Apparently you should wash new clothes before wearing them unless you like the idea of scabies
ASOS’ Premier Next Day delivery scheme works for a reason – people want their new clothes, and they want them yesterday.
You order the top and can be wearing it at your mate’s birthday less than 24 hours later. What a time to be alive.
Except, you guys, we’ve been doing it all wrong.
Apparently, we shouldn’t be wearing clothes straight from the hanger/package – we should be washing them first.
Why?
Because you can’t be sure how many times someone else has tried on the item, and unwashed clothes can transmit lice, scabies and other infectious diseases.
According to Donald Belsito, a professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center told the Today show that he’s seen cases where lice and fungus have been passed from human to clothing, from trying on garments in store.
‘I have seen cases of lice that were possibly transmitted from trying on in the store, and there are certain infectious diseases that can be passed on through clothing,’ he said.
‘The other infestation I’ve seen from clothing is scabies.’
‘In terms of hygiene, [washing clothes before you wear them is] a very good thing to do. Being a dermatologist, I’ve seen examples of some strange stuff, so I don’t take any chances.’
Another reason for washing new clothes before showcasing them to all your pals is that some chemicals used in the clothes manufacturing process are known irritants.
So they can make you all itchy, lice or no lice.
Interestingly, 73% of those polled by the Today show already washed their new clothes before wearing, while 27% didn’t – which is surprising as a straw poll of the people around me revealed that nobody washes theirs first.
More: Fashion
However, in all your years of not washing clothes before trying them on have you ever caught lice or scabies?
My count stands at zero.
Also, surely if the clothes were infested with lice, or your skin was sensitive to the fabric, you’d have realised this when you tried on the garment?
So if you’re not scratching yourself into an early grave after the fitting room experience, you’re probably safe.
As you were.
MORE: Gucci declares that the next hot trends are third eyes and holding severed heads
MORE: One in six young people won't wear an outfit again if it's been on social media
MORE: Those naked fitness classes are coming to London, lads
