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Top Eczema Friendly Clothing Brands for Comfortable Skin Relief
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On the hunt for eczema-friendly clothing brands that are gentle on your skin? If you’re among the 10% of adults living with eczema, you know how hard it is to find clothes that don't make you itch.
You might think wearing loose clothes is enough, but that’s only part of the story.
While it's true that tight clothing can trigger eczema, a recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that the real culprit might be the chemicals hiding in your clothes.
Did you know clothing manufacturers use up to 8,000 substances in textile processing? Sadly, most of these chemicals don't disappear after production—they remain hidden in the fabrics!
If you have sensitive skin, contact with these chemicals can lead to textile dermatitis, which often shows up as red, itchy, or irritated patches. If that’s not bad enough, some textile chemicals not only cause allergic contact dermatitis but have also been linked to an increased cancer risk.
The solution? Opt for non-toxic, eczema-friendly brands.
After reviewing the latest scientific studies and dermatologist insights, we’ve handpicked the best skin-friendly clothing brands loved by eczema-prone users. Keep reading to learn what to look for when shopping for clothes that protect your skin health and keep irritation at bay!
Why Switch to Eczema-Friendly Clothing?
A four-year study revealed that, aside from fabric and fit, the chemical agents used in textile dyeing and finishing can exacerbate your eczema symptoms.
Have you ever noticed your skin reacting after wearing a brightly colored t-shirt? That’s because many synthetic fabrics are dyed with harsh azo dyes, which are known to trigger contact allergies. Luckily, evidence suggests that the dyes commonly used on natural fibers are less likely to irritate your skin.
Unlike regular clothes, eczema-friendly clothing is designed with your skin’s health in mind, often featuring tagless designs, sealed seams, and ultra-loose fits. And more importantly, these skin-friendly clothes prioritize breathable, natural fibers that are kind to your skin and free of potential irritants.
Let's see which fabrics you can trust to care for your delicate skin!
What is the best fabric for eczema?
You've probably noticed that certain fabrics, like polyester and wool, can make your skin itch like crazy.
Both clinical studies and people with atopic dermatitis have found that choosing the right fabrics can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups.
According to the National Eczema Society, these are the best natural fabrics for sensitive skin:
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Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is the most commonly recommended fabric for people with eczema. Reaction to this soft, breathable fabric is extremely rare.
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Merino Wool: A 2019 clinical trial found that wearing superfine Merino wool improved skin condition in eczema patients. Unlike regular wool, this moisture-wicking fabric has a thinner fiber diameter, which makes it less likely to irritate your skin. Merino wool also regulates skin temperature, an essential property to prevent flare-ups.
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Silk: Silk is another breathable fabric that has shown to be generally safe.
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Lyocell: Lyocell is a fiber derived from bamboo or wood pulp. This fabric uses less toxic chemicals and it's soft, breathable, and thermo-regulating.
Ready to discover the best eczema clothing brands? Let's dive right in!
What are the Best Eczema-Friendly Clothing Brands?
"Best"
Aya | Shop Here*
Pact | Shop Here*
Subset | Shop Here*
Mate the Label | Shop Here*
Reprise | Shop Here*
Araks | Shop Here*
"Better"
Ice Breaker | Shop Here*
Cottonique | Shop Here*
Harvest & Mill | Shop Here*
Christy Dawn | Shop Here*
How Do We Choose the Best Eczema-Friendly Clothing Brands?
When selecting the best eczema-friendly brands, we focused on those recommended by dermatologists and trusted by people who actually live with sensitive skin. In our top picks list, we've chosen eczema clothing that meet our rigorous standards:
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Made mostly from eczema-friendly fabrics, especially organic cotton
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Dyed with non-toxic or plant-based pigments—or left completely undyed
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Rated highly by eczema-prone users for their comfort, breathability, and irritation-free feel
We divided our top picks into two categories:
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"Best" Eczema-friendly Clothing Brands: Our top picks are independently certified by strict safety standards like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, ensuring they’re completely free from harsh chemicals.
