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Think about how many different types of fabric you touch per day. From your bedsheets and backpack to a team uniform or workout gear, you’re touching — and wearing — so many fabrics. It’s probably not something you think too deeply about, especially when you’re getting dressed in a rush, but if you’re struggling with persistent face and body acne, you may want to take a closer look at your wardrobe.
But wait — why do fabrics matter when it comes to your skin? Isn’t acne prevention about washing your face and keeping your pores clean? Yes, but the fabrics you encounter on a daily basis matter too. Your skin is constantly in contact with fabric, from the clothes you wear to the sheets you sleep on, and that fabric could be trapping sweat or bacteria, which can then turn into acne. So, yes, there is such a thing as the best fabrics for acne-prone skin, and we’re here to break them all down for you.
Meet the expert
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut
“Fabrics can soothe or sabotage your skin,” Dr. Gohara tells Teen Vogue. “Some materials trap sweat, oil, and bacteria or create friction that leads to irritation and breakouts, while others let your skin breathe and recover.”
Take, for example, your pillowcase — it’s absorbing oil and dead skin from your face, leftover makeup or sunscreen, hair products, and sweat, and you’re exposing your face to that night after night.
In fact, you could be exposing your skin to acne-causing bacteria without even knowing it. Dr. Gohara says the back, chest, shoulders, thighs, butt, and face most frequently come in contact with fabric; even the smallest parts of your clothing or bedding can cause acne. “Straps, seams, waistbands, pillowcases, and even headbands can rub or trap sweat in those high-friction zones, increasing the likelihood of irritation or breakouts,” she elaborates.
And it’s not just about your clothes — how you care for them matters too. Your laundry habits can make a major difference in keeping your skin clean, and this can impact a lot more than your bedsheets and towels. Dr. Gohara says that if you’re noticing breakouts along your hairline or temples, your headband or hat could be the culprit. Try washing them more frequently to see if it helps. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from heavily scented detergents and opt for fragrance-free alternatives instead. Furthermore, towels and bedding should be washed in hot water to kill acne-causing bacteria.
Whether you’re dealing with zits on your back, shoulders, and butt, recurring breakouts on your forehead, or a little bit of everything, focusing on breathability, using fabrics made of natural materials (and washing them frequently) can be a game-changer for clearer skin. Ahead, learn more about the six best fabrics for acne-prone skin.
1. Cotton
You know how your favorite old cotton T-shirt always makes you feel happy and comfortable, or just good? There’s a reason for that. Cotton is a natural fiber that is versatile and breathable, making it a daily essential for everyone, especially for acne-prone people. One hundred percent cotton sheets and towels are a good place to start revamping your bathroom and bedroom, as are cotton denim, cotton T-shirts and dresses, and cotton underwear and bras or bralettes.
If you use a cotton terry towel, make sure you’re hanging it correctly so it dries fully, not leaving it in a pile on the floor; that’s a guaranteed bacteria breeding ground. In addition, ensure you’re using clean towels and washcloths whenever possible and washing them in hot water.
Your activewear of choice may also be at fault. Dr. Gohara recommends choosing fabrics like cotton or bamboo whenever possible, including at the gym. “You may notice more breakouts around areas where fabric rubs and traps moisture, like under a sports bra, especially those with wide, compressive straps,” she says.
A bra with thinner straps may reduce friction, and swapping your athletic-material tops for a cotton tank or T-shirt is a more breathable option. If you typically skip underwear with leggings or yoga pants, Dr. Gohara says that combination of sweat and friction is “a recipe for buttne.” If you’re noticing more bumps on your butt, it might be a good idea to wear cotton underwear with your workout gear or swap your spandex leggings for cotton. Let your workout clothes dry fully if you’re planning to wear them again; toss them in the wash if not.
2. Muslin
When it’s time to wash and dry your face, Dr. Gohara suggests muslin, a breezy cotton fabric often used for lightweight summer tops and dresses or baby blankets and wraps.
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