your body and helping reduce plastic pollution – and that’s a trend worth following.

  1. D’Angelo, S., & Meccariello, R. (2021). Microplastics: A Threat for Male Fertility – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2392. Source.
  2. Kumar, N., & Mangla, M. (2025). Microplastics and Impaired Male Reproductive Health: Exploring Biological Pathways of Harm (Narrative Review) – Biology of Reproduction. Source.
  3. Zurub, R. E., et al. (2023). Microplastics Exposure: Implications for Human Fertility, Pregnancy and Child Health – Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1330396. Source.
  4. Abafe, O. A., et al. (2024). 3D Skin Models Reveal Toxic Additives Leaching from Microplastics Can Be Absorbed Dermally – Environment International, 175, 108635. Source.
  5. Zhang, C., et al. (2024). Association of Mixed Exposure to Microplastics with Sperm Dysfunction: A Multi-Site Study in China – EBioMedicine, 108, 105369. Source.
  6. Shafik, A. (1992). Contraceptive Efficacy of Polyester-Induced Azoospermia in Normal Men – Contraception, 45(5), 439-451. Source.
  7. Shafik, A. (1993). Effect of Different Types of Textile Fabric on Spermatogenesis: An Experimental Study – Urological Research, 21(5), 367-370. Source.
  8. Ragusa, A., et al. (2021). Plasticenta: First Evidence of Microplastics in Human Placenta – Environment International, 146, 106274. Source.
  9. European Environment Agency (2022). Microplastics from Textiles: Towards a Circular Economy for Textiles in Europe. Source.
  10. Mayo Clinic (n.d.). Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility – Mayo Clinic Health Library. Source.
  11. Sharma, R. K., Kumari, U., & Kumar, S. (2024). Impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development: A systematic review. Cureus, 16(5). Source.
  12. University of Birmingham. (2024, April 19). Toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed through skin. Source.
  13. Phys.org. (2024, April 18). Toxic fireproof chemicals can be absorbed through touch, 3D-printed skin model shows. Source.
  14. Scientific American. (2024, March 13). How do chemicals in plastics impact your endocrine system? Source.
  15. Kim, M. J., Kim, J. A., Song, J. A., Kho, K. H., & Choi, C. Y. (2023). Synthetic microfiber exposure negatively affects reproductive parameters in male medaka (Oryzias latipes). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 334, 114216. Source.