If you’re one of the millions of people living with eczema, you know the importance of choosing the right fabrics for your skin. Cotton shirts are often touted as an eczema-friendly clothing option, but does wearing a cotton shirt cause eczema breakouts? As it turns out, the simple answer is no. In fact, wearing a cotton shirt can actually provide numerous positive benefits for those with eczema.

When washing and repeatedly wearing cotton shirts, you’re avoiding certain fabrics that can often cause irritation and breakouts in those with eczema. Because cotton is lightweight and breathable, it’s much less likely to cause irritation than fabrics like wool, nylon, and polyester. Additionally, cotton is highly absorbent, which helps wick away sweat and humidity—two major triggers of eczema flares.

In addition to its properties, wearing a cotton shirt allows for another level of protection from excessive itching and scratching. Cotton is an incredibly soft fabric, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. This means less irritation and scratching, which can be helpful in preventing further damage to the skin.

Finally, the most important aspect of wearing cotton shirts is the ease of cleaning them. Most cotton shirts can be machine washed on a low or gentle setting without the risk of damaging the fabric or fibers. This is especially beneficial to those with eczema, as quick and easy laundering prevents dirt, sweat, and potential irritants from building up on the fabric.

To recap, wearing a cotton shirt is beneficial to those with eczema in multiple ways. Cotton is a lightweight, breathable fabric that can easily absorb sweat and humidity, which can help prevent eczema flare-ups. In addition, cotton is exceptionally soft and prevents excessive itching and scratching. Lastly, cotton shirts are also easy to wash, making them an ideal fabric choice for those with eczema.