Question: Is Washing Necessary for Freshly Purchased Garments Prior to Wearing?
Slipping into a fresh new outfit is always a treat, isn't it? But before you dive headfirst into your stylish duds, you might be curious if it's safe to wear them straight off the rack. Fortunately, we have some expert insights on that very question!
Frances Kozen, a senior lecturer in fiber science at Cornell University, and Nomi Dale Kleinman, the chair of the textile/surface design department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, share their thoughts on whether or not you should wash your clothes before wearing them.
To Wash or Not to Wash?
In general, it's a wise idea to give your new clothes a good wash before donning them, especially if they're close to your skin. Kozen advises washing new clothes before wearing, as it helps remove processing chemicals, excess dye, and dirt that can accumulate during production and shipping. With textiles and garments passing through multiple hands around the globe, you never know what kind of contaminants they might be harboring.
Reasons to Wash Your New Clothes
Even seemingly "new" clothes can still carry a few unwelcome surprises. "Textile products may have stray chemicals from the production process as well as starches used to keep the clothes crisp during transit, packaging, or display in stores," Kleinman warns.
And if you plan to wear your garments close to your skin, you may also want to consider the potential for other contamination from trying on clothes at the store. Studies have shown that bacteria, fungi, and viruses can live on fabric for days or even weeks, so washing your clothes beforehand can help mitigate any risk.
Which Clothes Can You Skip Laundering?
While most clothes should be washed before wearing, Kozen takes a more relaxed approach to items that aren't in direct contact with your skin, or aren't easily washed. She spares her dry clean-only items and her sweaters (worn over shirts) from pre-washing.
Potential Consequences of Wearing Unwashed Clothes
If you have sensitive skin, not washing your new clothes could lead to irritation or even a rash. And it's not just your skin that's at risk – the chemicals or microbes in your clothing could rub off on other items or surfaces, like your furniture or your skin.
Dark or bold-colored clothes may also require a separate wash or laundering with like-colored items for the first few times to prevent bleeding and staining.
Tips for Washing Your New Clothes
To avoid damaging your new clothes and ensure a long life, check the care label and follow any washing instructions carefully. Kleinman suggests washing in cold water and drying on low or hang-drying clothes to extend their lifespan and reduce shrinkage.
Washing your new clothes before wearing them is a simple yet effective way to ensure they're clean and safe for you to wear. So take the extra few minutes to throw them in the wash, and enjoy wearing your fresh new clothes with peace of mind!
The experts at RealSimple recommend washing new garments before wearing, as they might contain processing chemicals, excess dye, and dirt from production and shipping. routine cleaning can help mitigate potential risks of contamination, especially for clothes that will be worn close to the skin. It's important to follow washing instructions carefully to avoid damaging the clothes. Even seemingly new clothes can carry unwelcome contaminants, including stray chemicals and starches used to keep clothes crisp during transit or display in stores.
