Fabrics for eczema: best picks, worst culprits, and how to clean

If you've ever stood in front of your closet thinking, "Why does everything make me itch?", you're not alone. When you have eczema-prone skin, clothes can feel like either a hug or sandpaper. The good news: a few smart fabric swaps can calm that constant itch, help prevent flares, and make getting dressed feel easy again. In this friendly guide, we'll explore the best eczema fabrics, what to avoid, how to wash eczema clothes without leaving irritating residues, and how to shop with confidencewithout turning your wardrobe into a science experiment.

Quick wins you can try today: reach for soft, breathable layers like 100% cotton, silk, bamboo (viscose), or lyocell/TENCEL. Steer clear of wool and most synthetics (polyester, nylon) right next to your skinthey tend to trap heat and sweat. And in the laundry room, switch to a fragrance-free detergent and hit that double-rinse button. Small tweaks, fewer flare-ups.

What makes it eczema-friendly

So, what turns regular fabric into eczema-friendly clothing? Three things: breathability, moisture management, and low friction. Imagine your skin as a delicate barrier trying to stay cool and calm. Breathable fibers let heat escape. Moisture management helps sweat move away from the skin. Low friction means fabric glides instead of scrapesless micro-irritation, less itch.

Overheating is a quiet troublemaker. When you get warm and sweaty, the salt in sweat can sting compromised skin. If that sweat sits (hello, synthetic tops), itching ramps up. Light, airy fabrics with a bit of "give" help sweat evaporate and reduce that salty sting. Think of it like choosing a shady path on a hot dayyour skin just feels better.

Quick checklist for eczema-friendly clothing:

• Soft hand-feel (smooth, not scratchy)
• Tightly or finely woven fibers that don't snag
• Loose or relaxed fit to avoid rubbing
• Minimal seams; preferably tagless or heat-printed labels
• Light colors for summer (they reflect heat)

Best fabrics for eczema

Cotton (preferably 100% and certified)

Cotton is the classic comfort fabric for a reason. It's breathable, easy to wash, and generally gentle on sensitive skin. For everyday wear, 100% cotton tees, pajamas, underwear, and bedding are reliable staples. I once swapped a "soft-touch" polyester-blend tee for a plain cotton one andno exaggerationslept through the night for the first time in weeks.

When cotton isn't ideal: in winter workouts or high-sweat moments, cotton can hold onto moisture. A damp cotton base layer can feel chilly and clingysometimes a problem if you're commuting or exercising outdoors.

Label-reading tips: "Cotton-rich" can mean anything from 51% cotton to almost all cotton. If your skin is fussy, look for 100% cotton. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 can help you avoid certain harmful residues and finishes. Organic cotton can feel softer to some people, but the key is how it feels on your skin and how it's processed, not just the label.

Bamboo viscose and lyocell/TENCEL

Bamboo viscose (also called bamboo rayon) and lyocell/TENCEL are beloved by many with eczema-prone skin. These fabrics often feel silkier than cotton, drape beautifully, and help regulate temperature. They can be a game-changer if you overheat easily at night.

Pros: very soft, breathable, great moisture management, and often thermoregulating. Cons: not all processing is the same. Bamboo viscose is made via a chemical process that varies by manufacturer, so quality and hand-feel can differ. Lyocell (like TENCEL) tends to use a cleaner closed-loop process and is often a solid choice for sensitive skin.

Choosing blends wisely: a bamboo-cotton blend can be lovely. Light amounts of spandex (elastane) can add stretch but may trap a bit more heat. If you're very sensitive, try blends with 5% or less spandex and patch-test first.

Silk (including therapeutic silk underlayers)

Silk has a glide that's kind to irritated skin. It's breathable, naturally temperature-balancing, and can reduce friction in high-rub areas like inner arms or waistbands. Some people find silk base layers helpful under sweaters or uniforms that would otherwise itch. The downside? Silk shows oil stains easily (emollients can spot it), and it requires gentle washing. If you can swing the care, it's worth testing.

