When you have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), choosing the best underwear involves much more than simply considering the color and size. The wrong fabric, fit, or style can cause irritation and even pain, especially during a flare-up.

“It seems that certain underwear don’t agree with me,” one myHSteam member wrote. “My outbreaks happen less often when I am able to wear less clothes — nothing tight.” Another member said, “I had to stop wearing bras. Now I wear camisoles under everything instead of a bra.”

Read on to learn how to choose undergarments that will help you feel more comfortable while living with HS.

Breathable, Airy Fabrics Are Key

HS abscesses often appear in areas where skin rubs together. This includes the groin, armpits, buttocks, and anal region — all areas typically covered by underwear. When heat and moisture build up in these areas, HS symptoms can get worse, leading to abscesses and irritation.

To help reduce this, it can help to avoid underwear made from fabrics that trap moisture. Avoid bras and undies made of polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics. Instead, look for garments made of soft, breathable, and absorbent fibers.

This may include garments created from 100 percent cotton, bamboo, flax, or silk. Rayon, made from wood pulp, may also be a good option. Some underwear brands are marketed as using “moisture-wicking” fibers. These are designed to keep moisture away from your skin and keep it as dry as possible.

“I go with cotton underwear when flaring,” one myHSteam member said. Another shared, “I buy bamboo fabric underwear from Amazon. Very soft, nonbinding, and stretchy.”

Focus on Fit

Once you’ve considered your fabric options, it’s time to think about fit. The right fit can make a big difference in comfort.

Any clothing that’s tight on your skin can lead to friction. This can make your HS symptoms worse and can increase the pain from lesions. Instead, look for loose-fitting undergarments that don’t put pressure on your skin. “I wear granny panties, meaning the underwear that covers everything and is loose,” one myHSteam member wrote.

Consider Boxer Briefs and Boy Shorts

Some underwear styles may cause less friction than others. For instance, wearing high-cut briefs or boy shorts can prevent fabric from rubbing against the skin in your groin area.

“I ordered women’s boy shorts underwear from Amazon,” one myHSteam member said. “They are really comfortable!” Another member said, “I’m currently wearing stretchy soft bamboo panties from Amazon. I can’t even feel them!” For some, going without underwear is the best solution. One member said, “I have not worn underwear in years, because anything that touches certain areas causes a breakout.”

Seamless underwear can also help avoid irritation, as seams can be irritating. “I wear women’s invisible no-show seamless underwear,” one myHSteam member wrote. For those who can’t find seamless options, another member suggested a creative solution: “Try wearing them inside out,” they advised.

People of all genders on myHSteam recommend boxer shorts for reducing friction. “I recommend Step One boxers for men with HS in the groin area,” one member wrote. “They’re made from bamboo, are great for sweating, and don’t rub you.”

Some brands make underwear specially designed for people with HS. HidraWear is one company that creates underwear with hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms in mind. Their garments are made from breathable materials that help hold wound dressings in place without tape.

“I recently found a product that’s been a game-changer for my mobility — it’s called HidraWear,” one member wrote. Another replied, “It’s been helping me get through my day without having to constantly change dressings, and I’ve been able to wear more normal pants.”

Bra Alternatives May Be Helpful

If you get HS abscesses under your arms, across your chest, or around your breasts, it can be extremely painful to wear a traditional bra. Many people find that camisoles or sports bras are much more comfortable than tight, restrictive bras.

“I wear the largest, loosest, cotton sports bra I can find. They are cheap,” one myHSteam member said. “They don’t give a lot of support, but the elastic inside the casing at the bottom does at least keep my girls from going to the knees.”

Another member said, “I wear only sports bras. Nothing with wiring.” A third replied, “Sports bras are a godsend! I have ones that are a light material, as I can’t wear bras anymore. I notice an hour into wearing one, I get a boil. I wear sports bras, or no bra, as much as possible to avoid the pain.”

Washing Your Underwear

Keeping any abscesses or lesions as clean as possible is essential to keep HS flares at bay. This includes changing your underwear frequently to keep any discharge from coming into contact with your skin. Some myHSteam members use sanitary pads to absorb any leakage. That way, they can replace them often without having to remove their clothes every time.

“I put a panty liner sideways in the front of my underwear,” one member said. “Since these pads are designed to absorb blood without sticking to it, I don’t get the painful problem of the fabric sticking to a wound and ripping.”

When you wash your underwear, choose laundry detergents that are free of dyes and fragrances to avoid irritating your skin.

Speak With Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing an HS flare-up that makes it difficult to wear underwear, talk to your dermatology provider. They can help you develop a treatment plan to minimize symptoms in sensitive areas. They can also provide advice on the best fabrics or products to use that won’t irritate existing HS lesions.

Find Your Team

If you or a loved one is living with HS, consider joining myHSteam today. Here, more than 45,000 members from around the world come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and connect with others who understand life with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Do you have any tips or strategies about the best underwear for HS? Share your tips in the comments below or by posting on myHSteam.