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"Better" Eczema-friendly Clothing Brands: These options still meet our safety criteria and have earned positive feedback from eczema sufferers. However, they lack third-party certifications, which could be a concern for strict shoppers.
The "Best" Clothing Brands for Eczema Prone Skin
Aya - Plastic Free, Organic Pima Cotton Loungewear (Our Top Pick)*
Best for: Ultra sensitive skin & polyester allergy
Certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Materials: Organic Pima Cotton
Size Range: XS - XXL
Pricing Range: $14.00 - $230.00
Why We Like It:
Aya is our top choice for anyone with ultra sensitive skin, polyester allergy, and eczema. Aya truly takes ‘natural’ clothing to the next level. From their GOTS-certified organic fabric down to their 100% cotton threads and plant-based dyes, this non-toxic brand ensures every detail is as natural and gentle as your sensitive skin deserves.
There’s absolutely no plastic, polyester, and nylon in these clothes. Their OEKO-TEX® certification also ensures you won’t deal with any toxic chemical finishes either. Just pure Pima cotton that feels as soft and calming as a cloud in a sunny day. Plus, the brand offers an excellent variety of t-shirts, tanks, long sleeve shirts, shorts, leggings, pants, joggers, and underwear for both women and men.
Pact - Affordable, Organic Cotton Everyday Wear*
Best for: Everyday apparel
Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade
Materials: More than 95% Organic Cotton
Size Range: XXS - 3XL
Pricing Range: $23.00 - $185.00
Why We Like It:
This eczema-friendly clothing brand is another great choice for affordable, comfortable everyday basics. With Pact, you can stock up on eczema-friendly cardigans, sweaters, leggings, and pants without spending a fortune. Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, their eczema clothing is completely free of herbicides, pesticides, toxic dyes, and other harsh chemicals.
And the best part? Pact's skin-friendly clothing is buttery-soft and breathable, unlike synthetic fabrics that can make you sweat and itch. However, it may not be safe for those with severe polyester allergy, as some pieces can contain polyester threads or small amounts of synthetic fibers. Durability note: While most report years of wear, some note elastic deterioration in intimate apparel after several washes.
Subset - Soft, Organic Cotton Underwear for Women & Men*
Best for: Underwear
Certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Fair Trade International, FSC
Materials: Organic Cotton, Elastane, Waist Elastic
Size Range: 2XS - 3XL
Pricing Range: $20.00 - $62.00
Why We Like It:
On the hunt for the comfiest underwear? Subset is a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin. My favorite part about this sustainable brand is their variety of everyday basics, including soft triangle bras, tank bralettes, mid-rise thongs, low-rise bikinis, and much more. But most importantly, these are some of the softest, most breathable underwear you’ll ever wear!
Subset's underwear contains more than 95% certified organic cotton, and a small percentage of synthetics for elasticity. This cotton blend adds just enough stretch to keep the fit soft, flexible, and gentle to help prevent friction.
Mate the Label - Organic Stretch Activewear*
Best for: Moderate activity
Certifications: Climate Neutral, GOTS, B Corp
Materials: 92% Organic Cotton, 8% Spandex
Size Range: XS - 3XL
Pricing Range: $78.70 - $149.00
Why We Like It:
Searching for eczema-friendly activewear for your daily yoga or walks? Mate the Label's organic activewear won’t make your skin itch like synthetic fabrics often do. Their cotton blend is breathable and flexible enough to keep you comfy all day, no matter what your day brings. Plus, it comes with minimal stitching and labels to reduce any chance of rubbing.
Many eczema sufferers say this organic activewear is perfect for long flights, errands, yoga, or just working from home. It’s not performance activewear, though—it doesn’t offer moisture control during high-intensity activities, which may trigger itching or irritation. Perfect for: Daily yoga, errands, long flights, and gentle exercise—not intense workouts!
