How Microbiome-Friendly Clothing Supports Skin and Wellbeing

The skin microbiome is your body’s frontliner, shielding you against infection and various skin disorders. That’s why what you wear plays a significant role in maintaining balance in this natural ecosystem. Let’s explore how clothing can support your skin microbiome.

Have you heard of the term skin microbiome? It’s not a recent discovery, but something that has been shielding you against infection, chronic skin disorders, and inflammation. It’s a living and thriving ecosystem on your skin now getting the attention it deserves in immunology, dermatology, and even the textile industry.

There was a time not too long ago when garment design consistently overlooked the skin’s microbiota, or those communities of microorganisms that live on your skin. However, it’s being recognized as a delicate yet vital shield protecting the skin. Your body’s first line of defense, so to speak. This resulted in the dawning of microbiome-friendly clothing, a revolutionary concept in the health and apparel sectors.

What Is Microbiome-Friendly Clothing?

As the term implies, microbiome-friendly clothing is explicitly designed to support the skin microbiome. This clothing uses textiles and finishes that don’t leak toxic chemicals onto the skin or into waterways, nor does it disrupt the microbiota’s diversity. Microbiome-friendly clothing can:

    • Block the disruption of the skin’s natural pH
    • Prevent the unhealthy buildup of harmful microbes
    • Reduce friction and irritation that damage the skin barrier

Microbiome-friendly clothing includes panties, bras, T-shirts, socks, sleepwear, and outerwear. Simply put, it can refer to any item in direct and prolonged contact with the skin.

Leading the charge in fabrics considered “microbiome-friendly clothing” is 100% organic cotton, primarily because of its non-toxic properties. Clothing made from hemp, linen, and silk may also be considered microbiome-friendly, but organic cotton is more accessible and proven trustworthy for microbiome-safe clothing.

Clothing and Skin Microbiome Connection

It’s clear now that the skin microbiome is not just a passive layer but an active defender against pathogenic microbes, keeping inflammation at bay. A delicate microbial balance must be maintained, so clothes in constant contact with the skin can profoundly impact this balance.

Why is that? Research has shown that some fabrics and finishes wreak havoc on the skin’s natural ecosystem. For instance, a dermatological research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology said that harsh fabrics or chemically treated textiles can significantly alter the microbiome, leading to skin conditions like contact dermatitis, eczema, and acne.

Another study in Nature Reviews Microbiology underscores the roles that skin pH, moisture, and barrier function play in keeping microbial health in check. However, these factors are directly influenced by the type of fabrics or textiles you wear.

Case in point is synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are known to trap heat and moisture, and as a result, an imbalance occurs, one where harmful bacteria overpowers beneficial ones. The skin’s natural microbial balance can also be thrown off-course due to chemical coatings or antimicrobial treatments applied on synthetic garments during pre-production, such as formaldehyde resins, triclosan, or silver particles.

Microbiome-Safe Textiles and Fibers

We’ve already mentioned that 100% organic cotton leads the pack of textiles that support a healthy skin microbiome. It sets the standard because it’s naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, devoid of chemicals, and biodegradable. Thus, it’s ideal for people with sensitive or chronic skin conditions.

Of course, there are other options, such as:

    1. Linen and Hemp: Plant-based textiles offering natural antibacterial properties and excellent airflow, minus synthetic treatments.
    2. Silk (particularly Peace Silk): This protein-based fiber supports dry, sensitive skin because of its inherent hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties.
    3. TENCEL™ Lyocell (from sustainably harvested wood pulp): This soft, biodegradable fabric maintains a balanced skin environment.

Bamboo-derived fabrics are tricky because while they can be beneficial, most undergo chemical processing and transformation, which is far from environmentally friendly. What is typically sold as soft and silky bamboo fabric that’s cool to the touch can be viscose or rayon, fabrics made by dissolving bamboo pulp in chemicals harmful to the environment. When choosing clothing made from bamboo fabric, ensure you get one from closed-loop or OEKO-TEX certified bamboo lyocell instead.

On the other hand, you need to steer clear of the following:

    • Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic treated with PFAS or biocides.
    • Clothing treated with anti-odor or wrinkle-resistant finishes.
    • Dyes with heavy metals or chemical softeners.