Optional: ultra-fine merino wool

Wool is usually a no-go for eczema, but there's a caveat: some people tolerate ultra-fine merino (very small fiber diameter) surprisingly well. If you love the warmth of merino, try patch-testing. Wear a merino base layer on your inner forearm or waist for 12 hours. If you're itch-free, consider using it as a winter base with a soft cotton or silk layer underneath as insurance. If you itch within minutesno shameskip it.

Seasonal picks

Summer: airy is everything. Loose 100% cotton, bamboo/lyocell tees, or light silk tops help you stay cool. Linen breathes beautifully, though it can feel a bit scratchysolved by layering a soft cotton or silk tank underneath. Light colors reflect heat and can reduce sweating. For sun-sensitive days, look for UPF layers that breathe (read reviews for heat retention before buying).

Winter: try a three-layer system. Start with a soft base (silk, bamboo, or tested merino), add a light insulating layer (cotton or a breathable mid-layer), and finish with a breathable shell. Keep seams off your hotspots. If you get sweaty on your commute, change that base layer when you arrivefresh, dry fabric can stop a midday flare in its tracks.

What to avoid

Wool and scratchy fibers

It's not just "wool is itchy." Fiber diameter matters. Coarser fibers can prick the skin and ramp up nerve signals that your brain interprets as itch. Merino is finer and sometimes okay, but classic wool sweaters, tweeds, or mohair usually spell trouble. If it feels scratchy in the store, it'll feel scratchier during a flare.

Synthetics like polyester, nylon, spandex

These can trap heat and sweat. On a cool, dry day, you might tolerate a polyester jacket over a cotton tee. But polyester or nylon directly on the skinespecially fittedoften spells sweat, salt, and itch. Some people also react to certain dyes or chemical finishes common in synthetics. If you love your activewear, look for ultralight, highly breathable knits and keep them for short workouts, not all-day wear.

Chemical finishes and hardware

"Wrinkle-free," "non-iron," and "stain-resistant" finishes may contain resins that can irritate sensitive skin. If you're seeing mystery rashes, check for nickel in snaps, zippers, or buttonsnickel allergy is very common. Covered plackets or plastic zips can help. When in doubt, wash new clothes twice before wearing to remove loose residues.

Construction irritants

Sometimes it's not the fabric but the build: thick seams, scratchy thread, stiff waist elastics, or tags that rub raw by lunchtime. Solutions: turn shirts inside out, choose seamless or flat-seamed pieces, cut tags (or carefully unpick them), and add a soft barrier layer under rough items. Small hacks, big relief.

Wash and care tips

Laundry routine that calms skin

Think of laundry as skincare for your clothes. Residues from fragrance, softeners, or detergent can hang out in fibers and whisper "itch" all day long.

• Wash new items first to remove factory finishes.
• Use 100% fragrance-free detergent. Skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets (they coat fibers).
• Don't overload the machine; clothes need space to rinse clean.
• Use an extra rinse or "baby" cycle to reduce residuethis "double-rinse laundry for eczema" step alone has solved more than one mystery rash in my house.
• Bedding: hot wash when the fabric allows and high-heat dry to reduce dust mites, which can irritate eczema.
• Leave the washer door open to prevent mold. If handwashing, wear gloves to protect skin from prolonged water exposure.

Stain care and emollient marks

Oil-based emollients are wonderful for skin and brutal on silk and cotton. Before washing, sprinkle a little oxygen-based brightener or gentle dish soap (fragrance-free) on the spot and lightly work it in with your fingers. Let it sit for 1015 minutes, then wash as usual on a gentle cycle. Avoid hot water on fresh oil stainsit can set them.

Build a low-irritant laundry kit

• Fragrance-free liquid detergent (powders can leave more residue in some machines).
• Oxygen-based brightener for whites and stains, instead of chlorine bleach.
• Mesh laundry bags to protect silk and delicate eczema-friendly garments from friction.

