Should New Clothes Be Washed Before You Wear Them?

Short answer: Yes, always wash new clothing before wearing it, especially underwear, nightwear and anything that sits directly against the skin. New clothes can contain traces of dye and processing agents from production and have passed through many hands on the way. A single wash at 30 to 40 degrees removes most of it.

What is in new clothing

During production and transport, textiles are often treated with processing agents that give a smooth shop finish and protect the fabric along the way. Excess dye can also sit loosely in the fibres. It is rarely anything to worry about, but it is a good reason to wash clothes before you wear them.

Many hands along the way

From factory to warehouse and on to you, clothing has been packed, moved and perhaps tried on. That is entirely normal, but it means new clothes are not necessarily clean. A wash gives you a fresh start, and you know exactly what the garment has been exposed to.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, residues from production can cause itching or irritation. Washing before wear removes most of them and makes the fabric softer. If you experience ongoing skin problems, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor, so you get the right advice for your skin.

Especially important for clothes against the skin

Underwear, socks and nightwear should always be washed first, because they sit close to the body for many hours at a time. The closer a garment fits, the more sense it makes to remove production residues. Jackets and outerwear matter less, but washing them does no harm.

New underwear for men

New bamboo underwear for men should be washed at 40 degrees with other underwear of the same colour. Turn it inside out, and use a mild detergent without fabric softener. The first wash removes the last production residues, and the fabric often becomes even softer afterwards.

New underwear for women

New bamboo underwear for women should be washed at 30 to 40 degrees, ideally in a wash bag if there is fine detailing. A mild detergent is enough. After the first wash the fabric usually feels softer and more comfortable, and any excess dye has been rinsed out.

New bedding

New bamboo bedding becomes more absorbent and comfortable after the first wash. Processing agents from production can make the fabric slightly slick and less absorbent until it has been through the machine. Wash it on its own at 40 degrees, and dry it on a line or rack.

Coloured clothing the first time

Wash new coloured clothing separately the first time, especially dark and strong colours that may bleed. Use cold to lukewarm water and a colour detergent. If the rinse water is clearly tinted, it may be worth washing the garment separately one more time.

Remove labels with care

Cut off price tags and plastic threads before washing, but leave the care label in place. It holds the washing instructions you will need from now on. Use scissors rather than pulling, so you do not make holes in the fabric, and cut close to the tag to avoid sharp ends.

Once the clothing is washed

Hang the clothing to dry as soon as the wash is finished, and avoid the tumble dryer, which can make bamboo clothing shrink. Once it is completely dry, it is ready to wear. From then on it can be washed according to the label, usually at 30 to 40 degrees with a mild detergent. See also bamboo clothing for sensitive skin and allergies and complete washing guide for bamboo clothing.

Frequently asked questions

Is it harmful to wear new clothes without washing them?

Usually not, but residues from production can irritate sensitive skin. Washing before wear is a simple way to avoid that, especially for underwear and nightwear.

Should new bamboo clothing be washed separately?

The first time it is a good idea, especially with dark and strong colours that may bleed. After that it can be washed with other soft clothing of the same colour.