Toxins in Clothing: 7 Chemicals to Avoid + What to Wear Instead (2026)

[Last Updated March 2026]

Modern life is convenient – but it isn't always clean.

Clothing is one of the few things we wear directly against our skin, often for hours at a time. And yet, most of us rarely think about how it's made – or what might be left behind in the fabric.

If learning about toxins in clothing feels confusing or overwhelming, you're not alone. The science is evolving, the language can be opaque, and clear guidance is hard to find.

This guide is here to simplify things. We'll walk through the chemicals and fabrics worth paying attention to, why activewear matters more than most, and how to make calmer, more informed choices, without aiming for perfection or replacing your whole wardrobe.

Toxins in Clothing: Quick Summary

• What are toxins in clothing?
  Chemical residues added during manufacturing, such as dyes, finishes, and performance treatments.
• Are toxins in clothing harmful?
  Research is still evolving, but repeated, low-level exposure to certain chemicals used in textiles has been linked to skin irritation and other potential health effects, particularly with skin-close clothing like activewear.
• Common examples include:
  PFAS ("forever chemicals"), bisphenols (BPA, BPS), phthalates, azo dyes, formaldehyde, flame retardants, and certain heavy metals.
• Why activewear matters more:
  It's often synthetic, worn close to the body, and used during heat and sweat – conditions that can increase contact with chemical residues.
• A safer place to start:
  Choose certified garments (OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, bluesign®) and nature-based fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell, especially for activewear and underwear.

Table of Contents

• What Are Toxins in Clothing?
• Can You Absorb Chemicals From Clothing?
• Why Does Activewear Deserve Extra Attention?
• What are the Common Toxins Found in Everyday Clothing Materials?
• Which Fabrics Are Most Likely to Contain Toxic Chemicals?
• What Are the Safest Fabrics to Wear If You're Concerned About Toxins?
• How Do I Know If My Clothes Are Toxic?
• How to Identify Clothing Brands That Avoid Toxic Chemicals
• How Tripulse Approaches Skin Safety in Activewear
• Toxins in Clothing: More Helpful FAQs
• Final Thoughts: Toxins in Clothing

What Are Toxins in Clothing?

Toxins in clothing refer to chemical residues used during manufacturing, including dyes, finishes, and performance treatments that help garments behave a certain way.

They're very common in activewear, where chemical treatments help fabrics perform in specific ways, such as lasting longer, managing moisture, and staying fresher over time.

The fashion industry relies on thousands of different chemicals to meet modern expectations around convenience, durability, and price. Many are considered low risk. Others raise concerns for people involved in production, the environment, and – in some cases – those wearing the clothes.

Because these substances support fast, large-scale manufacturing, they're especially common in fast and ultra-fast fashion. And while regulations exist, standards and enforcement can vary between regions.

Can You Absorb Chemicals From Clothing?

Chemicals used in clothing don't simply disappear once a garment is finished. Under everyday conditions, small amounts have been found to break away from fabrics and reach the body through skin contact, the air we breathe, and even microplastics.

Research is still evolving, but here's what the science is saying so far:

1. Through skin contact

Clothing sits on our skin for hours each day. When fabrics are warm, damp, and under friction, some chemical residues can transfer more easily.

What recent research shows:

• A 2024 University of Birmingham study found that certain PFAS can be absorbed through human skin.
• Studies on bisphenols (like BPA and BPS) show higher transfer under warm, "sweat-wet" conditions – similar to exercise.

2. Through the air we breathe

Finished textiles can release small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. In enclosed spaces like homes, gyms, or cars, these emissions can add to everyday inhalation exposure.

3. Through microplastics

Synthetic clothing sheds microscopic plastic fibers. A 2025 peer-reviewed study estimated that people may inhale tens of thousands of microplastic particles each day, many small enough to reach deep into the lungs. These particles can carry chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS.

Learn more: How to Avoid Microplastics in Clothing: A Step-by-Step Guide

What researchers are watching closely

Some chemicals don't break down easily. With repeated, low-level exposure, they can build up in the environment – and potentially in our bodies over time. This is known as bioaccumulation.

Scientists are working to understand what this actually means for long-term health, and lots of questions still remain.

Why Does Activewear Deserve Extra Attention?

Activewear is designed to perform, and that performance often relies on heavier chemical treatments.

