The Best Non-Toxic Fashion Brands For Chemically Sensitive People

Image credit: Loup Charmant. This post contains some affiliate links, meaning EcoCult receives a small percentage of the sale price if you make a purchase. 

When I first discovered that fashion and textiles often have endocrine-disrupting chemicals on them, I was absolutely floored. I’ve personally accumulated several endocrine disorders over my life, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Having suffered with these ailments for over a decade now, I always wondered why nobody’s come up with any solid answers as to why these conditions are so prevalent in young women.

But toxic chemicals in fashion come with other dangers. 

At the top of the list of toxic fashion chemicals are azobenzene disperse dyes, which are not biodegradable and are known carcinogens, tumorigenics, and microbiome killers. Used on both synthetics and natural fabrics, azobenzene dyes are known skin allergens and sensitizers, usually beginning with a skin reaction ranging from mild discomfort to painful swelling.

Per- and polyflourylalkyl compounds are also commonly found in fast fashion and are primarily used for stain and water resistance on low-quality fabrics. Often referred to as “forever chemicals”, PFAS compounds earn the name by remaining present in the environment for a very long time, building up in humans in animals, and permanently contaminating delicate ecosystems such as high-altitude forests, rivers and lakes, and even fish and mammals themselves. They’re also known to cause long-lasting conditions in humans, including but not limited to a range of cancers, reproductive disease, endocrine disorders, infertility, and liver disease. It’s not just an outside problem: PFAS coatings can slough off your clothing and onto your skin or into your home’s house dust. 

Other detrimental toxins found in clothing include phthalates, which researchers have found to be prominent carcinogens and endocrine disruptors; and VOCs, which can off-gas and cause developmental disorders, liver, and respiratory problems.

It’s not always easy to find out if your clothes are made with these chemicals, though. Clothing brands are not required to disclose what goes into even the fancy, branded finishes put on your clothing. So even if your doctor has pinpointed substances commonly found in clothing that you’re allergic to, it’s hard to avoid them. 

Fortunately, Alden’s new book To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick — And How We Can Fight Back lends a hand to many like me who could really benefit from the expert guidance around which chemicals to steer clear of and why.

So, it’s difficult but not impossible to find clothing that’s safe to wear, even for people like me with chemical allergies and intolerances. To build this list, I looked for a few key details to determine what was toxic and what was simply irritating on contact. 

Dyes: Herbal dyes, which are derived from plants, can be considered a much safer alternative to mainstream dyes. You can also check for azo-free and other low-impact dyes.

Certifications and labels: Oeko-Tex, GOTS, and bluesign labels are all great starting points for trust, as they’re all focused on ensuring the manufacturing process and final products are free of toxic chemicals. 

Natural and synthetic-free: When in doubt, opt for fabrics that are hypoallergenic, meaning they’re free of synthetic fibers and known sensitizers. One study found that chemically sensitive people preferred lyocell (brand name Tencel), while another showed that merino wool and cellulose-based fabrics (lyocell/Tencel, modal) are good for people with atopic dermatitis, and organic cotton and silk are “generally safe.” 

To help guide you in the right direction, we’ve rounded up an extensive list of brands that offer non-toxic fashion for every occasion.

Harvest & Mill

What we love: This brand features collections made entirely from cotton that grows naturally in a variety of subtle earth tones dependent upon the subspecies of cotton, but if you’re after a splash of color, it also offers pieces that are dyed using non-toxic dyes. If you’re after non-toxic basics, loungewear, or the perfect work-from-home outfit, this is the place.

Price range: $11 to $195

Paka

What we love: Apart from the noble venture of preserving ancient tradition, Paka brings quite a lot to the table as far as non-toxic fashion. First, we have the option of undyed royal alpaca fiber (gorgeous) or Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified dyes. Then, there’s the unique, traditional Inca identification that’s added to each piece by hand, depending on the artisan who made your sweater (or socks, or hat). Pair these factors with the stunning traditional Inca-inspired patterns found throughout each section, and you have yourself an incredible collection of non-toxic, biodegradable, artisan-crafted fashion that’s easy on the environment and supports traditional culture. Personally, I’m obsessed with this brand, having worn its socks during the winter months to keep my chronically ice-like feet warm. 

Price range: $20 to $299

Cottonique

What we love: This brand specializes in hypoallergenic, GOTS-certified organic cotton, grown without pesticides, fertilizers, and other harsh processing chemicals. Its pieces are dyed using non-toxic methods that prevent allergic reactions, and the brand goes so far as to omit itchy, irritating tags from its clothing. Its website offers categories based on specific allergies, as well, from latex allergies to multiple chemical sensitivities. It offers a huge variety of wardrobe essentials and statement pieces, all available in skin-friendly, earth-toned colors. 

