During menopause, many women don’t just notice changes in their body, they notice changes in how their clothes feel.
Underwear that once felt completely normal can suddenly feel:
- Hot
- Restrictive
- Synthetic
- Irritating
This isn’t random.
Hormonal shifts affect skin, temperature regulation and moisture balance, all of which change how fabric interacts with the body.
Fabric choice becomes less about preference and more about physiology.
Why menopause changes how fabric feels
Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining:
- Skin thickness
- Collagen production
- Hydration
- Elasticity
As levels decline, skin can become thinner, drier and more reactive to friction.
At the same time, hot flushes and night sweats make temperature regulation unpredictable. When the body overheats, non-breathable fabrics trap warmth and moisture against the skin.
This combination can increase:
- Irritation
- Sensitivity
- Discomfort
- Disrupted sleep
The wrong fabric can amplify symptoms.
The right one can quietly support comfort.
Fabrics that support comfort during menopause
Breathable natural fibres
Fabrics that allow airflow help regulate temperature and reduce overheating.
Breathability matters because it allows heat to escape rather than build up, particularly important during hot flushes or when sleeping.
Moisture-regulating materials
When skin is exposed to prolonged moisture, irritation becomes more likely.
Materials that help move moisture away from the body, rather than trapping it, can support:
- Comfort
- Skin integrity
- Reduced friction
This becomes especially important for sensitive vulval tissue.
Low-friction, soft construction
As skin becomes more delicate, seams, stiff lace and tight elastics can feel increasingly abrasive.
Look for:
- Smooth waistbands
- Minimal seam bulk
- Gentle stretch
- Soft-touch finishes
Small design decisions make a significant difference.
Fabrics that can quietly worsen symptoms
Not all synthetic fabrics are inherently “bad”, but some common blends used in mass-market underwear can:
- Retain heat
- Reduce airflow
- Increase moisture retention
- Feel less breathable
Polyester-heavy blends in particular can feel suffocating during temperature fluctuations.
During menopause, this may contribute to:
- Itching
- Overheating
- Discomfort
- Increased sensitivity
- Fabric that once felt invisible can suddenly feel overwhelming.
Why fabric became our starting point
When I began developing Alexander Clementine, it was clear that comfort wasn’t just about fit.
It was about how fibres interact with the body.
That perspective was shaped years earlier during my mum’s breast cancer recovery. The only garments she could tolerate were those that were breathable, soft and non-restrictive, pieces that allowed skin to recover without pressure or trapped moisture.
That experience made one thing clear:
Fabric choice is not superficial.
It directly affects how the body feels.
That’s why we focused heavily on breathable, gentle materials when developing our core range, designed to support comfort during hormonal change, recovery and everyday life.
Key Takeaways
- Menopause changes skin sensitivity and hydration
- Temperature regulation becomes less predictable
- Breathable fabrics help regulate heat
- Moisture management reduces irritation
- Fabric choice has a physiological impact
FAQs
Why does polyester feel worse during menopause?
Some polyester blends retain heat and reduce airflow, which can amplify hot flushes and irritation.
Is cotton always the best choice?
Cotton is breathable, but moisture management and construction also matter. Fabric performance depends on how fibres are developed and finished.
Can fabric choice affect vulval irritation?
Yes. Heat, friction and moisture all influence skin sensitivity, particularly when oestrogen levels decline.
We write regularly about menopause, recovery and comfort.
Join our community for thoughtful updates and early product releases.
If your body is changing, your underwear should change with it.
Explore our core collection designed specifically for comfort during hormonal change:
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