Should You Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them?

Do You Wash New Clothes… Or Just Trust Them? Let’s Talk About It

During the holiday season, we’re all swimming with the new. New gifts, a new look, a new wardrobe—maybe even a fresh set of sheets to kick off the new year. Which all sounds wonderful and a fresh start that we might need. And while unwrapping and thinking about the new things we have, it got me thinking. I had a very random but very real thought: What are we actually supposed to do with new clothes?

The Holiday Question No One Talks About

Let’s say your mom got you a brand-new sweater. You unwrap it, try it on, it fits perfectly, and you love it. Now what? Do you hang it straight in the closet… or does it go straight into the washing machine?

If you’re anything like me, it depends.

Thrifting Has Rules… But New Clothes Don’t?

One thing about me—I LOVE to thrift. But thrifting comes with rules. Anything I buy secondhand is absolutely getting washed. That's just basic thrifting. No exceptions. That’s just built into the thrifting experience.

But brand-new stuff from the store? That’s where things get a little blurry.

Engin Akyurt

We Trust the Store More Than We Should

Let’s be honest—most of us just trust it. I’m guilty of it. If I buy something new, I automatically assume it’s clean. Right into the closet it goes. Same with sheets. Same with blankets. No questions asked.

But then my brain starts doing what it does best…

How Many People Tried This On Before Me?

What if three other people tried that sweater on before you? What if it fell on the floor of a fitting room? What if it was handled a dozen times before it ever made it into that cute gift bag?

And listen—if you don’t wash your new clothes first, I am not judging you. I do the exact same thing and I probably will do the same with any new clothes I get this holiday season.

Clothes are one thing but what about things we snuggle up with and expose basically our whole body and face to? One of the most popular gifts this time of year is a throw blanket. You know the one—wrapped perfectly, tied with a bow, practically begging you to curl up on the couch immediately.

But the older I get, the more cautious I’m becoming. Now I find myself staring at it thinking, “Should I wash this first?” You know how many blankets you see in a metal bin at the local Walmart? The truth is you never know.

Denis Leon

Team Wash It or Team Straight Out of the Bag?

Now I’m genuinely curious—are you team wash it first or team straight out of the bag? Let me know, because this might be one of those everyday habits we all do differently… and never actually talk about.

And yes, I’ll be over here rethinking my entire laundry routine.