Bamboo vs Cotton Underwear: Which Fabric Suits You Best?

When it comes to underwear, choosing the right fabric is just as important as the fit. Two popular options you’ve probably come across are bamboo and cotton. But how does bamboo vs cotton underwear actually compare? And is either of them truly the best option?

Let’s break it down and discover the secret winning material.

Cotton Underwear: The Old Favourite

Cotton has been the go-to fabric for generations. It’s breathable, natural, and easy to care for. Most of us have grown up wearing cotton underwear, it’s popular for a good reason. Cotton fabric is a popular choice for many underwear styles like boxers or even crop tops.

Why we love it:

• Soft and familiar
• Absorbs moisture well
• Easy to wash and widely available
• Often more affordable

Cotton is great for everyday wear, but can feel heavy or damp when you're active. And over time, it tends to wear out faster than you'd like. If you have sensitive skin and are sweating, you may find you get irritated skin from the moisture build-up.

Another downfall of cotton fibre is the amount of water that conventional cotton farming and cotton plants use. So while cotton feels good, it’s not always doing the planet any favours unless it is harvested through organic cotton farming. Check the method of your cotton cultivation and opt for organic cotton if you want a more sustainable choice, this will typically be on the label.

Bamboo Underwear: Soft, Smooth and Eco-Friendly?

Bamboo fabric is known for its luxuriously soft feel and it is a more breathable fabric, unlike cotton.

So, why do we love bamboo underwear?

• It feels luxuriously smooth against the skin
• Breathes well and helps regulate temperature
• Antimicrobial properties and odour-resistant
• It’s hypoallergenic which is great for sensitive skin
• Bamboo grows quickly with minimal resources, making it a more sustainable choice

But like all fabrics, it’s not without flaws. The process of turning bamboo plants into fabric (often called viscose or bamboo rayon) can involve harsh chemical-heavy treatments, unless it’s done through a closed-loop system. When comparing bamboo clothing, always check how the bamboo textiles were made.

Bamboo panties are delicate and need gentle care in order to maintain their shape (which doesn't always happen). This means they can lose their shape and be more tiresome to care for. But does this mean you should buy bamboo underwear or stick to cotton?

So… Bamboo or Cotton Underwear?

Bamboo fiber underwear offers a silky-soft feel and eco appeal, while cotton fibers are familiar, comfy, and widely available. But when it comes to lasting comfort, shape retention, and all-day performance, neither one holds the place for the superior choice.

Here’s the twist. While bamboo and cotton undies both have their pros and cons, there’s a third option that often gets overlooked: micropolyester.

Why Micropolyester Might Be the Best Choice

Micropolyester is specially designed for performance and comfort as an underwear fabric. It’s lightweight, has fast moisture absorption, fast-drying, and holds its shape wash after wash. It’s also incredibly soft and doesn’t trap odour like some natural fabrics can. If you're looking for underwear that works as hard as you do, it always delivers.

What makes it different?

• Luxurious softness (yes, really!)
• Moisture-wicking properties
• Keeps its shape. No sagging or shrinking
• Great for workouts and long days
• Resists odour better than bamboo or cotton
• Long-lasting with minimal wear and tear
• Comfy in cold or hot weather

What Underwear Should You Choose?

If you're choosing between bamboo vs cotton underwear, you now know what each fabric brings to the table. Bamboo feels smooth and has eco-friendly appeal, while cotton is breathable and widely trusted.

But if you’re after something that combines the best of both (softness, breathability, longevity and comfort), micropolyester is where it’s at.

With options for underwear for men and women’s underwear, micropolyester is the perfect choice. If you haven't tried it yet, now’s the best time to dive into comfort and ditch your old undies. Try Swag undies today, you’ll never go back to bamboo or cotton underwear again.