A Guide To Chemical-Free Clothing

We must be careful about the clothes we wear on our bodies because our skin is the largest organ in our body. Wearing clothes made with toxic chemicals has a severe side effect on our bodies and the environment. So, learning all about chemical-free clothing is a must!

This post is here to help you wear safe, non-toxic clothing made from eco-friendly materials. We will explore what you should avoid and patronize. In the end, there are also general shopping tips.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

5 Chemicals in the Fashion Industry

1. BPA

Present in: Sports bras, leggings, swimwear, athletic shorts.

BPA refers to bisphenols in many fashion apparel, primarily synthetic materials used to make socks, sports bras, and shirts. Manufacturers use it as one of the compounds used to manufacture dyes and antioxidants in textile production. They also add it to polyester materials as an intermediary compound to improve their lifespan and other features. 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, BPA is one of the most produced chemicals in the world. BPA compounds enter the human system through dermal absorption from direct skin contact. Bisphenols are dangerous to human health at all stages.

Research shows that exposure to BPA during pre and postnatal periods has immense effects on children. Children also become affected when they wear synthetic clothing with bisphenols. They can develop health conditions like asthma, behavioral problems, and obesity. 

It can also alter their immune system and hormones, altering their puberty timing. Apart from its effects on children, it also causes various health problems in adults. These health problems include metabolic disorders, diabetes, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. BPA disrupts the endocrine system, causing a myriad of reproductive health problems².

2. Forever Chemicals

Present in: Raincoats, outdoor jackets, hiking pants, waterproof boots, tent fabrics.

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are toxic chemicals used to make waterproof and grease-resistant clothes. The PFAS is an artificial chemical that stands for poly-fluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are hazardous, even at low levels. Their harmful effects and indestructible nature also earned them the name forever chemicals.

Forever chemicals have an indestructible structure, which means they cannot break down even when exposed to environmental elements. They also can't break down in our bodies. PFAS contamination is difficult to contain because it moves quickly in the environment. 

Clothing with forever chemicals increases the risk of getting kidney and testicular cancer, liver and thyroid problems, abnormal fetal development, and hormone disruption. We know the effects of PFAS on humans due to the C8 studies that watched the health of 69,000 in West Virginia.

To further corroborate the claim that forever chemicals do not break down, a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that 98% of the participants had PFAS in their bloodstream¹, breast milk, and umbilical cord blood.

Unfortunately, knowing when manufacturers use forever chemicals is much more challenging because they do not announce their usage. The United States doesn't have a law that requires manufacturers to inform consumers of the PFAS content in the product.  

3. Phthalates

Present in: Fast fashion clothes, printed shirts, vinyl handbags, faux leather shoes.

Phthalates are used in the garment-making industry to improve the flexibility and durability of clothes. Manufacturers also use them for screen coatings and textile coatings. Several studies have shown some ways phthalates become part of fabrics. For instance, a study in Harbin, China, shows that phthalates accumulate in infant clothing made from cotton throughout its production process³.

567GHHumans absorb these harmful chemicals through the skin, increasing the risks of hormone and endocrine disruption. Some phthalate chemicals have carcinogenic properties that can cause breast and thyroid cancer. It also causes reproductive dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.

A study on Indian women shows two types of phthalates, DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEHP (Di (2- ethylhexyl) phthalate), are linked to an increase in invasive breast cancer.  Phthalates also cause congenital disabilities prenatally, especially in boys who are exposed to these chemicals. They can develop genital defects that could cause infertility in adulthood⁴.

4. Herbicides and Pesticides

Present in: Inorganic clothing made out of natural materials.

Herbicides and pesticides are another set of harmful chemicals in clothing. You're more likely to encounter these chemicals in natural materials like organic cotton, linen, and other fibers that come from plants. 

Farmers often use herbicides to kill weeds and pesticides to repel and eliminate pests. These chemicals enter the environment and contaminate water and food sources, harming wildlife and humans.  

5. Disperse dyes/ Azo dyes

Present in: Dyed synthetic fabrics, other printed garments.

Disperse dyes are harmful chemicals used to dye polyester, nylon, acrylic, and acetate rayon fabrics. They are a small group of insoluble pigments mixed into a dispersing agent. Clothing manufacturers often use them to dye synthetic fabrics because they lack ionic properties. 

Most polyester fabrics are also hydrophobic, making them impossible to dye with other agents. Clothes with azo dyes cause allergic reactions, such as an itchy rash, blisters, and swelling on the skin. 

Types of Fabrics Free From Harmful Chemicals

For chemical-free clothing, opt for natural materials as much as possible. These natural materials include organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and wool from plants and animals under good conditions. 

Sustainable manufacturers aim to provide people everywhere with essential clothing made from natural materials and eco-friendly production processes. Here are seven non-toxic fabrics:  

1. Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is cotton grown without man-made chemicals like pesticides and artificial fertilizers, unlike conventional cotton. Farmers grow conventional cotton without adequate care and sustainable practices, which adversely affects the environment. 

They grow organic cotton from non-genetically modified seeds using fewer resources than conventional cotton. Organic cotton doesn't pollute the environment or carry harmful man-made chemicals. 

2. Silk

Silk fabric is the strongest natural fiber in the world. It is primarily made from Bombyx mori larvae silkworms and contains a natural protein fiber known as fibroins. Silk is a famous textile in the industry because of its shimmering optical effect. 

Silk's triangular prism structure causes the optical effect, allowing it to reflect a subtle rainbow light spectrum at various angles. Silk is an excellent textile because of its high moisture-wicking, breathability, and low pilling properties. It has a smooth and soft texture. 

