New clothes feel harder than the old ones

Sep 20, 2026

Short answer: New fabric has a finish on the surface from production, and it rinses out during the first few washes. After two to three washes the clothes feel like the old ones, and one extra round can make them softer still.

The finish sits on the surface

For the fabric to be handled at the factory, a substance is added that makes it smooth and stable during sewing. That makes new clothes a little stiff at first, for example new bamboo T-shirts for women, which are otherwise light and soft. The finish is not a fault but part of the process, and it disappears with water.

The fibres have not opened up yet

Bamboo viscose gets softer once the fibres have been wet a few times and have straightened out. New fabric is a little tight and flat on the surface because the fibres have not yet had the chance to relax. The same happens with bamboo sweat for men and women, where the thicker fabric takes a little longer to give.

How many washes does it take

Two to three washes are enough for most fabrics. Dense and thick knits may need up to five before they feel like the old clothes. That does not mean anything is wrong, only that the fabric has more material that needs to be rinsed through, so patience is the most important ingredient in the process.

How to speed it up

Wash new clothes twice at thirty degrees without fabric softener before you use them. Water and movement loosen the finish faster than waiting for everyday use to do the job. That applies to bamboo socks too, which get softer once they have been through a few washes and settled into shape.

Fabric softener does not help here

It is tempting to use fabric softener to make new fabric soft, but it lays a film over the fibres and can make it harder to get the fabric clean. Let the water do the work instead, and use an extra rinse if you can. That way the fabric becomes soft the right way and stays soft for longer.

Is stiff new fabric a bad sign

No, it is actually normal for fabric that has not been over-treated. Soft new fabric can be down to a lot of softening agent, which disappears in the first wash and leaves the fabric thinner. A slightly firm new fabric that softens with time is nothing to worry about.

Should you wash new clothes before wearing

Yes, both for softness and to rinse out production residue. Wash before first wear and turn the clothes inside out to protect the surface. That way you start with clean clothes and avoid the fabric feeling stiff against your skin the first few days. It is a small effort that makes a clear difference.

How to keep clothes soft afterwards

Once the clothes have turned soft, keep them that way. Wash at a low temperature, use a normal amount of detergent and air dry when you can. Avoid drying them too hot, since that makes the fibres stiff again. That way the clothes keep the soft feel you bought them for and last through many washes.