How To Stop A Sequin Dress Rubbing？

If you are a fashionable lady who likes to attend parties and balls, then you will definitely have a few sequin dresses hanging in your closet. But as beautiful as sequins are, the little irritation that comes from rubbing them may sometimes be uncomfortable and may even affect your good mood. But don't worry, this article is created to help you solve this problem. Next I'll share some super useful tips to help you reduce the chafing from sequins so you can shine comfortably in any occasion.

The Science Behind Sequin Chafing

Before I learn how to circumvent sequin irritation, I'll bring you the principles behind how sequin chafing causes skin discomfort. Ahem, now it's time for the science: because sequins are hard and have sharp edges, when you move the edges of the sequins will slightly cut into the epidermal cells, causing minor damage. The body repairs these small damages by reacting with inflammation to increase blood flow to the damaged area and releasing cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Interleukins (ILE), which not only increase the sensitivity of sensory nerves and cause pain, but may also compress small blood vessels and increase localized inflammation. In particular, the high density of sequins on seams and edges of clothing increases friction and damage to the skin.

Locations affected by sequin friction

As we know from the previous paragraph how sequin chafing occurs, what are the most affected areas? The answer is the underarms, neckline and sides of the torso. These are areas of the body where the skin is constantly on the move and where friction is not only frequent but also intense. Moreover, the skin in these areas is also thin and more sensitive to external stimuli, making it more prone to erythema, rashes or other irritation reactions.

Precautionary measures before wearing

Okay, now to get down to business, let's first take a look at some effective precautions you can take before wearing a sequin dress that will minimize discomfort and enhance your wearing experience.

Choose the right underwear

Unexpectedly, the most effective is the most common tip, choose a suitable underwear can be effective protection. So what do you need to keep in mind when choosing underwear to go with your sequin dress?
Choice of material: underwear made of smooth, seamless material is your top priority, this style of underwear can effectively cover and protect potentially high friction areas such as armpits, sides of the torso, etc., and reduce the chances of sequins coming into direct contact with your skin. If you have no choice in the direction you want to go, then consider undergarments made from high-tech fabrics commonly used in sportswear, which provide an extra layer of protection and effectively minimize chafing.

Design Considerations: Always choose underwear with good elasticity and wrapping properties, which will fit your body better and reduce the chance of chafing by minimizing the sliding of clothing during activity.

If you don't want to choose such underwear, then use some specialized barrier products.

Apply a protective skin barrier

Apply a barrier product: a barrier gel or a specialized skin patch is a good choice, and can be used in areas that are prone to irritation to prevent the discomfort of sequins rubbing off. Of course, these products are not limited to gel or cream forms, but also include sprays and powders. You can choose the form that best suits your preferences and needs.

DIY Fixing an Existing Dress

If you want to get to the root of the problem, then you need to use your dexterous hands to make alterations to your beloved sequin dress.

Alter the lining to improve comfort

Add or extend the lining: If your sequin dress does not have a lining, or if the lining does not cover all the sequin areas, then you can reduce the chafing by adding a lining. Soft, skin-friendly cotton, silk, or other soft, breathable fabrics are the best choices, as they effectively act as a barrier between the sequins and your skin.
Lining Sewing Tip: When sewing a lining for a dress you need to choose a nylon thread that matches the color of the dress. It can be sewn by hand or on a sewing machine, and it is important to make sure that the edges of the lining are flat and free of unwanted creases, as this is a major factor in your wearing experience. If you are not familiar with sewing, you can leave it to a professional seamstress.

Strategic sequin removal

In addition to sewing a lining to a dress, strategically removing some sequins can also reduce the chafing of the sequins.

Identify removal areas: The first step is to examine the sequin dress carefully and identify the areas that rub the most, such as the underarms, the back of the neck or the sides of the torso. Removing sequins from these areas not only reduces chafing, but also minimizes the overall aesthetic impact.
Remove sequins carefully: After identifying the sequins to be removed, use small scissors or a sewing thread remover to carefully remove the sequins. Be careful not to damage other parts of the garment.

Smoothing: Small holes or marks may remain after removing sequins. Gently patch these areas with thin thread of the appropriate color, or add a small piece of soft fabric to the inside of the area where the sequins were removed to smooth the finish and further protect the skin.

You can minimize the chafing of sequin dresses with these methods, but you can care for irritated skin with these tips if it's already irritated and difficult to tolerate.

Soothing lotions and creams

Choose the right products: A gentle, soothing lotion or cream is a good choice, especially one that contains ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile or calendula. These natural ingredients are known for their excellent calming and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness, itching and irritation.

How to apply: Please carefully cleanse the affected area, then take an appropriate amount of soothing lotion or cream and gently apply it to the irritated area, avoiding rubbing as much as possible to avoid aggravating the skin discomfort. Consider applying at night before bed to allow the product to take effect during the night and help the skin recover.

Seek medical advice

Recognize the symptoms: Take note! If your skin irritation persists or you experience a more serious reaction, such as a widely spread rash, intense itching, blistering, or signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, warmth, pus pockets), it's time to consider seeking professional medical help.

Professional management: Healthcare professionals will evaluate your symptoms to determine if it is an allergic reaction or another skin condition. They will typically recommend medications such as corticosteroid creams or antihistamines to more effectively control inflammation and itching. Hmmm? Ask me why I know so much about this, ahem, and now I'm still applying agents to my girlfriend's underarm skin.