Apparel That’s Good for All Skin Types

It is very common for us to hear about people with allergies to things they eat, like peanuts or strawberries; or things they inhale, like pollen, smoke or air fresheners. Unfortunately, many people also suffer from sensitive skin and skin allergies that can prevent them from wearing clothes made of many common fabrics. Synthetic materials like rayon, nylon, polyester, rubber, fiberglass, latex and spandex are among those that cause skin irritation and discomfort in people with hypersensitivity.

The last thing anyone wants is to spend the entire day feeling itchy and uncomfortable because of fabrics that are just wrong for them. To avoid these unwanted effects, it is highly advisable for people with sensitive skin to reevaluate their wardrobe and get rid of items made with triggering materials. In this article, we discuss the best clothing for people with sensitive skin, no matter what your skin type is.

Cotton is your best friend  

Generally speaking, garments made of cotton fabric should be your best friends. Cotton is naturally smooth, delicate, and cool, allowing the skin to breathe and preventing irritation from overheating. If you have sensitive skin, the recommended rule is to go for eczema clothing and 100% cotton clothes – some people, however, tend to tolerate blends of mostly cotton with a small percentage of other materials.

Opt for allergy-safe dyes

Hypoallergenic clothes should be made with allergy-safe dyes, meaning that they must be disperse dye free and phenylenediamine free, minimizing the chances of contact dermatitis associated with these textile dyes.

Avoid garments with nickel

Nickel is one of the most common causes of clothing allergies, due to contact dermatitis from the metal itself. It is commonly used in garment accessories like snaps and rivets on pants (especially jeans), shirts and jackets, as well as belts and other fittings. Itchy rashes present around the umbilicus (belly button) are commonly caused by nickel allergy due to clothing.

Go for eco-friendly, chemical free items  

Just like synthetic fibers, chemicals can irritate the skin, leading to itchiness, redness and hives. Fruits and vegetables can be grown organically without chemical fertilizers and pesticides – and so can natural fiber plants like organic cotton, flax linen, and cannabis hemp. Not only are these good choices for your health, but they are also great for the environment. Additionally, choose clothes that don’t contain formaldehyde (which is used as a fabric softener or anti-crease agent).

No matter what your skin is like or how sensitive it may be, you can still shop for clothes that look good and feel good. Not only can you stay up to date with fashion trends, but you can also keep your skin healthy and avoid allergies by opting for more conscious choices like eco-friendly, chemical free fabrics; natural cotton over synthetic materials; hypoallergenic dyes; and cut down on metals like nickel. Always check the label of any item before you try it on, and be aware of what’s in it and what it’s made of. More and more labels are becoming conscious of being eco friendly and soon you won’t even have to worry about whether the clothes you wear may be unsuitable for your skin or not.