Most activewear is:

• Made from synthetics like polyester and nylon, which don't naturally manage moisture, odor, or stretch without chemical processing
• Worn tight to the body, often for hours at a time, making it one of the most intimate parts of our wardrobe
• Used during heat, sweat, and intense movement, which can increase chemical transfer

In short:
If you're thinking about skin comfort, sensitivity, or reducing long-term chemical exposure, activewear is one of the most meaningful places to start.

What are the Common Toxins Found in Everyday Clothing Materials?

Common toxins found in clothing include PFAS ("forever chemicals"), bisphenols (like BPA and BPS), phthalates, synthetic dyes, formaldehyde, flame retardants, and certain heavy metals.

These chemicals are used far more often in synthetic and performance fabrics, where they're introduced during manufacturing to change how clothes behave and hold up over time.

Below, we break down what each one is, why it's used, and what researchers are paying attention to.

7 Common Toxins in Clothing (Especially Activewear)

1. Bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF, BPB)

What they are

Bisphenols are industrial chemicals commonly used in plastics and protective coatings.

Why they show up in activewear

• They can be introduced during the production, dyeing, or finishing of synthetic fibers like polyester.
• Their role is to improve things like durability, color-fastness, and moisture control.

What experts are saying

• Classified as endocrine disruptors by the World Health Organization.
• Frequently detected in textiles worn next to the skin, leading OEKO-TEX to tighten BPA limits in 2025.
• Some recycled polyester garments have been found to contain higher bisphenol levels than virgin fibers.
• A 2025 study found that even brief contact with BPS-treated materials can exceed safety limits. BPA has already been found at elevated levels in some activewear – despite being worn for hours, directly against the skin.

2. PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")

What they are

A large family of highly persistent chemicals designed to resist water, oil, and heat.

Why they show up in activewear

They're added to make fabrics water-repellent, stain-resistant, and more durable – especially in performance clothing.

What experts are saying

• Exposure has been linked to hormone, immune, and reproductive effects.
• Textile use accounts for 35% of global demand.
• While regulations are slowly improving from EU proposals to U.S. state-level bans, global PFAS controls still vary.

Learn more: How to Avoid PFAS in Clothing: Practical Tips

3. Synthetic Dyes (Including Azo & Disperse Dyes)

What they are

• Chemicals used to create bright, long-lasting colors.
• Around 90% of garments today are colored with synthetic dyes because they are so cheap and versatile.

Why they show up in activewear

Synthetic fibers tend to repel water, so stronger dyes are needed to bind color and withstand sweat and washing.

What experts are saying

• Skin bacteria can convert some dyes into carcinogenic aromatic amines.
• Synthetic dyes, especially disperse dyes, are considered some of the worst culprits for skin allergies.

"Regardless of a history of prior dermatitis, anyone can become allergic to dyes in clothing." — Dr. Susan Nedorost, MD, Professor Emerita of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University.

If fabric sensitivity sounds familiar, our guide to itchy skin during and after exercise explores this in more detail.

4. Formaldehyde

What it is

• A colorless gas with a strong smell, widely used in manufacturing.
• Occurs naturally in tiny amounts, but the industrial version used in textiles is far more concentrated.
• So widely used it's sometimes described as a "backbone" of modern manufacturing.

Why it shows up in activewear

Common in "easy-care" fabrics, especially cotton blends. Helps garments resist wrinkles, mold, and mildew.

What experts are saying

• Can irritate sensitive skin and airways.
• Residues in the fabric can irritate sensitive skin (washing before first wear is often recommended).
• Classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
• Can be released into the air, especially when garments are new.

5. Heavy Metals

What they are

• These are metals that occur naturally in the earth.
• Some, like iron, zinc, and copper, are essential in small amounts.
• Others – including antimony, lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic – serve no role in the human body and can be harmful even at low levels.

Why they show up in activewear

• Used in some textile dyes and pigments to help color bind and last.
• More common in brightly colored synthetic activewear, where stronger pigments are needed.

What experts are saying

• Ongoing exposure has been linked to various effects on the body, including the nervous system and vital organs.

6. Phthalates

What they are

Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are oily liquids used to soften plastics and make them more flexible and longer-lasting.

