A quiet introduction to the materials we wear every day and what they may contain.
For a long time, I thought about what I put on my skin in terms of skincare. Moisturiser. Cleanser. Sunscreen. I read labels, made small swaps, paid closer attention.
But there was something I was wearing against my skin every single day that I hadn’t thought about in the same way.
Clothing.
We wear fabric for most of our waking hours. It sits directly against our skin — sometimes for twelve, fourteen, sixteen hours a day. And yet most of us, myself included, had never really thought about what that fabric might contain.
That curiosity is what eventually led me here.
Why Clothing Materials Are Worth Thinking About
Skin is permeable. We know this from conversations about skincare — that what we apply can be absorbed, at least to some degree. The same logic applies to what we wear.
Clothing today is often treated with a range of substances beyond the fabric itself. Depending on the material and how it was produced, garments may contain:
Synthetic dyes — many conventional dyes contain chemical compounds that give fabric its colour. Some of these, particularly azo dyes, have been associated with skin sensitivity in certain people.
Formaldehyde-based finishes — used to make fabric wrinkle-resistant, crease-proof, or easy to care for. Formaldehyde is a known irritant and, at higher exposures, a sensitiser. It is more commonly found in “easy care” or “non-iron” garments.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — also called “forever chemicals,” these are used to make fabrics water-resistant, stain-resistant, or breathable. They are persistent in both the environment and the body, and research into their long-term health effects is ongoing.
Softening and finishing agents — used to give fabric a certain feel, drape, or texture. These vary widely and are not always disclosed on garment labels.
Residues from production processes — including pesticides on conventionally grown cotton, bleaching agents, and other substances used during manufacturing.
This is not a reason for alarm. Many of these substances are used in regulated amounts, and the exposure from wearing clothing is generally lower than, say, occupational exposure in manufacturing. But for people already paying attention to everyday environmental load, it is worth understanding what our clothes are made of.
The Materials Themselves
Beyond treatments and finishes, the base material matters too.
Conventional cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibres, but conventional cotton farming is also one of the most pesticide-intensive agricultural processes in the world. The finished fabric is generally considered low-risk, but production has a significant environmental footprint.
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers and is often processed with fewer chemical treatments. It tends to feel softer and is generally considered a gentler option for sensitive skin.
Synthetic fibres — polyester, nylon, acrylic — are derived from petrochemicals. They are durable and inexpensive, but they release microplastics when washed, which enter waterways and eventually the food chain. They can also trap heat and moisture against the skin in ways that natural fibres generally do not.
Linen and hemp are natural plant fibres that tend to require fewer inputs to produce than cotton. They are breathable, durable, and become softer with use.
Wool and other animal fibres vary widely depending on how the animals are raised and how the fibre is processed. Mulesing-free and responsibly sourced wool is increasingly available.
Tencel and lyocell are wood-pulp derived fibres processed in a closed-loop system that recycles the solvents used in production. They tend to be soft, breathable, and are generally considered a more sustainable synthetic alternative.
Where to Start — Without Replacing Everything
If you have been thinking about this, the most important thing I can say is: you do not need to replace your wardrobe.
That would be both expensive and wasteful — and it would miss the point entirely.
What I have found more useful is a gradual approach. When something wears out or needs replacing, I think a little more carefully about what I am choosing. I look for natural fibres where possible. I look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which indicate that a garment has been tested for harmful substances.
OEKO-TEX in particular is worth knowing about. It does not mean a garment is made from organic materials, but it does mean it has been tested and certified to be free from a range of harmful chemicals at levels that could affect health. It is a practical starting point for anyone who does not want to spend hours researching every garment.
Washing new clothes before wearing them for the first time is also a simple habit worth adopting. It can help remove some surface residues from the finishing process.
A Note Slowing Down
There is something else that sits underneath all of this, and it is perhaps the most important part.
The fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive in the world. Fast fashion — the constant cycle of cheap, trend-driven garments designed to be worn briefly and discarded — is not only a health consideration but an environmental one.
Buying less, choosing more carefully, and caring for what you already own is perhaps the most meaningful thing any of us can do. Not as a rule, but as a gentle shift in how we relate to the things we bring into our lives.
That, for me, is what lower-tox living has always been about. Not perfection. Just a little more awareness. A little more intention.
One choice at a time.
If this resonated with you, you might also enjoy reading what’s actually in your skincare products — and why it’s worth a gentle look or how I decide what to change: a simple, gentle framework.
🌿
OUREVIA 
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