Fabrics, Perimenopause & What I’ve Learned About Dressing for Comfort
Perimenopause isn’t something that’s spoken about very often and certainly not on clothing websites. But the truth is, it affects every woman, usually from her mid-30s onwards, whether we’re prepared for it or not.
For me, perimenopause was actually one of the reasons OKEME came to life.
At the time, my wardrobe was very much a “city wardrobe” tight-fitting pieces, synthetic fabrics, clothes that looked fine on the hanger but felt awful once I was wearing them. I would sit in meetings overheating, dealing with hot flushes, and feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. Then there was my everyday life — school drop-offs, errands, trying to get through the day without changing outfits three times.
Activewear slowly became my default, not because I loved it, but because it felt like the only comfortable option. And honestly, it wasn’t serving me. I didn’t want activewear to be my uniform, I didn’t want clothes I couldn’t wait to peel off the moment I got home. I just wanted to feel comfortable, look put together, and move through my day feeling confident.
Clothing has always been an extension of who I am. When I feel good in what I’m wearing, it changes how I show up — in meetings, with my kids, and in myself. “Look good, feel good” isn’t about vanity; it’s about ease, confidence, and feeling like yourself again.
Why clothes can feel so different during perimenopause
During perimenopause, hormonal changes can affect how your body regulates temperature, how much you sweat, and how sensitive your skin feels. For many women, this shows up as:
- Hot flushes or sudden temperature changes
- Feeling overheated more easily
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Clothes clinging or feeling suffocating
When this happens, fabric choice becomes incredibly important. What you wear can either help your body cool down — or make everything feel worse.
Why synthetic fabrics stopped working for me
One of the first things I noticed was how uncomfortable synthetic fabrics became. Polyester, nylon, and heavily blended fabrics started to feel hot, sticky, and irritating, even when the garment looked lightweight.
Synthetic fabrics are designed for durability and stretch, but they don’t breathe well. They tend to trap heat and hold moisture against the skin — which is the last thing you want when your body is already struggling to regulate temperature.
During a hot flush, synthetic fabrics can make you feel overheated very quickly. For me, avoiding them became less about preference and more about daily comfort.
Breathing matters more than ever
Breathable fabrics allow air to circulate and heat to escape. This becomes essential during perimenopause, when your body may not cool itself as efficiently as it once did.
When fabric breathes:
- Heat dissipates more easily
- Sweat evaporates instead of sitting on the skin
- Clothing feels lighter and less restrictive
- This is where natural fibres make a noticeable difference.
The fabrics that actually helped
Linen
Linen has been one of the most effective fabrics for managing heat. It allows airflow, dries quickly, and doesn’t cling to the body.
What I love about linen:
- It feels cool against the skin
- It allows heat to escape
- It works well during hot flushes
- It softens over time with wear
Yes, it wrinkles — but I love the look and feel of linen when it softens, it feels comfortable on my skin.
Cotton
Cotton feels familiar, soft, and gentle on sensitive skin. It’s breathable and easy to wear day to day.
Cotton may hold moisture longer than linen, but high-quality cotton still feels comfortable and supportive, especially for everyday activities.
Linen–cotton blends
Blends have become a favourite because they combine the breathability of linen with the softness and structure of cotton.
They’re easier to wear, comfortable in heat, and feel like a good middle ground when pure linen feels too textured.
With all that said weight of the fabric, in linen and cotton, makes a huge difference to how it feels on the body — especially when you’re dealing with heat, hot flushes, or fluctuating temperatures.
Fabrics I now avoid where possible
I try to minimise:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Heavy synthetic blends
Even when labelled “breathable” or “lightweight,” these fabrics rarely perform well during hormonal temperature changes.
Why fit and silhouette matter just as much
Fabric alone isn’t enough. I’ve learned that cut and fit can make or break comfort.
What works best:
- Relaxed silhouettes
- Dresses that skim rather than cling
- Open or simple necklines
- Minimal layering
Tight, restrictive clothing, even in natural fabrics, can still trap heat.
Dressing with kindness during perimenopause
Perimenopause is a season of change, and I don’t think our wardrobes should make it harder. The goal isn’t to overhaul everything you own, it’s to remove friction, adding pieces that work with your current wardrobe.
Choosing breathable fabrics and comfortable shapes has helped me feel more at ease in my body, especially on days when symptoms are unpredictable.
This way of thinking is what led me to clothing only in linen, cotton, and linen–cotton blends, with relaxed silhouettes that prioritise comfort, ease, and real life.
If you’re finding clothes uncomfortable during perimenopause, it’s not a failure of style or confidence. It’s your body asking for something different.
Dressing in natural, breathable fabrics isn’t about trends, it’s about listening to your body and choosing comfort without giving up feeling put together.