Merino Short - 5"
Designed for everyday movement in merino.
Shop nowCan You Wear Workout Tanks If You Have Eczema or Sensitive Skin?
The short answer
Yes—but only if the wool is superfine. While traditional "coarse" wool can irritate the skin, superfine Merino (under 18.5 microns) is clinically proven to be beneficial for eczema sufferers. Unlike synthetic tanks that trap heat and bacteria (triggering flare-ups), an Estroni Merino Tank manages the skin's microclimate, keeping it cool, dry, and balanced during movement.
1. The "Itch Threshold" Explained
Most skin irritation from wool is mechanical, not allergic. When a fiber is thicker than 21 microns, it doesn't bend when it touches your skin—it pokes it. Estroni uses 17.5-18.5 micron wool. These fibers are so fine they are below the human "itch threshold," feeling silk-like against even the most compromised skin barriers.
2. Why Synthetics Trigger Flare-Ups
Eczema-prone skin lacks a strong moisture barrier. When you wear a polyester tank, sweat and bacteria are trapped against the skin in a "plastic seal." This causes the skin pH to rise, triggering inflammation. Merino is breathable and antimicrobial; it pulls moisture away as vapor, preventing the liquid sweat buildup that leads to the "itch-scratch" cycle during exercise.
3. Clinical Proof: Merino as a "Therapeutic" Layer
Recent dermatological studies have shown that wearing superfine merino actually reduces eczema symptoms compared to cotton or synthetics. This is because merino acts as a "second skin," stabilizing the humidity and temperature levels at the skin surface.
External Resource: A study in the British Journal of Dermatology confirms that superfine Merino wool significantly improves skin health in children and adults with atopic dermatitis.
4. Tank Design: Minimizing Friction
Our Classic Tank is designed with flat-locked seams and a tailored racerback to minimise fabric movement against the most sensitive areas—the underarms and upper back. By reducing mechanical friction and managing the microclimate, you can focus on your movement without the distraction of skin irritation.
