Why new clothes feel different after the first wash

Short answer: New clothes can be treated to look smooth in the shop. After the first wash the treatment disappears, and you feel the fabric as it actually is.

Treatment from production

Some fabrics are finished so they feel smoother and hang better. The treatment washes out.

That is why new clothes should be washed

Besides the treatment, the first wash removes residue from production and transport. See should new clothes be washed before use.

The colour

Surplus dye is also rinsed out in the first washes. See why new coloured clothes bleed in the wash.

Softness that stays

Softness from fibre and knit does not disappear. See what softness in clothes actually comes from.

The quality difference

This is where the difference between cheap and good clothing shows. See quality t-shirt versus cheap t-shirt.

See the range

See the basics in bamboo t-shirts for men.

Washing

40 degrees inside out from the first wash. See the washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why do the clothes feel different after washing?

Because any finishing treatment has washed out.

Is that a sign of poor quality?

Not necessarily, but softness that disappears entirely came from the treatment and not from the fabric.

Should new clothes always be washed?

Yes. It also removes residue from production and transport.