In my January article, I discussed the need to take precautions when wearing second-hand clothes. Those who do not wear second-hand clothes may feel exempt; however, this article also highlights the importance of taking precautions with the new clothes we wear. To some people, this may sound extreme in terms of cleanliness. For others, it is already a routine practice, while to some, it may seem unnecessary.
As we all know, new clothes are either produced locally or imported. They are cut and sewn by individual tailors or mass-produced, well packaged, and ready for sale or delivery to the owner. My industrial training (I.T.) in the textile industry and a printing firm was an eye-opener into how clothing is manufactured and how the supply chain works – that is, the journey from sourcing raw materials to the final product and its distribution. Anyone who has witnessed these processes will undoubtedly understand the need to observe proper hygiene before wearing new clothes.
Cocktail of chemicals
Clothing is mass-produced through various stages and processes, including scouring, bleaching, singeing, mercerisation, sizing, desizing, weaving, dyeing, and printing. Each of these stages leaves behind residues of chemical components. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “New clothes may contain chemical residues from dyeing, finishing, and printing. These residues can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.”
The chemicals, dyes, and printing materials used during production are not always completely removed, which may pose health risks if adequate care is not taken by the final user. Many of these substances are harsh on the skin and can affect overall health, particularly for individuals with underlying conditions such as asthma. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that “Washing new clothes is a simple preventive step that can reduce exposure to irritants, especially for children, pregnant women, and people with asthma.”
This concern becomes even more critical when babies, pregnant women, and the elderly are involved. Washing new clothes before use should therefore not be trivialised.
Potential risks
Chemical residues can penetrate the pores of the skin, be gradually inhaled, and cause skin and eye irritation, as well as infections. Extra caution should be taken with traditional or locally made tie-and-dye fabrics. From my school experiences, I recall that even after production, these clothes continue to release colour during washing and require several washes before the excess dye reduces.
Have you noticed that some new clothes bleed when washed? Now imagine wearing such clothes without washing them first. When you sweat, the sweat can mix with dye or residual chemicals, potentially triggering skin reactions. In many cases, the wearer may not immediately identify the clothes as the cause and may suspect something else entirely.
Greater attention should also be paid to clothing made from synthetic fibres rather than natural materials such as cotton. Synthetic fabrics are more chemically processed and therefore more susceptible to retaining residues. In some tailoring factories where clothes are mass-produced, fabrics are sometimes handled carelessly; some are even used to wipe sweat or exposed to dust and dirt as they move from one department to another. Often, these clothes are not properly washed before ironing and packaging. The smooth finish, shine, and attractive appearance easily captivate buyers, who proceed to wear them without further thought.
Intentional vigilance
When sourcing materials for T-shirts and polo shirts, we conduct sample tests to determine whether the fabric bleeds before purchase. Materials that bleed are avoided, as the dyes used are often unsafe. My experience during industrial training in a textile manufacturing company exposed me to several shortcomings in production. In some cases, early processes are rushed or improperly completed. At other times, machines malfunction, and materials are removed hastily without thoroughly washing out the chemicals used.
I also recall how towels are manufactured. Towels I purchased months ago still bleed heavily every time they are washed, which raises many questions. Sometimes people are advised to add salt to reduce bleeding. In other cases, clothes fade after several washes, prompting some individuals to buy locally made dyes and re-dye them manually to extend their use.
We must become more intentional about proper hygiene when it comes to caring for our clothes from the moment we purchase them. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that “Textile processing involves chemicals that may not be completely removed before packaging. Washing new garments helps reduce chemical residues and lowers the risk of skin problems.”
Health practitioners and counsellors should be aware that unwashed new clothes may contribute to certain skin and health issues.