3. Bamboo

Bamboo fabric is made from bamboo plants. It is high-quality because textile producers use a natural enzyme to crush bamboo fibers to create bamboo yarn. Bamboo fabric has a silky finish and is breathable and stretchy—much more elastic than cotton. 

India and China are the major producers of bamboo fabric because they have abundant bamboo plants. Bamboo is one of the best natural materials because it is easy to grow, matures quickly, and can grow in places unsuitable for other plants. 

Bamboo is an excellent fabric for pajamas, loungewear, and nighties because it regulates temperature. It also has natural thermal conductivity and moisture-wicking abilities. The fabric also blocks harmful UV rays, which is a great plus for people with sensitive skin. 

4. Hemp

Hemp fabric is made from the stem of Cannabis sativa L., a plant with low THC tetrahydrocannabinol properties. Fabric is produced by stripping the outer layer of the plant and processing it into yarn. Hemp textile has the same texture as cotton but also feels like a canvas material.

Bamboo is an excellent natural fabric with various qualities, like high resistance to shrinkage and pilling. Because bamboo textiles are highly breathable, they are an excellent choice for people in hot and arid areas. They also have antimicrobial properties that help them resist mold, mildew, and possible toxic microbes. 

5. Lotus fabric

Lotus fabric is a unique textile used to make clothing and fashion accessories. Like hemp, it is made from the stem of the lotus plant. Producers cut the stem, soak it in water for an extended period to soften it, and extract the fiber with great care. Patience is necessary during extraction because they must separate each fiber without breaking. 

This innovative fashion material is an excellent choice because it has a non-toxic production process. It also has impressive qualities like soft and silky texture, breathability, and moisture-wicking. Lotus fabric is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, meaning it resists mold and bacteria growth and doesn't cause allergic reactions.  

6. Linen

Linen is made from the stems of the flax plant. It is a fabric with a rich history that dates back to prehistoric Egypt and Switzerland. Compared to cotton, linen is stronger. It also dries faster than organic cotton. 

However, it is prone to wrinkles. The fashion sector uses it to make bed sheets, aprons, bags, towels, napkins, clothing, and more. 

7. Recycled materials

The fashion sector uses recycled materials to make clothing and other accessories. These materials include recycled cotton, polyester, and other textile industry materials. Manufacturers can recycle them as long as they are used to make clothing or turn it into fiber. 

How to shop for chemical-free clothing

Understanding how to shop for clothes free from toxic chemicals is crucial, mainly to our skin, which is our largest organ from absorbing poisonous compounds. Another reason to shop for sustainable clothes is to protect the environment from toxic chemicals and waste. Here are some tips you need to know before buying clothes: 

1. Buy clothing made with sustainable materials.

Avoid buying from fast-fashion brands. These brands mostly use synthetic materials instead of natural materials to produce fashion items. As a result, they are more prone to contain traces of toxic chemicals, especially toxic dyes, which can leach into your skin and the environment. 

Focus on filling your wardrobe with clothes made from eco-friendly and natural materials. You can choose any chemical-free material, from wool to organic cotton, linen, and hemp fabric. By doing this, you are protecting your health and the environment's. You can also wear garments and accessories made from recycled materials, like recycled cotton and polyester. 

2. Check for sustainable certifications.

As sustainability is growing in popularity, many companies are joining the trend because they believe it is a marketing strategy to increase sales. As a result, some brands lie about the composition of their products and supply chain processes. 

Certification bodies certify brands that use eco-friendly natural materials and production processes. Some sustainable fashion certifications you should look for when shopping include OEKO TEX, GOTS, blue sign, cradle to cradle, fair trade, USDA Certified Organic, Zque, and many more. 

These certifications or labels show that a brand uses organic materials and that its supply chain meets stipulated environmental and social criteria. GOTS, also known as the Global Organic Textile Standard, issues two certifications based on the percentage of organic materials used in production. 

GOTS made with organic materials means clothing must have at least 70% organic fiber, while GOTS organic is for brands that use 95% organic material in their production processes. OEKO-TEX issues several labels, like Made In Green,  Step BY OEKO-TEX, and Standard 100,  based on many criteria, including using non-toxic chemicals, working conditions, and environmental conservation.

3. Do your research on the brand you're buying from.

Do not just buy from any brand. Conduct extensive research on the brands you aim to buy from to ensure they do not use toxic dyes and other hazardous chemicals for production. Only buy from brands that have a transparent supply chain. 

If you are buying from a thrift or walk-in store, check the label on your clothes. Avoid buying items made with synthetic materials, as they are prone to containing toxic chemicals. 

4. Learn to identify the variants of toxic chemicals found in the textile industry.

Learn to identify the various variants of hazardous chemicals in clothes. It will make it easier to avoid wearing them. Some substances, like PFAS and phthalates, have multiple compounds that manufacturers use interchangeably. Here are the eight common phthalates manufacturers use in various products: 

• Di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP)
• Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
• Di-methyl phthalate (DMP)
• Di-ethyl phthalate (DEP)
• Di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP)
• Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP)
• Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) 

You can identify PFAS in a garment even when the label doesn't state it. Terms like water-resistant, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free often show PFAS use. 

Conclusion: A Guide To Chemical-Free Clothing

Although it might seem difficult initially, you can have a house filled with non-toxic fabric, from women’s clothing to bed sheets. Do this by buying items from OEKO TEX-certified brands. Only buy clothes made with organic cotton, wool, and other natural materials. You can even buy from brands that use recycled materials. Also, remember always to read the label to be sure of your purchases.