Can you wear clothes right after buying them?

You just bought new clothes, and they look fresh and clean. But is it safe to wear them immediately? Should you wash them first?

New clothes often contain chemicals, dyes, and residues from manufacturing. Washing them before wearing reduces skin irritation and removes bacteria from factory handling and storage.

While it might be tempting to wear new clothes straight away, understanding the risks can help you make a healthier decision. Let’s dive deeper into whether it’s safe to wear new or secondhand clothing¹ without washing them first.

Can you wear clothes right out of the package?

When you receive a package of new clothes, is it okay to wear them straight away?

While you can technically wear clothes right out of the package, it’s not recommended. New clothing may have been exposed to chemicals, dust, and bacteria during manufacturing, shipping, and storage.

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1. Why New Clothes Aren’t Always Clean

New garments often contain:

• Chemical finishes – Used to prevent wrinkles and stains.
• Fabric dyes – Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Dust and bacteria – Accumulate during transportation and storage.

2. Health Risks of Wearing Unwashed New Clothes

Wearing new clothes without washing them first can cause:

• Skin irritation – Chemicals like formaldehyde may trigger rashes.
• Allergic reactions – Residual dyes can cause itching and redness.
• Bacterial exposure – Clothes handled by multiple people in stores and factories may carry bacteria.

3. Best Practices Before Wearing New Clothes

• Wash new clothes at least once before wearing.
• Use mild detergent to remove chemicals and odors.
• Let clothes air out if washing isn’t possible immediately.

Can you wear clothes that you just bought?

You just walked out of the store with a new outfit—can you put it on right away?

It’s best to wash new clothes before wearing them, especially underwear, swimwear, and tight-fitting garments. Clothing may have been tried on by others or exposed to dust and bacteria.

1. How Many People Have Touched That Shirt?

Retail store clothing goes through many hands:

• Factory workers – Handle the fabric and stitching process.
• Warehouse staff – Pack and transport the clothing.
• Retail employees – Stock and organize the items.
• Customers – Try on, touch, and return clothing.

2. Clothing with Higher Risk of Contamination

Some clothing items should always be washed before wearing:

3. When Can You Skip Washing?

• If clothes are vacuum-sealed and untouched.
• If it’s outerwear like jackets with minimal skin contact.

Is it safe to wear pre-owned clothes?

Thrift shopping and buying secondhand clothing are popular trends. But is it safe to wear pre-owned clothes?

Pre-owned clothing is safe to wear if properly cleaned. Washing or dry-cleaning secondhand garments removes bacteria, odors, and potential allergens.

1. Risks of Wearing Unwashed Secondhand Clothing

• Bacteria and fungi – Clothing can harbor bacteria like Staphylococcus.
• Bed bugs and lice – Rare, but possible with thrift store finds.
• Perfumes and detergent residues – May cause allergic reactions.

2. How to Safely Clean Pre-Owned Clothing

• Machine wash in hot water – Kills bacteria and removes dirt.
• Use white vinegar or baking soda – Helps neutralize odors.
• Steam or dry clean delicate fabrics – For vintage or dry-clean-only items.

3. When to Be Extra Cautious

Avoid secondhand clothing with:

• Strong odors that don’t wash out
• Visible stains or mold spots
• Signs of bed bug activity (tiny black spots on fabric seams)

Which clothing brands are not toxic?

Many clothing brands use chemicals in production, but some focus on non-toxic, sustainable practices. Which brands are the safest?

Non-toxic clothing brands use organic fabrics, avoid harmful dyes, and prioritize eco-friendly production. Safe brands include Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Outerknown, and People Tree.

1. What Makes a Clothing Brand Non-Toxic?

• Organic materials – Certified organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo.
• No harmful dyes – Natural or low-impact dyes reduce skin irritation.
• Sustainable production – Ethical factories with low chemical usage.

2. Top Non-Toxic Clothing Brands

3. How to Identify Safe Clothing Brands

• Look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification.
• Choose brands that disclose their manufacturing process.
• Avoid clothing labeled “wrinkle-free” or “stain-resistant” (these often contain formaldehyde).

Conclusion

Wearing new clothes straight from the store or package isn’t always safe. Washing new or secondhand garments removes harmful chemicals, bacteria, and allergens. If you want to avoid toxic clothing, choose brands that prioritize organic and sustainable production. A little extra care ensures your clothes are safe and comfortable to wear.