Why new clothes feel different after the first wash

Short answer: New clothing may be treated so that it looks smooth and neat in the shop. After the first wash the treatment is gone, and you feel the fabric as it really is and as it will feel from now on.

Treatment from production

Some fabrics are finished so they feel smoother, drape better and look crisp on the shelf. The finish sits on the outside of the fibres and washes out over the first few washes. That is why a top can feel stiff, shiny or slightly slippery when unpacked, and softer and more matt after the machine.

Why new clothes should be washed

Besides the finish, the first wash removes residue from production and transport. Clothing often sits in boxes and warehouses for a long time before it arrives and can pick up smells and dust. One wash before wearing gives you a clean start. Read should new clothes be washed before use.

The colour

Excess dye also rinses out in the first washes. That is perfectly normal, especially for dark and strong colours. Wash new coloured clothing on its own or with similar colours the first few times, so lighter items do not pick up colour. Read why new coloured clothes bleed in the wash.

Softness that stays

Softness that comes from the fibre and the knit does not wash out. Bamboo viscose is smooth in itself, and a dense, fine knit gives a soft surface that lasts. That is the kind of softness to look for. Read what softness in clothes actually comes from.

The quality difference

The difference between cheap and good clothing shows after the first wash. Clothing that was only soft because of the finish soon turns stiff or thin. Clothing with good yarn and a good knit looks almost the same before and after. Read quality t-shirt versus cheap t-shirt.

The size may shift slightly

Some fabrics draw in a little in the first wash, especially with heat. At 40 degrees and air drying the change is usually small. If you were unsure between two sizes, it helps to know that clothing settles after the first few washes.

See the range

A good basic t-shirt should feel just as nice after twenty washes as after the first. Choose a model in a quality you can wear every day, and give it a proper wash before you put it on for the first time. See the basics in bamboo t-shirts for men.

Washing

Wash at 40 degrees inside out from the very first wash. It protects the surface and reduces lint. Skip fabric softener, which lays a new film on the fabric, and let the clothing air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. See the washing guide.

What to expect

After a few washes the clothing has found its shape. It feels the way it will feel from then on, and that is what you should judge it by. If it is still soft and holds its shape, you have a good piece. If it has turned stiff or thin, the softness was only on the surface.

Frequently asked questions

Why does clothing feel different after washing?

Because any finish from production has washed out. Now you feel the fabric itself, as it will feel for the rest of the garment's life.

Is it a sign of poor quality?

Not necessarily. But softness that disappears completely after the first wash came from the finish and not the fabric, and that says something about quality.