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Best Fabrics for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin: What to Wear (and What to Avoid) Opinion piece

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Best Fabrics for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin: What to Wear (and What to Avoid)

If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, clothing choices can significantly affect your comfort and skin health. The wrong fabrics—especially those that trap heat or contain harsh dyes—can worsen irritation, while the right ones can soothe and protect. This guide explains which fabrics to wear, what to avoid, and how Tellar.co.uk helps you shop smarter by matching your body to the right size across over 1,500 brands—so you’re not just comfortable, but confident too. As an eczema sufferer and stylist, here are my opinions and pro tips...they helped me and I hope they help you too!

✅ Best Fabrics for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin

1. 100% Cotton

  • Why it works: Breathable, hypoallergenic, and naturally soft. It allows air to circulate and keeps moisture away from the skin.

  • Best types: Look for combed cotton, Pima cotton, or organic cotton for the softest feel.

  • Great for: Everyday shirts, sleepwear, underwear, and base layers.

2. Tencel™ (Lyocell)

  • Why it works: Derived from wood pulp, Tencel is naturally smooth, moisture-wicking, and resistant to bacterial growth.

  • Great for: Shirts, dresses, underwear, and even bedding.

  • Eco bonus: Biodegradable and sustainably produced.

3. Bamboo Viscose or Bamboo Lyocell

  • Why it works: Hypoallergenic and thermo-regulating. It feels silkier than cotton and is gentle on inflamed or cracked skin.

  • Best types: Opt for OEKO-TEX® certified bamboo fabrics free from chemical residues.

  • Great for: Lounge sets, underwear, and base layers.

4. Modal

  • Why it works: Similar to Tencel, Modal is smooth, soft, and less abrasive than traditional cotton blends. Its breathability helps regulate temperature.

  • Great for: Tops, T-shirts, and underwear.

5. Silk (Undyed or Natural)

  • Why it works: Natural silk (especially medical-grade or non-dyed) glides against the skin and causes minimal friction. Silk also regulates body temperature and doesn’t trap sweat.

  • Best for: Sleepwear, scarves, undergarments—especially around flare-up areas.

🚫 Fabrics to Avoid for Eczema or Reactive Skin

Fabric

Why to Avoid

Wool

Coarse fibres can irritate the skin—even soft merino or cashmere in some cases.

Polyester & Acrylic

Traps heat and moisture; often treated with chemicals that can trigger irritation.

Nylon

Not breathable, and often combined with elastane, which can increase skin friction.

Textured knits

Ribbed or rough surfaces can aggravate itchy patches.

Heavily dyed fabrics

Dyes and chemical finishes (especially on dark or synthetic garments) may cause reactions.

Smart Styling Tips for Sensitive Skin

  • Wash new clothes before wearing: Always use fragrance-free detergent.

  • Avoid tight fits: Stick to relaxed or breathable shapes to reduce friction.

  • Layer wisely: Wear soft cotton or bamboo layers under heavier items like sweaters or jackets.

  • Choose light colours: These typically contain fewer dyes and chemical treatments.

  • Avoid printed tags and inside seams: Look for tagless garments or enclosed seams.

Where to Shop: Sensitive-Skin-Friendly Brands (UK & USA)

UK High Street

  • M&S – Offers 100% cotton collections, tag-free basics, and ultra-soft pyjamas.

  • Arket – Organic cotton and Tencel™ garments in clean cuts and soft finishes.

  • Boden – Known for high-quality cotton jersey and OEKO-TEX® certified garments.

  • Next – Offers organic and hypoallergenic cotton ranges, including for sleepwear.

    🔗 What Size Am I in Next? Instruction on Posts

USA High Street

  • Pact – Organic cotton across all basics and loungewear.

  • Everlane – OEKO-TEX® certified and GOTS organic cotton options.

  • Boody – Specialises in bamboo basics, bras, and underwear.

  • GAP – Organic cotton essentials, especially in maternity and baby ranges.

Designer Options Worth Exploring

  • Sézane – Includes pieces in organic cotton and Tencel™ with a commitment to sustainable materials.

    🔗 Sézane Sizing Guide Instruction on Posts

  • Reiss – Choose natural fibre pieces in their premium cotton and silk collections.

    🔗 Reiss Fit Guide Instruction on Posts

  • Massimo Dutti – Offers soft, high-quality basics in Tencel™ and natural cotton.

    🔗 Massimo Dutti Sizing Info Instruction on Posts

How Tellar.co.uk Makes Shopping Safer and Smarter

When you have sensitive skin, the last thing you want is to buy a shirt that’s too tight or made from the wrong blend. That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

✅ What is Tellar?

  • The UK’s leading free sizing tool, matching your body shape and measurements to over 1,500 brand size charts in real time.

  • Designed to reduce returns and eliminate size-guessing—especially helpful when shopping online.

✅ How It Works:

  1. Measure once – Bust, waist, hips—or input the size you wear in a brand you already own.

  2. Use Store Size Lookup – Find your exact size across UK & US brands including COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, Sézane, and more.

  3. Shop smarter – No more guesswork or ordering multiple sizes.

🔗 Create your free Tellar profile

🔗 Use the Store Size Lookup

🔗 Download your free printable measuring tape Instruction on Posts

Browse the Free Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar offers more than just fit. Their Fashion Hub includes free styling and fit guides for real bodies, real fabrics, and real shopping challenges—eczema-prone skin included.

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Conclusion

If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, the fabric you wear matters just as much as the skincare you use. Stick with natural, breathable fibres like cotton, Tencel™, and bamboo—and steer clear of harsh synthetics and chemical-heavy dyes. For the right fit in every brand, every time, Tellar.co.uk is your free, body-specific sizing solution. These tips will hopefully help alleviate some symptoms andd/or reduce flare ups. 

➡️ Start your profile today and make skin-safe style part of your everyday.