Should you wash new clothes before wearing them? Experts weigh in.
Garments contain thousands of chemicals used during textile manufacturing, one doctor said.
From The Times
April 19, 2026

Stories about people developing skin rashes or hives after wearing new clothes are all over the internet. Is it true that you should wash your garments before wearing them?

A pile of clothes with tags attached and a black plastic hanger sit on a white surface. A capful of blue detergent sits next to the pile.

Eric Helgas for The New York Times

Here’s what the experts say. →

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