Finding the right fabrics for sensitive skin can be a game-changer for comfort and overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with eczema, allergies, or just want to avoid irritation, choosing the right materials can make all the difference.
From soft, breathable cotton to luxurious silk and eco-friendly bamboo, here are the seven best fabrics for sensitive skin that not only feel great but also help maintain healthy skin.
Cotton
Why it’s great: Cotton is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It’s ideal for people with sensitive skin because it doesn’t trap heat or moisture, reducing irritation and itchiness.
Best type: Opt for organic cotton, as it’s grown without pesticides and processed without harsh chemicals.
Cotton is one of the most popular clothing materials in the world – and for good reason. It's natural, hypoallergenic, breathable, and durable, making it a fantastic option for people with sensitive skin. Best of all, it’s readily available on any clothing rack.
However, it's important to note that not all cotton is created equal. Did you know that conventional cotton, often referred to as the world's dirtiest crop, is responsible for 4.7% of the world's pesticide and 10% of insecticide use? Plus, it requires approximately 2,700 liters of water (enough to sustain one person for 900 days) just to produce a single cotton t-shirt. Besides these environmental impacts, the quality of conventional cotton is often inferior compared to more eco-friendly alternatives. To protect both the environment and your skin, consider choosing clothing made from organic or recycled cotton instead of conventional cotton.
Read more: Cotton vs Polyester: A Guide to Choosing the Right Fabric
Organic Cotton
Certified organic cotton is a much more eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton, as it doesn’t use harmful pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or genetically modified crops. Not only is it more sustainable, but it’s also much gentler on the skin due to its all-natural origins.
Recycled Cotton
As the name implies, recycled cotton is salvaged cotton that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This makes recycled cotton a more sustainable option than conventional cotton, as it helps reduce the environmental impact of cotton production.
However, recycled cotton might not be the best choice for those with ultra-sensitive skin. Since it's challenging to trace the origins of recycled cotton, there’s no guarantee it will be organic or of high quality. Additionally, the process of recycling can adversely impact the length, resistance, and appearance of cotton fibers. To achieve a product of suitable quality, recycled cotton often needs to be blended with other fibers, like polyester.
With all this in mind, recycled cotton can still be a good option for sensitive skin. Nevertheless, we recommend prioritizing products made of organic cotton before opting for recycled cotton.
Read more: Natural vs Synthetic Fabrics
Bamboo
Why it’s great: Bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking. It’s also incredibly soft, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Bonus: It’s an eco-friendly option.
Bamboo fabric is an excellent choice for sensitive skin due to its natural softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties. It wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping it dry and irritation-free, while its antibacterial qualities help prevent odor and reduce the risk of skin infections. Bamboo’s silky texture also minimizes friction, making it particularly gentle for those prone to allergies or conditions like eczema.
In addition to its skin-friendly benefits, bamboo is an eco-conscious option. The plant grows quickly without pesticides or excessive water, making it a renewable resource. When choosing bamboo products, look for certifications like OEKO-TEX® or organic labels to ensure minimal chemical processing. Whether for clothing, bedding, or loungewear, bamboo offers comfort and sustainability in one luxurious yet affordable package.
Silk
Why it’s great: Silk is smooth and gentle on the skin, reducing friction and irritation. It’s especially good for those prone to eczema or other skin conditions.
Best uses: Consider silk pillowcases or clothing for its luxurious and skin-friendly properties.
Silk is a premium fabric renowned for its smooth, gentle texture, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin. Its natural fibers reduce friction, helping to prevent irritation and flare-ups, especially for those with eczema or dry skin. Silk is also highly breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping the skin cool and comfortable in various climates.
Beyond its skin benefits, thanks to its unique protein structure, silk has hypoallergenic properties, naturally resisting dust mites, mold, and allergens. This makes it an ideal choice for pillowcases, bedding, and sleepwear.
Read more: What Fabric Is Best for Pajamas? Our Top 4 Picks
Hemp
Why it’s great: Hemp is breathable and naturally resistant to bacteria and mold, making it excellent for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Eco-friendly: A sustainable choice with a soft texture after processing.
