Best Fabrics for Eczema: What to Wear (and Skip) This Winter

Every winter the sweaters come out, and so do the questions in our inbox: "Why does my skin feel itchier as soon as it gets cold?" Dry indoor heat is part of it. But for a lot of people with eczema-prone skin, a big part of the answer is touching their skin all day long: their clothes. Wool, scratchy seams, tight waistbands and fabrics that trap sweat can all leave sensitive skin feeling irritated.

The good news is that clothing is one of the easiest things to change. Here is what dermatology groups recommend, what the research says about "special" eczema fabrics, and a simple way to layer for cold weather without the itch.

This article is general skincare information, not medical advice. Please consult your doctor or dermatologist about any rash, persistent itch or skin change, and before changing your or your child's care plan.

Quick tip from our team: clothing works best alongside a good moisturizing habit. Our NEA Seal of Acceptance™ Original Skin-Soothing Cream (or the Nut-Free version) is fragrance-free, with 1% colloidal oatmeal, organic honey and beeswax. Let it sink in for a few minutes before you get dressed so it doesn't transfer onto your clothes.

Why clothing matters so much for eczema-prone skin

Eczema-prone skin has a weaker barrier, so it loses moisture faster and reacts more easily to things that rub or irritate it. Clothes are in contact with your skin for 16 hours a day or more, and several things about them can make itchy skin feel worse:

• Rough fibers. Coarse fibers, like regular wool, can poke and rub the skin.
• Heat and sweat. Eczema UK notes that many people find wool and synthetics such as polyester and nylon cause overheating and sweating, which can set off the itch. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also lists overheating and sweat as common triggers.
• Friction. Tight cuffs, waistbands, seams and tags rub the same spot over and over.
• What's left in the fabric. Fragrance and dyes from laundry products, plus finishing chemicals on brand-new clothes, can bother sensitive skin.

The best fabrics for eczema-prone skin

1. 100% cotton (the dermatologist default)

The AAD's advice is short and clear: wear loose-fitting, 100% cotton clothing, and use 100% cotton towels and sheets too. Cotton is soft, breathable, absorbs sweat and handles frequent washing. One catch: "cotton-rich" blends can contain a lot of polyester, so check the label for the actual percentage.

2. Lyocell (TENCEL™) and bamboo viscose

Eczema UK describes bamboo viscose as soft, breathable and good at regulating temperature, and lyocell (often sold as TENCEL) as an equally skin-friendly option made in a closed-loop process. Both are popular for base layers and pajamas.

3. Silk (nice, but not magic)

Silk is smooth and breathable, and the AAD suggests covering irritating seams with silk. Specialty silk garments for eczema exist, but the research is sobering. In the CLOTHES trial, published in PLOS Medicine in 2017, 300 children with moderate to severe eczema were randomly assigned to standard care or standard care plus silk garments for six months. Researchers found no clinically meaningful difference in eczema severity between the groups. So if you love silk, enjoy it, but you don't need to spend a lot on specialty garments.

Fabrics to be careful with

• Wool next to the skin. The AAD says plainly: never wear wool next to your skin. You don't have to give up your favorite sweater. Just wear it over a cotton layer (more on that below). Some people find very fine merino more comfortable than regular wool, but reactions vary, so test it on a small area first.
• Polyester, nylon and acrylic. These don't breathe well and can trap sweat. The AAD lists synthetic fibers like polyester among fabrics to avoid for children with eczema. Many winter fleeces, puffers and costumes are synthetic, which is another reason a cotton base layer helps.
• Tight, stiff or heavily textured fabrics. Think scratchy lace, sequins, stiff denim waistbands and tight leggings on flare-prone spots like the backs of the knees.

How to layer for winter without the itch

Cold, dry air pulls moisture from the skin, and the AAD recommends covering up with a scarf and gloves in winter. Overheating indoors is a problem too. Layering lets you do both:

1. Moisturize first. After a short, lukewarm shower, apply your cream while skin is still slightly damp, then give it a few minutes to absorb before dressing. Our winter skin barrier guide walks through the full routine.
2. Base layer: soft and breathable. A long-sleeve 100% cotton or lyocell top and leggings sit between your skin and everything else.
3. Middle layer: warmth. This is where the wool sweater or fleece goes, never directly on the skin.
4. Peel off layers indoors. When you walk into a heated store, office or car, take off a layer before you start to sweat.
5. Cover your hands and neck. Choose a cotton-lined scarf, and put thin cotton gloves under wool or knit gloves.

