Do new or old synthetic clothes shed more microplastics?

Both new and old synthetic garments shed significant microplastics, but the pattern changes over time. New synthetic garments tend to shed the most during their first few washes as loose surface fibers from cutting and manufacturing are released. This initial burst can be several times higher than steady-state shedding levels.

After the initial washes, shedding typically decreases to a baseline level but never stops entirely. As garments age, fiber degradation from UV exposure, mechanical stress, and repeated washing creates new breakage points that can increase shedding again. Older garments with visible pilling or surface wear are actively breaking down and releasing fibers. The total microplastic release over a garment's entire lifecycle is substantial.

There is no point in the life of a synthetic garment where it stops shedding microplastics. From first wash to final disposal, every synthetic item continuously contributes plastic particles to water and air. This lifecycle perspective is why ONDU advocates for natural fibers from the start: a garment that never contained plastic never produces microplastic pollution at any stage of its life.