Why they show up in activewear

• Plastic-based prints, logos, and graphics
• Waterproof or weather-resistant coatings
• Elastic or rubber trims, like waistbands

What experts are saying

• Phthalates are often called the "everywhere chemical" as they have a habit of not staying fixed to fabrics and other products. This means they can move out of clothing and into our bodies over time.
• Ongoing exposure has been linked to hormone-related effects, with extra care advised during pregnancy and early life.

7. Flame Retardants

What they are

• Flame retardants are chemicals designed to slow or prevent materials from catching fire.
• As synthetic materials have become more common, so has the use of flame retardants.

Why they show up in activewear

Most activewear is made from synthetic materials, which are often treated with flame retardants.

What experts are saying

• Research links certain types to hormone disruption, neurological effects, and cancer.
• According to a 2025 EWG study, reducing everyday sources has been shown to lower levels in the body over time.

Which Fabrics Are Most Likely to Contain Toxic Chemicals?

Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, elastane, and many rayon and viscose materials are the most likely to involve heavy chemical processing.

Even natural fibers, such as conventional cotton, can carry residues unless they're certified and responsibly processed.

Fabric	Things to be aware of	Safer alternative
Polyester	Plastic-based and often chemically finished; sheds microplastics over time	TENCEL™ Lyocell
Nylon	Heavily processed performance fiber made from fossil fuels	TENCEL™ Lyocell
Elastane / Spandex	Synthetic stretch fiber that can shed and retain residues	ROICA™ V550 / ROICA™ EF
Rayon / Viscose	Starts as wood pulp but typically involves harsh chemical processing	TENCEL™ Lyocell
Conventional Cotton	Can carry pesticide or dye residues unless organically certified	GOTS-certified Organic Cotton

A few helpful clarifications

Not every garment made from these fibers is automatically "toxic." The key variables are:

• how the fabric is processed
• which dyes and finishes are used
• and whether the final garment is independently certified

Some fabrics simply require more chemical input to achieve performance features. This is why sourcing and certification matter – especially for pieces worn close to the skin.

What Are the Safest Fabrics to Wear If You're Concerned About Toxins?

If you want to reduce chemical exposure from clothing, the safest options are fabrics that use fewer treatments and are independently certified.

Below are examples of safer, skin-friendly fabrics when responsibly sourced.

Safer Fabric Options for Activewear & Everyday Wear

Fabric	Why it's a safer choice	Performance benefits	Best for
TENCEL™ Lyocell (by Lenzing)	Produced in a closed-loop process and certified to strict safety standards	Breathable, moisture-managing, gentle on skin, stays fresher for longer	Activewear, underwear, everyday skin-close wear
Organic Cotton (GOTS-certified)	Grown without synthetic pesticides; limits harmful dyes + finishes	Soft, breathable, comfortable	Everyday wear, loungewear
Pure Merino Wool (non-superwash)	Avoids plastic superwash coatings and unnecessary chemical finishes	Thermoregulating, moisture-balancing, odor-control	Base layers, cooler weather
ROICA™ V550 / ROICA™ EF (safer stretch)	Certified for skin health; V550 can safely biodegrade in nature	Supportive stretch for movement and comfort	Performance leggings, bras, shorts

Helpful note: Fabric choice is one part of clothing safety. Dyes, finishes, trims, and production processes also matter. So, wherever possible, look for whole-garment certifications such as OEKO-TEX® or GOTS.

Learn more about our signature fabric: What is TENCEL™ Lyocell? Everything You Need to Know

How Do I Know If My Clothes Are Toxic?

While clothing doesn't come with ingredient labels, higher-risk pieces often share patterns:

• Check the material label: Polyester, nylon, and elastane often involve chemical processing. Even some natural fibers – like conventional cotton or bamboo viscose – can also be dyed or finished with harsh substances.
• Look for "easy-care" claims: Words like anti-odor, water-repellent, stain-resistant, or wrinkle-free often signal added chemical treatments.
• Notice the smell: A sharp or chemical scent can signal residue from dyes or finishes.
• Consider the brand: Be mindful of ultra-low prices and ultra-fast fashion brands where speed and scale often mean chemical safety isn't a priority.
• Check for certifications: Independent standards like OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, or bluesign® offer an extra layer of reassurance. Also, low scores from trusted platforms like Good On You can be a sign of poor chemical controls.

How to Identify Clothing Brands That Avoid Toxic Chemicals

If shopping for non-toxic clothing has ever felt confusing, you're not alone.