Laundry habits that make any fabric gentler

• Use fragrance-free and dye-free detergent. This is a core AAD recommendation for eczema. Note that "unscented" isn't the same as fragrance-free; the AAD notes that unscented products can still contain fragrance that has been covered up.
• Wash new clothes before wearing them. This removes finishing chemicals and excess dye.
• Skip scented fabric softener and dryer sheets. They leave fragrance behind on the fabric.
• Wash sheets and towels regularly. The AAD recommends 100% cotton bedding washed with fragrance-free, dye-free detergent.

Small details that make a big difference

• Remove tags completely (a seam ripper works better than scissors, which leave a sharp stub), or buy tagless clothing.
• Size up for a looser fit, especially for kids' pajamas.
• Watch metal snaps and buttons. Nickel in jeans buttons and snaps is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
• Cotton gloves overnight. For dry, cracked-feeling hands, many people apply a hand cream at bedtime and wear thin cotton gloves over it. Our Premium Cotton Gloves are 100% cotton, come 24 pairs to a box and can be washed and reused. Pair them with the Oatmeal Hand Cream.

For parents: dressing kids with eczema-prone skin

Kids can't always tell you what's bugging them, so watch for scratching at the same spots: collars, cuffs, waistbands and the inner elbows and knees. The AAD suggests dressing children in loose 100% cotton and cutting out tags. One-piece cotton pajamas can help keep little hands from reaching itchy spots at night. For bath time, see our baby eczema bath routine, and for more on kids' skin visit our baby and kids eczema-prone skin page.

When to talk to a doctor

Changing fabrics helps many people feel more comfortable, but it isn't a substitute for medical care. See your doctor or dermatologist if itching keeps you or your child up at night, the skin is cracked, oozing, crusted or painful, a rash keeps appearing in the same spot (which may point to a contact allergy), or your usual routine stops keeping skin comfortable.

FAQ

What is the best fabric for eczema?

Loose-fitting 100% cotton is the most widely recommended choice, including by the American Academy of Dermatology. Lyocell, bamboo viscose and silk are also soft, breathable options that many people find comfortable.

Can I wear wool if I have eczema?

Dermatologists advise against wearing wool directly on the skin. You can still wear wool sweaters, coats and hats over a soft cotton base layer. Some people tolerate very fine merino, but test it on a small area first.

Is polyester bad for eczema?

Polyester isn't harmful, but it doesn't breathe as well as cotton and can trap heat and sweat, which many people with eczema find irritating. It's usually fine as an outer layer over cotton.

Do silk eczema garments work?

Silk feels smooth and many people like it. However, the CLOTHES trial (2017) found that specialty silk garments did not make a meaningful difference in eczema severity in children compared with standard care alone.

What laundry detergent is best for eczema?

Choose a detergent labeled fragrance-free and dye-free (not just "unscented"), wash new clothes before wearing them, and skip scented softeners and dryer sheets.

Should I moisturize before or after getting dressed?

Before. Apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin after bathing, then wait a few minutes for it to absorb so it stays on your skin instead of your clothes. See how to use Eczema Honey for tips on how much to use.

Find your winter routine

Soft cotton layers, a gentle detergent and a consistent moisturizing habit add up. If you're building a cold-weather routine, start with our Original Skin-Soothing Cream for face and body and the Body Lotion for larger areas. You can also find Eczema Honey on Amazon, Walmart.com and at select Meijer and Sprouts stores (see Where to Buy), and free US shipping on orders of $60+ here on our site. For more, browse our skin care guides.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology, Atopic dermatitis: skin care tips (eczema-friendly clothing and laundry detergent)
2. American Academy of Dermatology, How can I find eczema-friendly products?
3. American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists' tips for eczema at home
4. Eczema UK (National Eczema Society), Clothing and eczema
5. Thomas KS, et al. Silk garments plus standard care for children with eczema: the CLOTHES Trial. PLOS Medicine, 2017.