Sweating in Style? When Fashion Attacks Your Skin

Overview

Fashion often dictates what we wear, but skin health should come first. While layered, insulated, tight-fitting clothing may be sensible in cold regions, hot and humid climates like India call for breathable, climate-appropriate attire—think dhotis, pyjamas, skirts, and half-sleeved loose kurtas.

Top offenders in hot, humid weather include neckties, inner vests, full sleeves, jackets, and tight synthetic clothing. Neckties—rarely washed, often worn tightly, and trapping heat and moisture around the neck and chest—create an ideal breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.

A double layer of clothing—like a vest beneath a shirt—can hinder sweat evaporation, trapping moisture against the skin and increasing the risk of heat rashes (miliaria), body odour, and irritation. Full-sleeved synthetic garments and jackets further exacerbate overheating, especially in crowded spaces.

Tight, synthetic, and thick garments—such as jeans and leggings—restrict airflow and trap sweat, increasing the risk of fungal infections like ringworm and bacterial conditions such as folliculitis. Tight synthetic underwear can cause chafing and contribute to genital infections. Allergic contact dermatitis is also common, triggered by synthetic fabrics, dyes, and fashion accessories that stay in constant contact with sweaty skin.

Conclusion

It's worth remembering that overindulging in fashion doesn't just affect our skin—it also takes a heavy toll on the environment, consuming enormous amounts of water, energy, and harmful chemicals.

Choose loose, light, non-synthetic clothing. It’s not just more comfortable—it’s better for your skin and kinder to the planet.