Online retailers specializing in ready-to-wear fashion are constantly speeding up delivery times. With annual subscriptions or premium options, you can get express shipping in as little as 3 days—or even next-day delivery if you order before a cutoff time. It's incredibly convenient: no need to plan outfits weeks ahead for an event; a week is plenty. However, this ease often leads to a common mistake—we slip into new clothes without washing them first, assuming they're not like underwear or swimsuits. Yet, dermatologist Donald Belsito, MD, a professor at Columbia University, strongly recommends washing all new garments, whether from e-shops or brick-and-mortar stores. You never know how many people tried them on or if they've been contaminated in transit.
In an interview with Today, Dr. Belsito shared concerning insights: "I've seen patients who likely caught lice from trying on clothes. In general, some infectious diseases can be transmitted through textiles." He specifically mentions scabies, a contagious infestation caused by parasitic mites that burrow under the skin, leading to intense itching. "Washing new clothes is a smart hygiene practice," he adds. "As a dermatologist, I've encountered all sorts of cases—that's why it's best not to take risks." Another key reason: manufacturing chemicals in fabrics that can irritate skin and cause rashes. A Today survey found 73% of people always wash new clothes before wearing them, while 27% skip it. Where do you stand?
