Clothes shopping can be tricky, especially when you have psoriasis. In addition to your personal style preferences, you may need to consider factors like protecting your skin against the elements and finding fabrics that aren’t irritating.

Because wearing tight clothing and certain fabrics, dyes, and detergents can aggravate psoriasis-prone skin, choosing the right clothing can also be a practical part of daily self-care.

Read more to learn about fabrics to choose, what you may want to avoid, and other considerations for getting dressed when living with psoriasis.

The Best Fabrics for Sensitive Skin With Psoriasis

Soft, breathable natural fibers are often more comfortable than heat-trapping synthetics for those with sensitive skin. You may want to look for clothing made of:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Bamboo
• Silk
• Lyocell/Tencel

“I find that natural fibers that allow your skin to breathe help,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member shared. This can be especially helpful if you find that sweat worsens your symptoms.

Many people avoid wool because it can be irritating and scratchy. If you want to wear wool, consider wearing a cotton shirt underneath. You can also try a softer wool, like merino. Test it carefully against your skin first and avoid wearing it directly over active plaques if it causes itching or irritation.

“I find that natural fibers that allow your skin to breathe help."

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Loose-Fitting Styles

Looser-fitting styles are usually more comfortable and can help avoid irritating symptomatic skin. “I can’t wear jeans or anything close to my sore-covered legs. I have a collection of thin cotton joggers I wear most of the time,” one member wrote.

Avoiding Stains

Psoriasis creams, ointments, and lotions can stick to or stain your clothing, particularly if it’s silk. If you need to apply ointments in the morning, you may need to allow extra time for them to soak in before you put on other clothes. Alternatively, you could layer an undershirt beneath a nicer top to avoid staining your clothing.

Psoriasis-Specific Attire

Some companies offer clothing options specifically designed for people with psoriasis or other skin conditions. These garments may include features such as soft fabrics, tagless designs, flat seams or seamless designs, and fewer scratchy details.

Those features can matter because rough seams, fibers, fastenings, and threads can bother sensitive skin.

Other Clothing Factors To Consider

There are many other additional factors to consider when getting dressed — from self-consciousness to work dress codes. Below are some common concerns people with psoriasis have when getting dressed.

Should You Cover Up?

People with psoriasis have different opinions about covering their skin. Some prefer to keep plaques covered, while others feel better when their skin gets some sunlight and air.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member said, “Wearing the least coverage of fabric helps, as the fabric absorbs any oil from your skin. Even a little sunlight helps your skin, so I wear shorts as long as I can in the fall and then again in early spring.”

Some members find it empowering to let their skin show. “I don’t hide from my psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. I will not let others affect how I dress,” one member said. “If people want to stare, then let them. If they seem bewildered, I will go talk to them about my condition.”

Others talk about using clothing to conceal their symptoms or avoid drawing attention to them. “People’s attention always goes to my arms when I’m talking with them,” one member said. “It’s very embarrassing for me. I’m a very self-conscious person. So, I decided to cover up my psoriasis.”

Another member shared, “If you have psoriasis in your ears or on your scalp, dark-colored tops are impossible.”

If you worry about flakes, lighter colors or patterns can make skin flakes less noticeable. But if your plaques tend to crack or bleed, black or dark fabrics can be a better option.

How Do You Dress for Work?

If you have to wear a uniform or professional clothing, you may have less control over fabric choice. Try a soft base layer, which may help reduce direct contact between plaques and rougher garments. You can try thin undershirts or leggings made from cotton, bamboo, lyocell/Tencel, or silk.

“I can’t wear jeans or anything close to my sore-covered legs. I have a collection of thin cotton joggers I wear most of the time."

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Sometimes being comfortable with psoriasis can come into conflict with professional requirements. “I’m a nurse and having a bad flare-up at the minute, so I’m wearing long sleeves under my uniform,” one member shared. “A lady doing a hygiene audit reported me for my sleeves! I’m so angry!”

Your supervisor or colleagues may not understand that you’re trying to cover flared skin. Depending on your comfort level, you can explain the reason behind certain clothing choices. You can also set up a private meeting with human resources or your manager to explain your medical needs.

According to the Job Accommodation Network, “If the employee cannot meet the dress code because of a disability, the employer may still require compliance if the dress code is job-related and consistent with business necessity.”

Hopefully, by speaking to your employer, you can come up with a solution that works for everyone. Ask your dermatologist for documentation of your psoriasis symptoms and treatment recommendations, so you can help educate your employer about the reasons for your request.

What Detergent Should You Use?

After you find the right clothes, you need to know how to wash them. It’s important to choose hypoallergenic and dye- and fragrance-free laundry detergents. Fragranced detergents can contain chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that may irritate skin.

If you have dry-clean-only clothing, let the dry cleaner know you have more sensitive skin.

If your skin gets more irritated after switching detergents, fabric softeners, or clothing brands, take note so you can avoid those products in the future.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What fabrics or clothing tips help you feel more comfortable with psoriasis? Let others know in the comments below.