Written by Megan Marshall. Reviewed by the JulieMay product and garment-tech team.
Quick answer: The right underwear can make menopause symptoms easier to live with. A well-fitted, supportive bra eases breast sensitivity (WebMD reports up to 85% of women get relief from a good bra), and breathable organic cotton with a pure-silk lining helps with hot flushes (which affect up to 75% of women), dry skin and vaginal dryness. Look for natural fabrics, wire-free or wrapped wires, no exposed elastic or nickel, and a relaxed, breathable fit.
Menopause symptoms usually start between the ages of 45 and 55, and can range from hot flushes and heavy sweating to breast sensitivity, dry skin, vaginal dryness and insomnia. These can be uncomfortable and hard to cope with, but choosing high-quality underwear, and a few simple self-care steps, can make coping a little easier.
Breast sensitivity during perimenopause
Breast sensitivity is one of the most common menopause symptoms, caused by hormonal fluctuations. The breasts retain more fluid during the transition, causing a sore-breast condition known as mastalgia. The good news: according to WebMD, as many as 85% of women get relief from breast pain simply with a well-fitted, supportive bra. Bras with wide straps and bands, like JulieMay's back-support bras, distribute weight more evenly, while non-wired comfort bras in soft organic cotton with silk linings are ideal for hot flushes and sensitivity.
Dry, sensitive skin during menopause
A marked drop in oestrogen reduces collagen and the natural oils that keep skin moisturised, so skin can feel drier, tighter and itchier. Use a good moisturiser (calamine or aloe vera gel can soothe), try over-the-counter anti-itch creams, avoid fabrics that trigger irritation in favour of allergy-friendly clothing, and use gentle, fragrance-free laundry products.
Underwear for perimenopausal vaginal dryness
Hormonal changes can make vaginal tissues thinner and drier, so the area can feel less elastic, itchy and sore, and more prone to infections. JulieMay's high-waisted organic cotton full briefs are made from breathable, allergy-free cotton with a silky pure-silk lining, unlike tight synthetic underwear, which can chafe and irritate an already-dry area.
Low sex drive during perimenopause
Falling oestrogen can reduce desire and cause vaginal dryness, and symptoms like fatigue, mood changes and hot flushes can also lower libido. Open communication with your partner, counselling and medical treatments such as HRT, good self-care, and high-quality lingerie that helps you feel confident can all help.
Other ways to ease menopausal symptoms
Beyond the right underwear: a well-fitted, supportive bra, a warm compress for tender breasts, regular exercise, a warm shower, reducing caffeine, and stopping smoking.
Please note: if menopause symptoms are affecting your daily life, or you notice a new breast lump, one-sided or persistent pain, or any change that worries you, talk to your GP or a menopause specialist about treatments, including HRT.
Choosing knickers & lingerie for hormonal skin changes
As hormone levels shift and oestrogen drops, your skin can become thinner, drier and far more reactive to things that never bothered it before, a once-favourite bra leaves red marks, or knickers feel scratchy by midday. Dermatologists and gynaecologists point to breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton and silk, which help prevent trapped heat, reduce irritation and keep you fresher for longer.
Natural fibres are best: organic Pima cotton is luxuriously soft, hypoallergenic and breathable, and paired with a 100% silk gusset it wicks away moisture and reduces friction. JulieMay's Snowdrop High-Waisted Brief has no scratchy elastics and no irritating seams, just soft Pima cotton bands and a silk gusset, and our products are Menopause Experts approved. For Selina, a member of the JulieMay community who experienced severe vaginal sensitivity after breast cancer and a drop in oestrogen, that softness was essential: "Most people don't have to think about their knickers, but people like me do; it's the difference between comfort and pain." Change knickers daily, use a scent-free hypoallergenic detergent, and skip fabric softeners.
How the right underwear can help you beat hot flushes
Hot flushes and night sweats are among the most common and disruptive symptoms of menopause. As oestrogen falls, the part of the brain that regulates temperature becomes more sensitive, so your body overreacts to small changes in heat, and research suggests up to 75% of menopausal women experience hot flushes. When a flush hits, synthetic fabrics make it worse, trapping heat and sweat; breathable organic cotton lets air circulate and a pure silk lining is naturally temperature-regulating and wicks moisture away.
What to look for in menopause underwear: breathable natural fabric; wire-free or soft, wrapped wires; no exposed elastic or nickel; a relaxed fit with a breathable gusset; and easy layering for sudden temperature swings. For daytime, a wire-free cotton and silk bra like the Rosie Wireless Bra keeps you cool; for night sweats, lightweight pure silk nightwear like the 100% Pure Silk Camisole helps regulate temperature while you sleep. JulieMay's range is approved by Menopause Experts and accredited by Allergy UK.
Frequently asked questions
Can underwear really help with menopause symptoms?
Yes. A well-fitted, supportive bra eases breast sensitivity (WebMD reports up to 85% of women get relief from a good bra), and breathable cotton and silk underwear helps with comfort, hot flushes and vaginal health.
What is the best fabric to wear for hot flushes?
Breathable, moisture-wicking natural fibres, organic cotton and pure silk, let heat escape and draw sweat away, unlike polyester, nylon and other synthetics that trap heat.
Why does my skin get dry and itchy during menopause?
Falling oestrogen reduces collagen and natural oils, so skin becomes drier, thinner and more sensitive. Regular moisturising and gentle, allergy-friendly fabrics help.
What underwear helps with vaginal dryness?
Breathable, allergy-free cotton briefs with a pure silk or cotton gusset that aren't too tight, to reduce chafing and lower the risk of infection.
When should I see a doctor about menopause symptoms?
If symptoms affect your daily life, or you have a new breast lump, unusual bleeding or persistent pain, see your GP or a menopause specialist to discuss options including HRT.
Last updated: June 2026.
