When it comes to making informed choices about your clothes, most people focus on what’s on the label: cotton, nylon, recycled polyester. But what many don’t realize is that a garment’s feel, stretch, or “performance” isn’t just about the fabric, it’s often about the invisible chemical finishes applied after the fact.
These fabric treatments, used for softness, wrinkle-resistance, stain repellency, or moisture management, are where some of the biggest disconnects in clean fashion lie.
Let’s peel back the hidden layer.
What Are Fabric Finishes?
Fabric finishes are chemical treatments applied to textiles as or after they’re knit or woven, meant to enhance their appearance, durability, or comfort. This can include:
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Softeners to make a fabric feel smoother
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Anti-wrinkle agents for a crisper look
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Water- or stain-resistant coatings
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Flame retardants for compliance in certain markets
While some finishing methods are harmless or mechanical (like brushing a fleece), others rely on chemicals that have raised concerns around skin sensitivity, environmental toxicity, or even hormone disruption.
The Common Chemicals to Know About
Here are some of the most common, and controversial, finishing agents used in fashion today:
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PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Used in water- and stain-resistant finishes. Linked to environmental persistence and endocrine disruption.
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Formaldehyde: Often added to reduce wrinkles or shrinkage. Can cause skin irritation and is classified as a carcinogen at high exposure levels.
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Azo Dyes: Used to create vibrant colors in some textiles, especially non-EU-regulated imports. Some break down into carcinogenic amines.
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BPA (Bisphenol A): Found in some synthetic fabrics, dyes, and plastic-based finishes. Known endocrine disruptor with potential links to hormonal imbalance.
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Silicone Softeners & Plastisol Inks: These can contain phthalates or other plasticizers not always disclosed by brands.
These chemicals aren’t inherently “evil,” but they’re rarely disclosed, and that’s the problem. Most garment tags don’t mention what finishes were used, and even “organic” fabrics may still be treated with them.
How Losano Approaches Fabric Finishing Differently
At Losano, we believe you have the right to know what touches your skin. That’s why we work only with fabrics that have undergone strict safety and sustainability screening, including the finishes.
Our core certifications include:
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OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Tests for hundreds of potentially harmful substances, including formaldehyde, PFAS, and heavy metals.
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bluesign® approved fabrics: Verified to meet high standards for chemical safety and responsible manufacturing.
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FSC-certified modal and GOTS cotton blends: Traceable from source to fiber, ensuring clean processing.
What this means practically: our pieces are free from BPA, PFAS, formaldehyde, and other toxic finishing agents. We work with textile mills that use mechanical softness (like enzyme washing or brushing) instead of synthetic chemical softeners wherever possible.
What Shoppers Can Ask or Look For
You don’t need to be a chemist to shop smarter. Here are a few simple ways to protect your skin and your peace of mind:
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Look for third-party certifications. OEKO-TEX®, bluesign®, and GOTS are among the most trustworthy.
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Ask brands about what’s not in their clothes. It’s not just about recycled or natural content, finishes matter too.
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Be wary of greenwashed claims. “Natural,” “eco,” and “organic” aren’t regulated terms and don’t guarantee safety.
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Prioritize brands that are transparent about both their materials and their treatments.
Clean Clothing Isn’t Just About Fabric. It’s About What’s Added Later
We’ve come a long way in conversations around clean beauty, clean food, and clean homes. Clothing is the next frontier, and what’s in your clothing goes deeper than fabric content alone.
By paying attention to the hidden layer, the finishes and treatments most brands overlook, you can make more empowered decisions that support your health and values.
At Losano, we’re committed to raising the bar on transparency and helping clean fashion move from trendy to truly trustworthy.
