If your child has eczema, you’ve probably lived through more than one bedtime meltdown where the pajamas felt “too scratchy.” Or maybe you’ve had to cut tags out of every single t-shirt in their drawer. Maybe, like me, you’ve stood in front of their dresser feeling like you’re choosing between comfort and what’s clean, and somehow comfort always wins.

Eczema doesn’t just affect skin; it affects sleep, mood, and routines. And clothing, though often overlooked, plays a much bigger role than we realize. In fact, up to 90% of children with atopic dermatitis experience sensitivity to clothing, with synthetic fibers, tight fits, and rough textures often making symptoms worse (National Eczema Society). Certain fabrics can make flare-ups worse in a matter of minutes. Others, if chosen well, can ease irritation, help skin breathe, and make the difference between a good day and a tough one.

This guide walks you through the best fabrics for eczema-prone skin: what to look for, what to avoid, and how small changes in their wardrobe can offer real relief.

Discover our Eczema Clothing for Kids

What Makes a Fabric Eczema-Friendly?

Not all clothes are created equal, especially when eczema is involved. Here’s what to look for in skin-safe fabrics:

• Soft Texture: Rough or scratchy fabrics can act like sandpaper on already-sensitive skin.

• Loose Weave & Breathability: Fabrics that let air through help regulate temperature and reduce sweat, which can aggravate eczema.

• Moisture-Wicking Properties: Skin that stays dry tends to be calmer. Naturally moisture-wicking fabrics (don’t fall for synthetics advertised as so) help prevent sweat from sitting on the skin.

• Chemical-Free Processing: Look for fabrics certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX to ensure they’re free from residues that could irritate skin.

What are the Best Fabrics for Eczema?

These fabrics are known for being kind to sensitive skin. Some are better for daytime adventures, others for dreamy nighttime comfort, but all are eczema-approved.

Organic Cotton (Including Muslin Cotton)

Organic cotton is a natural fiber grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it one of the most skin-friendly choices for children with eczema. But here’s what most people don’t realize: it’s not just about what the fabric is made of, but how it’s woven.

Skin-friendly properties

• GOTS-certified options are free from toxic dyes and chemical residues
  

• Naturally breathable and temperature-regulating
  

• Hypoallergenic and gentle against broken or inflamed skin
  

• Available in a range of weaves to suit different skin needs and climates
  
  

Weaves to know:

• Muslin: Ultra-light and airy, ideal for warm weather or babies prone to heat-triggered flare-ups
  

• Jersey: Soft and stretchy, great for everyday wear and sleepwear
  

• Rib: Offers a cozy feel with natural give, especially good for layering and underwear
  

• Interlock: Double-knit for extra softness and structure, perfect for cooler temps or baby bodysuits
  
  

Benefits for babies

• Minimizes the risk of irritation during eczema flare-ups
  

• Easy to wash and gets softer over time
  

• Versatile across seasons and styles
  
  

Use cases: Pajamas, t-shirts, bodysuits, underwear, sleep sacks, baby bedding, rompers, leggings

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Linen

Made from the flax plant, linen is one of the most breathable textiles around.

Skin-friendly properties:

• Exceptional airflow and moisture-wicking

• Naturally antibacterial and anti-static

Benefits for babies:

• Keeps little ones cool during summer (or itchy flare-ups)

• Softens with each wash without losing durability

Use cases: Summer rompers, breathable pants, bedding

Explore Kids' Linen Collection

Silk

A protein-based natural fiber known for its buttery-soft texture.

Skin-friendly properties:

• Ultra-smooth surface reduces friction

• Helps regulate temperature

Benefits for babies:

• Ideal during nighttime or flare-up recovery

• Often used in specialty eczema sleepwear

Use cases: Pajamas, bedding, underlayers during cold months

Merino Wool (Fine Grade Only)

A natural, temperature-regulating wool known for being far gentler than traditional wool.

