Printed Polyester Dress

Name: Printed Polyester Dress
Brand: H&M

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

100% polyester. Sheds microplastic fibers with every wash. H&M is one of the most popular fast fashion brands in the world. Fast fashion polyester is one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution.

PFR Caution

100% polyester dress. H&M is one of the most popular fast fashion brands in the world.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$30See Safer Alternatives in Clothing

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Synthetic clothing sheds microplastic fibers with every wash. Natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen) do not shed microplastics.

Synthetic Plastic Content

100%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

H&M's polyester dresses shed microplastic fibers with every wash. Fast fashion polyester is one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution globally. Natural fiber alternatives (linen, cotton, silk) are available.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:100% polyester

microplastics

Source

100% polyester shedding microplastic fibers during washing

Health Risk

Microplastic pollution in waterways and food supply

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone wearing and washing synthetic fast fashion

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.