The Best Underwear for Healthy Skin: Breathable, Gentle, and Sustainable

What you wear closest to your skin makes a big difference to your comfort and health - especially your underwear. Spending your day feeling itchy, irritated, and uncomfortable can turn a good day into a bad one - and since underwear is one item most of us wear every single day - it needs to be the right option. 

While scratchy underwear could be throwing your day off course, for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions, it could also spell breakouts and flare ups. Underwear sits close to the most sensitive areas of our body and it’s important that it is gentle and breathable for optimal intimate health, as well as providing the support and coverage for your individual needs. 

We’re taking a look at some common skin irritations and what to look for when buying underwear in order to avoid them.

How your Underwear affects healthy skin

Choosing the right underwear is crucial for keeping your skin healthy and avoiding irritation. The skin in the intimate areas of our bodies is thinner and more sensitive than the rest, making it more susceptible to skin issues. This area can also suffer with irritation as a result of warmth and moisture build up, particularly during warmer months or when exercising. 

The fabrics you choose for your underwear make a big difference, and it’s important to choose carefully as fabrics can often be treated with chemicals and dyes which cause problems, especially for sensitive skin. Opting for skin-friendly underwear can help people with eczema, allergies, and other skin conditions to avoid uncomfortable flare ups and sail smoothly through their day.

What to Look for in Irritation-Free Underwear

One of the key qualities you need to look out for when choosing underwear for healthy skin is breathability. Since this is a naturally moist area where you might also struggle with sweating in the summer, it can become a prime environment for harmful bacteria growth. Seeking out naturally breathable fabrics is going to make a huge difference in avoiding this. The best options for this are cotton, bamboo, and cellulose-derived fabrics like Tencel as they are all made from natural fibres which allow for good air circulation. Fabrics to avoid in this area are man made synthetic fibres like polyester as these will trap particles and prevent breathability. 

Another consideration is to do with the cut and shape of the underwear. This is more of a personal preference as different people with different body shapes will find that different styles feel more or less comfortable for them. Some people prefer higher waisted styles to provide some coverage on the lower belly, as well as a smooth barrier between their skin and their clothing. Others might find they prefer a lower waist with more coverage over the legs. Try out different styles to see which is best for you. 

Choosing styles which have simple seams and without details such as lace or embellishment can also help with irritation and skin conditions. A smooth, soft fit all over will help to avoid itchiness or catching and bunching fabric. 

When choosing a bra, you could also try looking out for options without underwiring to reduce the risk of rubbing and chafing. Our Y.O.U Underwear organic cotton bras are a supportive alternative to traditional bras without wire and with flat seams and wide straps, avoiding digging in. 

Finally, it’s not only the fabric itself that is important but the ways it has been treated. Conventional cotton, for example, is often sprayed with fertilisers and pesticides in the fields. This not only harms the natural environment, but can also contribute to skin irritation and flare ups as the harsh chemicals can transfer onto your skin. Organic cotton uses natural farming methods to encourage biodiversity and avoid harsh chemicals. Additionally, GOTS certified dyes (like those used in all our fabrics) ensure that the fabrics don't contain heavy metals or toxic substances which can be absorbed through the skin. 

Y.O.U Underwear

Many of our customers struggle with finding underwear that accommodates their particular skin issues. Whether it’s eczema, allergies, or sensitivity to certain metals, finding a comfortable option can feel exhausting. That’s why our customers are so relieved when they are able to find an eco-friendly brand making super soft organic cotton underwear. Our range of styles mean you can find something that’s right for you and will fit with your current wardrobe. 

The fabric we use is light, breathable, and cloud soft. Thanks to the organic cotton it is durable and washes well, while our bra styles offer support without restrictive wiring or thick padding. Our sleek and classic cuts ensure your underwear will sit smoothly under your clothes and fit to your skin without hugging or rolling down.

Check out some of our customer reviews below:

If you're someone who struggles with irritated skin then don't despair! There are underwear options to help you feel supported and confident with skin that's able to breathe. We hope you found these tips useful and find the style you can fall in love with!

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Images courtesy of Y.O.U Underwear and Canva