Very few people know that toxins exist, not just in the foods we eat, but also in the clothes that we wear. Imagine the toxins being on you, for hours, everyday. Especially if you are sweating, when your pores are open. So in this episode, we aim to spread awareness about this matter and discuss the toxic chemicals to look out for in activewear with Kylie Anderson, Director at FOHER Co.

Meet Kylie Anderson

Kylie is a dynamic entrepreneur and dedicated single mum, who alongside her sister Hannah, has transformed the world of women’s triathlon apparel.

Kylie’s triathlon journey started years ago, spurred on by Hannah, a seasoned triathlete. Kylie and Hannah were frustrated by the dull and uncomfortable triathlon suits available for women. Determined to create something better, they launched into designing stylish, flattering, and functional gear.

With Kylie’s business acumen, honed through managing a legal practice, and Hannah’s creative talents, they started their venture in Brisbane.

Their path was marked by challenges and learning experiences, including early setbacks like sample suits malfunctioning at their debut event in 2014. Despite these hurdles, Kylie and Hannah remained focused on their mission to cater to the diverse needs of female triathletes.

Their commitment led them to move production offshore to ensure the quality and performance of their suits, though Kylie remains hopeful about returning some manufacturing to Australia. Kylie’s and Hannah’s journey is a testament to how passion and perseverance can drive change in sports.

What to look for in garments

What most people don’t realize is that our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it absorbs anything we put on it. This realisation struck Kylie hard when her friend, a breast cancer survivor and a climate scientist, began to change her lifestyle post-treatment. She shifted to wearing natural fibres free from toxic dyes, emphasising how crucial our clothing choices are.

Here are some key certifications you need to look for in garments:

  1. Oeko-Tex – ensuring textiles are free from harmful substances, prioritising consumer safety and environmental responsibility.
  2. Blue Sign – focusing on reducing environmental impact and improving safety in textile production.
  3. The Global Recycle Standard (GRS) – assures these products are genuinely made with recycled materials, highlighting environmental and social responsibility.
  4. Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals – a certification that aims to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals in the textile and footwear industry.
  5. ISO 14001 – this is the International Standard for Effective Environmental Management Systems. This is a standard that can implemented in a business to help minimise the environmental footprint while complying with laws and regulations.

The reality is, that it’s impossible to find these certifications on $40 clothes (aka cheap/fast fashion). However, more expensive clothes are generally more durable, built ethically, and will have better health benefits.

Chemicals found in cheap clothing and fast fashion

There was an airline that provided its staff with new uniforms. Shockingly, within just a week of wearing these uniforms, the staff began experiencing severe health issues – migraines, blurry vision, weeping eyes, asthma attacks, and hives. These alarming symptoms led to the uniforms being sent for testing, and the findings were disturbing. Here were the hazardous chemicals found in those uniforms:

  1. Tributyl phosphate
  2. Lead
  3. Arsenic
  4. Cobalt
  5. Antimony
  6. Toluene
  7. Hexavalent chromium
  8. Dimethyl fumarate

These chemicals are not just harmful; they are capable of triggering serious autoimmune diseases and can be particularly dangerous for individuals with specific genetic predispositions, like the BRCA gene related to cancer.

This alarming story highlights a broader issue in the fashion industry. Many mass-produced garments contain similar chemicals that can subtly affect our health without us even realising it. Imagine attributing a bad day to mood or external factors, when in fact, it could be the clothes you’re wearing.

FOHER Co’s product line

Jo has been wearing FOHER Co’s suits for a while now and they are the best ones I have tried. They are super comfortable and not very expensive. Their apparel is designed to survive even the toughest conditions, whether you are sweating, you’re covered in sunscreen, or even putting them in chlorine and saltwater. You don’t need to buy a lot of pairs either. You can just buy one and it will last a very long time.

Also, it’s not just about the garments. There is also a community, built around the brand, that comes with buying these sustainable clothes. There is now a massive following and support for people who choose to consciously spend their hard earned money and buy from responsible brands like FOHER Co.

Conclusion

Just remember, we can’t put a price on good health. Thankfully, there are certifications like Oeko-Tex and Blue Sign, which assure that garments are free from these harmful substances.

But making the choice to buy these safer, certified clothes isn’t always the cheapest option. However, investing a bit more in clothes free from toxins can make a massive difference in the long run – both for our health and the environment.

By choosing ethically made, safe garments, we become part of a community that values conscious, responsible fashion. It’s about taking a stand and making decisions that align with our health and ethical values.

Remember, every purchase is a choice. Opting for garments free from these hidden dangers is not just a fashion statement; it’s a commitment to your health and well-being.

If you have found this episode (or any of our previous 229 episodes) helpful, then we would love it if you could leave us a review via your fave podcast app. Reviews really help us to know if our podcast content is resonating with you as well as helping the podcast apps push our show out to those who might benefit from it.

Much love,
Jo & Tracey x