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Comment by ladybro | Hacker News Reader

A friend has been making clothes from 100% certified ocean plastic: https://seathreads.co/

As a business owner, I don't envy his margins, but I certainly hope to see more companies doing similar in the future. We need to make re-use cool and something to brag about.

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Plastic is bad because it degrades into microplastic which is mechanically toxic to life (gets stuck in yer body). Why would you want to wear something toxic? That's like taking asbestos out of the walls and rubbing it on your body. Also, (machine) washing plastic clothes further degrades them into microplastics. Bad idea all around.

Hmm I'm a runner and pretty much everything I wear for running is plastic. The common advice I've gotten is to avoid cotton and it's worked well for me. Anywhere I can read more about this?

Not OP, But I've read about it recently. While, I'm not yet avoiding these products, it's cause for concern.

https://appalachiangearcompany.com/blogs/appgear-insider/you...

I'd like to know who is advising you against cotton, and why? Unless you are in a strange climate it's one of the best materials for clothing.

Silk and wool breaths and keeps fresh much longer without having to wash them all the time. Wool is the best IMHO.

Are you saying running clothing, or just clothing in general? Cotton for running chafes a solid amount, and doesn't wick moisture well.

"Cotton kills" is a common refrain in rowing because when its wet in cold environments, it can lead to hypothermia. Additionally, cotton is very heavy in water. Basic water safety used to teach that you should strip down, even use your jeans as a flotation device.

I've tried running in cotton and it is not a pleasant experience, especially in high humidity or rainy conditions (very common where I live).

Cotton kills, definitely avoid that.

Modern merino wool is a super material, I've moved away from synthetic jerseys entirely. Substantially less stinky, works well in all temps, and not created from plastics.

Eventually we'll understand how to synthesize something as good or better than wool, but for now merino is where it's at.

Merino wool has downsides too. It stains more easily, is more expensive, is less durable, and gets eaten by bugs. IMO it's less comfortable too.

I know microplastics are bad and stuff but I also have to recommend Got Bag (https://got-bag.com/), which is supposedly made out of recycled ocean plastic. I'm not sure if it is or isn't, but they make a great bag. I've had one for a few months now and it's held up well to being knocked around, no frayed material or even any significant scuffs, and it's at least water resistant (if not waterproof) in the rain.

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