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Question from Brittany

Hi Debra,

I am just learning about the toxins in our clothes. Are there any retail stores that follow these guidelines?

It’s just overwhelming! Don’t even know where to start. Everything is polyester.

Where do you shop?

Debra’s Answer

I wish there were such a store, but I haven’t found one yet. There may be boutiques and your can find such places online (see Debra’s List: Clothing page), but I can’t direct you to any major clothing store, And yes, I agree, it seems like everything is getting to be polyester again. Not too long ago there were a lot more natural fibers.

I buy all my clothing in retail stores, but I have to choose carefully.

I live in Florida so most of the time I am wearing cotton capri pants and tank tops. These are easy to find almost anywhere.

I would buy organic natural fibers if I could find and afford them.

But my general rule of thumb is to buy natural fibers—cotton, linen, silk, wool—and in particular no permanent press because it releases formaldehyde. No synthetic fibers, not even 1 percent. My favorite fabric is linen, which is perfect here in my tropical climate.

I also have been known to make my own clothes and have been considering having others make clothing for me. I have made evening gowns and wedding dresses out of beautiful natural fiber fabrics because I refused to wear the synthetic fabrics most formal wear is made from.

I live in Florida so my stores may be different from yours. And I don’t have a lot of choices. I look at Sears and Penny’s and Dillards and Macy’s. Often these stores will have natural fibers, but mostly not. I find things at Ross and TJ Maxx. Just great random pieces that are inexpensive. But they are getting harder and harder to find.

Readers, what is your shopping experience? Where and how to you buy your clothes?

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