Keeping up with the demands of managing psoriasis and all that comes with it is still a heavy burden for Voos, but she doesn’t let that steal her sparkle.
“Being able to play around with my style has helped so much,” says Voos. “I can have fun with my fashion, and there are people online who are inspired by that and may finally think, ‘Oh, I could wear big fluffy dresses and act like a main character, too,’ even if they’ve felt limited because of their skin or their body. There’s something really empowering about being able to show how we feel inside, on the outside.”
Dressing for success with psoriasis
While psoriasis doesn’t stand in the way of her playful personal style, she says she always considers a few practical elements before getting dressed. These tips may help anyone struggling with psoriasis, no matter where plaques crop up.
Opt for breathable clothing
Psoriasis “can be very sensitive; it can be itchy; it can be painful,” says Voos. “If you’ve scratched it or it becomes irritated, sometimes there’ll be some oozing that can connect with your clothing. Then if you move your clothing, it rips it open and starts it all over again. It’s so painful.”
If you’re in this stage of a flare, it’s best to opt for airy items that either flow away from your plaques or avoid the area entirely. “There are big fluffy dresses that I love that are made out of organza, and those are things that I stay away from if my skin is flaring or extra sensitive,” shares Voos. (Though the Puff Dress from Selkie is a personal favorite.)
Organic cotton and bamboo fabrics are top choices for Voos, along with loose-fitting dresses and bare arms or flowy sleeves.
Prioritize comfortable undergarments
“Underwear is the biggest thing that I care very much about being comfortable material that’s not going to irritate my skin,” says Voos. “I have a lot of butt psoriasis or back psoriasis, so I’m just very conscious about comfy underwear.”
Voos prefers cotton underwear with a wide waistband that doesn’t pinch or roll, such as the Universal Standard UltimateS High-Rise Brief. For bras, she points to the Torrid Wire-Free Push-Up Bra as an excellent option that provides ample support while still offering a comfortable barrier between you and your clothes.
Choosing the right underwear and bra isn’t just about physical comfort, either. Undergarments are the start of any outfit, says Voos. “If you’re already uncomfortable before you’re choosing clothes, it’s probably going to just compound the situation.”
Dress for confidence, not for trends
Voos emphasizes that for people with psoriasis, confidence really does start with comfort.
Whether it’s constantly readjusting an elastic waistband, itching from an inappropriately placed seam, or tugging on a tight shoulder strap, you don’t want to spend more time “thinking about those silly little details” than actually enjoying wearing the clothes themselves, she says.
For example, if you have plaques on your arms, chest, or back, or simply just want a bit of extra comfort, opt for a layering piece like a cropped tee from Half Tee, she suggests. It not only provides comfort, but can also put a whole new spin on a typical outfit.
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