12 Reasons You Should (Or Shouldn’t) Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them

I’ve always been torn about whether to wash new clothes before wearing them.

Sometimes I’m too excited about that new shirt to wait for a wash cycle, while other times the chemical smell makes me head straight for the laundry room.

After researching and experimenting over the years, I’ve discovered there are legitimate reasons for both approaches.

Here’s my take on whether those fresh-from-the-store garments deserve a bath before touching your skin.

1. Chemical Residues Can Irritate Your Skin

Manufacturing clothes involves numerous chemicals that don’t magically disappear when items hit store shelves. Formaldehyde, anti-mildew agents, and color-fastening chemicals often remain in fabric fibers after production. My cousin once developed an itchy rash after wearing unwashed new jeans – a harsh reminder of these invisible irritants.

Fabric treatments like wrinkle-resistance and stain-repellents add even more potentially skin-irritating compounds. Sensitive skin folks are particularly vulnerable to these chemical cocktails. Some fabrics hold more manufacturing residue than others – synthetic materials typically retain more chemicals than natural fibers.

A single wash can remove most of these irritants, dramatically reducing your risk of skin reactions. For me, that peace of mind is worth the extra laundry step, especially for items that make direct contact with my skin.

2. Dyes Can Transfer To Your Skin And Other Clothes

Ever worn a brand-new pair of dark jeans only to find your legs tinted blue by the end of the day? That’s excess dye transfer, and it’s more common than you might think. Dark-colored items are notorious culprits – blacks, deep blues, and vibrant reds often contain surplus dye that hasn’t properly set.

Beyond the annoyance of temporarily stained skin, these loose dyes can permanently mark other garments in your wardrobe. I learned this lesson the hard way when my favorite white bra turned pink after wearing an unwashed red shirt. The dye molecules need somewhere to go, and unfortunately, that “somewhere” might be your skin or other clothes.

A pre-wear wash locks in colors and flushes away excess dye. This simple step protects both your skin and the rest of your wardrobe from unwanted color migration.

3. Factory Odors Can Be Unpleasant

New clothes often carry strange smells from their manufacturing journey. These factory odors range from chemical-like scents to musty warehouse smells that cling stubbornly to fibers. Last month, I bought a sweater that smelled so strongly of chemicals that my eyes watered when I first opened the package.

These odors come from various sources – fabric treatments, packaging materials, and storage conditions all contribute. Some people find these smells merely annoying, while others experience headaches or respiratory irritation. Manufacturing scents tend to be particularly noticeable in synthetic fabrics and heavily treated natural materials.

Washing removes these industrial aromas, replacing them with the fresh scent of your laundry detergent. For those with sensitivity to smells or respiratory issues, this transformation isn’t just about comfort – it can prevent actual physical symptoms from developing.

4. Clothing Items Pass Through Many Hands

From factory workers to shipping personnel to store employees to fellow shoppers – new clothes meet many hands before reaching yours. Each person who touches your future wardrobe items leaves behind skin cells, oils, and potentially germs. My retail experience taught me that dozens of customers might try on a single garment before someone purchases it.

While most of these interactions are harmless, they do create an invisible record of human contact on your clothing. Think about how many people might have tried on that shirt before you bought it. Those fitting room sessions expose garments to makeup, perfume, deodorant, and body oils from previous shoppers.

A wash cycle effectively resets this history, giving you a truly fresh start with your new purchase. This cleaning step feels especially important for intimates, swimwear, and other close-fitting items where previous contact seems more personal.

5. Potential Pesticide Exposure From Natural Fibers

Natural fibers like cotton start their journey in agricultural fields where pesticides and insecticides are commonly used. Residues from these chemicals can persist through the manufacturing process and end up in your finished garments. My uncle, who worked in textile production, always insisted we wash cotton items before wearing them for this very reason.

Organic options reduce but don’t eliminate this concern, as cross-contamination can occur during processing. Cotton typically contains the highest pesticide levels, but other natural fibers like linen and hemp might also harbor agricultural chemical residues. Children and those with chemical sensitivities face higher risks from these trace amounts.

Washing natural fiber clothing before wear significantly reduces any lingering pesticide residues. For parents of young children especially, this precaution provides valuable peace of mind about what’s touching their little ones’ sensitive skin.

6. Washing Creates A Softer Feel

Many new garments feel stiff and uncomfortable straight from the store. This rigidity comes from sizing agents – temporary stiffeners applied during manufacturing to make fabrics look crisp on display. The first time I washed my premium denim jeans, they transformed from cardboard-like to comfortably broken-in overnight.

These sizing compounds serve the manufacturer and retailer by creating an appealing shelf appearance, but they don’t enhance wearing comfort. Natural fibers like cotton and linen typically contain more sizing than synthetics. The stiffness is particularly noticeable in structured items like button-up shirts, jeans, and some dresses.

A pre-wear wash removes these temporary stiffeners, allowing the fabric to relax into its natural drape and softness. This simple step can dramatically improve comfort, making new clothes feel like old favorites from the first wearing – minus the worn-out look.

