What chemical finishes are applied to fabric and are they safe?

Most conventional clothing goes through extensive chemical processing before it reaches you. Common finishes include formaldehyde resins for wrinkle resistance, PFAS for water and stain repellency, brominated flame retardants, antimicrobial treatments like triclosan and silver nanoparticles, and synthetic optical brighteners. These finishes are designed to enhance convenience and appearance, but many have documented health risks that are not disclosed on garment labels.

Formaldehyde in clothing is a known skin sensitizer and has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Triclosan and other antimicrobial agents have been linked to antibiotic resistance and hormonal disruption. Silver nanoparticles, while marketed as odor-fighting, can be absorbed through the skin and their long-term effects are not fully understood. Many of these finishes are not required to be listed on labels, leaving consumers unaware of what they are wearing.

Natural fibers can also be chemically treated, which is why certification matters. GOTS-certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX-certified fabrics are tested to ensure harmful finishes are not present. Brands on ONDU like Mate the Label use garment-dyed organic cotton with low-impact dyes, and Paka uses natural yak wool that requires minimal processing. Choosing certified, minimally processed fabrics significantly reduces your chemical exposure through clothing.