Does polyester clothing off-gas chemicals?

Polyester is a petroleum-derived plastic that can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when new. The manufacturing process uses antimony trioxide as a catalyst, and residual antimony can be released as a gas under heat. Chemical finishes applied to polyester, including wrinkle-free treatments, antimicrobial agents, and softeners, also contribute to off-gassing.

Off-gassing is accelerated by heat, which is why new polyester garments often have a noticeable chemical smell that intensifies in warm conditions. Wearing polyester during exercise, when body temperature rises, can increase the release of VOCs directly against your skin. Polyester bedding warmed by body heat throughout the night creates a prolonged low-level off-gassing exposure.

While individual garment off-gassing may be at low concentrations, the cumulative effect of wearing synthetic clothing, sleeping on synthetic bedding, and living among synthetic home textiles adds up. Choosing natural-fiber alternatives for items with the most skin contact and the longest wear time, such as sleepwear and bedding, is a practical way to reduce off-gassing exposure. ONDU curates natural-fiber options for these high-contact categories.