• Experts agree: you need to wash new clothes before wearing them.
• By the time new clothes get to you, they’ve already been in several environments with unknown dirt, mold, and bacteria.
• You can keep clothes looking brand new for longer with a few simple care tips.

After buying a shirt or dress you’ve just fallen in love with, it’s only natural to want to wear it right away. You might even like that new clothes smell. However, there’s always the looming thought of how many hands touched the clothing before you finally snagged it off the hanger.

So, the question is: Should you wash new clothes before you wear them? We tapped two experts for their take on if you can wear new clothes right away—or if it’s best to practice some patience.

Should You Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them?

While it’s easy—and convenient—to toss on your new clothes on right away, experts agree that it’s best to wash them beforehand.

“For most people, the risk of anything bad happening is pretty minimal, and shrinking, fading, or changing the texture of certain fabrics is a real concern, too,” says Robin Murphy, founder of cleaning service Maid Brigade. “But, when you stop and think about all the hands those clothes have passed through, the chemicals used to keep them wrinkle-free, and even the bacteria that might be lurking from storage or trying-on, it’s a little harder to ignore.”

This tips the scale toward giving your clothes a quick wash before wearing—at least for items that come in direct contact with your skin, Murphy says.

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Why You Should Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them

While new clothes may look clean, they can actually carry a surprising amount of dirt and build-up.

“For starters, fabrics are often treated with dyes, formaldehyde-based finishes, and other chemicals to keep them looking fresh on store shelves,” explains Murphy. “These can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or just that weird ‘new clothes’ smell.”

There’s also the fact that clothes are handled by a lot of people, before and once they reach the store.

“Whether the clothing was purchased in-store or online, it’s possible that another consumer tried on the clothing,” says Wendy Saladyga, stain expert and senior manager for Henkel.

Factory workers, warehouse staff, and store employees also have to come in contact with clothes as part of their work.

“Along the way, [new clothes] can pick up bacteria, mold, or even the occasional lice or bedbug—rare, but it happens!” Murphy cautions.

Not to mention, clothes sitting in storage or shipping containers can absorb dust and odors, giving them a “factory-like smell,” adds Murphy.

Tips for Keeping Clothes Looking Brand New, Even After Washing

To keep your new clothes feeling fresh through washes, here are some protocols to follow:

• Wash Similar Colors and Textures Together: Along with sorting by color, grouping by weight and texture is helpful. “[This] can prevent pilling, lint transfer, snags, and over-drying,” Murphy says. “Heavy fabrics like jeans and towels can be too rough on softer fabrics like t-shirts.”
• Don’t Overload the Washer: Stuffing your machine with clothes creates friction between fabrics, leading to fading, wear, or even your clothes not getting fully cleaned.
• Store Clothing Properly: “Folding knits—like sweaters and cardigans—prevents stretching, while structured items like blazers, coats, button-down shirts, and dresses should be hung to maintain their shape,” Murphy says. “Avoid wire hangers, as they can distort the shoulders of structured pieces over time.”
• Wash Clothes Inside Out: Turning clothes inside out—especially those with colors and prints—prevents them from fading and rubbing against other fabrics.
• Use a Gentle Detergent: Since harsh detergents can strip fabric over time, Murphy suggests opting for a mild one. As for stains, she recommends treating the area with “a stain remover or natural solution (like baking soda or vinegar), rather than washing the entire garment.”
• Dry on Low and Remove Early: Speaking of gentle treatment, the gentle cycle on your dryer is also key to keep your clothes looking new. “High heat can shrink, weaken, and fade fabrics,” Murphy explains. “Use a low-heat setting and remove clothes while they’re still slightly damp to prevent over-drying and reduce wrinkles.”
• Read the Care Label: Still at a loss? Your clothing’s label will usually tell you all you need to do when it comes to washing, drying, and, ironing. Follow the instructions to keep it in tip-top shape, as different clothes have different needs.