How to Choose Underwear for Sensitive Skin

Date: 25 May 2026

Skin doesn't lie. If at the end of the day there are red marks from elastic or a feeling of irritation that we can't explain — perhaps the answer is in our underwear drawer, not in our cosmetics.

Sensitive skin reacts to everything — the fabric, the seams, the elastic, even the way we wash our underwear. And since underwear is the first thing that touches our skin every morning, choosing it carefully really matters.

We have been making underwear for 25 years and we know which fabrics and construction details make underwear truly gentle — the kind that is not felt when worn. In this article we share what to look for — and what to avoid.

Which Fabrics Irritate Sensitive Skin

Not all fabrics are equal — and the difference is felt most strongly by sensitive skin.

Polyester is the most common culprit. Cheap and durable, but it doesn't breathe, retains moisture and heat, and with prolonged wear it irritates the skin. If our underwear makes us feel "stuffy" or causes irritation, we check the label — polyester is probably there.

Rough lace is another problem. Not lace as a type of fabric, but in terms of composition and structure. Some types of lace can be unpleasant to the touch, and poorly finished scalloped edges irritate the skin with every step. With quality elastic lace on a polyamide base this problem simply doesn't exist — it is soft and moves with the body, following every curve and embracing it gently.

Firm elastic can leave marks and irritate the skin even in people without particular sensitivity. With sensitive skin the effect is many times stronger.

Which Fabrics Are Suitable for Sensitive Skin

The good news is that the right fabrics not only don't irritate — they actively care for the skin during wear.

Cotton with elastane is the classic choice for sensitive skin. Natural, breathable and hypoallergenic — cotton fibres allow the skin to breathe. The only drawback of cotton underwear is that it dries slowly and in very hot weather may retain moisture. Cotton briefs and cotton Brazilian briefs are the ideal choice for everyday wear in almost every season and for those prone to irritation.

Polyamide with elastane is a surprisingly good choice even for sensitive skin — when it is high quality. Soft, smooth and breathable, it does not irritate and does not retain moisture. The difference from polyester is felt immediately to the touch — polyamide is significantly gentler and more pleasant against the skin. Microfibre briefs and microfibre Brazilian briefs in polyamide are an excellent choice under clothes — including for sensitive skin. The Silky Touch collection is specially created for women with high standards of quality and style, including those with sensitive skin — ultra soft and elastic microfibre, fine seams and precise cuts that gently follow the body without pressing.

Regardless of whether we choose quality elastic cotton or fine polyamide microfibre as the base for our underwear, when the style is combined with high quality lace and fine elastic, the underwear becomes beautiful and luxurious — without sacrificing the comfort of sensitive skin.

The rule is simple: cotton or polyamide — never polyester.

Seams and Details — Why They Matter for Sensitive Skin

Fabric is only part of the story. The other half is the workmanship.

Fine seams are essential for sensitive skin. Protruding seams are felt with every movement and with prolonged wear leave imprints and irritation on the skin. Quality microfibre underwear uses flat seams for exactly this reason — they are not felt and leave no marks.

Soft elastic is equally important. Elastic that presses not only irritates — it restricts circulation with all-day wear. Quality elastic must fit without pressing, move with the body and not leave significant marks on the skin after undressing.

Regardless of the main fabric of the style — microfibre, lace or tulle — a cotton hygiene panel is an essential detail.

The Right Size — Why It Matters for Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, size is not just a question of comfort — it is a question of health.

Underwear that is slightly too small creates constant friction in the contact zones — exactly where the skin is most delicate. Elastic that presses not only leaves marks, but with sensitive skin can cause irritation, redness and even rashes.

When in doubt between two sizes — we always choose the larger one. Underwear that follows the body without pressing is invisible when worn and does not remind us it is there. That is exactly how it should be.

Caring for Underwear with Sensitive Skin

Even the most suitable underwear can start to irritate if it is not properly cared for.

The washing detergent is the first thing we pay attention to. Aggressive bleaching detergents and fabric softeners with strong fragrances leave residues in the fabric which cause irritation on contact with the skin. We recommend a mild fragrance-free detergent — specially formulated for delicate garments or sensitive skin.

Washing temperature also matters. Hot water breaks down elastic fibres and can activate detergent residues. A delicate programme up to 30 degrees is the right choice.

Air drying away from direct sunlight keeps the fabric soft and gentle. The tumble dryer and direct sun damage the fibres and make the fabric rougher over time.

For more advice on keeping our underwear in excellent condition, see our article on how to care for women's underwear.

In Short

Sensitive skin is not a problem — it simply requires more careful choices and care. The right fabric, fine seams, soft elastic and the correct size make the difference between underwear that irritates and underwear that we simply don't notice.