Hey brothers,
Listen, I’ll just tell you what I reckon straight, your plastic ‘gym shorts’… they’re sh*t, your polyester tees from gym wear brands… sh*t. You might be thinking “nah bro they’re sick for the gym”, but are they really? Or you just believe that because gymshark made them? In this blog I’m going to explain exactly why cotton is king, and hopefully convince you to put some luxury fabric over your chicken legs 😉
The Benefits of Cotton
First off, cotton is king. Cotton shorts feel better, move better, and have way better airflow than polyester (plastic) ones. Perfect for the streets and even better for the gym. None of that cheap, scratchy, uncomfortable feeling you get with polyester, especially when you're working up a sweat.
But it's not just about how it feels. Cotton is hypoallergenic, meaning it won't irritate your skin. It's also durable and gets softer with each wash, unlike polyester, which can start to feel rough and worn out over time.
WTF is Polyester?
When you hear the words plastic, what other words come to mind? I bet you’re not thinking quality, I bet you’re not thinking luxury, I bet your thinking cheap & trash. Polyester clothes are made from petroleum-based products, in other words straight plastic. The process is filthy. It starts with extracting crude oil, which is then refined into polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This involves a lot of chemicals, including antimony oxide (a known carcinogen), ethylene glycol, and various dyes and finishers that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals not only pollute the environment but can also be harmful to your health, I’ll link the studies.
Microfiber Mayhem
Every time you wash your plastic clothes, they shed microfibers. These tiny plastic particles end up in our waterways and eventually in the ocean, f*cking up the environment and wildlife. A single load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of these microfibers. Marine animals mistake them for food, and they end up in the food chain—eventually landing on your plate bruh.
Now without trying to sound like a pussy...It gets worse.
A study published in The Guardian in 2024 found microfibers in every human placenta tested. Yeah… f*cked up hey —plastic particles in a child's placenta. These microplastics can cause long-term health issues, including hormonal disruptions and chronic inflammation. The most common plastics detected were polypropylene and polyethylene, both prevalent in polyester clothing. Told you your ‘sports’ shorts suck.
Another study published in Nature in 2024 found that people with tiny plastic particles in their blood were more likely to develop certain health issues like respiratory problems, inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Plastics are everywhere—in tyres, clothes, and water pipes—and they’re making their way into our bodies. We need plastic at the moment for essentials like pipelines and medical equipment, not so your shorts are moisture-wicking. This study highlights the serious, long-term health risks posed by microplastic exposure. Save plastic for where we need it, not for your wardrobe.
Cotton for the W
Cotton, on the other hand, is biodegradable. When you're done with your cotton clothes, they break down naturally without leaving harmful residues. Plus, cotton farming has come a long way. Many farms now use sustainable practices that reduce water usage and avoid harmful pesticides.
So next time you're shopping for mens clothing or you need some new gym clothes, think about the real impact of your choices. Go for cotton—it's better for you, better for the environment, and way more comfortable. At On Lock Apparel, we’re committed to bringing you the highest quality cotton streetwear that keeps you looking fresh and feeling good. No fake plastic clothes or fake plastic gangster sh*t here, just real, authentic, and premium quality.
Bruh we can’t be perfect with chemicals, but in this day and age we are bombarded left, right & centre by unnatural shit that our bodies can’t process. Unless you’re conscious of all the shit around you & are actively trying to limit chemical exposure fuck knows how much we’re absorbing. Now I bet you’ve inhaled some bad shit on purpose before I sure have, but everything thing has a place and a time and we all just need to pick and choose our battles & make conscious decisions.
We’re biassed but our shorts are The Dons, you need to check these out.
Positive Progressions Shorts : These are legit the best cotton shorts out there. They look clean AF, fit perfectly and they’re the first pair I’ve seen with zips on them.
Positive Progressions Oversized Tees : Our oversized T shirts are the dons as well. 100% Luxury Cotton, these two combined… unreal.
Peace out and f*ck plastic.
Joel Pond
p.s. Don't forget, every purchase helps fight fatherlessness and plants a tree. So you're not just looking good, you're doing good too.