Top 5 Best & Worst Fabrics for Eczema-Prone Skin
Introduction
Is your clothing making your eczema flare up? If you feel like your skin is constantly irritated no matter what lotion you use, the culprit might actually be hiding in your closet. Skin health starts with what touches your body 24/7, from the clothes you wear on your body to the things you eat, even the air quality and temperature around you. Anything and everything can be a trigger, and it’s best to figure out what works best for your body and know what to avoid. When you’re shopping for new clothes or looking at what kinds of fabric on the market would support your skin health, there are various factors to consider, such as breathability, softness, how the fabric was made and what was used to make it.
About Michelle
We’ve joined with Michelle from @empoweredeczema, a lifelong eczema warrior, natural healing advocate, and Certified Health & Eczema Coach to get her expert opinions on what the best and worst fabrics are. As someone who has dealt with and fought eczema for the majority of her life, she has tried and tested all kinds of fabrics and has coached many on what works best.
Here is a breakdown of the top 5 worst fabrics and the top 5 best fabrics to use for sensitive skin, backed by expert insights:
The Top 5 Worst Fabrics for Eczema (What to Avoid)
“I know firsthand how horrible the wrong fabrics can feel on eczema flares. When I think about the worst fabrics for eczema, I think of these five fabrics…” — Michelle @empoweredeczema
1. Wool
Why it's a trigger: Even though it is a natural fiber, its coarse, scratchy texture can trigger itchiness. Traditional sheep’s wool has a high fibre diameter which can poke and irritate the skin, triggering the itch cycle. Wool also traps heat rapidly, which in turn can cause eczema flares.
2. Leather
Why it's a trigger: It lacks breathability, trapping heat and sweat against the skin. Additionally, the tanning and dyeing process for leather involves heavy chemicals that can leach out when exposed to sweat and can further promote dermatitis.
3. Polyester, Nylon, & Acrylic (The Synthetics)
Why they're triggers: These man-made materials undergo heavy chemical processing and trap moisture, increasing the body's toxic load and heat retention.
Polyester generates a high amount of static electricity and friction against the skin, which can irritate the skin.
Nylon, which is typically used for athletic wear and undergarments, easily trap moisture in which bacteria and heat thrive. That being said, nylon may be mixed into other garments to increase strength or stretch, so look for fabrics with low nylon content.
Acrylic is similar to wool in its scratchy texture; however, it's not nearly as temperature-regulating as actual animal fibres.
All of these synthetic fibres use harsh chemicals that can linger in the fabrics and irritate the skin.
Expert insight: Michelle points out, "Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are man-made fabrics that require chemical processing. They can be harsh on the body in general, adding to the load your body has to detox. They are unhealthy fabrics to be near eczema flares.”
The Top 5 Best Fabrics for Eczema (What to Wear & Sleep In)
Expert insight: "When I think about fabrics that are good for eczema, I think about cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, and cashmere. They are all natural, soothing, and smooth so they don't trigger the itch.”
1. Bamboo
Why it works: Bamboo fabric possesses microscopic gaps and micro-holes in the fiber structure, allowing exceptional airflow and superior cooling to prevent sweat-induced flare-ups. It is exceptionally soft and silky-smooth, resulting in minimal friction against the skin. Bamboo fabric is an ideal choice for bedding, clothing, and undergarments for these reasons. Be sure to look out for OEKO-TEX® certification, as bamboo does undergo chemical processing but the certification ensures that none of this is leftover in the product itself.
2. Organic Cotton
Why it works: Organic cotton, similar to bamboo, is highly breathable, wicking away sweat from the body and evaporating it quickly. It also boasts pesticide-free processing, so you don’t have to worry about toxic irritants leftover in the fabrics.
3. Linen
Why it works: Linen is highly breathable due to its fabric structure. Made from the flax plant, the fibres are naturally hollow, making air flow easy through the fabric. Over time, linen gets softer after more wear, making it gentle and less abrasive against the skin.
4. Silk
Why it works: Silk is an extremely smooth, frictionless surface that glides over sensitive skin without pulling or chafing. It is a great choice for both clothing and bedding; however,, due to its high price point, you may also consider bamboo, which is similar in texture and feel, at a fraction of the cost.
5. Cashmere
Why it works: Compared to wool, cashmere’s individual fibres are extremely fine, allowing it to bend easily on contact rather than pricking the skin. If you do wear cashmere, opt for a high-grade one as it can still trap some heat and moisture for people who are more sensitive.
Conclusion
As an informed shopper, now you know which fabrics to buy and which to avoid in order to soothe your sensitive, eczema-prone skin. While there are many other factors outside of fabrics which can contribute to eczema flares, making these small swaps is a step in the right direction, ensuring that you have one less thing to worry about when you get dressed in the morning or at night.
“If you are suffering from flares, I hope that reading this helps you make different choices for your clothes and bedding that ultimately soothe your itchy painful skin. With love, Michelle!”
Ready to give your skin a break? Explore our Better Basics Collection—everyday pieces designed specifically to keep you cool, comfortable, and irritation-free all day and night.Looking for more support on your natural healing journey? Connect with Michelle (@empoweredeczema) to explore her expert coaching services and join her community here.
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