When people think about reducing their toxin exposure, they often focus on food, water, and personal care products. But what about clothing? The fabrics you wear every day could be exposing your skin—and your entire body—to hidden chemicals that affect everything from hormone balance to metabolic health.

Many conventional fabrics are treated with synthetic dyes, chemical softeners, and even flame retardants, all of which can be absorbed through the skin. Some synthetic fibers even release microplastics that can be inhaled or ingested over time.

So, how can you protect yourself while still shopping affordably? If you buy clothes at Costco, you don’t have to avoid the clothing section entirely. Here’s how to choose safer options and steer clear of toxic fabrics.

Why Fabric Choice Matters for Your Health

Your skin absorbs more than you might realize, especially when it comes to clothing. The wrong fabrics can introduce unnecessary toxins into your body, potentially leading to long-term health effects.

• Synthetic Fabrics and Endocrine Disruptors – Polyester, nylon, and spandex are often made with petroleum-based chemicals that can interfere with hormone function.
• Chemical Processing in Bamboo and Modal Fabrics – While marketed as “natural,” these fabrics often undergo heavy processing that leaves behind harmful solvents.
• Synthetic Dyes and Finishing Agents – Many conventional fabrics are treated with dyes and coatings that may contain heavy metals and other toxins.
• Microplastic Shedding – Washing synthetic fabrics releases microplastics into the water supply, which can eventually make their way into your body.

The Best Clothing Choices at Costco

While many clothing items at Costco contain synthetic fibers, there are still a few good options that prioritize natural materials.

Orvis Shorts: 82% Cotton, 18% Lyocell Bamboo

These shorts are made from a relatively low-toxicity blend. Cotton is a safe, breathable choice, and lyocell bamboo is a better alternative to bamboo viscose, which is processed with toxic solvents.

Slack Pants: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex

With almost entirely cotton fabric, these pants are a better option than synthetic-heavy alternatives. The small percentage of spandex is usually only in the waistband, limiting direct skin exposure.

100% Cotton Jeans or Levi’s

Cotton denim is a solid choice for those looking to minimize synthetic materials. Levi’s jeans contain only a small amount of elastane, making them a better pick than heavily stretchy denim.

What to Avoid: High-Tox Clothing at Costco

Some fabric blends are best avoided due to their chemical-heavy processing.

Slack Pants: 91% Modal, 8-9% Spandex

Modal sounds natural since it comes from wood fibers, but most modal fabric is processed using harsh chemical solvents. This can leave behind chemical residues that may be absorbed through the skin.

• What to Look For Instead:Tencel Modal is a cleaner alternative that undergoes less toxic processing.

Tips for Choosing Healthier Clothing at Costco

• Stick to Natural Fibers. Cotton, wool, and linen are better choices than polyester, acrylic, or rayon.
• Read Fabric Blends. Look for clothes with at least 95% natural fibers and avoid blends with high synthetic content.
• Be Wary of Dyes. Dark and bright synthetic fabrics may contain harmful dye chemicals.
• Avoid Treated Fabrics. Wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking clothes often have added chemical coatings.
• Always Wash Before Wearing. This removes residual dyes and chemical treatments from new clothes.

Final Thoughts

Your clothing isn’t just about fashion—it’s about health. By making smart choices, you can reduce your exposure to unnecessary toxins and support your body’s natural detox pathways. Costco has some good clothing options if you know what to look for, so check the labels and prioritize natural, minimally processed fabrics for a healthier wardrobe.