Underwear That Doesn’t Cause Irritation — What to Look For
Irritation from underwear is more common than most people realise. From friction against seams to synthetic fibres trapping heat, the smallest design details can cause big discomfort — especially if you have sensitive skin, eczema, or lipoedema.
When I started making underwear, I tested dozens of fabrics and seams on myself and friends. I quickly learned that softness isn’t enough — structure matters too. Here’s what makes the difference between irritation and ease.
1. Fabric That Breathes and Moves
Look for natural or cellulosic fabrics — they allow airflow, wick moisture, and reduce trapped heat.
- Micromodal feels silky yet absorbs moisture like cotton.
- Bamboo viscose is naturally antibacterial and cooling.
- Avoid pure synthetics like polyester or nylon blends that cling to the skin.
Founder insight: Our Micromodal is sourced from Austrian mills that use a closed-loop process — it’s smooth, breathable, and sustainably made from beechwood pulp.
👉 Try: Cosy Charlotte Shorts — micromodal softness designed for comfort all day.
2. Flat Seams Over Raised Ones
Raised seams are one of the most common irritation triggers. The constant rubbing, especially at the inner thigh or waistband, can cause redness or rashes.
That’s why all Curae pieces are sewn with flatlock or enclosed seams — smooth to the touch, barely there when worn.
“It’s the first pair I can wear all day without thinking about it,” one customer told me. “They just disappear once they’re on.”
3. Wider, Softer Gussets
A narrow gusset can bunch or twist, creating friction. At Curae, the wider bamboo gusset is antibacterial, breathable, and gives extra protection without bulk. It’s one of the smallest but most powerful comfort upgrades we made.
4. Gentle Waistbands and Hidden Elastics
If you see deep marks on your skin after wearing underwear, the elastic is too tight or too synthetic. Choose styles that use organic or natural rubber elastics encased in soft fabric — they flex with your movement instead of digging in.
During development, I tested tension levels millimetre by millimetre until the waistband felt secure but kind.
5. Avoid Added Fragrance or Chemical Finishes
Some brands coat fabrics with “softeners” or fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. Curae fabrics are uncoated, unbleached, and Oeko-Tex® certified — meaning every component is skin-safe.
Founder’s Note
From years of sewing and sampling, I learned that irritation is rarely about one thing — it’s about how everything comes together. The right fabric, the right gusset width, the right tension.
Curae was born from that obsession with detail: underwear that never distracts, never digs, never itches — it just feels quietly right.
CTA / Internal Links
💭 Explore the Cosy Charlotte Shorts
🌸 Learn how we made ours →
🕊 Join our newsletter for first access to new gentle designs