Cotton based clothes becoming rough inside after several washes.

Nearly all my clothes are pure cotton as I am allergic to a lot of man-made fibres, and I have never had the problem you describe.

Have you tried using washing-powder or liquid that is specifically designed for people with allergies or astma?

Any such laundry soap is less likely to cause problems. I also use less soap than the makers advise. My washing is just as clean as it would be if I used the amount stated. This too may have something to do with the difference between my washing and yours.

How often do you wash your clothes? Too frequent washing will shorten the life of any clothes.

Finally, how do you dry your clothes? A tumble drier affects clothes badly, I find.

Harsh sewing thread is probably caused by it being polyester thread, not cotton. Garments can apparently be sold labelled 100% cotton, even if the thread used to sew them is not cotton!

I’ve been buying T Shirts etc from a company called Lands End . They use what they call supima cotton which apparently long fibres . I don’t know about that but it is lovely and soft and washes well . They also sell to USA who demand quality . I buy online but they have an outlet store in Rutland.

I buy their t-shirt too.
Yes, they are soft.

Sometimes I find it's the labels in clothes which scratch or are irritating. I cut them out but have to remember the washing instructions for the garment.

I’m also wondering if it’s the often, if during the winter, I leave my wet washing on a clothes dryer, say, to dry off, it gets a bit rough. Contrary to a previous reply, I find that a few minutes in a tumble dryer softens that up.

If they're mostly cotton and as you say 'unbearable to wear' take them to an animal shelter. They'd welcome them for cleaning and bedding.

I buy t-shirts from a company called Evertee. They're longer than most other t-shirts and still remain soft after several washes.

www.evertee.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23167285113&gbraid=0AAAABBwVu3c75xgFcVfnC-05BpS6-Ttbz

There have been some great suggestions already. I just wanted to say to everyone, unless you have really filthy clothes which most of us don’t, you don’t need such commercially strong chemical laden products. Don’t believe the hype. spot stain removal if necessary pre wash. They are so bad for your skin, the environment, children, animals. Use one of the numerous alternative companies selling better products where you can still reduce the amount suggested ie cut the washing sheet in half again or use a much much smaller amount of the product which is also more economical. Cotton pilling is unusual these days, is it 100% cotton? often too hot and long a wash as well as poor quality material. The harsh chemicals in big brand washing powders/liquids leave residue which builds up. You could try a 15 min wash at 20 with a good quality wool wash, a spoon ful is enough. If you dry naturally sometimes while still a little damp i put them in the dryer for a few mins with a felt ball to soften and immediately fold or hang, no need to iron. as for itchy labels on the neck, most are polyester or the stitching is, ie plastic, awful stuff. look for brands who print instead of putting labels in. Get an unpicker and gently remove labels and their stitches when new. write to manufacturers and raise the issue.