Your skin absorbs a significant portion of everything that touches it, including the chemicals in your clothing. These chemicals can cause skin irritation and other problems. If you are experiencing such issues, you can get lasting relief by switching to clothes made with fabrics that soothe sensitive skin.
What are the best fabrics for sensitive skin? We’ll soon tell you, but first, let’s quickly look at how and why your current clothes irritate your skin.
How Does Fabric Irritate Skin?
Below are some of the ways fabrics cause skin irritation:
Allergies
If your clothes contain fabrics or chemicals that trigger your allergies, you may experience skin irritation. For instance, individuals with latex, wool, spandex, or dye allergies may experience rashes or sores when wearing clothes that contain such properties.
Textile Contact Dermatitis
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, spandex, and nylon are notorious for causing skin irritation in specific individuals. Experts call the condition textile contact dermatitis, and you can avoid it by switching to natural fabrics like cotton or silk. However, avoid organic fabrics like natural wool that typically cause itching.
Contact dermatitis may also be due to dyes or formaldehyde treatments that make clothes wrinkle-resistant. If you are allergic to nickel, you may experience nickel dermatitis if the button of your jeans touches your skin.
Chafing or Irritant Dermatitis
Wearing tight clothing can lead to chafing. The chafing may lead to a rash or sore that bleeds if the rough contact continues. You can avoid such issues by switching to loose-fitting clothing with a soft fabric.
Dirty Clothing
Unwashed clothes can harbor bacteria, fungus, lice, and other organisms that cause skin irritation. Even if your unwashed clothing isn’t hiding irritants, the dirt within the clothing can clog your hair follicles and cause itchy acne on your back, shoulders, and chest. Wearing damp or sweat-soaked clothes can be equally problematic. Avoid skin issues by wearing only clean and dry clothes.
Wrong Detergent
While wearing clean clothes can prevent skin irritation, washing clothes with the wrong detergent can easily cause problems. Detergents that contain strong preservatives, dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals are the most likely to cause rashes and itching. If you suspect that your detergent irritates your skin, switch to a milder detergent and rinse your clothes thoroughly after each wash.
Fabric that Can Reduce Irritation
Do you want to switch to clothes less likely to leave you itchy and uncomfortable? If so, here are the best fabrics for sensitive skin:
Cotton
Organic cotton is one of the most hypoallergenic fabrics available. Hypoallergenic and natural fabrics like cotton are unlikely to cause allergic reactions because they do not contain properties that typically trigger allergies and skin irritation.
Even better, cotton has a soft feel that is less likely to cause chafing. Also, since cotton is highly breathable, it will reduce the risk of developing heat rash on hot days.
However, cotton is highly absorbent, and it does not dry quickly. If you have a sweat-soaked cotton outfit, switch to dry clothing to avoid skin irritation. Alternatively, opt for a cotton blend fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly.
Linen
Linen fabric has one of the strongest fibers. Besides being durable, the fabric is highly breathable, soft, non-allergenic, and antibacterial. Also, unlike cotton, linen dries quickly, and it can absorb up to 20% more moisture before it feels damp. These features make linen one of the best fabrics for sensitive skin. However, linen’s lightness makes it suitable for mostly summer clothing.
Cashmere
Cashmere is an excellent anti-inflammatory fabric that you can wear throughout the year. It’s an excellent alternative to wool because its exterior repels water, while its interior wicks moisture without itching your skin. Also, the fabric’s softness prevents chafing.
Silk
Natural silk fabric is anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and breathable. These features ensure that the fabric won’t trigger allergies or irritate your sensitive skin. Silk fabrics can also soothe your skin and prevent flare-ups if you have eczema. Lastly, since silk is hypoallergenic, dust mites, fungus, mold, and other organisms that cause skin irritation can’t hide in it.
Hemp
An organically grown hemp plant is toxin-free, and so is the fabric made from the plant's pulp. The fabric softens with every wash, meaning it will only feel better on your skin the more you wash it. Also, since hemp fabric retains colors well, you don’t have to worry about dyes leaking from the clothing and irritating your skin.
Other reasons to choose hemp fabric for your sensitive skin are its breathability, lightness, and durability. Lastly, since hemp is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, you are unlikely to experience inflammations and infections that trigger skin irritation.
Our Best Lightweight Apparel for Embroidery
Here are our favorite clothes for embroidery made with the best fabrics for sensitive skin:
Adidas Lightweight Pullover
The Adidas Lightweight Pullover is a lightweight quarter-zip pullover that will keep you comfortable on cool days. The moisture-wicking fabric will prevent excessive sweating and skin irritation, and the soft fabric will prevent chafing. You can get the pullover in sizes ranging from small to 4XL and have your logo embroidered on the breast or anywhere else you want.
The EcoSmart Sweatshirt
The Hanes EcoSmart Sweatshirt is a comfortable hoodie with a 50-50 blend of premium cotton and polyester fleece. The fabric blend combines the breathability and pleasant texture of cotton with the moisture-wicking and durability of polyester. The long sleeve hoodie is available in various exciting colors, and the material won’t fade or shrink.
The Stain-Resistant Polo
The Port Authority Stain-Resistant Polo Shirt is a highly durable and functional shirt that’s perfect for people who are constantly on the move. The 60/40 cotton/polyester fabric blend is wrinkle- and shrink-resistant, and even better, the material does not retain stains. Since the shirt is unisex, you don’t have to worry about making separate orders for your diverse team.
Clique Ice Pique Polo
The Clique Ice Pique Polo is a slim-fit shirt that prioritizes mobility, durability, and comfort. The shirt hugs the wearer in all the right places to prevent drag, chafing, or anything else that might restrict movement. Also, the fabric wicks moisture to keep your skin dry and cool.
Tri-hood Cardigan
The District Ladies Perfect Tri Hooded Cardigan is a soft, hooded cardigan for ladies. The stylish apparel features a blend of cotton, rayon, and polyester fabrics to ensure maximum comfort and durability.
Pillblock Pullover
The Harriton Pilbloc V-Neck Sweater is a long sleeve pullover that you can wear to stay warm at home or work. The loose fit and V-neck design ensure that you can wear a formal shirt under it and still retain a professional look. Several colors are available, and unlike most pullovers, the Pillblock Pullover does not pill.
Don’t Sacrifice Skin Comfort for Aesthetics
You should not wear clothes that look good but leave you uncomfortable. At Thread Logic, we have over two decades of experience providing small and large organizations custom embroidered apparel that boosts brand image and team morale.
If you want custom apparel that your team will always be eager to wear, let us provide you with clothing made with the best fabrics for sensitive skin. For more about us and how we can satisfy your custom embroidered apparel needs, contact us today to discuss your project.