Abstract: Presently provided are compositions and method that are effective to prevent or reduce formation and/or release of microplastics, particularly microfibers, from fibers, from fabrics including fibers, and articles incorporating fabrics that include fibers. The fibers particularly can be synthetic fibers. Articles, fabrics, and fibers exhibiting such properties are likewise provided. Such properties particularly can be imparted through use of conditioning and/or softening polymers that can be provided in the present compositions to be contacted with the fibers so that the polymers adhere to or otherwise bind with the fibers. Encompassed compositions include laundry compositions and other compositions suitable for application to fibers and fabrics including such fibers. Encompassed methods can be effective for preventing or reducing release of microfibers to the environment.