What Kind of Underwear Is Best for Sensitive Skin?
Underwear sits closer to your skin than almost anything else you wear — which is why it matters so much when you have sensitive skin.
Synthetic fabrics, tight elastics, or poorly finished seams can cause irritation, redness, or flare-ups. I know this not just from research, but from countless conversations with women who were tired of choosing between comfort and confidence.
At curae, I wanted to design pieces that respected your skin first — then looked beautiful. Here’s how to find underwear that truly feels gentle.
1. Prioritise Natural or Cellulosic Fabrics
When skin sensitivity is an issue, fibre content is everything. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials like:
- Micromodal: made from Austrian beechwood, it’s ultra-soft, smooth, and naturally antibacterial.
- Bamboo viscose: cooling and hypoallergenic.
- Organic cotton: durable, absorbent, and ideal for those with eczema-prone skin.
Founder insight: I first fell in love with Micromodal in my local sewing shop because it feels like silk but behaves like cotton — it doesn’t trap heat or moisture, and it’s made in closed-loop Austrian mills using sustainable beechwood pulp.
👉 Try: Curae’s Micromodal collection — underwear that feels as soft as it looks.
2. Avoid Harsh Elastics and Tight Seams
Elastics lined with polyester or rubber can chafe sensitive skin — especially around the waist and leg openings. Choose hidden elastics or soft bindings that move with you.
When developing our Cosy Charlotte Shorts, I spent months testing different elastics until we found one made from natural rubber wrapped in organic cotton — gentle, breathable, and supportive without digging in.
3. Look for Flat or Hidden Seams
Raised seams or labels can cause micro-irritations — especially for those with dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema. Choose flatlock stitching or seamless construction wherever possible.
We finish every pair of curae shorts with a flat interior seam and wider gusset, ensuring no friction against delicate areas. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference after hours of wear.
4. Wash Gently and Skip the Softener
Even the softest underwear can irritate your skin if it’s coated in residues. Wash on a cold or 30°C gentle cycle, use mild detergent, and skip fabric softener (which can coat fibres and reduce breathability).
If you’re highly reactive, look for fragrance-free detergents and rinse an extra cycle.
5. Trust How It Feels, Not Just How It Looks
Your skin will tell you within an hour if something’s wrong. Listen to it. Underwear that feels cool, breathable, and unnoticeable — that’s the gold standard for sensitive skin.
“The way the fabric feels matters more than the label,” one customer told me. “Cuurve’s shorts feel buttery soft but stay in place — it’s like they were made for sensitive skin without being clinical.”
That’s exactly the balance curae stands for: gentle, made beautiful.
Founder’s Note
When I learned to sew, I realised how many fabrics that claim to be “soft” are actually full of synthetics that trap heat. I tested dozens of blends before settling on Micromodal — not just because it’s sustainable, but because it genuinely respects the skin.
If your skin tends to react to clothing, start by changing what you wear underneath. It’s the simplest way to bring a little ease back to your day.
💭 Shop the Cosy Charlotte Shorts — breathable comfort for sensitive skin
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