What Is The Best Material for Underwear?

Luckily there is no shortage of different types of materials at our disposal when it comes to underwear. On the other hand, this often can lead to indecision about what material is actually best.

But don't worry, you’re not alone when it comes to being picky about your undies. In fact, we encourage being fussy about one of the most important items of clothing in your wardrobe. When it comes to your undies, the material you choose can actually have impactful pros and cons for your health and more.

Ready to dive into your underwear drawer and uncover if your favourite pair is actually harmful or helpful for your body? Let’s break down the best material for underwear.

What Are The Different Types Of Underwear Material?

When you think about underwear, you probably think about style first, whether boxer briefs, trunks, bikinis, or thongs. But here’s a little secret: the fabric is just as important (if not more!) than the style itself.

From classic cotton to performance-ready micro-polyester, each material has its own pros and cons. So before you buy your next pair of undies, let’s break down the most common underwear fabrics.

Cotton

Wearing cotton underwear is popular for a reason, it’s breathable and light, but it has a few flaws.

The first flaw being moisture absorbancy. It tends to absorb sweat and hold onto it, which can leave you feeling damp during workouts or on hot days. Cotton is also very stretchy and can easily stretch and lose its shape over time, causing cotton undies to become baggy and ill-fitting.

Bamboo

A newer alternative is bamboo fibres are hypoallergenic and antibacterial, they’re great for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The fabric also adjusts to your body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

However, not all bamboo underwear is created equal. The process used to turn bamboo into fabric can vary in terms of sustainability. It’s also a bit more delicate than other fabrics, so bamboo undies may need a gentler wash cycle.

Nylon

Nylon is sleek, strong, and stretchy, often used in close-fitting underwear styles. It offers a smooth finish and a bit of shine, which makes it ideal for low-profile or seamless underwear. Because nylon doesn’t absorb much moisture, it stays relatively dry throughout the day, though it’s not as effective as micro-polyester.

Modal

Modal as a semi-synthetic fabric is made from beech tree pulp and is known for its ultra-soft, almost luxurious feel. It’s more breathable than cotton, more absorbent, and it holds its shape and colour well over time. Modal doesn’t trap heat, so it keeps you cool and fresh throughout the day.

However, modal like some other synthetic materials, like lace or silk underwear are very delicate materials and care needs to be taken when washing.

Micro-polyester

Micro-polyester is a performance-focused fabric made for active lifestyles. It’s lightweight, smooth to the touch, and buttery soft. It excels at moisture-wicking, which means it pulls sweat away from your body and dries quickly.

As a fabric, micro-polyester is very durable, so it won’t pill or wear down as fast. While some people may prefer the feel of natural fabrics, micro-polyester is engineered for comfort and function.

Swag Boxers, for example, are made from micro-polyester designed to reduce chafing and keep you dry during workouts. If you’re after underwear that keeps up with an active lifestyle, this is a top choice.

What Underwear Material Is Best for Sweating?

If you’re a nervous sweater, spend a lot of time being active, or live in a hot climate, you need to have the best underwear fabric that is designed with moisture-wicking properties. If you wear the wrong underwear for this, you risk causing skin irritation, a build-up of bacteria, and causing yourself discomfort. No one wants to feel damp all day, so picking the best fabrics is vital.

The absolute best material for dealing with sweat is micro-polyester. It’s a performance-driven fabric used in sportswear for a reason. As well as being extremely soft, they are suitable for those with sensitive skin and are a popular fabric for a good reason.

It pulls sweat away from your skin and helps it evaporate fast, so you’re not left sitting in it. Micro-polyester is also quick-drying, making it an ideal fabric not only for workouts but also for humid days, long walks, or anyone who just tends to run warm.

What Underwear Material Is Best for Working Out?

By the same token, you may be wondering what’s the best underwear material for working out. Turns out that what works for sweating also works wonders for staying comfy during exercise.

Micro-polyester is hands down one of the best fabrics for exercising. Why? Because it's specifically engineered to be moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable.

Micro-polyester also has enough stretch to move with you, which reduces friction and helps prevent chafing in high-movement areas like the inner thighs.

Brands like Swag Boxers use micro-polyester in their designs precisely because it supports active bodies. The fit is smooth, the fabric doesn’t bunch or hold onto moisture, and it feels fresh for longer.

Best Material for Women’s Underwear

No matter what your body type, when you choose your pair of underwear you need to be thinking about their purpose. Are you running around during the day, stuck at a desk, or have a hot date planned?

For women’s underwear, breathability is vital as the wrong underwear can lead to an increased risk of yeast infections. This is why micro-polyester is a game-changer. It’s moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and lightweight. Brands designing activewear-inspired underwear for women often use this material for seamless, anti-chafe fits that move with you.

Best Material for Men’s Underwear

Men’s underwear doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, but the fabric it’s made from plays a huge role in how comfortable, dry, and supported you feel throughout the day.

The best material for men’s underwear, whether for everyday wear or working out, or intimal apparel for a special occasion, the answer is much the same as women’s.

Micro-polyester keeps sweat at bay and makes sure your skin feels cool. Better than most natural materials or other materials of a synthetic nature, micro-polyester works to keep you sweat-free and supports you all day long (no stretched-out undies here).

When it comes to wearing underwear that feels good, keeps its shape, and even looks the part, micro-polyester the ideal fabric for everyone.

So, Which Material Should You Choose?

We think the answer is easy here. Micro-polyester is a winner in terms of moisture-wicking and being a breathable fabric. Not to mention it comes in a range of styles from crop tops to boxer briefs.

More durable and moisture resistant than other natural fabrics of synthetic materials, micro-polyester is a new winner in the best underwear fabric battle. No matter your personal preference on style, you’ll find a pair of micro-polyester bikinis, boy shorts or boxer briefs that sit comfortably, and have a super fit.

Just realised your underwear drawer is filled with the wrong material? No worries there. Swag has a range of collections for you to choose from.