The costume comes off at midnight. The pajamas stay on all night.
Somewhere between the candy and the glitter, a very sugared-up kid will fall into bed still wearing a costume made of who-knows-what. That mystery matters: some materials raise environmental concerns, and certain textile finishes can irritate sensitive skin.
Through all the chaos, it’s easy to overlook what’s actually in the fabric.
Which toxic fabrics should be avoided, and which healthier fabrics are worth choosing instead? Let’s separate the facts from the fright.
Here’s the list. Creepiest first.
Quick Answer: Which Fabrics Should You Avoid and Wear Instead?
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4 Fabrics to Approach With Caution |
4 Healthier Fabrics to Consider |
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Polyester |
Bamboo viscose |
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Acrylic |
Organic cotton |
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Nylon |
Linen |
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Acetate |
Wool |
Keep in mind that no fiber is automatically toxic or healthy in every situation. Fiber content, dyes, finishes, manufacturing practices, and your individual skin sensitivity all matter. Below, we’ll explain what each fabric is, what the evidence actually tells us, and what to look for on the label so you can make informed choices without fearing every fiber in your closet.
Why What You Sleep In Matters
A costume might only be on for a few hours, but pajamas stay on all night. For school-age kids, that’s 9 to 12 hours of sleep, which is more time in pajamas than in any other outfit.
That makes comfort, breathability, and fabric finishes worth considering, especially if you experience irritation or tend to sleep hot. Some synthetic fabrics can hold on to heat and moisture depending on their construction, while certain chemical finishes may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
The environmental side matters, too. Synthetic textiles can release tiny fibers during washing, contributing to microplastic pollution. Research has identified textile laundering as one route through which these fibers enter the environment.
Fortunately, the good news is that you don’t need to fear every fabric in your closet. Start by understanding what’s on the label.
The Creepy Four: 4 Toxic Fabrics to Avoid
These four fabrics aren’t automatically dangerous to wear, but each comes with considerations worth knowing before you buy.
1. Polyester: The Fabric That Never Disappears
What it is: Polyester is a synthetic fiber commonly made from petroleum-derived materials. It’s widely used in everyday clothing, activewear, and affordable sleepwear, including many store-bought fleece and character-print kids’ pajamas.
The concern is that polyester is not readily biodegradable under ordinary disposal conditions, contributing to long-term textile waste. Washing synthetic garments can also release microplastic fibers into wastewater. Recycled polyester may reduce reliance on virgin materials, but it doesn’t eliminate these microfiber concerns.
Look for the fiber-content label for polyester and polyester blends. If you’re choosing pajamas, consider whether the fabric feels comfortable and allows you to manage heat throughout the night.
2. Acrylic: The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
What it is: Acrylic is a synthetic fiber often used in sweaters, blankets, and fuzzy accessories because it can resemble wool.
The concern lies in acrylic production, which involves chemical processing and energy use. Like other synthetic textiles, acrylic garments can contribute to microfiber pollution and persistent textile waste. The fiber’s name alone, however, doesn’t establish that a finished garment is toxic or carcinogenic.
Check for acrylic in sweaters, fuzzy robes, and plush blankets. If you have sensitive skin, pay attention to the garment’s texture, construction, and any irritation you experience.
3. Nylon: The Energy Vampire
What it is: Nylon is a durable synthetic fiber used in hosiery, activewear, outerwear, and many stretch fabrics.
Nylon’s concern is that manufacturing it requires energy and relies on chemical processes. Its production and disposal have environmental impacts, and nylon garments can release synthetic microfibers during washing.
Make sure to check labels on leggings, tights, and fitted sleepwear. Nylon isn’t inherently unsafe, but if you sleep hot, consider whether the garment’s thickness, fit, and fabric construction feel comfortable overnight.
4. Acetate: The Chemical Chameleon
What it is: Acetate is a manufactured textile fiber made using cellulose, often sourced from wood pulp, and chemical processing.
