Psoriasis clothing: pick fabrics and fits that stop irritation

Clothes don’t just cover your skin — they can make psoriasis better or worse. If your flare-ups seem to line up with certain shirts, shoes, or socks, small changes can drop redness, itching, and pain. Below are real, usable tips you can try today.

Best fabrics and fits

Choose soft, breathable fabrics. Cotton, bamboo and linen let air move and reduce sweat build-up. Silk feels smooth and can calm friction on sensitive spots. Avoid rough wool and most polyester blends — they trap heat and can rub patches raw.

Loose fits beat tight clothes. Tight waistbands, skinny jeans and snug socks increase friction and pressure on skin, which can trigger more plaques. If you like a fitted look, aim for stretch fabrics with a soft interior so seams don’t dig in.

Seams, tags and closures matter. Look for tagless labels, flat seams, and soft zippers. A tiny scratch from a tag can become a persistent sore on inflamed skin. If you shop online, check product photos for seam style and read return policies in case you need to swap items.

Care, special items and smart habits

Wash with fragrance-free, dye-free detergent. Residues from scented detergents and fabric softeners irritate many people with psoriasis. Rinse on an extra cycle and use cool or warm water instead of hot, which can dry skin out more.

Air dry when you can. High-heat dryers can roughen fibers and make clothes less gentle. If you must tumble dry, use low heat and remove items while slightly damp to avoid stiffness.

Try cotton-lined gloves and socks at night. Apply your usual moisturizer or ointment, then wear a soft cotton glove or sock to lock in moisture while you sleep. This helps hands and feet heal faster and keeps ointment from rubbing off on bedding.

Be careful with swimwear and sunscreen. Chlorine can dry and sting psoriasis plaques. Rinse swimwear right after swimming and moisturize immediately. If sun helps your psoriasis, use UPF swim shirts or rash guards to protect areas you don’t want to expose.

Choose breathable shoes and change socks daily. For foot psoriasis, leather or mesh shoes let moisture escape. Try cotton or moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry but soft.

Layer smartly. Cool or warm flares respond to temperature. Lightweight layers let you remove clothing instead of sweating, which reduces heat-triggered flares. Carry a soft scarf or light hoodie for sudden temperature changes.

Need something special? Look for adaptive clothing brands that use comfortable seams, wider openings, and soft fabrics. A tailor can also modify favorite pieces to remove rough tags or change tight cuffs.

Small changes add up. Start by swapping one or two problem items — like a wool sweater or a rough pair of jeans — and notice how your skin responds. If irritation continues despite fixing clothing and care, talk to your dermatologist about topical options or other causes.