Discover how Eczema Clothing helps calm and prevent irritated skin – for adults and children
In a survey of over 350 Eczema Clothing customers Read Survey Results here
Can Clothing Help or Harm Your Skin?
We’re delighted to partner with Eczema Clothing — home of the Cotton Comfort range — to share practical ways clothing can improve life with eczema. Like iDustMite, they focus on reducing everyday triggers; their 100% organic cotton layers are designed for sensitive, itch-prone skin with breathable natural fabric, soft seams and no scratchy labels.
In this guest post, the Eczema Clothing team (with plenty of lived experience) explain how to build a gentler wardrobe and when specialist garments such as scratch-mitten tops and protective sleeves can help break the itch-scratch cycle. Together, iDustMite and Eczema Clothing make skin-friendly living that bit easier.
Living with eczema, psoriasis or sensitive skin can be physically and mentally exhausting. It can impact sleep, confidence in social situations and our ability to enjoy or even participate in every-day activities, work and school.
How can clothing harm your skin?
We’re increasingly mindful about what goes on our skin— natural creams, gentle cleansers. But few of us stop to consider what’s touching it all day long – our clothes!
There are a number of ways clothing can have a negative impact on your skin, particularly if you have eczema, psoriasis or sensitive skin:
Synthetic fibres - Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon have short rough fibres which aggravate sensitive skin and they can trap heat and moisture against the skin, creating an environment that increases the risk of flare-ups.
Tight or exposed elastic (especially if it is latex) – Elastic can cause pressure, chafing or allergic reactions, especially for those with latex sensitivity.
Itchy seams - Bulky or rough seams can rub against delicate skin, causing friction, irritation and even micro-tears, which can worsen inflammation and trigger flare-ups.
Chemical coatings - Many garments are treated with chemical finishes (e.g. ‘easy iron’ coatings) that can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergic contact dermatitis.
Scratchy labels – Labels, especially if made from stiff or synthetic materials can dig into or rub against the skin, causing persistent irritation—especially at the neck, waist, or back—often leading to scratching and further damage.
Laundry liquid / softeners - Residue from detergents and fabric softeners can remain on clothing and act as irritants, especially when fragranced or enzyme-based, leading to itching and skin flare-ups.
Embedded creams and allergens – if heavy creams are applied at night these can become embedded in nightwear and cause stiffness and bobbling in the fabric (as well as a fire hazard if petroleum-based creams). To remove creams effectively (as well as dustmites) clothes need washing at 60 degrees – which isn’t possible with fabrics like silk, bamboo or polyester.
How can clothing help your skin?
Clothing should support skin health—not make it worse. That’s why we champion 100% organic cotton and focus on skin kind design.
Natural fibres - Our garments are made from breathable, 100% organic cotton—naturally soft and gentle on sensitive skin, helping to reduce overheating, wick away moisture, and prevent irritation.
Covered elastic (no latex) - We fully enclose soft elastic and avoid all latex, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and pressure marks while ensuring a secure yet gentle fit that doesn’t aggravate inflamed or fragile skin.
Flat or soft seams - We use flatlock or carefully placed soft seams to minimise friction and rubbing, helping to protect broken or irritated skin and prevent flare-ups caused by traditional bulky seams.
No nasty chemicals - Our organic cotton clothing is free from harsh chemical finishes and synthetic treatments, making it a safer, skin-friendly choice for people looking to avoid hidden triggers in their everyday wear.
No labels or easy-remove cotton labels - We’ve eliminated scratchy labels entirely or sourced soft cotton versions that can be easily removed, reducing a common cause of irritation at the neck, waist, and other sensitive areas.
Washable at 60 degrees - All our own brand (Cotton Comfort) garments are designed to withstand regular washing at 60°C—a temperature high enough to kill bacteria, dustmites and embedded creams.
Integral scratch mittens – our best-selling eczema specialist range has integral mittens and enclosed feet which protect sore skin and significantly reduce damage from scratching and rubbing – when you just can’t resist the itch.
Eczema Clothing - More Than a Brand, A Trusted Community
We’re a small, passionate team who’ve lived with eczema and sensitive skin.
Our purpose is simple - to significantly reduce the impact of eczema and other itchy skin conditions.
That’s why, as well as clothing, we also offer:
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A carefully curated range of natural skincare we trust
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Educational blogs and skin health guides – see our Eczema 101 guide
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A private Facebook group for adults and parents dealing with eczema
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Support to charities like Eczema Outreach Support, ITSAN and BSACI
Enabling you and your family to live more comfortably and confidently through our clothing, skincare and advice.
Whether you’re looking for relief from irritated skin, shopping for a child with sensory needs, or simply want clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident—our clothing is made with you in mind. If you already choose natural skincare, gentle cleaning products, or simply value well-made organic essentials—you’ll feel right at home with us.
Browse the range at www.eczemaclothing.com
Tried. Tested. Trusted. Since 1980.
Author: Jo Greenslade - Jo is the MD of Eczema Clothing and comes from a family deeply affected by eczema and allergies. So, she understands just how much sensitive skin can impact daily life. She's passionate about helping others find comfort, confidence and practical solutions through clothing, skincare and advice.
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