Does new clothing actually contain formaldehyde?
Often yes. Wrinkle-resistant and permanent-press finishes use formaldehyde resins.
What's actually in it
The "wrinkle-resistant" or "permanent press" finish on dress shirts, work clothes, and uniforms comes from a chemical treatment called DMDHEU (dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea). That treatment releases formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It also causes skin irritation and can trigger asthma.
New clothes have the most formaldehyde. It gradually washes out, but some stays bound to the fabric fibers. Washing before wearing helps but doesn't eliminate it completely.
What the research says
A 2025 review in Rev Environ Health examined formaldehyde exposure from uniforms and work clothing. Researchers found that workers wearing treated uniforms had measurable formaldehyde exposure, and called for stronger U.S. textile regulations. The EU caps formaldehyde in clothing at 75 ppm for baby clothes and 300 ppm for other garments. The U.S. has no mandatory limit.
Avoid clothing labeled "wrinkle-free," "permanent press," or "no-iron." These treatments almost always use formaldehyde chemistry. Washing new clothes before wearing is a minimum precaution.
The safest textiles are untreated natural fibers. Organic cotton clothing skips the chemical finishing treatments that conventional fabric gets.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Unfinished business: formaldehyde exposure from uniforms and the case for U.S. textile regulations | Rev Environ Health | 2025 |
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