Experts explain why new clothes should always be washed before wearing 0 6

If you buy or order new clothes, you probably want to try them on and wear them. However, the question arises whether new items should be washed before putting them on. To find out, Real Simple turned to fabric experts.

Should you wash new clothes before wearing them?

Frances Kozen, a senior lecturer in fiber science at Cornell University (USA), says that generally, new clothes should be washed, especially if they are items that come into direct contact with the body.

"I usually wash clothes before wearing them to remove chemicals, excess dye, and dirt left over from manufacturing. Textiles and clothing go through many hands, often in different countries," the expert explains.

According to specialists, even new clothes can contain substances that are undesirable to touch your skin.

"Textiles may contain chemicals left over from the manufacturing process, as well as starch used to maintain the shape of clothing during transport, packaging, or hanging in stores," noted Nomi Dale Kleinman, head of the textile/surface design department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

If clothing is worn close to the skin and has been in the store, it is likely that many other people may have tried it on before you. Specifically, studies have shown that bacteria, fungi, and viruses can live on fabric for days or even weeks.

Washing clothes before wearing them also makes them softer, which helps them fit better and feel more pleasant on the skin.

"The first wash will help avoid shrinkage of cotton clothing that does not have a pre-shrink label. During fabric processing, they are stretched, and that tension disappears when they get wet," adds Kozen.

Which clothes can be left unwashed?

Although most new items should be washed before wearing, the expert is more lenient towards items that do not cling to the skin or are difficult to wash.

"I don’t wash clothes that are recommended to be dry cleaned, and I’m not worried, for example, about sweaters worn over shirts," the specialist notes.

What can happen if you wear new clothes without washing them?

Kleinman explains that if you have insensitive skin, you can comfortably wear new clothes without washing them; however, there is a potential problem that chemicals or microbes in the clothing can cause irritation or rashes, especially if you are prone to hives or other skin reactions.

"But it’s not just your skin that’s at risk. If your clothing is dyed, especially in a bright blue color typical of jeans, you may notice that the dye rubs off on your skin, other clothing, or furniture. And blue legs are probably not what you want," warns Real Simple.

Tips for washing new clothes

Experts recommend checking the label on the clothing and following the instructions during washing. If the items say "Dry clean only," then they should not be washed.

"If you want to extend the life of the garment and reduce shrinkage, I recommend washing in cold water and drying at low temperature or hanging the clothes to dry," emphasizes Kleinman.

Specialists explain that heat from water temperature and dryer settings can lead to fading, stretching, and shrinking of your favorite clothes.