Fast fashion has changed the way we shop. New collections appear every day, prices seem impossibly low, and trends move faster than ever. But behind the cheap price tag is a question many shoppers are now asking:

What exactly is in the clothes we're wearing?

Over the last few years, independent laboratory testing and environmental organisations have repeatedly found hazardous chemicals in clothing sold by some of the world's largest fast-fashion retailers. While not every garment contains harmful substances, the repeated findings highlight why consumers should pay closer attention to where their clothes come from.

The Chemicals Being Found

Independent testing has identified a number of substances in some garments that are either restricted or closely monitored under European chemical regulations (REACH). These include:

• PFAS ("Forever Chemicals") – Used to make fabrics water and stain resistant. These chemicals break down extremely slowly in the environment and some have been linked to immune system problems, liver damage and certain cancers.
• Phthalates – Plastic-softening chemicals often found in prints, coatings and synthetic materials. Some phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive health concerns.
• Lead and Cadmium – Heavy metals that can be present in dyes, pigments and trims. Long-term exposure is associated with damage to the nervous system and other organs.
• Formaldehyde – Sometimes used during textile finishing to reduce creasing. High exposure can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system, and certain forms are classified as carcinogenic.
• APEOs (Alkylphenol Ethoxylates) – Chemicals used during textile manufacturing that can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life.

What Have Investigations Found?

Environmental organisations have repeatedly tested garments purchased directly from fast-fashion retailers.

Greenpeace investigations into Shein found multiple products containing chemicals that exceeded European legal limits, including PFAS and phthalates. In follow-up testing, Greenpeace reported that many similar products remained available despite earlier warnings, raising concerns about quality control and chemical management.

South Korean authorities have also reported finding excessive levels of hazardous chemicals in products sold by fast-fashion marketplaces, including Shein and Temu. Independent reporting noted elevated levels of phthalates, lead and cadmium in some tested items.

These investigations don't mean every garment sold by these retailers is unsafe, but they do demonstrate why stronger testing and supply chain controls matter.

What Does This Mean For Consumers?

For most people, wearing a single garment is unlikely to cause immediate illness. The bigger concern is cumulative exposure.

Every day we're exposed to chemicals through clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, cleaning products and our environment. Scientists are increasingly studying how these combined exposures affect long-term health.

Workers producing textiles are often exposed to much higher concentrations during manufacturing than consumers ever will. In many developing countries, untreated wastewater containing dyes and chemicals can also contaminate rivers and ecosystems.

What About Other High Street Brands?

Hazardous chemicals are not only a fast-fashion issue.

Over the past decade, independent investigations have found restricted chemicals in products from a variety of global fashion brands. The fashion industry has made significant progress through initiatives such as ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), but challenges remain across the entire sector.

That's why responsible brands now invest heavily in:

• Chemical testing
• Supplier auditing
• Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs)
• Product safety compliance
• Sustainable manufacturing

Our Approach at Triads

At Triads, we've always believed that quality clothing starts long before it reaches our shelves.

That's why we carefully choose brands that invest in responsible manufacturing, product testing and long-term quality rather than simply chasing the lowest possible price.

Some of the brands we're proud to stock include:

• Carhartt WIP
• Polo Ralph Lauren
• Edwin
• Duke + Dexter

These brands are recognised for their commitment to higher manufacturing standards, better materials and more responsible supply chains. While no global supply chain is perfect, these companies invest significantly more into quality assurance, supplier relationships and compliance than many ultra-fast-fashion platforms.

For us, buying better means buying less often.

Instead of purchasing clothes designed to be worn a handful of times, we believe in investing in garments that are made to last, age well and become wardrobe staples for years.

Quality isn't just about how something looks.

It's about how it's made.

It's about who made it.

And it's about choosing products you can genuinely feel good about wearing.

At Triads, that's something we'll never compromise on.

References

• Greenpeace. Shein: Dangerous chemicals continue to exceed EU limits in clothing. 2025–2026 investigations.
• Greenpeace. Laboratory analyses of hazardous chemicals in Shein clothing (2025 dataset).
• Business Insider. Fast fashion is made with alarmingly high amounts of toxic chemicals, say authorities. 2024.