Dermatologist-Recommended Underwear: What to Look for When You Have Sensitive Skin

Struggling to find underwear that doesn’t irritate your sensitive skin? As someone who’s dealt with macular amyloidosis and lifelong skin sensitivities, I know how frustrating it can be to get answers—and real relief. Here’s what dermatologists recommend, what I’ve learned from my own journey, and how you can make the best choices for your comfort and health.

It took me four years to get a diagnosis for my skin condition. I first saw a GP, but with only a minute to look at my skin, she told me it was just dry skin and to use moisturiser. I tried that, but nothing changed. Later, at a soap-making workshop, another woman suggested vitamin E—again, no results. The first dermatologist I saw recommended a chemical peel, which didn’t help either. Finally, after a biopsy, another dermatologist diagnosed me with macular amyloidosis. He told me there was no cure, just ways to manage the itchiness.

As someone who loves to solve problems, I found this incredibly frustrating. Wrong fabrics made the itchiness worse and caused the patches of darker skin to spread. Over time, I’ve managed to control my symptoms by using heavy-duty creams, improving my diet, and staying active. But what made a huge difference was changing what I wore next to my skin—especially my underwear.

Dermatologists and skin charities like the National Eczema Society suggest choosing underwear made from soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics. Look for a high percentage of cotton, modal, lyocell, or viscose, and minimise the amount of polyester and elastane. These natural fibres help reduce irritation and keep skin cool and dry.
(For more details, see eczema.org’s advice on clothing and eczema.)

When I shop for underwear, I always check where the fabric is produced and what it’s made of. I go by how the fabric feels—tactile response matters. That’s how I discovered the benefits of modal, especially TENCEL™ Modal, and why I chose it for Cuurve.

Many of my customers with lipoedema have shared that switching to Cuurve’s modal underwear was life-changing. One customer told me, “For the first time, I can wear underwear all day without itching or discomfort.” At pop-up events, people are often amazed at how much softer our fabrics feel compared to what they’re used to. Try for yourself with my designed Cosy Charlotte shorts.

 

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