8 Best Fabrics for Sensitive Skin

Have you ever experienced itching, redness, allergies, or even eczema on your skin? You are not alone. Research indicates that approximately 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men admit to having some degree of sensitive skin.

In fact,  the past 20 years have seen a 55% increase in people with sensitive skin due to factors such as increased environmental pollution, frequent extreme weather conditions, rising life stress, poor diets, and excessive use of cosmetics. This upward trend is likely to continue.

Sensitive Skin: Choosing Fabrics Wisely

As skin sensitivity becomes more prevalent, more people will face short-term or long-term skin conditions. In addition to improving lifestyle and dietary habits, seeking professional skincare and health treatments, people are paying more attention to the selection of clothing and home fabrics to reduce skin irritation, prevent allergies, and alleviate related symptoms.

In this article, we will cover fabrics that sensitive skin needs to avoid and the best fabrics suitable for sensitive skin. Choosing the right fabrics is crucial for protecting sensitive skin.

Fabrics to Avoid

Avoid Fabrics with Synthetic Materials

Synthetic fibers often have hydrophobic properties, trapping sweat on the skin and causing irritation. These materials are frequently treated with harmful chemicals, which may cause contact dermatitis flare-ups, leading to skin irritation, itching, and discomfort. Typical synthetic materials include polyester, rayon, and nylon. Additionally, try to avoid fabrics with spandex and latex.

Avoid Chemically Treated Fabrics

Even natural fabrics might go through chemical processing to enhance their performance. For instance, some fabrics are treated with formaldehyde to prevent wrinkles, while others have water repellent or stain-resistant treatments. Additionally, there are fabrics with deodorizing and antimicrobial treatment, as well as those with added softeners. Unfortunately, these chemicals (such as formaldehyde, zinc) can often lead to redness or rashes. It is crucial to check whether dyes that may irritate the skin are used during the manufacturing process.  

To avoid those harmful chemicals, We suggest choosing fabrics certified through harmful substance testing, such as OEKO-TEX100 certification.

Avoid Rough Fabrics like Wool

While natural fiber fabrics are generally soft, breathable, and minimally chemically processed, not all of them are suitable for sensitive skin.

Wool fibers, depending on the type and processing, can be rough and cause scratch, potentially irritating the skin. Softer fabrics like cashmere or high-micron Merino wool is a much better choice, or you can choose a base layer made from cotton or bamboo to avoid direct skin contact.

Top 8 Fabrics Ideal for Sensitive Skin

Cotton     

Cotton, one of the most widely used natural fabrics, is praised for its low allergenicity, breathability, and durability, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin, eczema, or dermatitis.

Cotton is naturally high water absorptiot and moisture-wicking, delivering enduring dryness and a cool sensation to the skin.

However, not all cotton fabric and its production are healthy and harmless. Ensure you select organic cotton with certifications such as OCS  and GOTS. Certified organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to chemical residues and providing a more considerate care for sensitive skin.

Note that cotton fabrics in the market are often blended with polyester or other synthetic fibers. For sensitive skin, it's recommended to choose  organic cotton fabrics.

Bamboo    

Bamboo fabric, derived from naturally grown bamboo forests, especially those with fsc certification. fsc ensures it comes from wild bamboo forest without artificial planting, irrigation, pesticides, chemicals, or fertilizers, making it healthier and safer than cotton without harmful chemicals.

Its unique breathable pores endow it with powerful breathability. Through testing, bamboo pulp fiber has been proven to be 4.5 times more breathable than cotton and significantly superior in moisture absorption.

Additionally, bamboo fabric has excellent temperature regulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.

With a UV blocking rate 41.7 times that of cotton, it's an ideal choice for those sensitive to sunlight.

After testing, textiles made from bamboo pulp fibers have a 24-hour antibacterial rate of over 71%, effectively preventing skin conditions such as itching and eczema caused by bacteria.

Likewise, we advise individuals with sensitive skin to choose bamboo fabrics certified by fsc, OCS, OEKO-TEX100, and others.

Silk           

Known for its smooth and soft texture, silk fabric minimizes friction, preventing skin irritation.

Rich in proteins, silk is naturally hypoallergenic, making it resistant to dust mites, fungi, mold,and other organisms that cause skin irritation. It soothes the skin and prevents eczema outbreaks.

The unique protein structure helps retain moisture, and its excellent moisture-wicking and breathability keep the skin dry and cool.

Silk also provides outstanding temperature regulation, making it an ideal fabric for comfort and style. You can choose to wear silk garments on their own or use them as intimate wear, serving as a barrier between your skin and other fabrics.

Please note that silk fabrics are typically delicate and require careful hand washing for maintenance.

Linen       

Derived from the flax plant, linen is a natural fabric with low allergenicity and antibacterial properties, making it one of the best choices for sensitive skin.

Commonly used in summer, linen is one of the most breathable fabrics, promoting air circulation to keep the skin dry and cool, reducing the risk of eczema and allergies.

Linen also offers UV protection, alleviating the sun's impact on the skin.

While linen fabrics become softer with each wash, some individuals with heightened sensitivity may find the texture slightly rough,potentially causing mild contact allergies.

Hemp     

Hemp fiber is a natural, biodegradable plant fiber with excellent moisture-wicking, breathable, and UV-resistant properties similar to linen. Its natural antibacterial and mold-resistant features make it a favorite among those prone to allergies.

However, like linen, hemp fabrics may be slightly rough for some highly sensitive individuals, depending on personal preferences.

Modal    

Modal fiber, made from wood pulp, is a synthetic cellulose fiber known for its soft and smooth feel, gentle on the skin, preventing irritation and discomfort. 

Modal fabrics exhibit strong moisture-wicking and breathability, quickly absorbing moisture and sweat that may trigger eczema or skin inflammation, providing soothing comfort to the skin.

Lyocell  

Another fiber made from wood pulp, Lyocell, prioritizes environmental friendliness while offering a soft touch. It reduces itching and skin irritation and possesses excellent moisture-wicking and antibacterial characteristics, maintaining skin health.

Cashmere (Instead of Wool)   

When talking about the best fabrics for cold seasons, wool likely comes to your mind. However, for sensitive skin, regular wool may be slightly rough, causing itching or irritation. In such cases, cashmere and fine Merino wool are better choices.

Cashmere

Originating from the downy undercoat of goats, cashmere is incredibly fine and soft, preventing skin abrasion and offering lightweight warmth superior to regular wool.

Its exceptional low allergenicity and antibacterial properties, coupled with external waterproofing and internal moisture-wicking, prevent itching and flare-ups, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Its unique curled structure forms air pockets, trapping heat, regulating body temperature, and simultaneously drawing away moisture, keeping the skin warm while maintaining dryness and comfort.

Merino Wool

Merino wool from Merino sheep in New Zealand and Australia, sourced from the lower abdomen, is also soft and breathable, suitable for sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin conditions are influenced by various factors, making it challenging to find a definitive cure. The fast-paced lifestyle and harsh living conditions today have intensified the prevalence of skin sensitivity. The growing demand for safe and low-irritation natural fabrics highlights the importance of choosing the right materials for skin comfort. In this article, we're here to offer you valuable insights into choosing the right fabrics, ensuring your journey to comfort is well-guided.

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If you've got more questions or requirements on our certified sustainable natural fabrics, don't hesitate to reach out to our experts at [email protected]. We are committed to offering detailed information and tailored advice to meet your individualized needs.