You Bought It, You Love It… But Should You Really Wear It Yet? What Experts Say About New Clothes

It is common for people shopping in America to buy new clothes and put them on right away, thinking that since the clothes are new, they must be clean, but it turns out that this belief could be wrong and even harmful to one’s skin. There are many steps in the supply chain where the garment passes through, from the factory to the store, and besides picking up creases during packaging, they pick up more than that.

According to an article written by the Cleveland Clinic, there are other things picked up when making new clothes besides those creases. Thus, the first wash will not be about routine anymore but hygiene.

Chemicals that stay behind after production

It has become common practice for clothing manufacturing companies to treat their products with chemicals meant to maintain their quality during transport and storage. Formaldehyde is one such chemical that protects against wrinkling and mold, but its downside is that it may irritate the skin.

According to experts, the chemical lingers in fabric fibers and transfers onto the skin while wearing the garment.

As mentioned in a piece on the Cleveland Clinic website, such residues may result in symptoms like itching, redness, and even allergic reactions, especially among individuals with sensitive or vulnerable skin. Moreover, apart from the preservatives, artificial dyes utilized to provide bright colors in the clothing may also be harmful.

According to an article by The Independent, certain dyes, such as azo dyes, can irritate the skin upon direct contact or cause sensitization. However, washing the clothes prior to using them eliminates most chemicals that might irritate the skin.

Why color bleed is more than a laundry issue

Both bright and dark materials tend to bleed out the extra color on their initial washes, and wearing them without prewashing could cause the dye to get on the wearer’s skin or other pieces of clothing. Although this problem might appear trivial, medical professionals warn of its potential risks.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dye molecules can cause skin irritation, resulting in minor allergies in sensitive people, especially those whose clothes fit tightly around their bodies. In addition to preventing discoloration, washing new clothing is an effective way to avoid any possible health problems.

Bacteria from store shelves and fitting rooms

Multiple parties are responsible for handling the clothes available in shops, and clothes that have been tried on may be contaminated with microorganisms from previous owners. Examples of such microorganisms include Staphylococcus and E. coli. These can remain on the clothing for a sufficient amount of time to be transferred to a new owner.

According to The Independent, newly purchased clothes that are not washed could pose the threat of irritation or infection to the skin if they touch it. Washing the clothes before use is an easy way of safeguarding oneself from this threat, particularly if one has wounds, sensitive skin, or compromised immunity.

The surprising risk of hidden pests

Contrary to belief, there are warnings by experts that new clothes might harbor parasites like head lice, dust mites, or even scabies if they have been handled frequently or exposed to multiple settings, despite being infrequent occurrences. These parasites could cause itching and irritation when brought into contact with the skin.

As per The Independent and corroborative sources on lifestyle research, washing clothes at suitable temperatures will help eradicate these hazards and allow the clothing items to be worn safely. It is especially important to consider this factor in clothes that come into close proximity with the skin.

What experts recommend for the first wash

The experts recommend that you wash your fresh clothes with soft, unscented detergent and on delicate settings in order to clean any possible chemicals and bacteria from the clothing without destroying its fabric. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should also separate your clothes according to colors for the first wash to avoid damage and staining of your clothes.

This technique helps maintain the durability of clothes as well as their safety when worn.

A simple habit with lasting impact

Despite all the dangers, a large number of Americans fail to wash new clothes before they put them on, showing how unaware most Americans are of what the clothes can possibly contain. According to some research quoted in lifestyle magazines, almost fifty percent of people refuse to wash their new outerwear, although this is always advised.

If one takes an extra five minutes and washes his or her new clothes, then he or she can avoid irritation and any chemicals that could damage his or her skin. Moreover, bacteria cannot be seen, and one might unknowingly wear clothes with it, so taking just a little extra time is a good idea.