Trying on garments in a retail setting often raises questions about hygiene and the possibility of contracting an illness from clothing previously worn by others. While the risk of disease transmission is generally low, textiles can act as fomites, or inanimate objects capable of harboring infectious agents. Understanding the specific types of organisms that survive on fabric provides a clearer picture of the actual threat posed by a trip to the fitting room. The likelihood of infection depends on the type of pathogen, the fabric material, and the time elapsed since the garment was contaminated.
Ectoparasites and Clothing Transmission
Ectoparasites, organisms that live on the exterior of a host, represent one category of concern when trying on clothes. Head lice, for example, can be transferred onto items like hats or shirts that touch the head, though this transmission route is less common than direct head-to-head contact. Scabies mites are another ectoparasite that causes intense itching, but they generally do not survive more than two to three days away from the human body. Transmission through fabric is considered an uncommon event and usually requires prolonged contact. For both lice and mites, the short duration of a fitting room try-on significantly reduces the window for successful transfer.
Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections
A more common concern involves pathogens routinely shed from the skin, such as fungi and bacteria. Fungal infections, including Tinea like ringworm, thrive in warm, moist environments and are easily transferred through contact with contaminated surfaces. Many fungal species, including yeasts like Candida, can remain viable on certain fabrics for up to two weeks or even longer than 30 days. Bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including the antibiotic-resistant strain MRSA, can also persist on clothing. The risk of infection occurs when a susceptible person with a cut or abrasion contacts a fabric with a sufficient load of these organisms.
Pathogen Survival on Fabric
The scientific basis for the overall low risk associated with trying on clothes lies in the environmental limitations of pathogen survival. The viability of a microorganism is severely impacted by desiccation, the process of drying out, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light typically found in retail settings. Textiles are classified as porous surfaces, and most microorganisms survive for shorter periods on these compared to non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal. The type of fabric matters significantly; some bacteria persist for months on synthetic fibers like polyester, while viruses, such as those causing the common cold or flu, lose their infectivity much faster on cotton, often within a day. The combination of a low initial pathogen load and natural inactivation makes the probability of transmission from a garment resting on a rack relatively small.
Minimizing Risk in the Fitting Room
Shoppers can take simple, actionable steps to reduce any residual risk. Always wear undergarments when trying on clothing, especially items that directly contact sensitive areas, such as swimsuits or athletic wear. This creates a physical barrier that prevents skin-to-fabric contact, minimizing the chance of pathogen transfer. Avoid trying on clothes if you have any open cuts, scrapes, or active skin rashes, as a break in the skin barrier makes the body more susceptible to infection. The most effective preventative measure is to launder all new clothing before wearing it, as washing with warm water and detergent effectively removes potential contaminants and reduces the bacterial and fungal load.