Skin-friendly properties:

• Naturally moisture-wicking and breathable

• Antibacterial and odor-resistant

• Fine-grade merino is soft enough for many with eczema, especially in cooler months

Benefits for babies:

• Regulates body temperature without overheating

• Useful for layering in winter

Use cases: Base layers, winter sleepwear, outerwear lining

Fabrics to Avoid if You Have Eczema

Some fabrics are best left on the shelf when it comes to dressing eczema-prone skin. Even the trendiest outfits aren’t worth a week of itching.

• Wool (non-merino): Regular wool fibers can be coarse and irritating. Only fine-grade merino is recommended.

• Polyester and its disguises: Polyester is one of the most common synthetic fabrics, and one of the worst offenders for eczema. It traps heat, holds sweat close to the skin, and often has a slick or shiny finish that can create friction. Even when it feels soft, it doesn’t allow skin to breathe. And while it might be marketed as “easy care” or “moisture-wicking,” that comes at a cost to sensitive skin.

Marketing names for polyester-based fabrics include:

• Recycled polyester (rPET)
  

• Performance wear / Activewear blends
  

• Fleece (usually 100% polyester)
  

• Microfiber
  

• Polar fleece / Plush fabrics
  

• Coolmax, Dri-FIT, Climalite: these are proprietary names often used in athletic wear, but still polyester-based
  

Even some so-called “eco-friendly” lines use recycled polyester as a sustainability badge, but that doesn't make it eczema-safe.

• Nylon: Like polyester, it lacks breathability and holds onto moisture, increasing skin irritation.

• Abrasive or Stiff Fabrics: Stiff denim or heavily treated materials can rub and chafe eczema-prone areas.

Comparison Table: Eczema-Friendly vs. Irritating Fabrics

Here’s a quick reference guide for your next shopping trip or laundry sort.

Eczema-Friendly Clothing Design Tips

Fabric is just one part of the equation. The way clothing is made also affects how it feels on sensitive skin. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Loose-fitting styles: Avoid anything that clings or causes friction, especially in sensitive areas like underarms, elbow creases, or under the knee and crotch.

Flat or seamless construction: Look for clothes with minimal seams to reduce rubbing. If you can find them, flat seams are best (P.S. Our Essentials Collection is made with flat seams: worth checking out if you're looking for gold-standard basics that are gentle on sensitive skin.)

Tagless labels: Or at least soft, printed ones. Tags can irritate the neck and spine area.

Soft-bound cuffs or no cuffs at all: Tight cuffs can cause friction and trap heat.

Minimal hardware: Zippers and buttons can dig into the skin or get hot in summer.

Additional Tips for Eczema Clothing Care

Always wash new clothes first to remove any leftover dyes or finishes.

Use fragrance-free, eczema-friendly detergents.

Skip fabric softeners often leave residues that irritate the skin.

Dry clothes thoroughly, but avoid high heat, which can damage fibers.

Choose gentle laundry cycles to maintain the softness of fabrics like organic cotton or linen.

Conclusion

When it comes to dressing eczema-prone skin, comfort starts with fabric. Prioritizing organic cotton in different weaves (like muslin), linen, silk, and fine-grade merino wool can go a long way in preventing flare-ups and keeping skin calm.

At Treehouse, we create kidswear that’s as gentle as we could possibly make it, using only GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified fabrics with no nasties and no shortcuts. Because when your child’s skin is happy, everyone sleeps better.

Ready to try the softest eczema-friendly clothing? Explore our collection designed for real life, real skin, and real kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What material is least likely to irritate eczema?

Organic cotton, especially in soft weaves like muslin or jersey, is one of the safest bets. Linen and silk also perform well.

Is polyester a good choice for eczema?

Never, ever, ever. Avoid like the plague. It traps heat and sweat, which can aggravate eczema and lead to flare-ups.

Is viscose suitable for eczema?

It varies. Some find bamboo viscose tolerable, but it's not as reliable or gentle as organic cotton or linen.