Cotton or Polyester: The Important Thing Is That It’s Healthy and Sustainable

🌿 Cotton: Comfort with a Caveat

Cotton has long been celebrated for its natural softness, breathability, and skin-friendly properties. It’s biodegradable, beautiful, and incredibly comfortable—making it a top choice for garments worn close to the skin. In the medical field, cotton reigns supreme due to its ability to endure high-temperature washing and sterilization, ensuring hygiene without compromising fabric integrity.

However, conventional cotton farming can be resource-intensive. It often requires large amounts of water and, if not certified organic, may involve pesticide use that harms both the environment and farm workers. That’s why choosing certified cotton is crucial—it ensures a lower ecological footprint and safer production practices. 

♻️ Polyester: Practical, But at What Cost?

Polyester is the most widely used fiber in the world, prized for its durability, affordability, and ease of care. But traditional polyester is derived from petroleum and takes over 200 years to decompose. Worse still, it sheds microplastics with every wash, polluting waterways and ecosystems. In professional settings, many polyester garments—especially medical uniforms—are designed for low-temperature washing. This often necessitates the use of chemical disinfectants, which can be harmful to both the wearer and the environment.

🔄 A Smarter Alternative: Recycled Polyester

Enter recycled polyester, made from post-consumer PET bottles. This innovative material offers the same resilience and performance as virgin polyester but with a significantly reduced environmental impact. It helps divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans while conserving energy and raw materials.

✅ The Bottom Line: Certification and Responsibility

Whether you choose cotton or polyester, the key is to opt for certified, responsibly produced fabrics. Look for materials that are free from harmful substances and manufactured with sustainability in mind. In professional clothing, this means investing in textiles that support both personal well-being and planetary health.

👕 Pastelli’s Commitment

At Pastelli, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and conscience. That’s why we offer both cotton and recycled polyester options—each certified, safe, and designed to support your well-being every day. Because when it comes to what you wear, the most important thing is that it’s healthy and sustainable.