6 Reasons Your Workout Clothes Might Be Making You Itchy

Do you itch after a workout and get the overwhelming need to scratch? Sweat isn’t the only thing making you itch. Your gym clothes could be the culprit. Here’s why synthetic activewear can irritate your skin, and what you should wear instead when working out.

Many activewear items you see on racks in stores claim to be “performance-friendly,” but is that the case? You probably get rashes or lingering itchiness after an intense workout, and you could attribute that to having sensitive skin. You could think the detergent you used to wash your gym clothes is triggering the rashes, or your sweat could irritate your skin. The truth is, your workout clothes could be causing your irritation.

Below are six reasons why your workout clothes might be making you itch:

1. Your workout clothes are made of synthetic fibers.

Conventional activewear is made from fabrics that are typically non-breathable. The synthetic fibers comprising these fabrics, like polyester, nylon, or elastane, trap heat and moisture, making your skin the breeding ground of bacteria that cause irritation, breakouts, or contact dermatitis.

2. Sweating, coupled with friction, causes skin problems.

Although compression tops and tight-fitting leggings offer the best support when working out, they also increase friction, especially after sweating. This could lead to chafing or worsen conditions like eczema or folliculitis.

3. Activewear is treated with chemicals.

Activewear and performance clothes are marketed as moisture-wicking, anti-odor, or wrinkle-free. While that sounds great, on the flip side, they attained those characteristics because of what’s inside them. They are usually treated with harsh chemical finishes like PFAS, formaldehyde, and antimicrobial agents. These trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals with reactive skin or chemical sensitivities.

4. Waistbands and bra straps are laden with latex.

Elastic waistbands, bra straps, and stretchable seams have one thing in common: they contain latex, which is usually a hidden allergen in many activewear components. You can’t see it, but you’ll know there are trace amounts of latex in your workout clothes because of the itching, redness, or welts, especially if you have a latex allergy or latex sensitivity.

5. Your activewear’s design could trap heat and block airflow.

Workout clothes are usually made of tight-knit, synthetic fabrics designed for compression. On one side, that could benefit your workout since it could enhance your performance. However, workout clothes that are too tight could prevent adequate airflow, resulting in increased skin temperature that leads to a heat rash or prickly heat.

6. Dyes could irritate your skin.

Who doesn’t love a little color? Activewear in vibrant colors might look great, especially when running on the treadmill or doing presses at the gym. However, the combination of synthetic fabrics plus certain dyes could be a disaster waiting to happen. In particular, azo dyes, which are commonly used in activewear, can cause severe skin reactions. The worst part? They are often not mentioned on labels.

Having listed the six possible culprits that make you itch after working out, what could be your wisest action?

If you’re prone to recurring itchiness post-workout, you might want to revisit your choice of workout clothes. You can use clothes for working out that are made from breathable, natural fabrics like 100% organic cotton. Cottonique's Athletic Collection has everything you'll need for an itch-free workout, from elastic-free socks to athletic V-neck shirt made from hypoallergenic organic cotton. You’ll be surprised at the difference this can make, since these are hypoallergenic, meaning they are free from latex, synthetics, and harsh dyes.

Remember, workout clothes shouldn’t work against your skin. Deciding to switch to allergy-safe, non-toxic alternatives isn’t only for your comfort; it’s necessary, especially if you have skin sensitivities, eczema, psoriasis, or MCS.