Reprise - High-performance Leggings for Sensitive Skin*
Best for: High-intensity activities
Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, 1% for the Planet, Fair Trade Factories
Materials: Primarily 93% TENCEL™ Lyocell (wood-based plant fiber), 7% Recycled Spandex
Size Range: XS - 6XL
Pricing Range: $120.00
Why We Like It:
Craving performance gear that doesn’t leave your skin scratching? Reprise's non-toxic leggings offer the same comfy stretch and compression as synthetics, without the harsh chemicals. I love how breathable and lightweight these non-toxic leggings are, keeping you fresh even through sweaty cardio, CrossFit, or hot yoga sessions. A must-have to reduce friction and prevent scratching!
I love their bestselling Aspen Leggings feature TENCEL™ Lyocell, a plant-based fiber that is breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking—keeping you fresh even through sweaty cardio, CrossFit, or hot yoga sessions. The brand also offers alternative styles in biodegradable polyamide and recycled spandex. All styles are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring they're free from harmful chemicals.
Araks - New York-based, Luxury Organic Lingerie*
Best for: Luxury underwear
Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Materials: Organic Cotton (primary collection); also uses silk, linen, REFIBRA®, and Reconyl®
Size Range: XXS - XXL.
Pricing Range: $40.00 - $175.00
Why We Like It:
Want your underwear to look a little cuter and more luxurious? Araks’ panties add a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort. These non-toxic panties are ideal for those days when you want a sexier, more feminine style. Made from certified organic cotton, Araks' lingerie is luxuriously soft and completely free of toxic chemicals that could aggravate eczema.
Keep in mind that some styles include crochet trims, which could be irritating for easily triggered skin.
The "Better" Eczema Clothing Brands (Still Safe)
Ice Breaker - Soft & Superfine Merino Wool Clothing*
Best for: Layering & outdoorwear
Certifications: ZQ Merino (ethical wool sourcing)
Materials: Merino Wool, TENCEL™ Lyocell, Linen, Organic Cotton
Size Range: XS - XXXL
Pricing Range: $19.00 - $400.00
Why We Like It:
Can’t find gentle outdoor clothing that doesn’t make you itch? Icebreaker’s pretty much a favorite whenever people talk about eczema-friendly gear.
Unlike the scratchy wool sweaters you might be thinking of, Icebreaker's eczema-friendly clothing is made of high-quality, superfine Merino wool. This incredibly soft fiber feels more comfortable, regulates skin temperature, and wicks moisture away—a fantastic combo to prevent outbreaks during your adventures. It won’t irritate like synthetic materials or absorb moisture like cotton does.
It’s worth noting that everyone’s skin is unique. Icebreaker’s ultrafine Merino wool is generally gentle, but a few people may still react.
Why Better? The brand isn’t verified by a third-party to guarantee it’s fully free from potential irritants.
Cottonique - Minimal Friction & Latex Free Casual Wear*
Best for: Sleepwear
Certifications: B Corp, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Materials: Organic Cotton
Size Range: S - XL
Pricing Range: $20.00 - $90.00
Why We Like It:
Cottonique is specifically designed for people with latex allergy, eczema, dermatographia, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. You'll love the brand’s soft-seam design, which gives their clothes that distinctive ‘inside-out’ style. With softer flat seams on the inner layer, Cottonique's clothes will prevent scratching and keep your skin irritation-free.
This skin-friendly brand also uses latex-free elastics that won’t rub or pinch sensitive skin. Most of their tops and bottoms are designed for casual wear, but honestly, they’re so soft you’ll want to sleep in them. However, some garments may contain under 1% of polyester or nylon core threads, which could trigger itching in those with severe allergies.
Why Better? The brand hasn’t been officially certified by a third-party to guarantee its products are entirely free of irritants.
Harvest & Mill - Carbon Neutral, USA-Made Organic Loungewear*
Best for: Eczema clothing for men
Certifications: PETA-Approved Vegan
Materials: 100% Organic Cotton
Size Range: S - XL
Pricing Range: $11.00 - $185.00.
Why We Like It:
Harvest & Mill offers a lovely collection of cozy, eczema-friendly loungewear. This USA-based brand makes clothes gentle enough for eczema sufferers and anyone with contact dermatitis or sensitive skin. Their ultra-soft clothes are completely made of organic cotton and free of harsh chemical finishes.
