Three reasons why you should wash all new clothes

Laura Scholz

24.6.2022

Translation: Megan Cornish

Even if it sounds really boring, please throw everything you buy – whether new or second-hand – in the washing machine before you wear it. Read on to find out why.

Anticipation is supposed to be the greatest joy of all, but, when it comes to trying on new purchases, impatience usually wins. It seems almost impossible to wait even one more day before wearing the garment. Out of the bag (or preferably straight from the changing room), onto your body, ready, go. The faster we can show off our find to the world, the better. Forgive me if I have to shout at this point, but: never do that again!

When it comes to newly bought clothes, my inner strict mum comes to the fore. With a raised index finger, I immediately want to pull everyone’s ears and bring them to their senses. For three really good reasons.

Reason 1: Chemicals

​​Regardless of whether it’s from a store or via an online shop, clothing that’s aiming to tempt us to buy it has to be as soft, wrinkle-free, robust, superficially clean, rich in colour and – um, yes please – free of insects as possible. What sounds plausible and completely obvious in theory can only be achieved in practice with the help of softeners, synthetic dyes, insecticides and other chemicals. This involves terms such as formaldehyde, chlorine, fluorine and phthalate, which make me itch and scratch just by reading them. Contact allergies and irritations are almost inevitable, especially for sensitive skin. There may also be residue on your latest shopping loot from the aggressive detergents used to treat textiles during the manufacturing process.

Reason 2: Germs, sweat and bacteria

To you, the top, trousers or jumper may be brand new and fresh off the peg. Reality check: how many times do you think that item has been touched, taken off the hanger, tried on, or maybe even worn and returned? Not to mention the countless hands through which it has passed from the production site to its destination in your favourite shop ... In any case, not a single piece of clothing that you wear home from the shop or receive as a conveniently packaged delivery to your front door is untouched and undamaged.

Reason 3: Dyes

Have you ever sat on a light-coloured cushion in a new pair of jeans and embarrassingly left a coloured imprint? Exactly. So it’s only logical that the dye also rubs off on the inside, i.e. on the skin, right? Our textiles are full of dyes (dark ones generally even more so than light ones). And the well-known label instructions «Wash with similar colours» is no accident. Said dyes are released permanently, especially to start with, i.e. before and during the first few washes. So do yourself a favour and minimise dye rubbing off your skin with a pre-wear wash.

Maybe a little patience and anticipation are nicer than impulse buys and hastily wearing them? For me, at least, the golden rule applies: wash first, then wear. No exceptions.

Laura Scholz

Senior Editor

Laura.Scholz@digitecgalaxus.ch

Always in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.

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