There’s nothing quite like the thrill of slipping into a brand-new shirt or pair of jeans, fresh from the shops or delivered to your door.
The fabric feels crisp, the colours pop, and you can’t wait to show off your latest find. But before you strut your stuff, there’s a dirty little secret lurking in those new threads—and it’s not just the price tag.
Most of us assume that new clothes are, well, clean. After all, they look pristine, smell fine, and come neatly folded or hung. But the truth is, those garments have been on quite a journey before reaching your wardrobe—and they’ve picked up a few unsavoury hitchhikers along the way.
The chemical cocktail in your closet
Let’s start with the manufacturing process. To keep clothes looking sharp and shelf-ready, manufacturers often treat fabrics with a range of chemicals.
According to Zach Pozniak, a fourth-generation dry cleaner who’s seen it all, these can include formaldehyde (used to prevent wrinkles), lead (sometimes found in dyes), and BPAs (bisphenol A, a chemical used in plastics and resins).
These substances aren’t just hard to pronounce—they can also cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even respiratory issues for some people.
And it’s not just the chemicals you need to worry about. Dyes used in the manufacturing process aren’t always fully rinsed out, meaning that vibrant new shirt could be harbouring excess colourants that transfer to your skin—or your other clothes—when you wear it.
Who’s been touching your clothes?
If the chemical cocktail isn’t enough to make you reach for the laundry basket, consider this: before your clothes ever reach you, they’ve been handled by countless people.
From factory workers and warehouse staff to retail employees and other shoppers who’ve tried them on (and maybe even dropped them on the floor), your ‘new’ clothes have had quite a social life.
Retail workers have chimed in online, sharing stories of unpacking boxes with filthy hands, picking clothes up off dusty shop floors, and watching kids (and adults) paw through the racks.
One woman even reported hand-washing a brand-new white shirt, only to find the water turned black. Yikes!
Credit: @jeeves_ny / TikTok
It’s not just clothes—bedding and towels, too
Think you’re safe with new sheets or towels? Think again. Bedding and towels are also treated with chemicals to keep them looking crisp and feeling soft in the store.
A process called ‘sizing’ uses starch to give sheets that smooth, hotel-like finish, but it can leave them feeling scratchy and uncomfortable at home.
Washing removes these chemicals, as well as any dust, residual dyes, or germs picked up during manufacturing and packaging.
Plus, washing new towels isn’t just about cleanliness—it helps remove excess lint and loosens up the fibres, making them softer and more absorbent.
The simple solution: Wash before you wear
The good news? You don’t need a hazmat suit to enjoy your new purchases. A simple wash before wearing is all it takes to remove most chemicals, dyes, and germs.
For clothes, a regular cycle with your usual detergent will do the trick. For sheets and towels, consider an extra rinse to ensure all residues are gone.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you might want to use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent and skip the fabric softener for the first wash.
A few extra tips for the cautious shopper
- Always check care labels before washing, especially for delicate fabrics.
- If you’re buying second-hand or vintage clothes, a thorough wash is even more important.
- For items that can’t be machine washed (like suits or delicate dresses), consider a professional dry clean before wearing.
- Don’t forget about accessories—scarves, hats, and even bags can benefit from a gentle clean.
Do you wash before you wear?
We want to hear from you! Are you a stickler for washing new clothes, or do you throw caution to the wind and wear them straight away?
Have you ever had a bad experience with unwashed garments? Share your stories, tips, and laundry disasters in the comments below—let’s get the conversation started!
And remember, a quick spin in the washing machine is a small price to pay for peace of mind (and a rash-free debut of your new outfit). Happy shopping—and even happier washing!
Also read: Say goodbye to damp clothes: Winter drying tips that work