7. Washing Helps Achieve Better Fit

Store-perfect garments often change shape after their first wash. Some fabrics shrink slightly, others relax and expand, and stretchy materials might recover their intended tension. I once bought “perfect fit” pants that became uncomfortably tight after washing – a shopping mistake I could have avoided with a pre-wear laundry cycle.

This dimensional change happens because manufacturing processes place fabrics under tension. That tension releases during washing, allowing materials to settle into their true shape. Natural fibers typically show more dramatic fit changes than synthetics, with cotton being especially prone to shrinkage.

Washing before wearing gives you the chance to discover these fit changes before stepping out in public. Better to discover that perfect shirt shrinks a size at home than halfway through an important day out! This practice essentially lets you experience the garment’s long-term fit from the start.

8. Washing Prevents Surprise Shrinkage Disasters

Surprise shrinkage can turn your favorite new purchase into a doll-sized disappointment. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen are particularly susceptible to this laundry tragedy. My favorite cashmere sweater now fits my nephew because I skipped the pre-wear wash that would have revealed its shrinking tendencies.

Different fabrics shrink at different rates, and manufacturer pre-shrinking processes vary widely in effectiveness. Even items labeled “pre-shrunk” often have some shrinkage potential remaining. The first wash typically causes the most dramatic size change in a garment’s lifetime.

Washing new clothes before wearing them triggers this inevitable shrinkage under controlled conditions. You can adjust washing temperature and drying methods to minimize changes, then decide if alterations are needed or if returns are necessary. This proactive approach prevents the heartbreak of watching your perfect-fitting garment transform into something unwearable after its first cleaning.

9. Some Items Are Already Clean Enough

Higher-end clothing often undergoes more thorough cleaning processes before packaging. Premium brands typically include washing steps that remove most manufacturing chemicals and stabilize dyes. When I splurged on that designer shirt last year, it arrived individually wrapped and noticeably cleaner-feeling than my typical purchases.

Certain manufacturing facilities maintain exceptionally clean production environments, particularly for luxury goods and medical-grade textiles. These controlled conditions minimize contamination. Items with certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 have been tested for harmful substances and meet strict human-ecological requirements.

Pre-packaged items that haven’t been displayed or tried on carry less contamination risk than floor merchandise. Sealed packages protect contents from environmental exposure and handling. For these premium or carefully packaged items, immediate wearing might be reasonable, especially if you’re eager to enjoy your purchase without delay.

10. Some Fabrics Lose Their Special Finish When Washed

Certain fabrics are designed with special finishes that washing can diminish. That crisp cotton dress shirt with the perfect collar? Its professional appearance comes from finishing treatments that begin to fade with the first wash. My husband’s dress shirts always look best before their inaugural laundry cycle.

Specialty fabrics like moire silk, taffeta, and some technical performance materials rely on surface treatments for their distinctive appearance and function. These treatments create water-repellency, wrinkle-resistance, or special visual effects that washing gradually removes. Manufacturer-applied sizing creates the crisp, structured look of many formal garments.

For special occasion wear or items valued primarily for their appearance, skipping the pre-wear wash preserves these intentional finishes. Consider the garment’s purpose – if the aesthetic quality matters more than potential skin contact issues, wearing before washing might make sense. Just be sure to clean these items properly after wearing to remove body oils and environmental contaminants.

11. Washing May Cause Premature Fading

Vibrant colors often lose some intensity with every wash cycle. Those eye-catching reds and deep blacks start their slow march toward faded versions of themselves from their very first encounter with water and detergent. My favorite graphic tee looked most perfect before I ever washed it – now the design is slightly faded despite careful laundering.

Dye molecules gradually detach from fabric fibers during washing, regardless of how careful you are with temperature and detergent choice. Dark colors and bright hues show this effect most dramatically. Some specialty dyes and printing techniques are particularly vulnerable to washing wear.

For items where visual impact is paramount – like statement pieces, special occasion wear, or photoshoot outfits – skipping the pre-wear wash preserves their showroom-perfect appearance. Consider the garment’s purpose and how long you need it to maintain peak color intensity before deciding whether that initial wash is necessary.

12. Some Care Labels Actually Recommend Not Washing First

Certain specialty garments come with specific manufacturer instructions to wear before washing. Raw denim enthusiasts follow this practice religiously, allowing the unwashed fabric to conform to their body and develop personalized wear patterns. My raw denim jacket developed beautiful custom fades precisely because I followed the recommendation to wear it unwashed for months.

Some performance fabrics and technical garments function best when their factory treatments remain intact for initial wear. These treatments might include water-repellency, antimicrobial properties, or compression characteristics that washing diminishes. Manufacturers who make these recommendations have typically ensured their production processes minimize harmful chemical residues.

When care labels explicitly suggest wearing before washing, the manufacturer has likely considered both the fabric’s properties and consumer safety. Following these specialized instructions often results in better performance and longevity for these particular items. Just be sure you’re interpreting the care label correctly rather than assuming washing isn’t needed.