How To Choose Safe Clothing ...

For people living with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS or arthritis, clothing can make or break your day. Rough seams, tight bands, harsh dyes, or “easy-care” finishes can turn mild irritation into a full-blown flare.

WHY FABRIC CHOICE MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
Textile Contact Dermatitis is a recognised medical condition, often cased, not by the fibre itself, but by whats added to it.

- Dyes, resins, and formaldehyde-based finishes can all irritate the skin. DermNet NZ
- Even 'cotton' clothing can cause issues if chemically treated. PubMed, 2008
- Breathable, natural fibres reduce irritation, while synthetics trap heat and moisture. Medical News Today, 2022

In short: your clothing is an “environment” your body must live in, all day, every day. When that environment is hostile, your system pays the price.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Feature	Choose	Avoid	Why
Fabric	100% organic cotton, bamboo lyocell, TENCEL™	Polyester, nylon, elastane blends	Natural fibres breathe and absorb moisture.
Processing	GOTS / OEKO-TEX certified, low-impact dyes	“Wrinkle-free” or “stain-resistant” finishes	These coatings often contain formaldehyde resins.
Seams & labels	Flat seams, tag-free, soft stitching	Raised seams, scratchy labels	Friction triggers irritation.
Fit	Loose, breathable, non-restrictive	Tight, high-compression styles	Restrictive clothing traps sweat and heat.
Laundry care	Wash before wearing, use fragrance-free detergent, skip fabric softeners	Wearing straight from the pack	Removes industrial residues and irritants.

 

REAL-LIFE RELIEF TIPS

• Double rinse laundry — even “sensitive” detergents leave residue.
• Stick to light colours; dark dyes often contain more allergens.
• Test new clothes for a few hours before a full day wear.
• Rotate outfits to let fabric breathe.
• Avoid overheating — it worsens both itching and pain.

HOW KOTTONOLOGY HELPS

At Kottonology, comfort isn’t cosmetic. It’s health support.

Our essentials are:

• 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton
• OEKO-TEX-approved dyes (low chemical residue)
• Flat seams and tag-free designs
• Relaxed, breathable fits
• Tested by people with sensitive skin
  
  

Each piece is made to feel soft against skin, reduce friction, and help you move without irritation or fatigue.

FINAL THOUGHT

You can’t eradicate all risk, and every person reacts differently. But you don’t have to settle for clothing that hurts. Choose fabrics that work with your body, not against it — and your skin will thank you for it.

Explore the Kottonology collection → www.kottonology.com