Finding the Right Clothing Fit for Chronic Hives

I recently wrote an article about how sewing is one of my coping mechanisms. I love the creative process and being able to make things that precisely fit my needs. This is especially true when making my clothes. I love creating a design, shopping for the perfect fabric, and tailoring each piece to fit exactly how I want.

I’ve always struggled with feeling comfortable in my clothes. I’m not talking about body image here; I’m talking about the physical comfort level of wearing different clothes. I’ve never liked clothes that feel binding or smothering, and I wouldn’t say I like pieces that are too tight. I’m also very picky about fabric, how it feels, and how my skin can breathe beneath it. And now that I have chronic hives, finding clothes that I’m comfortable in is even more important.

Types of fabrics matter with chronic hives

When picking out clothes, one of the first things I consider is the type of fabric. I prefer natural fibers, like cotton, rayon, and bamboo. Not only are these types of fabrics soft, but they are also breathable. And while wool is a natural fiber, I can’t get behind the scratchy, irritating feeling of clothing that is 100% wool. I appreciate the warmth, but I just don’t like it touching my skin. I get really uncomfortable in fabrics that feel like plastic, are too stiff, or hold in heat unnaturally. There are some polyester blends that I don’t mind; polyester as a whole has got to be one of my least favorite fabrics.

Looser fits best

The next thing I consider in clothing is fit. For the last decade or two, there has been a push in the fashion industry to wear form-fitting clothing that shows off your shape. First, I don’t always like my shape or want to accentuate it, but I wouldn’t say I like clothes that are so form-fitting that I feel like I can’t move. Sure, structure is important, but comfort is the most important in my opinion. To that end, I prefer clothing that is a bit on the looser side, pieces that are not skin tight but instead are flowy and move organically.

I also pay attention to how much “give” different fabrics have. The stretchier, the better. I love knits because they are inherently flexible and elastic. And to the person who invented spandex, I would like to personally thank you. Even though spandex is not a natural fiber, it can be added to natural fibers to create give.

Using my own creativity for comfort

When I make my own clothes, all of these factors are carefully considered so that I can make something that looks good and comfortable. I love searching for patterns made with stretchy, natural materials. Most of all, I love that I can make them fit in whatever way is most comfortable for me. I can use a stretchier fabric to make more form-fitting pieces more comfortable and adjust the size to make stiffer fabrics less constricting. I love using my creativity to make a wardrobe perfectly tailored to my wants, desires, and needs. At the same time, it may seem like an insignificant detail, but finding and making comfortable clothes is an important way to deal with my chronic hives.