Do You Really Know What’s in Your Child's School Uniform? 

School season is about to start, bringing with it all the emotions that come with this transition for both parents and kids. As you begin preparing by looking at uniforms, have you stopped to think about what’s in those clothes? Most companies attract tired parents with promises of easy-to-clean, anti-wrinkle fabrics, but they often fail to disclose the chemicals used to achieve these properties. 

Our kids’ skin—their biggest organ—is in contact with these uniforms for around 35 hours per week, absorbing the toxic chemicals that then enter their bloodstream. It’s known that around 15,000 chemical formulations are used in textile production, including pesticides, oil, water and stain repellents (like Teflon!), dyes and pigments, crease-resistant agents, formaldehyde, and antibacterial agents.  

PFOAS (Perfluorooctanoic Acid Substances), which is being phased out due to health concerns, is one of the ingredients I found in the uniform brand recommended by my school. The substitute, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), is just as worrying. These chemicals have been linked to tumors, cancer, decreased immunity, liver and kidney damage, and they are hormone disruptors and skin irritants, causing allergic reactions. They are also damaging wildlife and the environment.  

It is especially important to consider underwear since this sensitive area is particularly prone to absorbing chemicals. So, what’s the solution? 

The Importance of Organic Cotton for Sensitive Skin 

The key is to ask questions about the production process and choose better quality uniforms and clothes. Ideally, you should opt for organic cotton. Why? Organic cotton can tolerate high washing temperatures of 60 degrees, which is fundamental for a deep clean that also gets rid of dust mites, allergens, skin debris, and any creams or lotions. This is crucial for very sensitive skin, specifically skin prone to eczema. 

Organic cotton has longer fibres, which are naturally softer and more durable when woven into fabric. In contrast, regular cotton requires added chemicals to soften the yarns and often involves pesticides and herbicides during its cultivation. Organic cotton also resists abrasion, moths, and pilling, while offering excellent color retention over time. This makes it easy to sew and repair if needed, perfect for hand-me-downs or families with multiple children. Environmentally, organic cotton is a much better choice, as it uses only around 10% of the water compared to conventional cotton. 

You can read more about why natural fabrics are better for your skin here 

Finding Skin-Kind School Wear 

As a busy mom of two, a registered nurse, low-tox educator, and dōTERRA wellness advocate, I always search for quality, durability, and toxin-free products for my family. I was over the moon when I discovered an eczema-friendly clothing brand that not only ticked all these boxes but also has a deep understanding of sensitive skin needs - Eczema Clothing.  

For example, their in house eczema specialist Cotton Comfort range has a registered design integral double layered mitten (to help stop the itch scratch cycle) has real flat seams (instead of overlapping ones that create a ridge in the fabric and irritate sensitive skin), labels on the outside, and soft fastenings. And they are made of super soft certified 100% organic cotton.  

 For School Wear they sell EcoOutfitters - a brand set up by two english mums, which only uses organic cotton and no polyester, acrylic or polycotton mixes and no nasty chemicals! 

Preparing for the School Year: My Top Tips 

Before the school year starts, make sure everyone has toxin-free uniforms ready, and that people are emotionally prepared for the transition. One key tip I have for managing transitions is to use essential oils. I recommend the doTerra essential oil blends that I use on myself and my children to promote grounding and calm feelings. 

For more low-tox tips and essential oil advice, follow me on Instagram @simply.angela.dias. 

Author Angela Dias

A big thank you to Angela for this incredibly helpful and informative blog post. Please do let us know if you have any further comments or require more information on school uniforms.

Check out our organic cotton School Uniforms here 

For more helpful tips on helping kids with eczema prepare for and settle into the new school year click here