Should new clothes be washed before wearing

Short answer: Yes. New clothes contain residue from dyeing and finishing plus dust from transport. One wash removes most of it and makes the fabric softer.

Residue from production

Dye and finish sit loosely in new fabric. The first wash removes the excess. See bamboo clothing for women.

Colour that transfers

Dark colours in particular release excess dye in the first few washes. Wash separately. See bamboo t-shirts for women.

What sits against the skin comes first

Anything worn directly against the skin is the most important to wash first. See bamboo underwear for women.

The fabric becomes softer

The first wash removes stiffness from transport and packing. See bamboo socks for women.

Frequently asked questions

Should new clothes be washed before use?

Yes. It removes residue from dyeing and finishing and dust from transport and storage.

Why does new dark clothing transfer colour?

Because excess dye sits loosely on the fibres. It fades after the first few washes.

Do clothes get softer from the first wash?

Often yes. The wash removes the stiffness that comes from packing and finishing.