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Best fabrics for sensitive skin and eczema, ranked by evidence

If your skin reacts to clothing, the fabric matters more than any lotion. Dermatology research points to a clear ranking of which fibres soothe reactive and eczema-prone skin and which tend to flare it. Here is the evidence-based shortlist.

In this article

Best: organic cotton, lyocell, silk, fine merino

Cotton is hypoallergenic and the standard recommendation for sensitive skin. Lyocell (TENCEL) is smooth and moisture-managing, keeping skin drier. Degummed silk suits atopic skin. And fine merino wool under about 17.5 microns actually reduces eczema symptoms in trials, overturning the old itch assumption. Organic or undyed versions remove dye and finish risk entirely.

Trials show merino wool of 17.5 microns or finer reduces eczema symptoms, while disperse dyes on synthetics are the leading textile rash trigger.

Worst: polyester, nylon, acrylic

Synthetics trap heat and moisture against the skin, and they carry disperse dyes, the most common cause of textile contact dermatitis. Acrylic adds friction and heat irritation. People with reactive skin tend to flare most in these.

Watch the finishes and trims, not just the fibre

Even a natural fabric can irritate if it has a wrinkle-free (formaldehyde) finish, a strong dye, or nickel-releasing metal trim (the most common contact allergen). Look for OEKO-TEX or GOTS certification, which lab-test for formaldehyde, heavy metals and banned dyes.

A simple rule

For anything tight against reactive skin, favour undyed or certified natural fibres and lyocell, wash new garments before wearing, and avoid easy-care finishes. ClothTrace grades each scan for skin and lets you set a sensitive-skin profile that re-weights the findings for you.

See what your clothes are really made of

Scan any care label. ClothTrace reads the real fibre, decodes the wash symbols, and flags what it puts against your skin. Free to scan.

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Frequently asked

What is the best fabric for eczema?

Soft natural fibres: organic cotton, lyocell (TENCEL), degummed silk, and fine merino under about 17.5 microns, which has been shown to reduce eczema symptoms. Undyed and certified versions are gentlest.

What fabrics should I avoid with sensitive skin?

Polyester, nylon and acrylic, which trap heat and carry disperse dyes (the top textile rash cause), plus wrinkle-free finishes and nickel metal trims.

Does washing new clothes help sensitive skin?

Yes. A wash before first wear removes much of the surface finishing chemicals and loose dye that can irritate.