Allergy-Free Wardrobe Guide: 5 Clothing Tips for People with Interstitial Cystitis

Any clothing that constricts the stomach and tightens the pelvic area can prevent you from being comfortable, especially when you have Interstitial Cystitis.

For many, choosing what to wear for the day is a simple task that does not involve much mental work. But for people with interstitial cystitis, clothing decisions need to be carefully thought of as the clothes they wear can make or break their overall comfort.

WHAT IS INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition resulting in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder or surrounding pelvic region. 

People with this condition usually experience inflamed or irritated bladder walls, which can cause scarring, sores, and stiffening of the bladder. When a person has been diagnosed with IC, they may feel pelvic pressure and abdominal discomfort. 

According to the CDC, the causes of IC are currently unknown and no single treatment has been found yet to cure the condition. However, there are many ways to alleviate the symptoms.

For some, taking medications, changing dietary plans, exercising regularly, and even undergoing bladder training or physical therapy can relieve the symptoms of IC. You may be able to improve your interstitial cystitis symptoms by:

• Avoiding acidic foods and drink
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding artificial sweeteners
• Avoiding caffeinated beverages
• Avoiding carbonated beverages
• Avoiding chocolate
• Avoiding spicy foods
• Avoiding the use of tobacco products

While there are many treatments available to help find relief from the condition, making a few key changes in your wardrobe can help turn things around. At Cottonique, we urge you to combat the condition through 100% hypoallergenic organic cotton clothes. 

Here are the 5 essential clothing tips to help people with interstitial cystitis reduce the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

1. DON'T USE ROUGH FABRICS 

According to the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), clothing is a big part of what makes the situation worse when IC symptoms flare. ICA recommends not to wear garments made from coarse fabrics since some IC patients have skin sensitivities as well. 

"Skin sensitivity can be an issue for some IC patients, particularly during flares. Avoid wearing coarse fabrics such as wool," ICA shared, urging people to avoid putting on heavily dyed fabrics of all kinds to prevent discomfort from happening. 

2. KEEP GARMENTS LOOSE 

You also need to check the elasticity of the clothes you wear. According to ICA, people with IC should avoid wearing tight clothing, like tight slacks, skinny jeans, skin-tight yoga pants, or jogging, since they can put uncomfortable pressure on the lower pelvis or crotch.

"Consider pants with stretchy elastic waist, or size up jeans and slacks depending on what feels comfortable and still fits," said ICA. Loose clothing is the way to go to reduce IC flares and other IC-related health issues. 

3. WASH BEFORE WEARING NEW CLOTHES 

It's never a good idea to wear clothes right away after buying them from the store. Always practice washing your clothes first before putting them on. 

New clothes that have been made and stored in the shop for so long may contain potentially harmful germs and chemicals in the fabric. Without washing them, they may come in contact with your skin-another bad news when you have a skin allergy or sensitivity. 

Aside from the cons, washing newly-bought clothes before wearing them also has an advantage. Garments that have been washed after purchase will be generally softer, making them more comfortable to wear.

Just don't forget to avoid using detergents free of dyes and perfumes. Instead of fabric softeners, try using hypoallergenic dryer balls to keep your clothes soft. Also, run an extra rinse cycle too if you want to make sure that all detergents are washed out. 

4. AVOID TIGHT UNDERGARMENTS 

Wearing tight underwear isn’t going to lead you to comfort either. 

At Cottonique, we believe nothing good comes out of wearing garments made with tight and harsh elastics since they can rub your skin, resulting in irritation, hampered blood circulation, and other adverse health effects.

ICA stresses that people with IC should refrain from wearing tight underwear, such as slimming undergarments, briefs, or thongs, so as to prevent chafing, irritation, and constant discomfort. 

5. INVEST IN 100% ORGANIC COTTON CLOTHES 

According to ICA, "Cotton and natural fibers tend to breathe better than undergarments made with other fabrics." True enough, cotton really does wonders for people with skin conditions and other sensitivities. 

People with IC should often wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially during flare-ups, to avoid further aggravating their symptoms. And for us, nothing gives that maximum comfort other than 100% cotton clothing.

Clothing made from synthetic fibers causes friction and irritation, making it a difficult option to wear when you have skin allergies. On the other hand, all-cotton garments allow the body to breathe more, reduce perspiration, and ensure skin protection from toxic substances. 

Invest in 100% organic cotton basics to make your daily activities comfortable and allergy-free. Unlike the other aspects of dealing with IC, choosing what to wear to avoid discomfort is something you can fully control. Check out our selection of allergy-free collections, suitable for people with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis. 

To know more about interstitial cystitis, visit the CDC information page here. If you need a place of peace and comfort for patients, family members, and friends who are looking for ways to better understand IC, visit ICA's online support community through this link.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition.