Replace the Basics: Clean, Non-Toxic Clothing Alternatives (Unlike Your Ex)
Switch to non-toxic basics that support your skin and hormone health. Learn why synthetic underwear, pajamas, T-shirts, activewear and bed sheets are a problem and what to wear instead.
Table of Contents
1. Why your basics matter more than you think
2. Your basics and hormone health
3. The rule I follow in my own wardrobe
4. How to scan a tag (5-second method)
5. What to replace your basics with
6. Members-Only Section — The Clean Basics List
7. FAQs
When I say replace your basics, I mean the clothes that sit against your skin from morning to night, underwear, pajamas, T-shirts, tanks, gym wear, even your bedsheets.
These pieces matter more than anything else in your wardrobe, because they spend the most time touching your body. And depending on the fabric, they can support your health… or quietly irritate your skin, disrupt your hormones, and make you smell worse than you should.
This sounds dramatic, but it’s not. It’s basic fabric science.
Why your basics matter more than you think
Every time you pick up a top or a pair of leggings, check the tag.
If you see polyester, nylon, acrylic, elastane/spandex above 10%, or any “high-performance” claims like stain-resistant, wrinkle-free, anti-odor, or waterproof, you’re dealing with plastic (unless stated otherwise).
Plastic fabrics trap bacteria on your skin. They also shed microplastics with chemical additives.
Some of which are linked to endocrine disruption according to recent research, including the study published in Materials (MDPI, 2024) that I keep going back to because it explains how certain textile coatings and synthetic fibers can influence the body’s natural hormonal system.
When these fibers rub against your body all day, especially in warm areas with moisture (hello underwear and sports bras), you’re basically creating the perfect place for irritation, breakouts, yeast imbalance, and odor buildup.
And yes, this also affects how you smell.
Many people blame deodorant, sweat, or food… but the real issue sits in their wardrobe.
Your basics and hormone health
Women often experience bloating, stronger body odor before periods, rashes around the chest and inner thighs, and breakouts on the back and shoulders.
Many don’t realise how much fabric plays a role.
Synthetic underwear and tight activewear create friction and heat.
That combination affects your skin microbiome. Your microbiome influences everything from odor to inflammation to hormonal balance.
The MDPI study mentioned earlier highlights the concern that certain textile chemicals, especially when released through friction, sweat, and heat, can contribute to hormonal disruption. And we’re wearing these things every single day.
Most women are doing everything right in diet, skincare, sleep…but then sit in polyester leggings for 12 hours straight.
Switching to clean, natural fabrics is one of the easiest ways to support your hormones without buying 50 supplements.
The rule I follow in my own wardrobe
For everyday basics: zero synthetics.
If stretch is needed, I keep spandex under 10%, max.
I avoid coated finishes.
I scan for suspicious words: anti-odor, stain-resistant, wrinkle-free, waterproof.
Those usually mean PFAS, formaldehyde, or antimicrobial coatings — all things I don’t want sitting on my skin for 8–14 hours.
My swaps are simple:
- Organic cotton for underwear, T-shirts, tanks, pajamas
- Silk for sleepwear and slips
- Cashmere or merino wool for winter basics
- Linen for warm weather pieces
- Ideally, Low-impact dyes only (my skin reacts less, and the fabric lasts longer)
Living in Switzerland makes this even harder.
In Switzerland, we don’t have a huge range of natural-fiber basics available in physical stores.
Most shelves are full of fast-fashion packs of polyester underwear, cheap fleece pyjamas, spandex-heavy sportswear, and synthetic “thermal” layers.
The quality once found in Swiss and EU brands has dropped massively.
Even the higher-end gym brands people love aren’t what they used to be.
And that brings me to the brands everyone keeps talking about…
Let’s talk about Lululemon and Alo
There’s been so much fuss around Lululemon and Alo lately.
Every influencer I see is wearing Alo sets made from polyester that costs them maybe €4 a meter to produce.
Here’s the thing most people don’t want to hear:
Both brands are expensive for what they actually offer.
Lululemon used to feel innovative. The fabrics felt stronger, didn’t pill as fast, and lasted more than one season. But over the last years, things changed:
- leggings fall apart in the wash
- everything pills quickly
- the fabrics feel thinner
- seams loosen
- synthetic smell builds up faster
Alo is similar, but with even cheaper materials.
You’re basically paying luxury prices for plastic clothing.
This is also why I built Swiss Impact Store.
I’ve spent years studying thousands of independent European labels, fabric compositions, certifications, dye processes, and how clothing actually performs in real life.
