Recent stats suggest that more than 60% of clothing these days are made from fossil fuels like petroleum. These items may be wrinkle-resistant and inexpensive, but your skin may be paying the cost.
“Fabric is one of the first things I think about when buying clothes,” says Stephanie Yanes, 36, a social worker and influencer in Orange, New Jersey. “If something doesn’t feel good on my skin, I simply can’t wear it.” Yanes says she looks for soft, breathable materials like cotton that won’t trap heat or cause irritation.
Fabrics like polyester and nylon, and accessories on your clothing in velvet, lace, tulle, sequins, or even denim, can irritate the skin.
Eczema-Friendly Fabrics
Is what you wear such a big deal? Experts say yes. “Synthetic fabrics pose a problem since they don’t allow the skin to breathe like a natural fabric,” says Patricia Perry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “If a fabric doesn’t absorb sweat naturally, and it doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, we know it can aggravate eczema.”
Reading labels for what you put in your body (food) may be just as important as the clothing labels for what you’ll put on your body. While you may not be able to stock your closet and home with all-natural fabrics, keep a note of those that may be easier on your skin:
- Cotton (100%) is the best fabric for people with eczema. Unfortunately, it can be a little tricky to find this once-popular and accessible fabric. Why cotton? It’s soft, washable, cool, and perfect for absorbing the sweat that can aggravate your eczema. Think of cotton as a cool breeze for your skin.
- Silk. Another breathable fabric that helps regulate your body temperature is silk. Check out silk garments made for people with eczema, or you can buy regular silk. Some people find it helpful to wear silk under their clothes, especially in colder weather. “For people with eczema involving the scalp, if you’re going to wear a ski cap or other hat, consider adding a silk lining,” says Perry. The downside of silk is that it’s not easily washable, and skin creams can leave a stain on it.
- Bamboo. Bamboo clothing may not have been on your bingo card this year, but don’t count it out. It’s soft and breathable like cotton, but more absorbent. It can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also has some antibacterial properties.
- Lyocell/Tencel. Also eczema-friendly, this fabric is made from bamboo or wood pulp. It has fewer toxic chemicals, and it is 100% recyclable.
“I’ve learned the hard way that certain fabrics like wool or anything overly fuzzy or textured can trigger flare-ups for me. There were times I wore something because it looked nice, even though it felt slightly irritating, and I would end up paying for it later” says Yanes. “Now I trust what my skin is telling me and only choose clothes that feel truly comfortable.”
Don’t forget, your clothes aren’t the only fabrics that touch your skin. The sheets and linens on your bed, your towels, or fabrics you use to clean may irritate your skin. Look for products in cotton, bamboo, or Tencel for your bath and bedding items too!
How to Read Clothing Labels
If only clothing labels were simple with one type of fabric. Unfortunately, in recent decades, clothing and linens often include a blend of several materials.
Here’s a quick primer:
- Cotton-rich blends often have a lot of polyester. Read carefully to see what percentage is cotton versus other materials before you buy.
- Bamboo clothing is often called “bamboo viscose” or “viscose derived from bamboo.” This material often has some cotton and other things like elastic, spandex, or Lycra. Look for clothing with higher amounts of bamboo.
- Remember, the fabric tag may be at the top, side, or bottom of your garment. Also, make sure you’re reading the fabric for the clothing and not the materials for the tag itself (i.e., recycled plastic).
“I try to be very intentional. When I shop, I check labels and prioritize breathable fabrics like cotton whenever possible,” says Yanes. “Comfort isn’t optional for me — it’s part of how I manage my eczema daily.”
Safe Skin Travels
You can’t control everything in your environment when you’re traveling, but with some planning, you can make things easier on yourself and lessen the chance of a flare.
- Bring your own sheets, blankets, or pajamas.
- Ask the hotel or vacation rental host if they offer 100% cotton, silk, or bamboo sheets.
- If staying with friends or family, let them know some of your needs in advance.
“When I travel, I bring my own pajamas and sometimes even a light cotton sheet or scarf that I can place between my skin and hotel bedding if the fabric feels irritating,” says Yanes. “Over time, I’ve learned that being prepared helps me avoid unnecessary flare-ups.”
“Sometimes the industrial strength detergents and softeners can be an issue in addition to the fabric itself,” says Perry. I know no one wants to travel with a full set of sheets, but you might try at least one to lie on top of your bed when traveling.”
Keeping It Cute but Cheap
Many all-natural fabrics in clothing, bed linens, or towels can be expensive, but there are affordable options.
“There are definitely some affordable 100% cotton T-shirts and underwear online and at several stores,” says Perry.
Thrift stores, online companies that focus on all-natural fibers, or learning to crochet or knit with cotton thread are options. It may take some research, but the comfort may be well worth it.
Fortunately, people are demanding more sustainable clothing, with a recent study suggesting more than 67% see it as a benefit.
“Pay attention to how fabrics actually feel on your skin, not just how they look. Cotton is ideal, but it’s getting harder to find with so much clothing now made from polyester and synthetic blends,” says Yanes. “If something feels itchy or rough in the store, it will feel worse after hours of wear. Choosing comfort first can make a big difference in preventing irritation and managing flare-ups.”
