There’s nothing quite like getting a new outfit or even something as simple as a new cotton dress shirt or pair of machine washable slacks for me. The colors are vibrant and the excitement of wearing something new can make it tempting to put it on immediately. With that said the fabric doesn’t feel as fresh on a new item as the other pair that you bought a couple years ago. This brings me to two important questions that I am here to blog about…
- Should we put on those brand-new clothes, fresh from the package, for a night on-the-town, a long car ride, or a day at the office?
- Should we wash and dry those brand-new clothes before we put them on for any occasion?
However, before I slip on that brand-new dress shirt, pair of jeans, or sweatshirt, there’s an important step I never skip, except for one exception…
That crucial step is washing and drying the new clothes before the first wear.
More Than Just a Fresh Look
Many people assume that new clothes are already clean because they come straight from the store. In reality, garments travel long journeys before reaching the store and your closet. During manufacturing, quality control, processing, packaging, shipping, unpacking, transport, and display, clothing may come into contact with numerous conditions including surfaces, materials, chemicals, and people.
Washing new clothes helps remove residues, dirt, chemicals, and other substances that can remain on fabrics after production. Dyes, finishing agents, and other treatments related to the actual material itself are often used to enhance appearance, reduce wrinkles, or protect the garment before you purchase it. I believe that a simple wash can remove much of this residue and leave your clothing feeling more comfortable against your skin.
Protecting Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or conditions such as eczema, wearing unwashed clothing may lead to irritation. Even people without skin sensitivities occasionally experience itching or discomfort from fabric treatments used during manufacturing. Running your new clothes through a wash cycle before wearing them can help reduce the likelihood of irritation.
Removing Excess Dye
Have you ever noticed colored water during the first wash of a new garment? Excess dye can sometimes linger within the fabrics, especially with dark or brightly colored materials. Washing before wearing helps remove most of the remainder of the loose dye that could otherwise transfer onto your skin, undergarments, furniture, or other items in the laundry. This extra step can also help prevent unexpected color bleeding when the garment is washed with other clothes later.
Ensuring the Right Fit
Many fabrics experience slight changes during their first wash and dry cycle. Cottons, denims, and certain blends are designed to shrink a bit, while other materials may soften and settle into their true shape. I have found by washing and drying new clothes before wearing them, I get a more accurate sense of how they will fit over time. This can help avoid surprises after the first laundering.
Improving Comfort
Fresh-from-the-store clothing often feels stiffer, with hard creases, than it will after a wash and dry. Laundry helps relax fibers, soften fabrics, and remove the factory finish that can make garments feel less comfortable. After the first wash, many clothes simply feel better to wear and allow the new clothing to feel softer and more natural.
A Simple Habit That Makes a Difference
Washing and drying new clothes before wearing them may seem like a waste of time, water, and money… but I believe it offers several benefits:
- Removes manufacturing residues and treatments
- Reduces the risk of skin irritation
- Eliminates excess dye
- Helps prevent color transfer
- Reveals the garment’s true fit
- Improves overall comfort
The next time you bring home a new wardrobe addition, work to resist the urge to wear it immediately. A quick trip through the washer and dryer can help ensure your new clothes are as clean, comfortable, and ready to wear as possible. Sometimes the best way to enjoy something new is to wash it first.
Benefit of Knowing it Fits
One additional benefit of buying clothing online is the flexibility it often provides when buyers. If you wash new clothes before wearing them, as I do, it is worth checking the item’s specific return policy before purchasing. In some cases, customers may still be able to return clothing if it does not fit as expected after washing, which can provide valuable peace of mind when ordering apparel online. Knowing there may be return options available can make it easier to purchase clothing with confidence, especially when sizing can vary from one brand to another. Always review the return eligibility listed on the product page before making a purchase
My Exceptions to the Rule
While I strongly adhere to washing and drying all new clothes before wearing them, I do have two exceptions to this rule that I want you all to be aware of. The first is when I am traveling and the weather suddenly changes for the worse. If temperatures drop unexpectedly or it starts raining, I have no problem putting on a brand-new jacket or sweatshirt right away to stay warm and dry. That is just common sense! My second exception is when I am traveling and make a spontaneous decision to go swimming, rafting, visit a beach, or spend time at a water park. In those situations, I will purchase and wear a new pair of board shorts without washing them first. That is because they are typically not cotton and do not need to be washed first. Outside of these uncommon circumstances, I still stick to my needs of washing and drying new clothing before wearing it is the best practice for comfort, cleanliness, and peace of mind.