Smart shopping

Read labels with confidence

Flip to the fabric tag. Aim for 100% cotton, silk, bamboo viscose, or lyocell for items that sit close to your skin. For blends, keep synthetics low. Be mindful of finish claims like "non-iron" that can signal extra chemicals. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 indicate the item has been tested for harmful substanceshandy when you're building an eczema-friendly wardrobe.

Fit and style choices

Choose looser cuts that let air move. Soft, covered waist elastics reduce rubbing on the abdomen or hips. Look for flat or minimal seams and tagless designs (heat-printed labels). If you're buying uniforms or workwear, plan to wear a soft base layer underneath anything structured or scratchy.

Try-before-you-commit

Patch test at home: wear a new fabric against the inner arm or waist for 12 hours. Notice any tingling or heat build-up? That's useful data. Keep tags on until you're sure, and shop from stores with easy return policies. Your skin is the final authority.

Special situations

Babies and kids

Little ones can't tell you when a tag is tormenting them. Dress them in 100% cotton layers, remove tags, and check for seams that hit tender areas. Skip footed pajamas if they cause toe friction during growth spurts. Keep a quick-change backup set for daycare in case spills or sweat start a flare.

Active and sweaty days

Exercise is good for stressand stress control is great for eczema. But sweat sitting on skin is not. For workouts, try a very breathable top with minimal spandex. If possible, shower or rinse off and change into a dry cotton shirt right away. Keep a small towel in your bag to blot sweat during hot classes. For runners in cold weather, use a silk or bamboo base and swap it out as soon as you're done.

Sensitive zones

Necklines, cuffs, waistbands, and inner arms are common hotspots. Add soft barriers: a silk tank under a sweater, cotton wristlets under a snug cuff, or a light neck gaiter in winter. These micro-layers can stop friction where you need it most.

Evidence and expert tips

Dermatology organizations consistently recommend soft, breathable, low-friction fabrics for eczema. Guidance from eczema charities and clinical reviews highlights cotton, silk, bamboo/lyocell as first-line options, with caution around wool and synthetics next to skin. For a concise overview of best eczema fabrics, seasonal advice, and washing practices, see this medically reviewed summary from Medical News Today. Practical clothing and laundry tips similar to those here are also outlined by the National Eczema Society, including recommendations for cotton, silk, bamboo/lyocell, and avoiding irritating finishes.

Everyone's skin has a personality. Patch test new fabrics or blends, keep a simple notes app of what works, and don't be surprised if your skin loves cotton tees but only tolerates bamboo pajamas. If clothing and laundry changes don't dial down flaresor you're dealing with infection, sleep loss, or widespread inflammationit's time to check in with a dermatologist for a tailored plan.

I'll add one personal note: when I started double-rinsing and ditched dryer sheets, the "mystery itch" on my forearms disappeared. It felt like finding an off switch I didn't know existed. Sometimes small changes really do make a big difference.

Wrap-up and next steps

Choosing the right fabrics for eczema is about balance: maximize softness, breathability, and glide; minimize heat, sweat, and residues. Reach for 100% cotton, silk, bamboo viscose, or lyocell/TENCEL close to the skin. Be cautious with wool and synthetics right against your body, especially in warm or active moments. Watch out for "wrinkle-free" finishes, rough seams, and itchy tags. In the laundry room, go fragrance-free, avoid fabric softeners, and double-rinse. Then, test, tweak, and trust what your skin tells you.

I'd love to help you build a small, hard-working capsule of eczema-friendly clothing. What's your climate like? Do you commute, chase toddlers, or work out daily? Share your routine and budget, and I'll suggest a week's worth of outfits and a simple washing routine that fits your life. And if you've discovered a fabric hack that changed everything, tell meyour tip could be the relief someone else is searching for today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.