Sunburn Clothing Guide: What to Wear for Comfort and Healing

Sunburned skin is inflamed, sensitive, and prone to further UV damage. Clothing choices can reduce pain and promote healing.

Best Fabric Choices

• Loose-fitting, lightweight: Cotton, linen, bamboo, modal—breathable, minimal friction.
• Moisture-wicking synthetics: Polyester blends (if soft) pull sweat away; avoid if texture feels scratchy.
• UPF-rated clothing: UPF 50+ blocks 98% UV; ideal for outdoor exposure during healing.

What to Avoid

• Tight, restrictive garments (waistbands, straps, elastic).
• Rough textures: wool, denim, sequins, lace.
• Synthetic fabrics that trap heat (thick polyester, nylon).

Coverage Strategy

• Long sleeves/pants over burned areas.
• Wide-brim hat (≥3 inch brim) for face, ears, neck.
• UV-blocking sunglasses.

Skin Care Under Clothing

• Cool compresses (10–15 min) before dressing.
• Fragrance-free moisturizers (aloe, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal) applied to damp skin.
• Hydrocortisone 1% cream 2×/day for inflammation (max 1 week).
• Hydrate orally (water, electrolytes).
• NSAIDs for pain/systemic inflammation.

When to Seek Care

Blistering >20% BSA, fever, chills, confusion, signs of infection (pus, spreading redness), severe pain uncontrolled by OTC meds.