Is it safe to buy new clothes without washing them first?
No. New clothes carry formaldehyde resins, dye residues, and finishing chemicals that rub off on skin.
What's actually in it
New clothes pick up chemicals from every step of manufacturing: formaldehyde resins for wrinkle resistance, disperse dyes for color, stain repellents like PFAS, and antimicrobials for "odor control." The "new clothing" smell is a mix of all of that, plus solvents used during finishing.
Formaldehyde resins are cross-linked into the fabric. Washing removes surface residues but not the bound resin.
What the research says
A 2025 review in Rev Environ Health describes cases where newly purchased uniforms caused rashes, itchy eyes, and breathing problems in wearers. Testing traced the symptoms to formaldehyde and other finishing chemicals leaching onto skin.
At minimum, wash new clothes once or twice before wearing, especially items worn next to skin like underwear, pajamas, and workout wear. Look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or GOTS-certified garments, which cap the allowable residuals. Pre-loved secondhand clothes have typically been washed many times and leach much less than new ones.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Unfinished business: formaldehyde exposure from uniforms and the case for U.S. textile regulation. | Rev Environ Health | 2025 |
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
Shop Non-Toxic Clothes