I was thinking of starting up a weekly series here, of thoughtful topics we could discuss, in a safe environment. We could get a little risqué sometimes, or keep it clean other times. I love hearing from you in the comments, getting your feedback, opinions and hear about similarities or even differences among us all. What'd ya think?
Today I wanted to talk about laundry (keepin' it clean for this first post; clean...get it?).
When you purchase a new piece of clothing, do you wash it before you wear it?
I never washed my clothes before wearing them (except undies), despite being a bit of a germophobe but I like leaving the tags on until I go to wear it for the first time. A few years ago though, I started to wash everything before wearing it, but am now back at wearing before washing usually.
The other day however, I got home from shopping and had a ton of laundry to do, so after slight hesitation, I removed all the tags to my new Zara clothes and washed 'em up. Unfortunately, one of the tops shrunk so bad (it didn't even touch the dryer) it doesn't fit. I am so disappointed, I didn't even get to wear it once. And so, the dilemma of washing before wearing.
So, do you wash before wearing?
* The photos are from my Instagram and I often wonder if I should post them here or not because I don't want things to become too repeatitive for you guys... but then I figure not everyone has Instagram so I should share some here too. Thoughts on that?
17 comments
Fun idea :)
No, I don't wash stuff before I wear it. It's pretty gross when you think about it. I try not to think about it. ha
I never wash new clothes before wearing them... in fact, it never even crossed my mind to do so until you just wrote this post! I guess I always associate "new" with "clean". The first time I wash something too, I always get a little bit worried it will never come out the same - just like your new top. Big fear.
http://theworldfrommystilettos.blogspot.ca/
I don't normally wash clothes before I wear them, except for undies and bras. But I have heard horror stories of people getting scabies or other skin conditions from NOT washing their clothes, sheets etc.... I don't think that NEW means CLEAN. These clothes are made in huge factories in foreign countries (for the most part) where you don't know who or what they have come into contact with. That being said, using your experience with having washed new clothes before wearing them and now seeing that the item shrank and is unwearable is a real bummer. But that would have happened eventually anyways right?
I don't always wash new things before I wear them - only about half the time I'd say - however, I ALWAYS look at the washing instructions before removing the tags - did you do that with the top that shrunk in the washing machine?
I like your idea about starting a weekly discussion forum!
Also, I have a book recommendation for you: Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. Amazing; total page-turner.
I only wash bras and undies before wearing. It is actually kind of gross considering all the people that probably tried on those clothes before you! I feel like washing clothes can change the way it fits so I like wearing it for the first time so it is the best fit
http://landoftheglam.blogspot.com
WHOA!! Loving all the comments ladies, thanks!
Looks like many of us are on the same page.
@Anon: I didn't look at the washing instructions but I often feel like since I'm not drying it (and hanging to dry instead) it will be fine. Not in this case, sadely.
@LandoftheGlam: I agree!! I find washing can change the way it fits too.
@MelMac: true, it would have shrunk eventually when I would have gone to wash it, but at least I could have worn it once! :( *tear* lol
For me it depends on when I buy it - if it is close to laundry day I may throw it in the wash before I wear it otherwise I'll wear without washing! Always wash undies and bras before wearing though!
No, I hate washing the "newness" out of it. I'm completely un-germaphobic, I never even think about other people's cooties.
I never wash new things before wearing them, ever! I like to also bring home hang up and wear it new from the store. It fits right and is the look you bought it for.
On this topic, do most people wear pants, and mainly jeans, a few times before washing if you didn't dirty them? Or hoodies if you wear t-shirts under? I do. They're so bulky to wash after every use, my thoughts anyway.
J'aime the weekly discussion idea!
Much love xo
I wash everything in cold water to avoid shrinking.
@Anon: Does cold water avoid shrinking? I don't think I knew that (seems silly I didn't?!). My washers are generic (apt living!) so they don't have an option to select the temp of the water :(
@Sarah: I wash my jeans after every wear, I like 'crisp' denim, lol.
I try to wash everything before wearing it. I don't know who has tried it on, where it was made, etc. thankfully nothing has gone wrong from washing first. I'm even worse when it comes to my sons things. Since becoming a mom I'm a bit more no a lot more of a germaphobe.
I like this "series" idea.
Yes cold water should not shrink your clothes and hang drying is best as well! It is the warm temp that shrinks stuff. And cold water is cheaper and gets your stuff just as clean.
More often than not, I don't wash new clothes before I wear them with the exception of intimates. Like you I like the leave the tags on until I wear them.
There have been instances when I have washed clothing for the first time and despite following the washing and drying instructions on the label, (I wash all my clothes in cold water and hang dry things that I have concerns may shrink even if the labels say it's ok to throw in the dryer) the clothes have shrunk/fallen apart/otherwise been made not wearable by me. In the event that that happens, I'll generally bring it back to the store and tell them that's why I am returning it. If I am paying money for a garment and washing it as per its instructions and it doesn't hold up, I think I'm entitled to my money back. You should bring the shirt that shrunk back to the store and explain the situation, pending that you did in fact follow the label instructions. Hopefully they can accommodate you.
I don't own a dryer. Is that crazy, or what? Blasphemy, right? haha. I figure, since I live in the land of eternal sunshine, I don't really "need" one. It would be great to have one for towel's, though.
Anyhoo, I normally don't wash clothes (except undies, bras, and nities/pjs) before wearing them, but considering all the peeps who have tried them on before me, I think I should start. Bummer to hear about the piece that shrunk. :( I guess it gives you an excuse to go shop for more clothes?!! haha.
Happy Friday-ing, babes!
xx Love & Aloha
http://elisharon.blogspot.com
I never wash before I wear, unless it's an item I picked up thrifting (in which case none of the thrift stores I shop at will take them back anyway). I am like Sam up above - I always associated "new" with "clean", though I'm aware that's not always the case. I'm guessing that my mother never did it and therefore I never did it!! :)
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