The hidden plastic in your clothes (and how to avoid it)
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Did you know that every time you wash synthetic clothing, you may be sending tiny plastic fibres down the drain and into the ocean?
It’s a hidden issue that many people don’t realise - but it’s one we can absolutely change together.
The Plastic Problem in Our Oceans
Around 35% of the microplastics in our oceans come from laundering synthetic textiles like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Each time these fabrics are washed, hundreds of thousands of plastic microfibres are released into waterways. These tiny fibres are too small to be filtered out by most wastewater treatment systems, so they end up in rivers, seas, and ultimately in the stomachs of marine life.
These plastics don’t biodegrade, which means they accumulate over time and cause real harm to ocean ecosystems—from plankton to turtles and beyond.
What You Wear Matters
The good news? You can help reduce the flow of microplastics into our oceans just by being mindful of the garments you choose.
By wearing clothing made from natural fibres - like organic cotton, linen, hemp or wool - you’re making a powerful decision. Natural fibres break down over time, unlike synthetic ones, so they don’t pose the same threat to marine life.
At Cream Collection, our cotton is organic cotton, which is kind to both your skin and the sea.
How to Check What You're Wearing
It’s easy to find out what fibres your clothing is made from—just check the care label, usually found inside your garment along a side seam or at the neck.
Look for materials like:
100% Organic Cotton
Linen
Hemp
Wool
Try to avoid (or limit) garments labelled with:
Polyester
Nylon
Acrylic
Elastane/Spandex These are all synthetic and release microplastics when washed.
Why Organic Cotton Is Best
Not all natural fibres are created equal. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, which makes it better for soil health, farm workers, and water systems.
When you wear organic cotton, you're:
Protecting marine life by eliminating plastic pollution
Supporting more sustainable farming practices
Choosing breathable, long-lasting comfort for your everyday wear
Small Changes, Big Impact
Making the switch to natural fibres isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for your wardrobe, too. When you invest in high-quality, well-designed garments made from natural materials, you’re supporting a cycle of care, sustainability, and style.
Every decision adds up. And together, we can make a meaningful difference for the sea creatures we’ll never meet—but still have a responsibility to protect.
Store owner replied:
Wow! What awesome pics Josh, you look great as usual :) Thanks for your ongoing support.
Whether working the grill, pass or larder. You are always going to look good in the shirt. Comfortable & cool (if you are standing over a coal grill for 12hrs you are gonna sweat no matter what you wear). Always feel proud rolling into a shift in one of these.
Store owner replied:
Wow! You look great Olly, and Thank you for your beautiful review. It's much appreciated and we are sure this will assist other chefs who work in hot environments and want to look and feel cool. Thank you again.
Store owner replied:
That's great to know that the aprons are comfortable to wear, thanks Nika, your comment is very much appreciated.
I was excited to order and received my 100% organic cotton chef Jackets and Aprons but was disappointed to find that there is a 2% spandex (Lycra) which takes away from the organic that you promote so strongly. Is there a reason for this and why isn’t it on your website under fabric content.
As far as I know the addition of spandex to your products takes it away from the circular economy as it is a synthetic material and makes the whole garment no recyclable.
I have been a chef for over 30 years and don’t think I have ever come across a chefs Jacket with spandex in it (polyester yes) A good fit should make putting a stretch material unnecessary.
Store owner replied:
Hi Sion, Thank you for your review. You are 100% correct, and I personally take full responsibility for this. We have added the fabric content this morning on all products. I can assure you we don't intend to mislead anyone - it was an oversight when changing the product descriptions recently. The 98% cotton is certified organic cotton. The 2% addition of spandex is woven in as when we worked with chefs to develop the collection, they wanted an element of stretch in the garments to allow the garments to be more tailored but move with the wearer to make them super comfortable. I will also email you directly to assist further.
Love it so light weight and breezy good for working in a fast paced kitchen wile still looking sharp cheer
Store owner replied:
Yay! That's great to hear that you're loving the softness of the fabric. Thanks for letting us know and may you enjoy wearing them for many shifts. xxx
This is probably theee best fitting and comfy jacket I’ve ever owned! I’m going to order a few more in the new year!
Thanks again guys for being so easy about the return due to them not fitting properly!
Thanks
Store owner replied:
You chose well Amanda! So glad he loves the fit and comfort of it. Thanks for letting us know.
Very flattering shirt. My only comment would be that the small is quite small. I’m a straight size 8 and I feel this is more like a size 6.5-7. But I’m still very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Glad you like the flattering fit of this chef shirt Kaye. Thanks for letting us know about the sizing, we will consider this if we repeat this style in the future.
I have been a professionally trained cook for the past 40 years, so I have come through the traditional whites in a brigade system.
So far one of the best aprons / gear you can see some thought has been put into the design
Very nice
Les
Store owner replied:
Thank YOU Mr Leslie. Sorry you had to wait 40 years to wear "one of the best" but glad you found Cream Collection eventually. Enjoy every moment wearing the gear.
Was a present for my son. He is very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Thanks Bea for your 5 star review, glad you love the comfort of the chef shirt. Enjoy!
I purchased the white Jo apron. Great quality apron, however the design was slightly different from the other photos of the same apron in different colours. I would prefer the pen pocket to be straight at the top (rather than slanted) and from an aesthetic standpoint I wasn’t fan of the round ring on the neck strap (but that’s probably me being picky)
Store owner replied:
Hi Andrew, Thanks for your 4 star review. I'll contact you about the images as the image of the white apron is as per the image on our website. The reason the pocket opening is slanted is that it is designed for ergonomic reasons, but we understand that every wearer has their personal preferences. Hope you are enjoying the comfort and fit of the apron. Thanks again.
Store owner replied:
Thank you Philipp! What a lovely review you have given, we appreciate it and glad that you are happy with the "insane quality" Thank you again.
Store owner replied:
Thank you Peter, so good to know your chef apparel ticks all the boxes. Thank you!!!! and enjoy.
Very happy with my apron love the fabric & tanks for the great customer service when I had to exchange as I mistakenly ordered the wrong size
Thanks Janet
Store owner replied:
Oh wow, that's exactly what we aimed for, thanks for letting us know that we achieved this, ENJOY!!!!
Great service, quick delivery, swift communication. With the packaging 'cream collection' takes ecologic to the next level.
And the apron is absolutely awesome as well.