Unlike food or skincare, clothing rarely comes with ingredient lists, and chemical claims are often vague.

Here's a simple, practical checklist to help you assess brands more confidently.

Your Clean Clothing Checklist

1. Is chemical safety verified – not just promised?

This matters most.

Look for clear standards checked by an independent third party. A brand's own policies or assurances aren't usually enough.

If they can't explain this simply, it's worth a pause.

2. Are credible certifications listed?

Credible examples include:

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (Class I or II)
• GOTS (organic fibres + certified production)
• bluesign® (materials & chemical management)
• Cradle to Cradle® Material Health (assesses chemical safety of materials against human and environmental health criteria)

No certification is perfect, but these show real oversight beyond legal minimums.

3. Do they go beyond policies and legal limits?

Helpful, but secondary.

Mentions of Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs), MRSLs, ZDHC, or Higg show that a brand:

• Has considered chemical risks
• Has rules or systems in place
• Is trying to manage chemicals during production
• Meets legal requirements

They don't always confirm what materials and substances were independently verified on the finished garment you wear.

4. What materials are used?

Look for:

• Natural or natural performance fibers (such as TENCEL™ Lyocell, merino wool, or organic cotton), which rely less on chemical treatments to perform.
• Stretch composition: even natural fiber activewear often contains elastane for fit and movement. Where stretch is needed (e.g. leggings and sports bras), choose certified skin-safe alternatives to conventional elastane, such as ROICA™ V550.

5. Is the supply chain clearly explained?

Brands that manage chemical risk well are usually open about the details.

Good signs include clear information on:

• where garments are made
• who makes them
• which standards or tests are used

Vague language like "safe," "clean," or "compliant" without detail is worth questioning.

If nothing else, copy and paste this question to brands (it can really help cut through the noise):

"How do you prevent harmful chemicals from remaining on the finished garment, and which third-party standards do you use?"

From our own experience contacting activewear brands, we found that many couldn't provide clear answers about chemical safety. That's why we created this simple checklist, to help you ask the right questions and feel more confident in your choices.

How Tripulse Approaches Skin Safety in Activewear

At Tripulse, we design activewear for people who want to live a cleaner, healthier life and feel good in what they wear. That means choosing materials that work with the body, not against it.

Our approach is simple:

• We cherry-pick high-quality, certified natural fibers that don't rely on toxic chemical treatments to perform, such as our signature, premium-grade TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric.
• Where stretch is needed, we use safer, certified alternatives rather than conventional elastane.
• We rely on independent testing and certifications – including OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and REACH compliance – to verify chemical safety on the finished garment, not just promises made during production.
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 confirms our garments are tested and certified free from over 1,000 harmful substances, including PFAS, BPAs, formaldehyde, and other endocrine disruptors.

Learn more about our materials and trims and ethical supply chain.

Toxins in Clothing: More Helpful FAQs

Can Toxin-Free Clothing Help Reduce Skin Allergies and Sensitivities?

For many people, yes. Choosing certified, skin-safe fabrics can help reduce irritation linked to dyes, finishes, and chemical residues–especially in clothing worn close to the skin during heat, sweat, and movement.

If this is something you struggle with, our Complete Guide to Itchy Skin During & After Exercise breaks down the science and shares practical relief tips, plus a free checklist you can use straight away.

Can Toxins Be Washed Out of Clothes?

Washing new clothing can reduce some surface residues, but it doesn't remove all chemical treatments. If a garment has a strong synthetic smell even after washing, it may be best avoided, particularly for more intimate items like activewear or underwear.

Which Certifications Matter When Shopping for Non-Toxic Clothing?

Independent certifications help verify chemical safety beyond brand claims. The most important to avoid toxic chemicals in clothing include OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, GOTS (for organic fibers and processing), bluesign® (chemical management), and Cradle to Cradle® Material Health.

Is 100% Cotton Toxic Free?

Certified organic cotton is usually safer, while conventional cotton may contain pesticide residues or chemical finishes.

Look for trusted certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX®, and check whether the brand clearly explains its materials, finishes and supply chain. If that information isn't available, it's worth asking.

Learn more: TENCEL™ Lyocell vs Cotton: Which Fabric Is Better for Activewear?

Can Activewear Really Be 100% Plastic-Free?

