I don’t think it’s that simple because the alternatives have environmental issues as well. For example, cotton is very carbon and water intensive (organic even more so) for the amount of times you can use it before it breaks down (see: cotton vs plastic shopping bags). Presumably recycled plastic clothing is less carbon intensive than cotton.

Textile production accounts for about 10% of carbon emissions. I’m not sure we currently have a good way to compare the negative externalities of additional carbon footprint and micro plastic pollution.

I think the ideal solution likely involves consumers keeping their clothing for longer, purchasing more durable clothing and not participating in “fast fashion”.

Don’t get me wrong, I prefer cotton and wool. Synthetics also have their place in many speciality and sporting applications. I believe main issue is the sheer scale of consumption and waste that we encourage in a consumer economy.

If anyone knows about the carbon footprint of wool, hemp or alternative textiles I would be curious to hear.