Can You Get Scabies from Trying on Clothes?

alana korol
2026-04-07T08:45:48-04:00

Learn whether you can contract scabies from trying on clothes in stores, understand the risks, and discover practical precautions for safe shopping.

More

Yes—it is theoretically possible, but the risk is very low.

While scabies mites can survive on fabric for a short time, several factors make transmission from trying on clothes uncommon.

🧠 Why the Risk Is So Low

Even though mites can live on clothing temporarily:

Most clothing sits on racks longer than 48–72 hours

Trying on clothes involves very brief contact

You usually have barrier layers (underwear or clothing)

Only a small number of mites are present in most cases

👉 All of this makes transmission unlikely

⏳ The 48–72 Hour Rule

Scabies mites:

Can survive on fabric for 2–3 days

Cannot reproduce off the body

Die naturally without a host

👉 learn more about how long does scabies live on clothes or bedding

⚠️ When Risk May Be Slightly Higher

Some situations increase risk slightly:

Clothing tried on very recently by someone infected

Tight-fitting items (leggings, fitted tops)

Intimate apparel (underwear, swimwear)

Secondhand or thrift store clothing

🧵 Areas Most Likely Affected

If transmission were to occur, it would most likely happen in:

Hands (gloves)

Wrists

Waistline

Underarms

Feet (shoes or socks)

🛡 Simple Precautions When Shopping

You don’t need to avoid trying on clothes—just take a few easy steps:

✔ During Try-On

Keep your undergarments on

Try clothes over your own clothing when possible

Avoid direct skin contact with questionable items

✔ After Shopping

Wash new clothes before wearing

Use hot water and high heat drying

Wash hands after trying on multiple items

🧺 What About Secondhand Clothing?

Risk is slightly higher, but still manageable.

Best practices:

Wash immediately in hot water

Dry on high heat

Or seal items for 72 hours or more before wearing

🌿 A Complete Prevention Approach

While the risk from clothing is low, scabies prevention works best when you think in terms of full exposure control.

Products such as a Scabies Complete Family Treatment System are designed to support this by combining:

Scabies Body Wash and Shampoo – Helps cleanse and support skin hygiene

Extreme Scabies Relief Cream – Supports comfort and treatment

Mite Marvel Mite Killer Spray – Helps treat surfaces like clothing, furniture, and fabrics when needed

A complete approach helps reduce risk and prevent reinfestation.

⚠️ What to Watch for After Exposure

If you’re concerned, monitor for:

Itching (especially at night)

Small red bumps or rash

Symptoms appearing within weeks

👉 learn more about what are the first signs of scabies

🔗 Related Reading

How to Prevent Scabies

How to Treat Scabies Naturally

Can You Get Scabies from a Hotel Bed?

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can technically get scabies from trying on clothes—but it’s very unlikely.

Key takeaways:

Mites survive only 48–72 hours on fabric

Brief contact rarely causes transmission

Simple precautions reduce risk even further

Washing clothing is the most effective protection

You can shop confidently with just a few basic habits.