Up to 60% of men and 70% of women have reported having sensitive skin.
If you suffer from sensitive skin, you know that the wrong fabric on your clothing can ruin your day. One itchy sweater or non-absorbent synthetic fabric can leave your skin irritated.
But with the right types of fabrics, you can make the most out of every day without worrying about irritation and discomfort.
Whether it’s hot and humid or dry and cold, here are 10 of the most comfortable fabrics for sensitive skin.
1. Organic Cotton
If you have sensitive skin, the general advice when clothes shopping is to look for natural fabrics. Cotton is often hailed as the gold standard natural fabric.
Cotton is a natural and durable fabric that is soft and absorbent. Cotton is the fabric most commonly recommended for people with eczema. That’s because it’s breathable and soft, helping to prevent overheating and sweating that can lead to irritation.
Individuals with sensitive skin should look for organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without any chemicals that could irritate the skin.
2. Hemp
Hemp is a natural fabric made from a variety of the cannabis Sativa plant. However, the hemp plant has a very low amount of THC, the chemical compound that causes the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Like other natural fabrics, hemp is gentle on the skin. However, hemp isn’t quite as soft as other natural options like cotton.
Oftentimes, it is combined with other types of fabric to combine the durability of hemp with the softness of the other material. When purchasing hemp clothing, make sure that the fabric blend consists of other natural fibers to avoid any irritation.
3. Silk
When you think of soft fabrics, silk is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Silk is a luxurious fabric made from silkworms that produce fine fiber for their cocoons.
Silk is naturally antimicrobial and reduces moisture loss from the skin. It is a warmer fabric, so it’s ideal for the cooler months when you aren’t likely to be sweating. Consider wearing a silk layer under other warmer pieces like wool sweaters that could irritate your skin.
4. Lyocell
Lyocell is perhaps one of the healthiest fabrics. It has many benefits for sensitive skin and is known for its environmentally friendly production.
Lyocell, also sometimes referred to as Tencel, is neither synthetic nor natural. Instead, it is semi-synthetic and is made from cellulose in wood pulp. The result is a soft, durable, fabric.
If your skin is irritated by excess moisture or humid climate, lyocell is a great option. It is more absorbent than cotton while remaining soft and lightweight.
5. Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is another environmentally friendly option that is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. The fabric is similar in comfort and hand-feel to silk and cashmere.
The fabric is made from soaking bamboo trunks until it separates into threads. Bamboo does not require any fertilizer or other chemicals in its production, reducing irritants that are leftover in the fabric.
Bamboo fabric is resistant to UV rays. Because of this, it’s a great choice for your baby or for days when you will be exposed to a lot of sunshine.
6. Viscose
Viscose, or rayon, is a biodegradable and breathable fabric that was originally created as an alternative to silk.
Similar to lyocell, viscose is a semi-synthetic made from cellulose or wood pulp. The wood used in the production of viscose comes from regenerative trees, resulting in a minimal impact on the environment.
Viscose is the third most common fabric in the world because of its similar properties to silk while being much cheaper to produce. Viscose is absorbent and doesn’t trap body heat, while still being cheaper to produce than many other natural fabrics.
7. Cashmere
If you have sensitive skin, you might get itchy just thinking about a thick winter sweater. Luckily, cashmere is a great option that will keep you warm without making you itchy.
Cashmere is a type of wool that comes from the neck and underside of cashmere goats. Separating out the finer fibers from the underside of the goat results in an incredibly soft fabric.
Cashmere is a very effective insulator. On a cold winter day, a cashmere sweater or scarf will keep you warm without irritating your skin.
8. Linen
Linen is a porous and lightweight natural fabric made from the flax plant. It dries faster than cotton and holds dye better than many other fibers.
It is a staple in most summer wardrobes because it naturally absorbs moisture and heat to help to keep you cool.
Because it is naturally anti-bacterial, it can help to ward off bacteria that irritate skin conditions like eczema.
9. Modal
Modal is another semi-synthetic fabric that is similar to viscose. However, the modal is softer and more durable than standard viscose.
It is a sustainable option. The production of modal uses up to 20 times less water than the production of cotton.
Modal is made from the pulp of beechwood trees. It is incredibly soft and absorbent, so it has become more commonly used in the production of undergarments and activewear.
10. Merino Wool
When you’re trying to stay warm in the colder months, merino wool is a perfect choice. It’s moisture-wicking, breathable, and doesn’t hold odors.
Traditionally, wool has been known for its scratchy feel. However, today’s merino wool is soft, lightweight, and breathable. Merino wool has finer fibers than other wools, so it doesn’t have the same scratch feeling.
Choose the Best Types of Fabrics Every Time
No longer do you have to dread pulling on a winter sweater or heading outside to soak up the sunshine because of your sensitive skin. Instead, you can take care of your sensitive skin by picking out the best types of fabrics.
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