Static clothing is caused by electrical charge, especially in dry air and with friction between fabrics. You notice it, for example, when a skirt or trousers cling to your legs.
Why does clothing cling in autumn?
Static charge arises when two materials rub over each other and exchange electrons. You walk, your skirt rubs against your tights, and without moisture in the air that charge has nowhere to go. In summer the air is more humid, but as soon as the heating goes on in autumn, the air becomes dry. That explains why the problem appears just then.
Some synthetic fabrics can feel more static in dry air. A polyester skirt sliding over polyamide tights is therefore the well-known combination where it goes wrong. It says nothing about the quality of the fabric: it is simply the physics of the material.
Is it bad if my clothing is static?
Mostly it is just annoying. A skirt that clings to your legs quickly looks untidy, and trousers that stick to your calves lose their drape. Static fabric also attracts dust particles and small hairs, which makes dark colours quickly look less polished. That is why it pays to tackle the problem instead of living with it.
What you can do straight away
- Moisturise your legs with body lotion. Dry skin can sometimes make the problem more noticeable.
- Stroke the fabric with a damp palm. That takes the charge out immediately.
- Choose a slip of cotton or viscose, so the skirt has no contact with your tights.
- Possibly use an antistatic spray if it is suitable for the material and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Smart choices of material
Anyone who wants to reduce the problem structurally looks at the combination of fabrics lying on each other. The combination of fabrics and the humidity of the air together determine how much static charge builds up. If you wear a polyester skirt, choose tights of a different composition or a cotton base layer. Read more about the properties of cotton and viscose.
One example is Rosa, an elegant knee-length skirt in black, made of 95% polyester 5% elastane. Wear it with a cotton stocking or with a long top that covers the hem. Combine with Ophelia, a ribbed quarter-zip polo of 100% lyocell, a fibre that charges less easily than polyester.
Outfits that cling less
You do not need to change your wardrobe, but you can combine smartly. Here are three looks for an autumn day.
- Skirt with long sweater: Rosa with Josephine, a knitted polo with V-neck in cream of 79.9% viscose, 20.1% polyamide. The sweater hem falls over the skirt band, so the layers do not touch each other.
- Trousers with cardigan: Daphni is a pair of pleated trousers with a flared leg in black. Wear it with a cotton stocking, so the leg does not stick.
- Cardigan over a top: Eleanor is a ribbed knitted cardigan in white, made of 79.9% viscose, 20.1% polyamide. A loose cardigan keeps some distance between fabric and body.
Tights, stockings and what you wear underneath
Many cases of clinging clothing start with the layer you wear directly on your skin. Tights and a skirt of synthetic materials can become static more quickly in dry air. With a lot of static charge, try a different base layer or lining. A cotton or woollen stocking, a thin cotton base layer or a viscose slip removes the friction between the two man-made fibres.
If you prefer not to wear a slip, you can also intervene elsewhere: choose a skirt with a lining of a different composition than the outer fabric. That is a detail you can check on the label when buying.
A routine in three steps
- Moisturise your legs in the morning and let the lotion absorb for a moment.
- Do not hang your clothing right next to a radiator, because that is where the air dries out most.
- Keep a metal pin or a small tube of lotion in your bag for unexpected moments.
Care that helps
The washing routine has an influence too. Use only washing products and drying methods that are suitable for the garment according to the care label.
Do not store your clothing too tightly in a full wardrobe. A well-organised wardrobe above all prevents unnecessary creases and friction between garments. You will find more practical care advice in our care instructions and in the women's trousers.
When you are better off choosing another piece
Sometimes it is smarter to choose a different silhouette on a very dry day. Wide-leg trousers touch your legs less than a close skirt, and a skirt with a light lining clings considerably less. If you have an important appointment, keep a small tube of lotion in your bag and take a moment to smooth things down. Also see our premium women's clothing for pieces finished with attention to the inside.
Shop the look
Rosa: knee-length skirt, black
Ophelia: ribbed quarter-zip polo, black
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, cream
Daphni: trousers with flared leg, black
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Frequently asked questions
Why does my skirt only cling in winter?
In winter the air indoors is drier because of the heating. Without moisture in the air, static charge stays on your clothing.
Does fabric softener really help?
Yes, it makes fibres less likely to become static. Use it according to the dosage on the packaging.
Which fabric charges the least?
Cotton and lyocell charge less easily than polyester or polyamide.
Can I send the skirt back if I do not like it after all?
You can. Returns cost from €5 and the refund follows within 14 days.
