Updated May 8, 2026
Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start…If you know the reference you’ll be singing “doe a deer, a female deer” in your head for the next 4 hours 🤣
I was taken to the dermatologist for the first time when I was three years old due to a rash all over my body. It was quickly determined the fire retardant in my new polyester pajamas was a skin irritant and I would probably have skin allergies the rest of my life, and mannnnnn have I!!! Clothing fibers can be a huge source of skin issues.
I have actually been able to wear synthetic fibers throughout my adult life (my mom kept me in natural fibers as a child), but I am now currently in the process of transitioning my wardrobe to all-natural fibers. It has been a sad and fun experience-sad saying goodbye to a handful of my favorites but insanely fun searching for new core pieces to love.
Plant-Based Fibers:
Cotton, Linen (Flax), Hemp, Jute, Ramie
Animal-Based Fibers:
Wool, Silk, Cashmere, Mohair, Alpaca
Keep in mind, while these all-natural fibers are usually a good option for those with skin sensitivities, some people may also have a wool allergy. As if we needed even more things to be allergic to! But…there is a test to determine that! My dermatologist was going to have me do it when I had a mystery rash (shocker, we’ve all been there!!!)earlier this year. It is called the T.R.U.E. Test and it tests for allergic contact dermatitis to 35 common allergens. Just something to look into and discuss with your dermatologist if you think that you might be having a contact dermatitis reaction. But I digress…. as my beastie always says.
Back to the all-natural fibers! These fibers are becoming harder and harder to come by due to the inexpensiveness of synthetic fibers, but there has been a renewed interest in all natural fibers which is increasing their presence. Many new sources can be quite expensive.
My new addiction and preference is thrifting! You can find so many high-quality, inexpensive “vintage” pieces this way. The majority of my recent finds have been Ann Taylor LOFT, but I have also found a few higher end pieces. I found a black wool and silk Linda Allard Ellen Tracy cardigan for $5.99 at Goodwill (retails for $100+) and a J. Crew 100% cotton tank dress for $1 at my local hospice thrift store!!!
It is a treasure hunt for me now and I cannot wait for my next “fix.” 🤣 99.9% of my thrift trips I find at least one item. I also check the men’s section as well. They have some of the best cotton sweaters. Some of my own personal favorite brands I look for thrifting, since they offer many cotton and linen options, are: J. Jill,Talbots, Modano International, Sonoma, H&M, London Jean, Liz Claiborne, Athleta (THE best linen pants in my opinion), Old Navy, American Eagle, Madewell, and Tahari.
I have been selling a lot of my synthetic fibers pieces on Poshmark and then buying all-natural fiber items I find on there with my sales earnings so it’s basically like getting them for free! 😜
If you’ve never used Poshmark then you’ll definitely need to check it out! If you use the link below and my referral code SQUIFFY35, you will receive $10 upon joining and I will receive $10 after your first order is delivered. Win- Win!
I understand that thrifting and buying used clothing online is not for everyone. Some new shopping options that offer 100% cotton choices include GAP, Boden, Universal Thread (Target), Pact, and Quince. Those choices offer a variety of types of clothing at different price points.
One of the most all-natural fibers item for me to find is bras and bralettes. So I thought I would share a couple that I would recommend. And don’t worry, they’re from Amazon so if you don’t like them…free returns! The Inlyric bralette is 90% cotton 10% elastane. The Hanes racerback sports bra is 95% cotton 5% spandex, but only certain colors so be sure to read the description carefully! It seems as though all of the gray ones contain polyester. Finally, I love the Bella + Canvas racerbaack tank tops. Most seem to be 100% cotton! EXCEPT for the heather colors. They ALL contain polyester.
Are synthetic fibers causing your skin irritation? Most likely for the majority of us no, however there is a chance that for some people it might be the case. But I can say that my skin is a lot happier overall with all-natural fibers. It doesn’t hurt to try switching out a few pieces. Who knows, you may get the thrifting bug like me. And you know what they say, thrifting doesn’t count as shopping, it’s saving the planet! 😜