Your Laundry Routine and Skin Microbiome

Your laundry routine can have a bearing on your skin microbiome, too. That’s because standard detergents and fabric softeners leave residues on clothes that irritate your skin and the ecosystem. You can protect the skin microbiome by:

    • Using detergents that are fragrance-free and non-toxic
    • Avoiding bleach and optical brighteners
    • Skipping dryer sheets and fabric softeners, since these coat fabrics with synthetic chemicals and waxes

You may also try adding white vinegar to your final rinse to remove detergent residues and help soften the fabrics. Laundry soap nuts, an allergy-friendly, natural, and eco-friendly alternative to laundry detergents, may also help maintain pH- and microbiome-friendly clothes.

Who Is Microbiome-Friendly Clothing Made For?

Almost everyone can wear microbiome-safe clothing. However, the following groups of people may find it highly beneficial to wear such clothing:

    • People suffering from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis
    • Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy
    • People with sensitive or allergy-prone skin
    • Infants and the elderly, whose skin is absorbent and more fragile
    • Those who live in hot, humid, or polluted environments
    • Athletes who are prone to skin irritation or infection due to sweat

Skin Microbiome and the Environment

Believe it or not, there is a strong connection between skin health and the environment. The fabrics mentioned earlier, like organic cotton, are not only kind to the skin but also to the planet. That said, choosing microbiome-friendly clothing made from organic cotton is a win for your skin’s health and the environment because they’re non-toxic, biodegradable, and made with less environmental strain.

This movement toward microbiome-friendly clothing changes how we think about clothing, not in the context of fashion runways, but as protection for skin health and overall well-being. Thanks to microbiome-conscious textiles, new standards are set for how we care for our skin externally.

It doesn’t matter if you want to manage a chronic skin condition or are simply looking for a cleaner alternative. If you truly want to live healthier, one of the most tangible and practical steps you can take is choosing clothing that respects your microbiome.

Cottonique is one brand that is taking the concept of microbiome-friendly clothing seriously. All garments are made from 100% organic cotton, free from harsh dyes, latex, spandex, chemicals, and synthetics. Cottonique is the first brand to offer microbiome-certified underwear for women, tested and verified for vulvo-vaginal health. The testing and subsequent certification were done by MyMicrobiome. 

What Is MyMicrobiome and Why Certification Matters

MyMicrobiome is an independent testing and certification body based in Germany. Founded in 2018, they have a group of microbiologists, dermatologists, and health science experts who pooled their smarts to develop standardized testing methods. Through arduous lab testing and validation, they evaluate how various products, from cosmetics to textiles, interact with or impact the skin’s microbiota.

To earn the microbiome-friendly certification, products must be tested under the MyMicrobiome Standard, a scientifically rigorous protocol stimulating real-world conditions on specific skin or mucosal areas. The products will then be graded based on their ability to maintain microbiome balance, diversity, and barrier function.

The highest possible grade is a Grade 1 rating, which means a product has zero negative impact and may even preserve or support the skin’s microbial health. Products that achieve a Grade 1 rating are listed on MyMicrobiome's website and labeled microbiome-friendly products.

As mentioned, Cottonique was among various products that went through the testing and validation phases and was subsequently awarded a grade of 1 for maintaining the skin microbiome balance. Thus, they became the first-ever brand to offer microbiome-friendly certified underwear. With this recognition, the brand further strengthened its commitment to creating safe, sustainable, scientifically validated apparel.

With a focus on clean living, sustainability, purity, comfort, and design backed by science, Cottonique makes it easier to build a wardrobe that supports skin health and overall well-being.

Tune in to our podcast for a deep dive into the world of microbiome-friendly clothing, and start your journey toward skin-smart, sustainable wear.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on Cottonique’s website is intended solely for general informational purposes and should never be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content—including text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings—is created for educational purposes and should not be regarded as establishing a standard of care.

Readers are encouraged to verify any information from this site with reliable sources and consult their physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. As part of its mission to help individuals with allergies live more comfortably, Cottonique emphasizes the importance of seeking personalized medical advice for any health concerns.