Allergy-Free Wardrobe Guide: 4 Factors to Consider When Buying Eczema-Friendly Clothes

Even the trendiest of clothing can be a trigger for eczema. 

For people with skin conditions like eczema, finding clothes that don't set off the dreaded itch can be difficult since most clothing items nowadays contain harsh chemicals and toxic allergens. 

From rough seams and chemically-treated fibers to metal fastenings and synthetically dyed threads, the tiniest details in your clothing can make each day an uncomfortable experience. Luckily, there are other healthier alternatives to synthetic-based clothes. 

If you're thinking of making a considerable difference to your wardrobe, here are the 4 factors that you should remember when buying clothes to always feel comfortable with your clothing choices. 

1. FIT

When investing in clothing, the fit should be the most important aspect that one must consider first. Clothes that barely fit your size can be difficult to flaunt and be comfortable with since they constantly put your skin under pressure. 

Moreover, avoid wearing tight clothes since they can trigger flare-ups for people with sensitive skin. Always make sure to wear clothes that fit well and have a little bit of room to avoid friction on the skin. 

2. FABRIC

Just like their different styles, clothes nowadays are also made from various materials that can be detrimental to your sensitive skin, such as petroleum-based fabrics. Chemically-treated textiles like acrylic, nylon, polyester, or spandex often cause irritation since they trap heat, stick to the body, and don't allow the skin to breathe freely. 

Since some textiles can trigger flare-ups, it's essential to be finicky when it comes to wearing certain fabrics to avoid discomfort. We all know that sweating is one of the most common triggers of the constant itch, so lessen your chances of triggering them by filling your wardrobe with less harmful clothes made with natural and sustainable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or silk. 

In winter, choose soft, breathable, and non-irritating clothes when layering or bundling up. Avoid wearing pieces that are too rough or too warm, since they may irritate your skin further.

3. DYES 

If you’re wearing colored clothes and hives suddenly appear, there’s a chance that you might be allergic to certain dyes. Clothing dyes, particularly those made with synthetic materials like azo, saffron, carmine, and tartrazine among others, can cause skin issues and health problems like skin rashes, headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulties among others. 

Since clothes are in constant contact with our skin, there's a possibility that the chemicals might react with your skin through your pores. Those with eczema and skin conditions like contact dermatitis should consider wearing unbleached, non-dyed garments to reduce and eliminate skin rashes. 

4. ACCESSORIES

Aside from the fabric, dyes, and fit, it's crucial as well to check for scratchy extras like buttons, trims, necklines, or other accessories that might rub your skin the wrong way. 

Flare-ups even occur after brief or prolonged exposure to metal items containing synthetic materials and allergens like nickel. Little things lurking in your clothes like metal zips, bra hooks, suspender clips, hairpins, buttons, studs, spectacle frames likely contain nickel, so make sure to watch out for those when you buy garments.

TAKEAWAY: With these considerations in mind, Cottonique urges everyone to recognize the merits of wearing hypoallergenic clothing made from 100% organic cotton. When you have skin conditions like eczema, it is extremely important to select proper clothing to feel comfortable.

Clothes contain many different skin allergies and cancer-causing chemicals since it has become standard industry practice for manufacturers over the years to use fabric enhancers, synthetics, and other non-organic materials to create garments. 

If you're looking for clothes made from organic materials and safe processes that don't give the skin irritations and flare-ups, check out our "Nothing-But-Cotton" collection. 

It's time to shift to organic cotton to avoid skin concerns. Read our previous blog, 8 Benefits of Organic Cotton Clothes, for more information on the benefits of organic cotton clothing.

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.