If even “safe dyes” make your skin react, you’ll love this brand’s completely natural, undyed basics, ranging from a soft, creamy white to cotton that naturally grows in warm shades of brown. You’ll find ultra-soft, loose-fitting basics like joggers, tees, and sweatshirts that feel amazing on the skin!
Why Better? The brand isn’t certified by an independent body to verify the absence of all irritants.
Christy Dawn - Vintage-inspired, Regenerative Cotton Clothing*
Best for: Dresses & skirts
Certifications: Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton (regenerative standards exceed standard organic requirements by actively improving soil health and biodiversity)
Materials: Organic, Regenerative Cotton
Size Range: XS - XXL
Pricing Range: $88.00 - $498.00
Why We Like It:
Who says sensitive skin means boring outfits? You can still add personality to your closet with Christy Dawn's organic pieces. This ethical brand's vintage-inspired clothes are a fabulous choice for those days when a simple white t-shirt feels too basic. Besides using regenerative cotton, Christy Dawn's dresses and skirts are light and loosely fitted. Perfect for casual days when you're in remission!
It's also great to know the brand's non-toxic clothing is dyed with organic colors, reducing the risk of irritation for those with chemical sensitivities.
Why Better? While the brand does not hold GOTS or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications, their Regenerative Organic Certified cotton and transparent supply chain meet rigorous sustainability standards that exceed standard organic requirements.
Our Favorite International Eczema-Friendly Picks
If the previous brands aren’t available where you live, don’t worry! We’ve created a list with a few international picks, known for their high-quality eczema-friendly fabrics, trusted certifications, and glowing feedback from eczema-prone users:
|
Brand |
Availability |
Certifications |
|
POMP |
United Kingdom; ships internationally |
GOTS, OEKO-TEX® |
|
United Kingdom; global shipping |
Allergy UK-Certified, GOTS |
|
|
Germany; available across EU, UK, US |
GOTS |
|
|
Canada; ships to US and select countries |
GOTS, OEKO-TEX® |
|
|
Albero Natur |
Germany; EU distribution |
GOTS |
|
Asquith |
United Kingdom; ships worldwide |
OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, PETA Approved Vegan |
|
USA, Canada, UK |
OEKO-TEX® |
Curious about which textile chemicals could be behind your itching and irritation?
Harmful Chemicals in Clothing that Trigger Eczema
If you're experiencing psoriasis or eczema, even tiny traces of textile chemicals can cause irritation. The most common toxins that could potentially affect your sensitive skin include:
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Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers: This known carcinogen is used to provide anti-wrinkle finishingon fabrics. Formaldehyde is one of the main textile chemicals linked to allergic contact dermatitis and often worsens atopic dermatitis symptoms.
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Azo Dyes: These dyes are commonly used to achieve bright colors in synthetic fabrics. Once azo dyes touch your delicate skin, they can break down into aromatic amines. These potentially carcinogenic substances may be responsible for skin allergies and irritation.
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Heavy Metals: Lead and Chromium (VI) may be present in your vividly colored synthetic clothes. Regular exposure to heavy metals can increase your chances of developing contact dermatitis.
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Antimicrobials: Triclosan, silver particles, and other antimicrobial agents may disrupt your skin's microflora, leading to irritation and contact dermatitis.
Don't know how to ensure your clothing is free of potential toxins and irritants? Check our top tips!
What to Look for in Eczema Clothing?
When choosing eczema clothing, follow these easy tips to reduce your chemical exposure and keep your skin irritation-free:
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Natural fabrics: Prioritize clothing made from organic cotton, Merino wool, silk, and Tencel Lyocell. These non-toxic fabrics are the safest choices for eczema-prone users.
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Non-toxic dyes: Ensure your clothing is made with OEKO-TEX® certified, GOTS-certified, azo-free, or natural plant-based dyes. Better yet, choose undyed clothes for reduced chemical exposure!
