Clothes on days with sunburned skin

Short answer: Sunburnt skin tolerates neither pressure nor rubbing. Choose the loosest, smoothest fabric you own, and avoid seams and edges over the burnt areas until the skin has settled down again.

Loose rather than tight

A close fitting garment rubs against sore skin with every movement, and you feel it straight away. A loose piece hangs away from the body and only touches the skin now and then. So choose the loosest styles you have, even if they are not what you usually wear. See for example bamboo T-shirts for women.

A smooth surface

A coarse fabric feels many times stronger on burnt skin than on normal skin. A smooth fibre glides over the skin instead of rubbing. Feel the fabric with your hand before you put something on, and leave stiff or rough pieces in the drawer for a few days. A smooth fibre does the least harm, see women's bamboo clothing.

Avoid edges over the burn

A waistband or a strap across a burnt area is the worst, because it presses the same spot all day. Look at where you are burnt and choose something with no edges right there. If your shoulders are red, wide straps or short sleeves are better than thin straps. See bamboo tops for women.

Thin and airy

Burnt skin is warm, and a thick layer holds the heat. A thin fabric lets air reach the skin, so it does not get extra warm under your clothes. Choose light, pale pieces for the first few days, and skip the extra layer if you do not need it. That makes it easier to keep the temperature down.

Protect the skin from more sun

It can be tempting to go without clothes, but burnt skin should not get more sun. A loose layer covers the skin when you are outside, and it rubs less than a close fitting one. Seek shade in the hottest hours and stay indoors when you can. A loose layer is an easy choice for the first days.

Underwear and straps

Underwear sits close to the skin, and a bra strap or waistband can land exactly where you are burnt. Choose underwear with wide, soft edges, or skip that piece at home if it bothers you. Check where the elastic sits before you put something on. Small changes here can make the day noticeably more comfortable.

Wash with care

Traces of perfume and fabric softener in clothing can irritate, and burnt skin reacts more easily than usual. Wash with a neutral detergent without perfume and skip the softener. Change your clothes after a full day of wear, so you are not walking around in sweat and lotion. Clean, dry clothing feels best on sore skin.

When it is more than sunburn

Clothing can make the days more comfortable, but it does not treat a burn. If you get blisters, severe pain or a fever, it is more than ordinary sunburn. Then there is no point in trying different clothes. Talk to your doctor, or contact an out of hours service if it happens when your surgery is closed.

Frequently asked questions

Does it help to go without clothes

Indoors perhaps, but the skin needs protection from more sun, and a loose layer provides it. Outside, a loose and smooth garment is the gentlest choice.

Which fabric is best for sunburnt skin

A smooth, thin and loose fabric. Cotton and bamboo viscose both work well, as long as the clothing does not squeeze and has no edges over the burnt areas.

When should I see a doctor

With blisters, severe pain or a fever. Then it is more than ordinary sunburn, and you should talk to your doctor rather than wait.