Are clothes made from recycled materials really more sustainable?

A growing number of brands are switching to recycled fibers but experts worry people may believe their purchases are impact-free - when that's far from true

Woven into your clothes is a material that takes on many disguises. It may have the texture of wool, the lightness of linen or the sleekness of silk. It's in two-thirds of our clothing - and yet most of us don't even know that it's there. It's plastic, and it's a big problem.

Today, about 69% of clothes are made up of synthetic fibres, including elastane, nylon and acrylic. Polyester is the most common, making up 52% of all fiber production. Plastic's unique durability and versatility have made it indispensable to the fashion industry.