Not always, especially for fitted pieces like leggings and sports bras.

Even when activewear is made from natural base fabrics such as TENCEL™ Lyocell or organic cotton, some amount of elastane is usually needed to support stretch and movement.

What matters for skin comfort and wellbeing is which type of elastane is used. Some brands now choose safer, certified alternatives such as ROICA®, which are independently tested for skin safety. Pairing natural fibres with safer stretch is currently one of the more considered options for activewear worn close to the body.

Learn more: Plastic-Free Activewear: Why Elastane Is Still Used (And Safer Options)

How Do Eco-Friendly Clothing Brands Ensure Their Products Are Toxin-Free?

Most brands that take chemical safety seriously start with materials that naturally perform without heavy chemical treatments, then use independent standards to check what remains on the finished garment.

At Tripulse, this means designing activewear around certified natural fibres like TENCEL™ Lyocell, choosing safer stretch options such as ROICA® where needed, and relying on third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and GOTS.

Are Premium Activewear Brands like Lululemon or Alo Yoga Toxic?

Most premium activewear brands use synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) that require chemical processing. While they typically meet legal safety standards, few offer independent toxin-free certification on finished garments.

If you're specifically looking for certified natural-fiber performance wear, look for brands that use OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification and specify their materials testing process.

You can use our Clean Clothing Checklist above as a simple framework when comparing activewear brands.

Are Shein Clothes Safe to Wear?

Independent testing has raised concerns about chemical safety in ultra-fast fashion, including Shein:

• 2021 (Canada): Testing found elevated lead levels in fast-fashion items, including a Shein children's jacket
• 2024 (South Korea): Authorities reported toxic substances exceeding legal limits in some Shein and Temu items
• 2025 (EU): A Greenpeace investigation found that multiple Shein garments exceeded EU chemical safety limits

What this means for you:

Ultra-fast fashion's business model (new styles daily, rock-bottom prices) makes chemical oversight extremely difficult. If you have sensitive skin or want to reduce chemical exposure, prioritizing certified brands over ultra-fast fashion is a meaningful place to start.

For safer alternatives at accessible price points, look for OEKO-TEX® or GOTS certified brands.

Learn more: 7 Sustainable Fashion Certifications You Need to Know (and Why)

Final Thoughts: Toxins in Clothing

We weren't always asked to think about what touches our skin. But now, we can choose better.

Here's where to start:

• Prioritize what touches your skin most
  Begin with activewear and underwear. These are worn close to the body, often for long periods during heat and sweat.
• Choose certified natural performance fibers
  Fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton, and pure merino wool rely less on chemical treatments to perform.
• Look for independent verification, not just claims
  Meaningful certifications (like OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, bluesign® or Cradle to Cradle® Material Health) show that chemical safety has been checked beyond brand promises and legal limits.
• Use our Clean Clothing Checklist
  The framework above helps cut through vague language and identify truly non-toxic brands that take chemical safety seriously.
• Download our Modern Guide to Toxin-Free Living
  A simple roadmap to building a wardrobe (and lifestyle) that supports your skin, wellbeing, and a calmer way of living.

For more, visit:

• How to Avoid Microplastics in Clothing: 5 Ways to Reduce Everyday Exposure
• How to Avoid PFAS in Clothing: Practical Tips
• Plastic-Free Activewear: Why Elastane Is Still Used (And Safer Options)
• What is TENCEL™ Lyocell? Everything You Need to Know
• TENCEL™ Lyocell vs Cotton: Which Fabric Is Better for Activewear?
• TENCEL™ vs Polyester: What's the Best Fabric for Activewear?

About the Author

Written by Franziska Mesche, Founder of Tripulse, impact entrepreneur and materials innovation expert in natural performance textiles.
Franziska leads Tripulse's work on skin-safe TENCEL™ Lyocell and healthier activewear, with a focus on responsible materials and circular design in sustainable fashion.
Since 2019, she has sourced and tested a wide range of natural and synthetic activewear fabrics, working directly with leading fabric innovators to develop high-performance TENCEL™ Lyocell wear. Through seven years of hands-on product development and customer feedback from thousands of users, she has built practical expertise in how TENCEL™, polyester, and other performance materials compare in real athletic use.
As an active mover and conscious consumer herself, Franziska brings personal experience to everything she writes about natural living, movement, and wellness.