Great-Grandma Didn’t Wear Plastic: Why We Shouldn’t Either

Great-Grandma didn’t wear plastic — and for good reason. Her dresses were sewn with cotton, mended with care, and made to last. She hung her laundry on the line, let the wind do the drying, and passed down aprons that outlived today’s appliances.

Walk into any department store today, and the tags tell a different story: polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic — fabrics that sound more like a chemistry lab than a closet. And here’s the kicker: most of them are made from plastic or petroleum.

Yep. That buttery-soft blouse? Plastic. Those comfy leggings? Plastic. That wrinkle-free button-up shirt? You guessed it—plastic.

So, how did we get here?

There was a time when American wardrobes were filled with natural fibers. Grandma wore cotton. Grandpa’s work shirts were wool. Baby’s first blanket was pure, breathable linen. Clothes were built to last—and built from the earth.

But post-WWII America brought in the “miracle” of synthetics. Plastic promised convenience: no wrinkles, no ironing, low cost. We traded quality for convenience—and today, over 60% of all clothing is made from synthetic, petroleum-based fibers.

What Are Synthetic Fabrics Really Made Of?

If you can’t pronounce it, Great-Grandma wouldn’t have worn it.

Let’s break it down. These common fabrics are spun from oil and gas:

  • Polyester: The king of synthetics, made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate)—yes, the same stuff in plastic water bottles.
  • Nylon: Created in a lab, derived from crude oil.
  • Spandex (aka Lycra or Elastane): Made from polyurethane—a stretchable plastic.
  • Acrylic: Looks like wool, made from acrylonitrile (classified as a possible carcinogen).
  • Rayon/Viscose: Technically plant-based, but processed with toxic solvents often tied to petroleum.

Sound toxic? That’s because it can be.

Why It Matters for You and Your Family

Synthetic fabrics don’t just feel different. They trap heat, block airflow, and can leach microplastics into your skin and the water every time you wash them. They’re also slow to decompose, clogging landfills and oceans for centuries.

But let’s bring it home:

  • Babies chew on their clothes.
  • We sleep on sheets, sweat in leggings, hug our kids in these materials.
  • And what touches your skin… gets absorbed.

Clean eating is great — but what about clean wearing?

What to Look For Instead

We’re not saying you need to toss every item in your closet overnight. But awareness is the first step toward freedom — the kind of freedom we stand for here at AmericanMom.

Here’s what to reach for:

  • Organic Cotton – breathable, soft, and free from pesticides
  • Linen – made from flax, ultra-durable, perfect for summer
  • Wool – temperature regulating, natural, biodegradable
  • Silk – elegant and natural
  • Hemp – strong, sustainable, and anti-microbial
  • Bamboo – only if it’s mechanically processed, not rayon-bamboo

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” – WWII-era American saying

But Isn’t Natural Clothing More Expensive?

At first, yes. But here’s the truth: you need less when your clothes actually last.
You don’t need ten polyester blouses. You need well-made cotton ones.
Buy less. Choose better. Wash gently.
And teach your children the value of quality over clutter.

What You Wear Is A Form Of Stewardship

You don’t have to be perfect. But if you’re already cutting seed oils, switching to cast iron, and buying local beef—this is your next step. Because being an American mom isn’t just about red, white, and blue. It’s about protecting what we’ve been given—our children, our health, our land.

And yes… sometimes, it starts with a clothing label.