Your Clothes Are Full of Chemicals. Here's What You Need to Know.

Your Clothes Are Full of Chemicals. Here's What You Need to Know.

From Back Row with Amy Odell by Amy Odell

June 15, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

Frances Solá-Santiago discusses the hidden chemicals in clothing and how consumers can shop more consciously.

***SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT SHOW by subscribing to the Back Row newsletter: https://www.backrow.net/subscribeGo Premium and save three months on an annual subscription to access paywalled podcasts and all newsletter stories.*** Frances Solá-Santiago is a reporter for The New York Times's Wirecutter product review site, where her whole job is to test clothing and interview experts about how to find the best stuff for the best value. She's done extensive research into which chemicals sneak into our clothes — and what we, as consumers, need to know about them. In this episode, she reveals how we can shop consciously, some of her favorite picks for bags and clothes, and much more. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:30 How Wirecutter Actually Tests Clothes 06:00 Does Higher Price Mean Better Quality? 09:00 Vintage vs. New Coach Bags — What the Lab Found 10:00 Why Everyone Is Suddenly Worried About Their Clothes 12:00 PFAS Explained — What Forever Chemicals Are 16:00 Who's Most at Risk — You, Garment Workers, or the Planet? 21:30 Which Certifications Can You Actually Trust? 25:30 Health Washing Is the New Greenwashing 35:00 The Frankie Shop Blazer Test 39:30 Why Going 100% Natural Isn't a…

People in this episode

Host: Amy Odell

Guest: Frances Solá-Santiago

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Organizations: The New York Times, Wirecutter, The Frankie Shop

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