While it's not mandatory, don't assume new clothes straight from the store are pristine—they're often far from it.
As laundry professionals with years of experience advising on fabric care, we've seen how store clothes get touched by staff, customers, and trial wearers. Each interaction can transfer bacteria to the garment.
Read also: '5 tips to keep the white laundry white'
Research shows some bacteria die within minutes, but others survive up to six months on fabrics. To avoid potential infections, it's safest to wash new clothes first. Manufacturing chemicals can also linger, triggering itchiness or rashes—especially on sensitive skin. Toss those new purchases in the wash before wearing.