Price range: $8 to $55

Organic Basics

What we love: Organic Basics offers Okeo-Tex-certified essentials in naturally derived shades across a colorful palette. Everything from tees to undies can be found in fabrics including cotton and lyocell Tencel, which makes for an incredibly soft feel. 

Price range: $9 to $149

Chosenwoven

What we love: Made from merino wool, ChosenWoven’s non-toxic lingerie is an absolute must if you have sensitive skin. The brand uses advanced spinning techniques to spin its wool down to a soft, silky texture that caresses the sensitive areas. Its knit patterns are used in order to make each product with no waste, and the brand uses non-toxic, natural dyes that are skin- and environment-friendly. 

Price range: $48 to $128

Mate the Label

What we love: B-Corp certified Mate the Label is well-known for its non-toxic clothing, which is made free of plastic, toxic dyes, and finishing chemicals. It uses natural, organic materials including Tencel, organic fleece, and organic cotton, omitting a whopping 49 dye substances and 31 chemicals from each. Each product listing features information about the factory’s certifications and fabrics used in manufacturing. The brand’s online store offers everything from jammies to outerwear in timeless styles.

Price range: $48 to $268

Kotn

What we love: Kotn is one of those brands that’s exciting on multiple levels. Not only are its styles insanely elegant and modern, but it also only uses Oeko-Tex certified non-toxic dyes to color its natural fabrics. These fabrics include some of our favorites, such as Egyptian cotton, linen, lycocell, and merino wool, to name a few. Kotn knows fashion, and it shows – the brand’s styles are absolutely timeless, which matches their built-to-last integrity. 

Price range: $12 to $248

Alex Crane

What we love: There’s something inspiring about brands using innovative, plant-based fabrics, and Alex Crane does just that. While it uses your typical natural fabrics, including linen, alpaca wool, linen, and organic cotton, the brand also incorporates fibers from banana trees, coconut fibers, and corozo from the ivory palm to create beautiful and easy-wear pieces that are made to feel comfortable.

Price range: $65 to $250

Lavender Hill

What we love: Lavender Hill creates comfy and cute pieces from hypoallergenic, natural materials from Tencel Lyocell and pure linen to cashmere, modal and cotton. It offers a huge range of staple pieces and full matching sets, including cozy loungewear and looser fitting pieces, so there’s something for everyone. The brand omits toxic dyes and chemicals that can cause a reaction.

Price range: $£10.00 to £150.00

Christy Dawn

What we love: If you’re looking for the most romantic, non-toxic dresses, you’ve found them. Though these aren’t the only things that Christy Dawn is known for, they’re well worth the mention. Everything that comes through the shop is made using naturally derived or organic dyes, and is made with longevity in mind, rather than trends that come and go as the seasons change. Christy Dawn’s pieces are long-term staples, and it shows in the craftsmanship. 

Price range: $68 to $598

Magic Linen

What we love: A brand just for linen lovers, Magic Linen offers a broad selection of everyday pieces made with Oeko-Tex certified European flax in its small production house in Lithuania, Europe. Its offerings include stone-washed dresses and essentials for a soft feel, linen tops and blazers, and full lounge sets for peak comfort. All its accents are made from natural materials as well, including cotton tags and coconut shell buttons.

Price range: $39 to $150

Loup Charmant

What we love: Featuring loose-flowy styles in organic cotton, Loup Charmant walks a tight line between sweet vintage and sultry, using a special organic heirloom cotton that’s responsible for the soft, airy texture of its pieces. It also offers an undyed collection for those with dye sensitivities.

Price range: $60 to $480

Kings of Indigo

What we love: One of the rare denim brands that have earned a “Great” rating according to Good on You, Kings of Indigo has really earned its name. Its jeans are 100% vegan, made from organic cotton, and are dyed using plant-based indigo. There are no harsh chemicals or dyes in these jeans, and they’re made to last a very long time. Oh, and Kings of Indigo offers other wardrobe essentials, too.

Watch out for:  This brand uses real indigo dye, which can bleed quite a lot before it’s “set”, for which the brand recommends washing in natural vinegar as a remedy. It might look bad, but this natural blue isn’t toxic – and I think it’s neat to watch the fabric fade over many years.

Price range: €49,99 to €230

Tentree

What we love: This brand makes clothing from both natural and recycled synthetic fibers, but it offers options that are made using only natural fibers, as well as some dyed naturally, which will fade naturally over time. 

Watch out for: While many of its pieces are made using only natural, organic fibers, some of its pieces include a large portion of recycled polyester fibers. Check the details of each individual listing to determine if they contain polyester.  

Price range: $18 to $328

If you have any experience with them, please leave your comment below and help other readers! And if this post is helpful to you, then check out To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick — And How We Can Fight Back.