HS Clothing Guide: Fabrics and Styles That Help
What you wear every day directly affects HS comfort and flare frequency. This guide covers the best fabrics, clothing styles, and dressing strategies for every HS-affected body area.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Clothing choices are one component of HS management and do not replace medical treatment. Read full disclaimer.
Clothing is one of the most underappreciated aspects of HS management. The wrong fabric or fit can cause constant friction against sensitive skin, trigger flares, and make existing lesions more painful. The right clothing choices can significantly reduce daily discomfort and may help reduce flare frequency. Pair these strategies with proper bathing and hygiene practices and HS wound care techniques for the most benefit.
This guide is organized by fabric type, body area, and specific clothing categories (underwear, bras, pants, etc.) to make it easy to find recommendations relevant to your HS locations.
Best and Worst Fabrics for HS
100% Cotton (Jersey/Soft)
ExcellentBreathable, soft, absorbs moisture. Widely available and affordable.
Note: Wash before first wear; avoid fabric softeners that reduce breathability.
Bamboo Fabric
ExcellentNaturally antibacterial, extremely soft, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating.
Note: More expensive than cotton but highly recommended for sensitive skin.
Modal
ExcellentSilky soft, breathable, maintains softness after washing, minimal friction.
Note: Often blended with cotton or spandex - check that blends are not too tight.
Moisture-Wicking Athletic Fabrics
GoodPulls sweat away from skin; good for exercise. Look for flat seams.
Note: Must have flat or bonded seams; avoid tight waistbands over lesion areas.
Linen
GoodVery breathable in hot weather; gets softer with washing.
Note: Can be stiff when new; wash multiple times before wearing against HS skin.
Polyester / Nylon (standard)
AvoidTraps heat and moisture; can cause friction and bacterial growth.
Note: Exception: high-quality moisture-wicking athletic polyester with flat seams.
Wool / Rough Textures
AvoidRough fibers cause friction and irritation against sensitive HS skin.
Note: Fine merino wool may be tolerable for some patients.
Denim (tight)
AvoidStiff, heavy fabric causes significant friction in groin and thigh areas.
Note: Soft, stretchy denim may be tolerable; avoid tight fits over active lesions.
Clothing Recommendations by HS Location
Axillary (Armpits)
- -Sleeveless or loose short-sleeve tops to reduce armpit friction
- -Avoid tight-fitting tops with seams running through the armpit
- -Soft cotton or bamboo tank tops as a base layer
- -Avoid antiperspirants with aluminum - use gentle, fragrance-free deodorants or clinical-strength formulas approved by your dermatologist
- -Consider loose-fitting linen or cotton button-down shirts for work
Groin and Inner Thighs
- -Loose-fitting cotton or bamboo underwear - avoid thongs and lace
- -Boxer briefs (for men) or boy-short style underwear (for women) with soft, flat seams
- -Loose-fitting pants or skirts; avoid tight jeans in the thigh area
- -Seamless compression shorts can help reduce thigh friction during walking
- -Anti-chafe products (Body Glide, Monistat Chafing Relief) applied to inner thighs
Submammary (Under Breasts)
- -Wireless bras or bralettes with soft, wide underbands
- -Cotton or bamboo bra fabrics; avoid synthetic lace and underwires that dig into skin
- -Bra extenders to loosen the underband if needed
- -Moisture-wicking bra liners placed under the breast fold
- -Consider going bra-free at home when possible
Gluteal / Perianal
- -Loose-fitting, soft cotton underwear; avoid tight waistbands over active lesions
- -Loose-fitting pants or shorts; avoid tight jeans and leggings over active lesions
- -Donut cushion or coccyx cushion for prolonged sitting
- -Seamless underwear to reduce seam friction
- -Soft cotton pajama pants for sleeping
Chest / Back
- -Loose-fitting, soft cotton or bamboo t-shirts
- -Avoid backpacks with straps that press on back lesions
- -Soft, breathable undershirts as a barrier layer
- -Avoid tight-fitting athletic shirts with seams over lesion areas
Dressing Active HS Lesions Under Clothing
When HS lesions are active and draining, protecting them under clothing requires a layered approach that keeps the wound covered, absorbs drainage, and prevents the dressing from shifting.
1. Primary Dressing (Contact Layer)
Use a non-stick wound contact layer such as Mepitel One, Adaptic, or Mepilex Lite directly on the wound. These prevent the dressing from adhering to the wound bed and reduce pain on removal. Avoid standard adhesive bandages directly on HS lesions.
2. Absorbent Layer
Cover the contact layer with soft gauze or an absorbent pad to manage drainage. Change this layer as needed throughout the day.
3. Securing the Dressing
Secure with gentle, skin-friendly tape (Hypafix, Mefix, or 3M Micropore) rather than standard medical tape. Avoid taping over fragile or inflamed skin.
4. Clothing Layer
Wear a thin, soft cotton layer (such as a cotton undershirt or cotton underwear) between the dressing and outer clothing. This helps absorb any breakthrough drainage and prevents the dressing from shifting with movement.