Radiation therapy commonly causes skin changes including redness, dryness, itching, and peeling. Studies show that up to 95% of patients experience radiation dermatitis during treatment (Bolderston et al., 2006; Chan et al., 2014). Because treated skin becomes thinner, more sensitive, and prone to breakdown, what you wear can directly impact comfort and healing.

Clothing isn’t just about comfort during radiation therapy—it’s part of skin protection.

Why Fabric Choice Matters During Radiation

Radiation damages rapidly dividing skin cells, weakening the skin barrier and increasing transepidermal water loss (Chan et al., 2014). This leads to:

• Increased sensitivity to friction

• Reduced moisture retention

• Higher risk of moist desquamation (skin peeling and breakdown)

• Greater susceptibility to irritation

Clinical practice guidelines recommend minimizing friction and mechanical irritation to prevent worsening dermatitis (Bolderston et al., 2006). Tight or abrasive fabrics can increase skin trauma and discomfort.

Best Fabrics to Wear During Radiation Therapy

1. 100% Cotton

Why it works:
Cotton is breathable, soft, and absorbs moisture. It reduces heat buildup and minimizes friction against sensitive skin.

Research on radiation dermatitis management emphasizes avoiding irritation and overheating of treated skin (Chan et al., 2014). Breathable natural fibers like cotton help regulate skin temperature and reduce sweat accumulation, which may decrease irritation risk.

Best for:
T-shirts, undergarments, pajamas, loose dresses, and soft bras.

2. Bamboo Fabric

Why it works:
Bamboo-derived textiles are soft, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Some textile studies suggest bamboo fabrics have smooth fibers that reduce skin friction compared to synthetic materials.

Because radiated skin is prone to itching and sensitivity, smoother fabrics may reduce mechanical stress on compromised tissue (Bolderston et al., 2006).

Best for:
Sleepwear, base layers, and loungewear.

3. Modal and Other Soft Natural Blends

Modal (a semi-synthetic fiber made from beech tree pulp) is soft and breathable. When blended with cotton, it can provide additional stretch without excessive compression.

Avoid tight elastics or seams that rub against the treatment field, especially if radiation is delivered to the breast, chest wall, neck, or underarm areas.

Fabrics to Avoid During Radiation Therapy

Wool

Can be abrasive and increase itching.

Polyester and Synthetic Fabrics

Trap heat and moisture, which may worsen irritation and increase discomfort (Chan et al., 2014).

Tight Compression Garments

Friction and pressure can aggravate erythema and increase risk of skin breakdown (Bolderston et al., 2006).

Special Considerations by Treatment Area

Breast or Chest Radiation

• Choose wireless bras

• Avoid underwires

• Opt for seamless cotton bralettes

• Consider going without a bra at home to reduce friction

Neck Radiation

• Avoid high collars

• Choose loose, wide-neck tops

Pelvic Radiation

• Wear loose cotton underwear

• Avoid tight waistbands

Reducing friction is consistently recommended in radiation skincare guidelines (Bolderston et al., 2006).

Sweat and Moisture Management

Radiation-treated skin is vulnerable to breakdown when exposed to prolonged moisture. Excess sweating can contribute to irritation and secondary infections.

Wearing breathable fabrics helps regulate temperature and reduce sweat retention (Chan et al., 2014).

If sweating is unavoidable:

• Change clothing frequently

• Gently cleanse and pat dry

• Reapply a fragrance-free barrier moisturizer as recommended

Barrier-supportive moisturizers can help reduce transepidermal water loss and maintain hydration in compromised skin (Chan et al., 2014).

For example, products formulated for sensitive and compromised skin—such as Rejuvaskin’s Skin Recovery Cream—can support hydration and barrier repair during treatment when approved by your oncology team:
https://rejuvaskin.com/products/skin-recovery-cream

Laundry Tips During Radiation Therapy

Even the right fabric can become irritating if washed improperly.

Dermatologist-backed tips:

• Use fragrance-free, dye-free detergent

• Avoid fabric softeners

• Double-rinse clothing

• Skip dryer sheets

Fragrance and chemical irritants can exacerbate sensitive skin reactions during radiation therapy (Bolderston et al., 2006).

Additional Comfort Tips

• Wear loose-fitting clothing

• Remove clothing immediately after treatment if skin feels warm

• Avoid heating pads over treated areas

• Protect treated skin from sun exposure

Radiation dermatitis severity often peaks 1–2 weeks after treatment completion, so fabric choices remain important even after therapy ends (Chan et al., 2014).

Radiation-treated skin is fragile, inflamed, and more prone to irritation. Clinical guidelines emphasize minimizing friction, overheating, and chemical irritants to reduce dermatitis severity (Bolderston et al., 2006; Chan et al., 2014). Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo are generally safest, while tight or synthetic materials should be avoided.

Clothing is a simple but powerful way to protect healing skin during cancer treatment.

Works Cited

Bolderston, A., Lloyd, N. S., Wong, R. K., Holden, L., & Robb-Blenderman, L. (2006). The prevention and management of acute skin reactions related to radiation therapy: A systematic review and practice guideline. Supportive Care in Cancer, 14(8), 802–817. Link

Chan, R. J., Webster, J., Chung, B., Marquart, L., Ahmed, M., & Garantziotis, S. (2014). Prevention and treatment of acute radiation-induced skin reactions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, 58(5), 566–576. Link