Clothes and Eczema: The Best (and Worst) Fabrics for Sensitive Skin
When you have eczema, what you put on your skin is just as important as what you put in your body. While skincare products play a big role in managing flare-ups, the clothes you wear every day can either soothe or irritate your skin.
Let’s break down which fabrics are eczema-friendly, which ones to avoid, and how to dress for comfort without triggering a reaction.
How Clothing Affects Eczema
Eczema-prone skin is already dry, inflamed, and sensitive — and the wrong fabric can make things worse by:
-
Causing friction or itching
-
Trapping heat or sweat, which leads to irritation
-
Holding onto allergens or chemicals
-
Reducing airflow to the skin
Choosing the right fabric can help protect your skin barrier, reduce itching, and prevent flare-ups, especially in high-friction areas like elbows, neck, and behind the knees.
Best Fabrics for Eczema
These gentle, breathable fabrics are ideal for people with eczema:
​
1. 100% Cotton
Soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Cotton allows the skin to breathe and stay cool, making it one of the best everyday options for eczema sufferers.
Tip: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting cotton rather than heavy or tight weaves.
​
2. Bamboo
Naturally smooth and antibacterial, bamboo is soft on the skin and helps wick moisture away. It’s great for people who sweat or overheat easily.
​
3. Silk (Specially Treated)
Silk is smooth and non-irritating, especially when used in therapeutic clothing like DermaSilk garments, which are made specifically for eczema sufferers.
​
4. Tencel (Lyocell)
An eco-friendly, soft, and breathable fabric made from wood pulp. It’s smooth, resistant to bacterial growth, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Fabrics to Avoid If You Have Eczema
These fabrics may cause irritation, trap heat, or trigger flare-ups:
​
1. Wool
Even soft merino wool can feel scratchy against eczema-prone skin. Wool fibres can irritate and worsen itching, especially in dry or cold weather.
​
2. Polyester & Nylon
Synthetic fabrics don’t breathe well and can trap heat and sweat, which are known eczema triggers. They also tend to hold onto detergents and residues that irritate the skin.
​
3. Acrylic & Spandex
Often found in tight, stretchy clothing. These materials can rub against the skin and cause overheating, which leads to more scratching.
Clothing Tips for Managing Eczema
Wear loose-fitting clothes
Tight clothes cause friction and sweat build up, both of which make eczema worse.
​
Layer wisely
Layer with soft cotton and avoid heavy or rough outer layers directly touching the skin.
​
Wash new clothes before wearing
New clothes can carry chemical residues or dyes that trigger eczema. Wash them first using a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
​
Use eczema-friendly laundry detergent
Avoid products with fragrance, dyes, or fabric softeners. Look for non-bio or sensitive skin formulas.
​
Avoid tags and rough seams
Clothing tags and internal stitching can cause irritation. Look for tag-free or flat-seam garments.
Eczema-Friendly Clothing Brands to Explore
Some brands specialise in clothing for sensitive skin, such as:
-
Bodysuits and sleepwear for babies and children with eczema
-
DermaSilk – medical-grade silk clothing
-
Sknwear – cotton clothing designed for eczema
-
Organic cotton brands available on Amazon or Boots
Final Thoughts
When you live with eczema, even the fabric touching your skin can have an impact. Choosing breathable, soft, and natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or silk can help protect your skin and reduce the risk of flare-ups.