Tips for Choosing HS-Friendly Clothing

Good options include:

• Skirts
• Dresses
• Flowy yoga pants
• Joggers

For tops and dresses, wide straps are better than thin ones that can dig into your skin. Areas of breathable fabric where you sweat a lot can help keep you comfortable all day.

Clothes that handle sweat well. If you sweat a lot, moisture-wicking fabrics can help by pulling sweat away from your skin so it dries quickly. You often find these fabrics in workout clothes, and they can keep your skin dry during exercise or hot weather. 

Look for materials like: 

• Moisture-wicking blends
• Polyester blends
• Nylon
• Cellulose-based rayon (Lyocell, Tencel)
• Lightweight merino wool 
• Sportswear made specifically to handle sweat

What Types of Clothing to Avoid When You Have HS

Just like there are certain types of clothing that can make a big difference in how comfortable your HS feels, there are types of clothing that can make your symptoms worse. 

Stay away from these fabrics and clothing to keep comfortable and to help prevent flare-ups.

Rough fabrics. When you have HS, certain types of fabrics can really cause problems. Rough materials like wool or stiff jeans can irritate your skin and cause flares. Fabrics that don't let air through trap heat and sweat, which can make HS symptoms worse. 

Avoid wearing: 

• Wool
• Stiff jeans
• Fabrics that trap heat
• Anything that feels scratchy 
• Heavy fabrics that don't let your skin breathe

Tight clothes. Don't wear clothes that fit tightly around your underarms, groin, or other areas where HS usually shows up. Tight clothes rub against your skin, which can irritate it, make sores worse, and increase your chance of getting an infection.

Too many layers. Wearing a lot of layers can trap heat and sweat, especially when it's warm outside. Try not to wear multiple heavy layers and instead choose lighter fabrics that let air flow through. This helps keep your skin cool and dry.

Choosing the Right Underwear and Bras With HS

Picking the best underwear and bras takes special attention because they touch areas on your body where HS often occurs. 

If you tend to have HS sores under your breasts, wearing a regular underwire bra might irritate them. Try wireless bras, bralettes, or sports bras with wide straps instead. Look for ones made with sweat-wicking fabric and few seams. The band shouldn't be tight either. If it leaves marks on your skin, it's too tight.

For underwear, both the fabric and fit matter a lot. Cotton and sweat-wicking materials are best. Pick styles that stay in place without riding up or rubbing. Boy shorts or briefs can help stop your thighs from rubbing together, which is really important if you get HS there. Avoid anything with tight elastic bands that dig into your skin.

Where to Find Clothes That Work With HS

Shopping for clothes when you have HS might take more planning, but it's worth it. While many stores sell breathable, loose clothes, some brands make clothes specifically for people with HS.

HidraWear. This brand makes clothes and underwear just for people with HS. Their products, including bras and underwear, are made to hold bandages in place and reduce rubbing on sensitive skin.

Sports brands. Companies like Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon make workout clothes that handle sweat well and can keep you comfortable during exercise or hot weather. Look for items labeled "moisture-wicking" or "breathable."

Bamboo clothing companies. Some companies, like Cariloha and Boody, focus on making bamboo clothes. These are usually soft, let air through, and are good for the environment.

When shopping, try to feel the fabric before buying if you can. Look at the label to see what the product is made of, and look for clothes labeled as "comfort" or "cooling" wear. It's also good to check return policies in case something doesn't work for you.

Dealing With Stains and Leaks

One hard part of having HS is dealing with possible leaks and stains from sores. While this can be frustrating, there are ways to handle it. 

Dark colors. Dark fabrics hide stains better than light ones. When picking tops, dresses, or pants, think about colors like black, navy, or dark patterns.

Dressing for Different Events When You Have HS

Having HS doesn't mean you can't look and feel good. 

Here are some tips on how to dress and look confident no matter where you’re going: 

Formal events. For fancy occasions, pick loose, flowing fabrics that won't irritate your skin. Dresses made of light fabrics, like chiffon or silk, will look nice and stay comfortable.

Job interviews. For work settings, choose business clothes that feel comfortable and let you move easily. Light blazers, wide-leg pants, or A-line skirts can look professional without causing irritation.

Swimming. Finding good swimwear with HS can be tricky, but look for soft, stretchy fabrics that don't rub against sore spots. High-waisted bikini bottoms or swim shorts can provide plenty of coverage and keep you comfortable.

Exercise clothes. Sweat-wicking workout clothes are really important. Look for loose tops and breathable leggings or joggers that help your skin stay cool and dry.

Building Confidence in Your Clothes

Having HS doesn't mean you can't feel good about what you wear. Focus on clothes that make you comfortable and confident, and build a collection of reliable pieces that work for your body and life. It might take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but it's worth the effort.

Remember that everyone's HS is different, and what helps someone else might not help you. Keep track of what works and what doesn't, and feel free to try new things or change your choices as your needs change. 

With time and attention, you can build a wardrobe that helps manage your HS while feeling good about how you look.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Pay attention to how different fabrics and types of clothes affect your HS symptoms. If you notice certain fabrics always cause flares, or if you get new irritated areas, talk to your doctor about it. They can give you specific advice about managing your symptoms and might have more ideas about clothes that could help.

Living with HS can be challenging, but wearing the right clothes can help reduce pain and flare-ups while helping you feel confident in how you look. By choosing breathable fabrics, loose-fitting styles, and clothes that handle sweat well, you can make a big difference in managing your symptoms. Remember: Feeling comfortable and confident go together, and finding clothes that work for you is key to living better with HS.