When you live with herpes, it sometimes feels like the smallest things can make a difference in whether you have an outbreak. Stress, diet, even the weather — all of it can play a role. But what about something as simple as your wardrobe? Can wearing clothes that are too tight actually trigger an outbreak?
Why tight clothes can be a problem
Tight clothing can create friction, trap heat, and prevent airflow to your skin. While it can be annoyig for most people, for people with herpes, this can be a perfect storm: friction can irritate the skin, trapped sweat and moisture can weaken your skin barrier, and the lack of breathability makes it harder for your body to keep the area comfortable and balanced. All of this together can increase your chances of triggering an outbreak or make an existing one feel worse.
What you can do instead
- Choose breathable fabrics – Cotton, bamboo, and moisture-wicking fabrics help your skin stay cooler and dryer, making outbreaks less likely.
- Avoid prolonged tightness – Yoga pants and fitted jeans are fine in moderation, but give your skin time to breathe.
- Keep the area dry and clean – Moisture can be irritating. After workouts or swimming, change into clean, dry clothes quickly… and as weird as this sounds, don’t keep your legs closed at all times. We’re not suggesting you sit like that one guy on the subway who takes up three seats with his legs wide open, but letting some airflow in does wonders for keeping the area dry.
- Soothe your skin – If you’re worried about irritation, applying a calming balm like our Fix It Salve can help protect and restore your skin after friction.
You don’t have to give up your favorite skinny jeans or leggings forever. Just be mindful of how often you wear them and how your body responds. If you notice outbreaks tend to happen more often when you’re consistently in tight clothing, that might be your body’s way of telling you it needs more airflow and comfort. Some women experience outbreaks around their periods, so if that's a trigger, we suggest you take extra care with supplements and diet around that time, and don't add an additional pressure - your clothes.
Little adjustments — like what you wear — can make a big difference in keeping outbreaks at bay and helping you feel your best.