Ok, perhaps that title is somewhat hyperbolic.  But it contains an element of truth.

We get it.  Ironing is a drag and getting your shirts pressed by the dry cleaner is expensive.  There is perhaps no worse feeling than rolling out of bed, late for work, with nothing but wrinkled shirts to choose from.  ”Non-iron” or “wrinkle-free” shirts are convenient.

But, convenience always has a cost.  Your button-down’s state of permanent crispness is achieved by applying a thin film of a chemical compound composed of one part carbon, two parts hydrogen, and one part oxygen, more commonly known as formaldehyde.  That’s right, the same stuff embalmers used to keep grandma looking so fresh and so clean long after her expiration date and Young Frankenstein used to keep his experimental brains preserved is rubbing up against your precious skin every time you wear a non-iron shirt.

"After I use this brain, I'll take the goo it's floating in to starch my cloak"

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen – hence the post title.  In addition to its cancer causing potential, it can also cause “burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.”

At Hugh & Crye, we’re not just obsessed with creating shirts that fit.  We are 100% dedicated to not killing our customers.  It’s just a matter of principle, and it’s why we don’t sell non-iron shirts.

Ironing sucks, but cancer sucks infinitely harder.  The next time you’re smoothing out the wrinkles of your gently rumpled H&C shirt, just think: spend 10 minutes ironing now and add years to your life later.

Keep an eye out for some follow-up posts on how H&C shirts are manufactured without harmful substances like formaldehyde and how to keep your shirts looking crisp and wearable.