What I’ve learned:
There are ethical brands making high-quality basics.
You just won’t find them easily on TikTok or in malls.
How to scan a tag (5-second method)
This is the tag scan I teach all members:
1. Look at the first two fibers listed.
Those make up most of the garment.
2. If they’re synthetic, put it back.
Polyester, nylon, acrylic, elastane/spandex above 10%.
3. If it has “special finishes,” be careful.
Anti-odor = antimicrobial coating
Wrinkle-free = formaldehyde
Waterproof = PFAS or similar coatings
4. Check for certifications.
GOTS, Oeko-Tex, Bluesign, EU Ecolabel
5. Ask yourself: Would I put this on my face for 10 hours?
If the answer is no, don’t put it on your body either.
What to replace your basics with
Natural fibers that breathe and don’t release chemicals when warmed by your body:
- Organic cotton
- Silk
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Linen
- Modal or TENCEL (only from certified sources)
These fabrics regulate temperature better, allow airflow, and don’t trap odor. Most importantly, they don’t come with the cocktail of chemicals often found in synthetic sportswear.
And yes — you will smell better when you stop wearing polyester. This is why some people switch their deodorant 12 times a year but never consider their clothes.
Members-Only Section — The Clean Basics List
(This part is hidden behind the private club paywall.)
Inside the paywalled section you’ll find:
1. Underwear – clean, breathable, low-impact options
Swiss, EU, and UK/US brands with organic cotton, silk, or TENCEL.
2. Pajamas & Loungewear – natural fibers only
Lightweight, soft, cosy options for all budgets.
3. T-Shirts & Tanks – wardrobe-building pieces
Classic fits, no synthetics, clean dyes.
4. Activewear – natural performance fabrics
Non-synthetic or ultra-low-synthetic options for gym, Pilates, and yoga.
5. Sheets & Sleep Essentials
Clean bedding swaps that don’t affect your skin or hormones.
Ready to be part of The Collective? Join here.
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FAQs
Why are synthetic fabrics bad for basics like underwear and T-shirts?
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and high-spandex blends are basically plastic. They trap heat, bacteria, and odor on your skin. Many also come with extra coatings that can irritate your skin or affect your hormones. When these pieces sit on your body all day, the irritation builds up over time.
Can synthetic fabrics affect hormones?
Some can, yes. Certain chemicals used in textile coatings and synthetic fibers have been linked to endocrine disruption. A recent study published in Materials (MDPI, 2024) explains how these chemicals can transfer through sweat, friction, and heat. This is especially relevant for underwear, leggings, and sports bras.
Is it okay to wear synthetic fabrics sometimes?
For outerwear, jackets, or rain gear — yes. These items don’t sit on your skin for long hours, and sometimes synthetic materials are needed for weather protection. For underwear, pajamas, T-shirts, gym wear, and bedding, natural fibers are much better.
What natural fabrics are best for everyday basics?
Organic cotton, silk, linen, merino wool, and cashmere are great options. They breathe better, keep odor low, and don’t come with the same chemical issues that many synthetic fabrics carry.
Is a little bit of spandex okay?
Yes. A small amount of stretch is fine. I keep spandex under 10% in all basics. That’s enough for comfort without turning the entire garment into plastic.
What is wrong with “anti-odor” or “wrinkle-free” clothes?
These usually mean the fabric was treated with extra chemicals like PFAS, formaldehyde, or antimicrobial coatings. They’re useful for outerwear, but not great for basics that sit directly on your skin.
Why do my polyester leggings smell even after washing?
Because polyester traps bacteria deep in the fibers. The smell sticks, even with strong detergent. Natural fibers wash cleaner and don’t hold onto odor in the same way.
Are natural basics harder to care for?
Not really. Most organic cotton pieces wash like normal clothes. Silk and cashmere need a gentler wash, but they stay in better condition for longer and they don’t develop that polyester smell.
Is it more expensive to switch to non-toxic basics?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But you need fewer pieces because natural fibers last longer. I always tell my members: buy less, choose better, and focus on the items that sit closest to the skin first.
Where can I find natural basics in Switzerland?
Swiss stores don’t have a huge selection of clean basics, which is why I curate independent brands through Swiss Impact Store. Most good options are online-only from ethical labels across Europe & beyond.
Do I need to replace everything right away?
No. The Clean Wardrobe Method™ is built for slow swaps. Start with the basics touching your skin: underwear, pajamas, T-shirts, tanks, and gym wear. Replace them one by one as items wear out.