Hemp is a natural, biodegradable plant fiber that offers excellent benefits for sensitive skin. It’s breathable and moisture-wicking, helping to keep skin cool and dry while minimizing irritation. Hemp is also naturally antimicrobial, reducing the risk of odors and skin infections, making it a great choice for those with allergies or sensitivities. It also filters out harmful UV light, so you will love it if your skin is particularly sensitive to the sun.
As a fast-growing plant that requires minimal water and no pesticides, hemp is one of the most sustainable fabrics on the market. One acre of hemp can yield two to three times more fiber than cotton, producing more while requiring less.
Read more: Your Guide to drirelease® Fabric and Sleepwear
Linen
Why it’s great: Linen is lightweight and breathable, helping to keep skin cool and irritation-free. While it’s slightly rougher than cotton, it softens with washing.
Best uses: Great for summer wear or home textiles.
Like hemp, linen fabric is hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Its ability to wick moisture and allow airflow helps keep skin cool and dry, reducing irritation and discomfort, especially in warm climates. Over time, linen softens with wear and washing, enhancing its gentle feel. Furthermore, linen has tiny breaks in its material that gently massage the skin, stimulating blood flow and resulting in a healthier-looking complexion.
Made from flax fibers, linen is another environmentally friendly option for sensitive skin.
Lyocell
Why it’s great: Tencel is a smooth, moisture-wicking fabric derived from wood pulp. Its closed-loop production process minimizes chemical exposure, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin.
Best uses: Common in bed linens and activewear.
Lyocell, often branded as Tencel™, is a plant-based fabric made from wood cellulose fiber. Its fibers are naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and moisture-wicking, helping to keep the skin dry and irritation-free. The silky finish reduces friction, making lyocell a soothing option for people prone to allergies or skin conditions like eczema.
Its natural fibers are often derived from fast-growing eucalyptus trees and the production uses a closed-loop process that minimizes environmental impact, making lyocell one of the most sustainable fabrics for sensitive skin.
Merino Wool
Why it’s great: Unlike traditional wool, merino wool is fine and soft, making it less likely to irritate sensitive skin. It’s also moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating.
Best uses: Ideal for base layers in colder climates.
Merino wool is a unique type of wool known for its ultra-fine fibers, offering a softness that’s gentle on sensitive skin. Unlike traditional wool, it’s less likely to cause itching or irritation. Merino wool is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, helping to regulate temperature and keep skin dry, which reduces the risk of chafing or discomfort.
In addition to its skin-friendly properties, merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, resisting odors and bacteria. Its lightweight and stretchy nature make it ideal for base layers, activewear, and winter clothing. When shopping for merino wool, look for products labeled as 100% pure or certified to ensure they meet the highest standards for comfort and quality.
What to Avoid
If a garment made of any of the above materials causes discomfort, it’s probably not the fabric that’s the issue. Here are some common skin irritants that may be to blame:
- Clothing Tags: Rough tags can cause itching and irritation. Remove them carefully after saving the care instructions.
- Rough Hems: Uneven hems or rough stitching can irritate the skin. Try clothing on in store to check for discomfort before buying.
- Artificial Dyes: Dyes can worsen conditions like eczema. Wash new clothes before wearing, and expect a few washes to remove excess dye.
- Detergents: Chemicals in detergents, like preservatives and fragrances, can trigger allergic reactions. Choose sensitive skin or natural detergents (e.g., Meyer’s, Puracy).
Blissful Comfort for Sensitive Skin
Softies’ luxurious loungewear and sleepwear pieces are made with polyester blends, which provide a soft, cozy feel while offering durability and moisture-wicking benefits.
Our signature proprietary materials, including Wellness Fabric®, Dream Fabric, Marshmallow Fabric, Rib Dream Fabric, and DreamTech, are engineered to deliver softness and coziness, making them suitable for all skin types.
Polyester helps keep skin dry by drawing moisture away, making it great for long-lasting comfort. The fabric is also resistant to wrinkles and maintains its shape, which makes Softies products low-maintenance and easy to care for.
If you’re concerned about how it might feel, we recommend trying a single set first to see how your skin reacts. Overall, Softies’ polyester blends are thoughtfully crafted to deliver both luxury and comfort, and they’re a fantastic choice for anyone looking for soft, high-quality sleepwear or loungewear.