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Light-colored or undyed fabrics: Choose white, cream, or light-colored clothing when possible, as dark colors (particularly black, blue, and green) use higher concentrations of disperse dyes that are more likely to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Undyed or naturally-colored fabrics eliminate dye exposure altogether and are ideal for highly sensitive skin
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No chemical treatments: Avoid eczema clothing with descriptions like "wrinkle-resistant," “antimicrobial,” or "anti-odor" as it may contain potential allergens or skin irritants.
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Certifications: When possible, prefer clothing brands holding strict safety indicators, such as GOTS, Allergy UK, OEKO-TEX®, USDA Organic, and Bluesign.
Before wearing any new clothing item, wash it at least 2-3 times to remove manufacturing chemicals, sizing agents, and excess unbound dyes. This is especially important for underwear, sleepwear, and items with direct prolonged skin contact. Wash in cool to warm water with fragrance-free detergent and include an extra rinse cycle to eliminate residue.
Key Takeaways
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Tight clothing, synthetic fabrics, and certain textile chemicals can irritate sensitive skin, leading to itching, redness, and discomfort.
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Azo dyes and formaldehyde finishes are textile chemicals that commonly cause allergic contact dermatitis and worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms.
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Natural fabrics are softer, more breathable, and less likely to contain harsh chemicals that could aggravate sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
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Eczema-friendly clothing brands prioritize safe, natural fabrics, tagless designs, and ultra-loose fits to prevent scratching and keep your skin irritation-free.
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Pre-washing new garments 2-3 times before wearing and choosing light-colored clothing significantly reduce chemical exposure and allergic reactions, as dark dyes contain higher concentrations of allergens
FAQs to Eczema Friendly Clothing Brands
Are synthetic blends always bad for eczema?
While not universally problematic, synthetic blends pose significant risks: polyester-containing fabrics contain BTEX compounds (particularly xylene) that disrupt beneficial skin bacteria and correlate with severe eczema (odds ratio 9.5). However, small percentages of synthetic fibers (5-15% spandex/elastane) are sometimes necessary for stretch and fit; prioritize pieces with OEKO-TEX® or GOTS certification to minimize residual chemicals. People with confirmed polyester allergies should avoid them entirely, while others with mild eczema may tolerate certified blends.
How to verify if a clothing brand is truly eczema-friendly?
Legitimate eczema-friendly brands carry independent third-party certifications: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard, requiring 95%+ organic fibers and strict chemical restrictions), OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (testing for 100+ harmful substances including banned dyes and heavy metals), or Allergy UK approval (requiring scientific dermatological assessment). Cross-reference brand claims with these certifications on official databases and read reviews from verified eczema-sufferers on dermatology platforms.
What is the 3 rule for eczema?
While there's no universally-established "3 rule" for eczema clothing, practical guidance involves three key practices: (1) wash new clothes 3+ times before wearing to remove manufacturing chemicals, (2) use a triple-rinse cycle when laundering to eliminate detergent residue, and (3) rotate between 2-3 approved clothing items to minimize trigger exposure and maintain fabric integrity. Some sources recommend the "3-hour rule" (avoid tight clothing for more than 3 hours) to prevent sweat accumulation and heat-triggered flare-ups
What clothes are good for eczema?
Optimal eczema clothing features: 100% certified organic cotton, superfine Merino wool, silk, or Lyocell (TENCEL™) in light colors or undyed natural shades, with GOTS or OEKO-TEX® certification. Look for tagless designs, flat or external seams, loose fits, and fragrance-free plant-based or low-chemical dyes. Pre-wash all new items 2-3 times before wearing and use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergents with an extra rinse cycle.
What is the best fabric for eczema?
100% GOTS-certified organic cotton is the gold standard—the most commonly recommended by dermatologists with extremely rare adverse reactions. For those seeking alternatives, superfine Merino wool (due to thermoregulation and moisture-wicking properties) and Lyocell/TENCEL™ (processed with 97%+ recoverable, non-toxic solvents) are excellent choices. Always verify certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX®) and pre-wash before wearing.
Cristina Solis
