Clothing in different colors, shapes, and materials is an expression of each individual's personality and has become an indispensable part of our lives. For many people, the weekly/monthly/annual shopping trip is no longer just a necessity; dressing fashionably has become a passion. This makes it all the more important to critically question how our favorite items are produced. This includes the working conditions of the people who make our clothes, but also the possible pollutant levels in our favorite items. Whether it's a bright red blouse, a little black dress, jeans with a worn look, or a crease-proof, non-iron shirt, numerous chemicals are used in production. And that's not all; pollutant levels can occur not only during the cultivation and production of textiles, but also during transport.

Fiber cultivation: pesticides

The use of harmful substances largely begins with the cultivation of the raw fibers. Even with organic materials, some pesticides or herbicides are used that remain in the fiber and can potentially cause health problems.

Production: Azo dyes, formaldehyde & toxic plasticizers

Thousands of chemicals are used in the production of textiles. One of the most harmful substances is azo dyes, synthetic petroleum-based dyes. These dyes make up the majority of dyes used to dye textiles and can also cause allergies and irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

For example, anyone who wants to avoid ironing and therefore opts for wrinkle-free and non-iron shirts should reconsider. To achieve this effect, the textiles are treated with formaldehyde. This chemical can also cause irritation or, in the worst case, even be carcinogenic.

Shirts and blouses made of natural fibers are better; if they are hung on a special drying hanger while still damp, they also don't require long ironing.

Transport: Insecticides

But even when the clothing is finished, it's not over yet. Since, as already mentioned, clothing often travels tens of thousands of kilometers from the country of manufacture to the small boutique next door or even to the clothes rack in a department store, it is also protected during transport by the use of insecticides.

In Germany and Europe, the use of certain substances that are hazardous to health is prohibited, or there are strict limits on the permissible exposure to certain substances. This is regulated, for example, by the Production Safety Act, the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, and the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), and is strictly monitored. Most of these requirements also apply to clothing imported from non-EU countries. However, this does not mean that the clothing is completely free of harmful substances. Furthermore, so many different chemicals are used in textile production that the consequences for humans and the environment of each individual substance cannot yet be determined with any certainty.

But what does this mean for us consumers?

The good news is, there are natural alternatives for many of the pollutants mentioned. Many fashion labels have changed their production methods, not least due to growing awareness of the issue. To be on the safe side, here are some tips on how to avoid harmful substances in your clothing:

• When shopping, pay attention to the various test seals:
  
• Blue Angel: Environmental label awarded in Germany since 1978 for particularly environmentally friendly products.
  
• The Green Button: State seal for sustainable textiles awarded since 2019.
  
• GOTS: The "Global Organic Textile Standard" seal is only awarded if at least 70% of the natural fibers are organically grown. It also certifies the textiles' environmental and health compatibility.
  
• IVN Best: The IVN Best is considered the strictest eco-label. Only natural fibers from organic farming may be used, and substances that are harmful to the environment and health are prohibited.
  
• Made in Green by Oeko-Tex: Textile research and testing institutes have joined forces at the international Oeko-Tex Society and, with their seal, certify the environmental and social compatibility of the entire manufacturing process and the final product itself.

Although the criteria tested differ between the various labels, which is why they are not directly comparable, the labels do provide guidance regarding the environmental impact and pollutant content of the clothing.

• Buy secondhand! Secondhand clothing has usually been washed several times, which means some harmful substances have already been washed out.
  
• Wash clothes before you put them on.
• Listen to your nose. If the clothes smell strongly of chemicals, you should probably stay away.
  
• Don't buy clothes that are too heavily dyed. Clothes often lose color when washed. This also means the dye can come off when you sweat, causing it to end up directly on your skin.
  

Pollution & MAWA

In addition to the harmful substances that enter clothing and ultimately end up on the skin during production and transport, the clothes hangers themselves also play a major role. The potentially harmful substances used to manufacture the hangers and their coatings also enter the skin via the clothing. Phthalate-containing plasticizers, azo dyes, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, or chromium are also used in the manufacture of clothes hangers. However, this is not the case at MAWA . Therefore, the company founded the "ECO friendly" and "SKIN friendly" initiatives several years ago.

Is sustainability as important to you as it is to us? Read more about sustainability at MAWA here .

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