Light Relief: Clothing Tips for Eczema – Sozy

MY SHOPPING CART

BUY 3 ITEMS & GET 20% OFF YOUR ORDER
SHOP NOW!
20% OFF
1
2
3
Get Free Shipping when you spend $125+*terms
Discount does NOT apply to Brands We Love items, the Pre-Loved Shop, or Gift Cards. This sale may change or end at any date or time. Discount cannot be combined with other discounts. Discount cannot be applied to past or future orders.

USA MADE  •  FEMALE FOUNDED  •  CARBON NEUTRAL

ALMOST THERE! ADD TO UNLOCK FREE SHIPPING!

BEAUTY

Light Relief: Clothing Tips for Eczema

Header Image

IN THIS ARTICLE

Fashion and eczema can be a challenge as you are always on the defense when it comes to preventing a flare-up of itchy irritated skin.

For some people, they may feel compelled to hide away their sensitive skin under layers and long sleeves. But finding clothes that make you feel good physically and mentally play a major role in keeping you comfortable and calm.

Getting comfortable in your skin is more than just a state of mind with eczema and we are here to share some tips on how you can choose clothes that won't kick off sensitive skin conditions.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a condition called atopic dermatitis that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and cracked. It may show up in small patches or it may present itself across the whole body. It is a chronic condition although it can improve or clear over time. It also may chill out at times.

Usually, atopic dermatitis will inflame the skin and cause the skin to become visually irritated. It tends to show up in the creases of your skin - insides of elbows, behind the knees - but it can show up anywhere else on the body as there are no hard fast rules.

What causes eczema? Even the national eczema association can't pin it down to one thing. It can be as simple as your body is sensitive to allergens. It can show up in people who have a history of allergies such as hay fever, asthma, etc. Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by stress, an allergy to certain materials, sensitivity to certain chemicals in laundry detergents and toiletries, and even food allergies can play a role.

How Do Clothes Affect Eczema?

The National Eczema Society says that yes, what you wear can have an impact on your eczema. Many people who have eczema find that garments made of wool, polyester, nylon and other synthetic materials can kick off the itch. This is because these kinds of clothing invite overheating and sweating or aren't breathable enough to soothe the skin. Anything with rough fibers and seams can cause irritation in the skin. 

When it comes to clothing choices, knowing which fabrics are your friend and which can be your foe is super helpful in avoiding setting off the dreaded scratch. It doesn't just stop at the choice of clothing, but also how you care for your clothing too.

At Sozy, we ensure all of our clothes are as soft and cozy as can be, but we want you to be informed about your fashion choices so you can pick the garments that work gloriously for your own skin.

The Best Fabrics for Eczema

Finding the best fabrics to wear when you have eczema can help cut down on itching. What your skin is sure to be craving is soft, breathable fabrics that don't make you sweat. Keeping your comfort level high is essential when it comes to giving your skin some light relief. Take a look at these fabulous fabrics you should be looking for...

Cotton

Forever lightweight and breathable, organic cotton is one of the best natural fabrics for those with sensitive skin conditions. Not only is cotton totally cool and soft but it also gives your skin plenty of room and is good at soaking up any sweat. This means that it's less likely to cause disruption to your skin and kickstart any allergy symptoms.

Be careful when selecting your cotton as sometimes cotton blends can have high polyester levels stashed away in there. Always double-check the label and aim for a high percentage of cotton - of course, 100% is best.

Silk

Silk is another firm fave with the eczema treatment crowd. Silky smooth against the skin and without a rough fiber in sight, there's a reason that silk is considered to be one of the most sensual textiles.

Silk is a sublime choice for those who suffer from skin irritation as you can even find close-fitting silk garments that are specially designed with skin health conditions in mind. You can wear these as layers under other clothes to protect your skin.

If you go for normal silk clothes, remember that this type of fabric usually requires special care when it comes to washing and drying so it may not be the most practical choice for a whole wardrobe.

Bamboo

Bamboo is an awesome material choice for those who have eczema. It's a high-quality material for regulating body temperature and is super soft and breathable too. There's a lot of reasons to love bamboo.

This smart material can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter without encouraging excess sweating, but beware. Bamboo can be another tricky material to sift through. Some clothes may have a label that says bamboo viscose which means that it's bamboo blended with spandex, lycra, elastane or something else. As this process can be chemical-heavy, it may not be the best choice for someone with eczema. Remember the golden rule and always check your labels.

Linen / Hemp

Hemp and linen can be a good choice for adults with skin conditions as its also cool and breathable. It's also a natural fabric meaning that it has stayed away from harsh chemicals that could trigger a reaction. But sometimes linen and hemp can feel like they have a rough finish so pick your garments lightly.