Fabrics to Avoid for Sensitive Skin in Winter

Wintertime can have a big impact on your skin. Cold outdoor air, bone-dry indoor heating, and the constant on-off layering of winter clothes all work against your skin’s natural barrier, pulling moisture away and leaving sensitive skin feeling raw and reactive. Ouch. 

While skincare is often what we think of when addressing winter skin challenges, what you wear matters just as much. Certain fabrics, dyes, and finishes can rub, trap heat, and irritate already-fragile skin, making winter discomfort even worse.

Let’s explore which materials truly support sensitive skin, which fabrics to avoid, and how thoughtful clothing choices can help keep you comfortable through all the chilly months ahead. 

How Cold Weather Weakens the Skin Barrier

Your skin is protected by a thin yet powerful layer of natural oils and lipids that work to keep moisture in and irritants out. Think of this skin barrier as your built-in insulation system. In winter, that system takes a hit. 

Cold air holds very little humidity, and indoor heating dries the air even further, literally pulling moisture from the skin and weakening this protective barrier. Add in biting wind and frequent hot showers, and the barrier becomes compromised fast. When that happens, skin loses hydration more easily and becomes far more reactive, leading to itching, redness, inflammation, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Now layer on winter clothing. Dry, fragile skin rubbing against rough fabrics or tight seams under layers that trap sweat and reduce breathability when wearing synthetics creates friction, and friction on a weakened barrier only amplifies irritation. It’s an uncomfortable cycle that can feel frustratingly hard to break.

What to Avoid: Fabrics That Make Winter Skin Worse

Some of the most common materials in our closets are the very ones that work against sensitive winter skin.

Synthetic Fibers

Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and rayon are common in winter wardrobes, and for sensitive skin, they’re often problematic. These synthetic fibers don’t breathe well. Instead, they trap heat and sweat against the body, creating a warm, damp environment that weakens the skin barrier and increases irritation. Add movement and layering, and friction builds quickly. 

Even more concerning, many synthetics are treated with disperse dyes and chemical finishes that can migrate onto the skin when you sweat, causing itching, redness, or burning.

Certain Types of Wool and Rough Textures

Most traditional wool fibers are thick and coarse, which means they physically poke and rub against the skin. This mechanical irritation can be enough to trigger itching and flare-ups, especially for people with eczema or compromised skin barriers. 

In winter, when skin is already dry and inflamed, wool and other rough textures can intensify symptoms and prolong irritation. That said, not all wool is created equal. While the classic wool sweater many people picture can feel scratchy, finer fibers like merino wool, lambswool, and cashmere are much softer and smoother against the skin. These types of wool are naturally thermo-regulating, helping you stay warm without overheating, and can work well as base layers in lightweight t-shirts or leggings for those who still want the benefits of wool without the itch.

If your skin is reactive, it’s worth paying attention not just to the fabric name but also to the fiber quality, weave, and how it feels directly against your skin.

Harsh Elastics, Seams, and Chemical Finishes

Tight elastic bands, scratchy lace, bulky seams, and irritating tags concentrate pressure and friction in the same spots all day. Many “wrinkle-resistant” or “performance” fabrics also rely on chemical treatments like formaldehyde resins, antimicrobial coatings, and synthetic dyes. On dry, sensitive winter skin, these additives can further disrupt the skin barrier and turn minor irritation into full-blown flare-ups.

Word of Caution: Some “Natural” Fabrics Still Cause Irritation

Not all “natural” fabrics are as skin-friendly as they sound. Labels can be misleading. “Cotton-rich,” for example, often means cotton mixed with polyester (enough synthetic fiber to trap heat, increase friction, and undo cotton’s natural benefits). 

Bamboo can be tricky, too. Most bamboo clothing is actually bamboo viscose, a chemically processed fiber that may still feel soft but doesn’t always suit highly sensitive skin. A gentler alternative is lyocell or TENCEL™, made from wood pulp in a closed-loop process that uses fewer harsh chemicals and leaves less residue. 

Certifications help distinguish what truly supports sensitive skin from what simply sounds good on a label. JulieMay, for example, uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and works within ISO-certified production processes, helping minimize harsh chemicals and residues that can aggravate winter-stressed skin. Our commitment to low-impact, transparent manufacturing is also recognized by trusted third parties. These layers of accountability matter because even gentle fibers can irritate when chemicals and shortcuts enter the picture.

The Best Fabrics for Sensitive Skin in Winter

When winter skin is already dry and reactive, the goal is simple: reduce friction, support hydration, and let your skin breathe. Certain fabrics consistently rise to the top.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a winter staple for sensitive skin. It’s naturally breathable and absorbent, helping manage sweat without trapping heat. Because it’s hypoallergenic and gentle, it’s especially well-suited for base layers and lingerie (the pieces that sit closest to your skin all day). When skin is compromised, cotton provides comfort without burdening your skin barrier.

Silk

Silk is surprisingly practical in winter. Its ultra-smooth fibers glide over the skin, reducing friction and irritation, while its natural thermoregulating properties help maintain a steady body temperature. That balance makes silk an excellent choice for close-to-skin garments, particularly for anyone prone to itching, redness, or flare-ups.

Fine Wools

While coarse wool can be irritating, finer wool fibers tell a different story. Options such as merino wool, lambswool, and cashmere are known for their softness and flexibility, making them more comfortable for sensitive skin.

These wools naturally regulate temperature and wick moisture, helping you stay warm without overheating or feeling clammy. In lightweight knits, they can work beautifully as base layers, like long sleeves or leggings that add warmth without bulk or scratchiness.

Why Lingerie Choices Matter More in Winter

In winter, lingerie becomes the first line of defense for sensitive skin. These pieces sit directly on areas already stressed by temperature shifts, so every seam, band, and fiber matters. Wires, heavy padding, tight elastics, and synthetic fabrics can dig in, trap heat, and rub against fragile skin, turning mild irritation into an all-day distraction.

Additionally, winter dressing often means piling on layers. Moving from freezing sidewalks into overheated rooms can overwhelm the nervous system, and scratchy fabrics, tight bands, or heavy garments only intensify that discomfort. Breathable, low-friction base layers help avoid sensory overload in winter.

JulieMay’s Georgia Wire-Free Pull-Over Bralette is made from a breathable blend of silk and ultra-soft Pima cotton. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, wire-free, and gentle against the skin. Wide straps and full back coverage provide smoothing support without pressure.

Winter Fabric Care Tips That Protect Sensitive Skin

Even the most skin-friendly fabrics can cause irritation if they’re not cared for properly. In winter, when skin is already vulnerable, fabric care matters more than you might expect. 

• Always wash new clothes before wearing them to remove residual dyes, finishes, and processing chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
  
• Choose fragrance-free, natural detergents. 
  
• Skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets altogether, as they often leave behind residue that traps allergens and triggers reactions. 
  
• Opt for breathable clothing and bedding to allow heat and moisture to escape rather than trapping them against the skin.

Together, these simple steps help limit allergen exposure and keep winter skin calmer and more comfortable.

Protect Your Skin During Winter

Winter skin struggles aren’t solved by moisturizer alone. Thoughtful fabric choices and breathable base layers can help reduce irritation, prevent flare-ups, and make winter dressing feel supportive rather than harmful. 

By rethinking lingerie as a foundation for skin health, you give your body a better starting point every day. At JulieMay, that belief guides everything we design: pieces made to feel good and care for sensitive skin season after season.