Written in partnership with Dr Clarence de Belilovsky, dermatologist and member of the Mustela Experts Circle.
Quick answer: Dress babies and children with eczema in soft, smooth, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk. Avoid wool and other prickly or rough fabrics, which can irritate the skin.¹ Choose loose fits and light layers, because overheating makes itching worse.² Rinse laundry thoroughly, and during hay fever season, when grass pollen peaks, dry clothes inside.³
Fabrics for eczema at a glance
| Fabric | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | ✅ Best choice | Soft, breathable and easy to wash |
| Linen, silk, hemp | ✅ Good | Smooth, fine fibres that let air circulate |
| Wool | ❌ Avoid | Prickly, rough fibres can irritate the skin |
| Polyester, acrylic, nylon | ⚠️ Limit | Can trap heat and sweat, and overheating worsens itching |
Why does clothing matter for eczema?
Eczema affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital,⁴ and itch is often the hardest symptom to live with. Scratching releases chemicals that make the skin itchier, and this "itch–scratch cycle" can disrupt sleep.⁵
Clothing sits against your child's skin all day and all night, so it can either calm or aggravate that cycle. Prickly or rough fabrics can irritate eczema-prone skin, and clothes that make your child too hot can make itching worse.
Which fabrics are best for eczema-prone skin?
Soft, smooth, breathable fabrics: cotton first, then linen, silk and hemp. These materials have fine fibres that feel gentle on the skin and let air circulate, which helps limit sweating.
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and acrylic may feel soft, but they don't breathe as well and absorb little sweat. That can leave your child hot and clammy, and overheating makes itching worse.
Is wool bad for eczema?
Yes, it's best kept away from the skin. Wool is warm and natural, but its rough, prickly fibres can irritate eczema-prone skin.¹ In cooler weather, keep your child warm with several soft cotton layers instead of a woollen jumper.
What clothing styles are best for children with eczema?
- Loose fits: loose clothes don't rub constantly against the skin. Avoid tight cuts and skivvies (turtlenecks), which can cause friction and overheating.
- Tags and seams: cut out scratchy labels and choose clothes with flat seams.
- Light layers: in cooler months, layer a cotton bodysuit, a cotton T-shirt and a soft cotton cardigan. Avoid overdressing, which can make your child too hot.
- Hot weather: choose light, loose cotton clothing, as heat and sweat can make itching worse.
Moisturise before dressing. Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream was developed with feedback from more than 200 families. Its soft, non-sticky texture absorbs quickly, so it's easier to get your child dressed without a greasy residue.⁶
What should children with eczema wear to bed?
Itching often gets worse at night and can disrupt your child's sleep. For more comfortable nights:
- choose soft pyjamas with minimal seams, in cotton or silk
- keep the bedroom cool and avoid over-wrapping your child
- use cotton sheets, and remove woollen underlays from the bed⁷
For more tips on creating a comfortable sleep environment, read our guide to reducing eczema triggers at home.
How should you wash clothes for a child with eczema?
Rinsing matters more than which detergent you use. Laundry detergent doesn't cause eczema, but any detergent left in the fabric can dry out and irritate sensitive skin.
- Use less detergent: half the recommended dose is usually enough.
- Choose liquid over powder, and avoid heavily perfumed products.
- Skip fabric softener, which leaves residue on clothes.
- Run an extra rinse cycle if you're unsure your machine rinses thoroughly.
Should you dry clothes inside or outside?
Inside during hay fever season. In Australia and New Zealand, grass pollen counts are usually highest between late September and December, the peak of hay fever season, and ASCIA advises drying bedding and clothing inside during this time.³ This matters most if your child is sensitive to pollen. Outside this season, line drying is fine.
For more on caring for your child's skin between and during flares, read our guide on how to care for eczema-prone skin.
Frequently asked questions about clothing and eczema
Should I wash new clothes before my child wears them?
Yes. New clothes can carry finishing treatments and dyes from manufacturing, so wash them before the first wear, using your usual gentle routine and an extra rinse.
Is "hypoallergenic" laundry detergent better for eczema?
Not necessarily. A hypoallergenic label means common allergens have been removed, which may lower the risk of contact allergy, but it doesn't prevent atopic eczema. Thorough rinsing and avoiding strong fragrances matter more than the label.
What if my child's school uniform is polyester?
Many Australian school uniforms use polyester blends. Ask whether cotton-rich options are available, or have your child wear a soft cotton layer underneath so the synthetic fabric doesn't sit directly against their skin.
Should I cut the labels out of my child's clothes?
Yes, if they rub. Scratchy labels and raised seams can irritate eczema-prone skin, especially on the neck and waist. Cut labels close to the seam, or choose tag-free clothing.
References
- Telethon Kids Institute. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) fact sheet – Koolungar Moorditj Healthy Skin Project.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- ASCIA. Allergen Minimisation – Frequently Asked Questions (2024).
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- Mustela Australia. Study on Atopic Dermatitis in infants, children and adults.
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government). House dust mite.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist about your child's skin.
