WATCH: Why you should always wash new clothes
Just because it's new it doesn't mean it's clean...
There’s something undeniably joyful about receiving a delivery or going on a shopping spree.
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You don’t need to walk out with armfuls of designer bags like in the movies – even buying a single new item can give you that instant hit of serotonin.
There’s just something exciting about new clothes. They feel fresh, they look great, and they can give you that same thrill as a new car – vibrant, clean, and a perfect fit.
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But before you get too excited, here’s the catch: your brand-new clothes might not be as clean as they seem.
Just because they’ve been hanging on a rail or folded neatly on a shelf doesn’t mean they’re hygienic. In fact, quite the opposite.
Here are a few reasons why you should wash your new clothes before wearing them.
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1. You're not the only person to try them on
It might seem obvious, but it’s something we often forget: even if you reached for the item at the back of the rack, there’s a good chance someone else had the same idea.
Now think about it – sweat, skin oils, and dead skin cells can easily be transferred onto clothing by strangers trying them on.
Bacteria cling to fabric, and in worst-case scenarios, you could end up with more than you bargained for, like lice from a seemingly innocent hat.
When it comes to hygiene, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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2. New clothes are covered in chemicals
To keep clothes looking fresh and presentable on store shelves, manufacturers often treat them with a variety of chemicals.
One of the most commonly used is formaldehyde, which is the same chemical used in embalming bodies.
It helps prevent mildew, mould, and excessive wrinkling during shipping and storage. But while it works wonders for clothing, it’s not so kind to your skin.
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Dr Shirley Chi, a board-certified dermatologist, shared a video explaining the potential effects these chemicals can have on your body:
@drshirleychi 👀 Do you wash your new clothes before vou wear them? 👗👚👖👕👔 ⚠️ It's important to do so because when our clothes are new they are often covered in formaldehyde (this is used to protect clothes in shipping) and this can cause a rash ⚠️ Dyes used in clothing can get onto your skin and cause a rash as well 😳 📣 PSA: Wash your new clothes before you wear them! If you have any questions, leave me a comment below! #clothes #washyourclothes #fyp #skincare #beauty #dermatology #skintok #dermatologydoctor #dermatologist ♬ Daydreams - Gentle State
Azo dyes – used to create bright, vibrant colours – can break down into carcinogenic compounds. On top of that, flame retardants and anti-mould agents used during manufacturing can linger in fabric fibres long after production.
Washing your new clothes helps remove these chemical residues before they have a chance to irritate your skin or trigger allergic reactions.
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3. The item travelled
While you only see the clothes hanging neatly on the store floor, they’ve likely travelled far, from factory floors to shipping containers, warehouses, and finally store shelves.
During that journey, they’re exposed to dust, dirt, and plenty of handling by people along the way.
Babies and young children are especially vulnerable, but as this highlights, it's a good idea for everyone to start washing new clothes before wearing them – if you aren’t already.
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