The research
What's In The Fabric
Dyes, finishes and fiber chemistry. What gets added to a garment between the loom and the shop floor, and why almost none of it appears on the care label.
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The short answer
A fiber label names what a garment is made of. It does not list the dyes, softeners, resins or repellent finishes applied between the mill and the shop, even though chemicals are used throughout textile manufacturing. Not every one of them stays in the finished garment, and limits exist for the ones that matter most. A finished-product certification such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is the practical way to check.
Find the guide for the question you have
- Finishes. "Wrinkle-free", "stain-resistant" and "water-repellent" each describe a chemical treatment. The label will not name it; the manufacturer or a certification can.
- Dyes. Most azo dyes are unremarkable. A small group that can break down into certain aromatic amines is restricted in the EU.
- Heat and sweat. Warm, damp skin interacts with fabric differently than dry skin does, which is why activewear choices deserve a closer look.
- Sensitive skin. Fiber is one factor. Finish, fit, heat and friction are the others.
- Certifications. A genuine certificate carries a number you can check for free. A logo without one cannot be verified.
Start with these three
- Chemicals in Clothing: What Your Fabric Label Doesn’t Tell You
- Is There Formaldehyde in Wrinkle-Free Shirts?
- Best Fabrics for Sensitive Skin: What to Look For
For reactive skin, the clothing guide for sensitive skin puts these in order. For what a fiber test does and does not cover, see how we check what a garment is actually made of.
Every What's In The Fabric article
Chemicals in Clothing: What Your Fabric Label Doesn’t Tell You
Thousands of chemicals are used in textile manufacturing, but you won’t find them listed on the label. Here’s what that means and what you can look for when you shop.
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Is There Formaldehyde in Wrinkle-Free Shirts?
Many wrinkle-free finishes rely on formaldehyde-based resins. Here’s what that means, what the limits look like, and what you can do about it.
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PFAS in Clothing: What to Know About Forever Chemicals
Stain-resistant and water-repellent finishes often rely on PFAS. Here’s what these “forever chemicals” are and how to spot them when you shop.
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Is Polyester Good for Workout Clothes?
Polyester dominates activewear for a reason. Here’s what it does well, what testing has found, and how to choose workout clothes with confidence.
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Azo Dyes in Clothing: What to Know
Azo dyes provide most of the color in our clothes. Here’s what they are, why a few are restricted in the EU, and how to shop with confidence.
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Why Fabric Choice Matters More When You Sweat
Warm, damp skin interacts with fabric differently than dry skin does. Here’s why fabric choice counts most mid-workout, and what to look for.
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Best Fabrics for Sensitive Skin: What to Look For
Clothing is a surprisingly common source of skin irritation. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, here’s what to consider when deciding what to wear.
Read →