Tagless T-Shirt (Polyester Blend)

Name: Tagless T-Shirt (Polyester Blend)
Brand: Hanes

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

50% cotton, 50% polyester. Sheds microplastic fibers with every wash. Hanes is one of the most popular clothing brands in the US. The polyester content means significant microplastic shedding.

PFR Caution

50% cotton, 50% polyester fleece sweatshirt. Hanes is one of the most popular clothing brands in the US.

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

$20See 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 (polyester, nylon, acrylic) sheds microplastic fibers with every wash — a single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers. These fibers pass through wastewater treatment and enter waterways, eventually returning in drinking water and food. Synthetic fabrics also contain chemical finishes (PFAS wrinkle-resistance, antimicrobial treatments) that leach through skin contact.

Synthetic Plastic Content

50%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Hanes' EcoSmart sweatshirt is 50% polyester — which sheds microplastic fibers with every wash. Despite the 'EcoSmart' branding, the polyester content means significant microplastic pollution. 100% organic cotton or wool sweatshirts 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:50% polyester

microplastics

Source

Polyester shedding microplastic fibers during washing

Health Risk

Microplastic pollution in waterways and food supply

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone wearing and washing synthetic clothing

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.