Producing acetate involves chemical treatments and solvents that require appropriate handling and environmental controls. However, chemical processing alone doesn’t make a finished fabric toxic. The actual risk depends on the substances used, exposure, and manufacturing controls.
Check the fiber-content label on silky-looking blouses, dresses, and costume pieces. If you have sensitive skin, pay attention to added finishes and whether the garment causes irritation.
Want to learn more about toxins in fabrics and how to reduce them in your everyday life? Check out our step-by-step guide.
The Treats: 4 Healthiest Fabrics to Wear Instead
Now for the good part: comfortable fabrics that can help you build a wardrobe around your needs, preferences, and values.
No single material is the healthiest choice for everyone. The best option depends on how the fabric feels against your skin, how you use it, and how the finished textile is made.
1. Bamboo Viscose: The One We Put First
Looking for soft, lightweight pajamas and bedding? Bamboo viscose is our preferred fabric at Earthly Threads, and for good reason.
Bamboo viscose feels the way a good night’s sleep should. It feels soft and gentle on your skin and is breathable, preventing heat and moisture buildup during sleep.
Earthly Threads bamboo pajamas are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, which means every component, from fabric to thread, is tested for harmful substances.
Skeptical? Good. Check the tag yourself. The fiber label reads 95% viscose from bamboo and 5% spandex for stretch. That's it.
Shop Bamboo Bedding and Bamboo Pajamas today.
Recent studies also suggest that bamboo pulp has a smaller environmental footprint compared to cotton and wood pulp. It grows fast, regenerates after harvesting, and can require less irrigation than conventional cotton, making it an appealing renewable raw material.
At Earthly Threads, we choose bamboo viscose for its soft feel and comfortable everyday wear.
Bamboo viscose isn't the only fabric worth considering. While we don’t sell these, they are good choices you should know about.
2. Organic Cotton: A Familiar Natural Fiber
Organic cotton is grown under organic agricultural standards that restrict the use of many synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It can be a comfortable choice for everyday clothing and sleepwear, although its softness, breathability, and environmental footprint depend on the finished product and its production.
If you’re shopping for organic cotton, check the certification and product details rather than assuming every garment marketed as natural is certified organic.
3. Linen: A Breathable Choice for Warm Weather
Linen is made from flax fibers and is valued for its distinctive texture, durability, and airflow. Its lightweight construction can make it a comfortable option in warmer weather, particularly if you prefer a less clingy fabric.
4. Wool: Natural Insulation for Cooler Days
Wool provides insulation and can help manage moisture, making it useful for cooler-weather clothing and base layers. Its feel varies by fiber type and garment construction, so softer varieties such as merino may be more comfortable if traditional wool feels itchy against your skin.
How to Check a Clothing Label Before You Buy
You don’t need to memorize every textile term to make a more informed choice. Start with three things.
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Check the fiber content. Look for the actual materials listed on the label. Terms such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, cotton, and rayon or viscose tell you more than vague descriptions like natural, eco-friendly, or clean.
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Look for credible textile certifications. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 indicates that a textile product has been tested for harmful substances according to the program's criteria. It doesn't mean a product is chemical-free, and you should verify that the specific product you're considering is certified.
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Pay attention to special finishes. Descriptions such as wrinkle-free, stain-resistant, or odor-resistant may indicate additional treatments. These terms don’t automatically mean a garment is unsafe, but if you have a history of skin irritation, look for more information about the finish and choose clothing that feels comfortable against your skin.
Want the full breakdown? Read our non-toxic label guide here!
The Bottom Line: Choose Comfort Without Compromise
This Halloween and beyond, the real treat is choosing clothing that feels comfortable. The scariest thing in your closet doesn’t have to be your costume: knowing what your clothes are made of can help you make more informed choices about comfort, textile finishes, and environmental impact.
Explore Earthly Threads’ soft bamboo viscose sheets, pajamas and kids’ pajamas, and enjoy free shipping sitewide.
