I generally do not wash before wear for my own items - especially outerwear or dresses which I feel washing might affect the shape of. I do wash all bras, underwear and sheets, though. I also used to wash my children's clothing before use, but now I generally do not. There are always exceptions, of course. Sometimes new denim really smells strange, and I will wash that before wearing, likewise with soft, under-jacket or cardigan t-shirts.

But I used to work in retail and the anti-EVERYTHINGS they use on outerwear are enough to outweigh any washing of regular items you might do. They treat outerwear - especially leather - with everything under the sun to keep it in good condition during shipping. Because these things are often shipped in huge metal cartons on ships and weather and conditions can be variable, leather is usually treated with anti-fungal, anti-pest, drying agents and more. They need to make sure that those items are not infested with insects, other creatures, mold, fungus or anything else before sale. Synthetic fabrics need less treatments because they are simply less attractive to insects and animals. Cottons and other natural fabrics need more treatment.

Interesting question. I wash my newborn daughter's clothes before wearing but I don't wash my own! I also like the "crisp" feeling of something new from the store. I do wash underwear and linens/towels before use.

marianna, I began this when I was pregnant and was told to wash my baby's clothes. I then thought, she'll be snuggled up against me a lot, I should wash my own clothes too. Six years later and I wash everything, mine or hers, before wearing.

To all the others: thanks for your answers, I'm keeping tally and will post my findings...

I washed my baby's clothes, too. He reacted to them, so I started using Dreft and also gave them an extra rinse.

As to my clothes: sometimes yes, sometimes no. From reading those articles, I think I'd better wash everything!

This is going to sound weird, but I always wash tops before wearing, but not bottoms. I often go a LONG time before washing bottoms, be it skirt or pants. They just don't need frequent washing. The exception is, of course, if the bottoms need to be hemmed before wearing. Nothing's more annoying than getting your jeans hemmed to the perfect length and then having them shrink in the wash!

Like others, I was all my underwear before wearing it too. I don't wash coats.

I always wash purchased items whether they are brand new or second-hand. I have several allergies and formaldehyde is frequently used as a "fixative" in finishing items. I am allergic to formaldehyde and will pay a price with raw, irritated skin. Secondly, people will try on items and their makeup or fragrance will transfer. I prefer to begin with a clean slate and will only wear items once they are washed.

Yes Yes.

I never used to but now I wash most everything that doesn't need to be dry cleaned.

Of course! They are covered in manufacturing chemicals and God only knows what else.

No. Only undies, sleepwear and loungewear.

Angie, I was wondering how you would answer this question...! Many people argue in favor of washing because of how items are handled and stored. You know retail very well--are people exaggerating?