“To breathe, or not to breathe.”

That is the question — or, at least, the question we’ll be answering today. Specifically, what underwear material allows for the most comfortability, breathability, and the best overall experience? 

Everything in the world has pros and cons, and underwear is no exception. Your favorite underwear brand may be exceptionally comfortable when you’re walking around but take a turn for the worse when you’re exercising, or vice versa. 

Fortunately, there is a material and brand that gets the job done. Rain or shine, exercise or leisure, humid or bone-chilling, there is a material that will always have your back (and front). 

We have a flair for the dramatic, so we’ll reveal what this mystery material is later. For now, let’s focus on the importance of your underwear material, what you should avoid, and what you should be wearing. 

 

Why Your Underwear Material Matters

When picking and choosing your underwear material, there are two simple and important words you need to remember: breathable and absorbent. 

We’ve all had those summer days when it feels like you sat in a chair after heavy rain — or hyperhidrosis, if you want to get scientific. Instead of going through your clean underwear supply in under a week, there’s an easy solution and explanation: Change your underwear material! 

 

What Is Underwear Hygiene?

Remember, just because you have an ultra-absorbent and breathable material doesn’t mean you can re-wear your underwear without washing them after a long day or a sweaty workout. 

Still, a safe and secure pair of underwear will help ensure you don’t have to make the switch mid-day unless it’s necessary. 

 

Why Underwear Hygiene Matters

Your underwear hygiene is an extension of your overall health and mood. Nobody wants to be walking around with a bad rash or an icky smell. It never feels good, and it can be detrimental to your genital health. 

If the material isn’t breathable, the bacteria and smells that have built up throughout the day will become trapped. This causes irritation, inflammation, and an uncomfortable day and night. 

If your underwear isn’t absorbent, your situation down there will only get worse. Some materials that get wet won’t dry, which is another way bacteria and smells can build up. 

 

How Often Should You Change Your Underwear?

Change your underwear every day! Once you throw it in the laundry basket, don’t take it back out until it’s washed. Just sitting and moving throughout the day is enough to warrant a change. 

Thankfully, keeping your underwear hygiene up to par isn’t difficult. All you have to do is avoid wearing the same unwashed pair repeatedly and change when you think it’s needed.

 

What Is the Best Breathable Underwear?

Different types of underwear are built for different functions. Some will give you breathability while sacrificing comfort. Others will give you comfort while you sacrifice your cash flow. Simply, there are underwear materials that will help and hurt your overall genital hygiene, depending on when and where you wear them. 

Like we said before, breathability is one of the most important aspects in your underwear. Below, we’re going to break down the pros and cons of the three most common types of underwear material: polyester, cotton, and silk. 

Remember, it’s usually rare that underwear is made from 100% of the material it claims to have. There are normally different blends and types mixed in. Even if a company claims to make underwear that is 100% cotton, that number is likely in the high 90s.

So, for this list, we’re going to generalize whichever material makes up the majority of the underwear. 

 

The Pros and Cons of Cotton Underwear

Below are some of the main pros and cons of cotton underwear.

 

How Breathable Is Cotton Underwear?

We’ll keep saying it: Underwear’s breathability is one of its important aspects. Cotton underwear is excellent at not trapping smells and bacteria in one area throughout the day. 

 

How Comfortable Is Cotton Underwear?

We wear clothing to look good and be comfortable. Cotton underwear isn’t exactly uncomfortable, but it surely ranks last when compared to the other materials on this list.

 

How Absorbent Is Cotton Underwear?

Cotton underwear gets a little tricky when talking about its ability to absorb moisture. It will get the job done, but cotton tends to stay wet once it gets wet. This can present a lot of problems on a hot day or if you decide to exercise while wearing a pair of cotton underwear.

 

Is Cotton Underwear Worth It?

Cotton underwear is breathable while sacrificing some comfort and the ability to absorb heavy moisture. This type of underwear is definitely best suited for a workday that doesn’t involve a ton of movement or walks in mild temperatures. 

 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Silk Underwear?

Here are the main pros and cons of silk underwear.

 

How Comfortable Is Silk Underwear?

Ever heard the phrase “silky smooth”? Well, soft and comfortable things are often compared to silk for a reason. Silk is undoubtedly one of the softest materials out there, which allows for maximum comfort. 

 

How Expensive Is Silk Underwear?

Silk underwear can get pricey, especially if it’s a designer brand. If you get silk underwear, you’re probably only going to use it for special occasions and not everyday activities like exercise and work. 

 

How Breathable Is Silk Underwear?

Silk underwear is often loose and closely resembles boxers. They’re excellent at breathability, but at the cost you’re paying, it would probably be wiser to go with another material that offers the same versatility. Plus, silk isn’t exactly sweat-wicking. 

 

Is Silk Underwear Worth It?

We’re not here to force you to buy or not buy a certain pair of underwear.

However, if there are other types of underwear that offer the same abilities, why spend the money? Silk is more of a luxury than a necessity, and you’re probably better off saving money with a more affordable underwear wardrobe. 

 

The Pros and Cons of Polyester Underwear

Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of polyester underwear.

 

Is Polyester Underwear Good for Everyday Wear?

Polyester is the best underwear material for everyday people. Its quick-drying ability coupled with its overall durability and breathability makes it one of the few materials we consider perfect for daily use, regardless of weather, occupation, and activity. 

 

Are There Drawbacks to Polyester Underwear?

There truly aren’t many downsides to polyester and polyester blends. It’s the longest-lasting material, the most absorbent and drying, and an all-around great fabric. 

 

Is Polyester Underwear Worth It?

We’re not saying it’s a bad thing if you have cotton, silk, or other types of underwear — but if you truly want the most affordable and worthwhile material for your underwear, polyester is the way to go. 

 

Where Can You Find the Best Polyester Underwear?

We’re glad you asked! We created All Citizens to design the highest-quality and most affordable pair of underwear for everyone, everywhere. 

Our products are made from microfiber that is 90% polyester and 10% spandex. 

The stretchiness, comfort, and breathability are unlike any other underwear you’ve ever worn before. Our material is incredibly durable, so you won’t have to spend money on new underwear every few months. 

Our goal is to deliver the ultimate blend of comfort, style, quality, and performance. When it comes to your underwear hygiene, you should never settle for less. Start living your life without worrying about what’s going on down below. 

All Citizens has (literally) got you covered. 

Sources: 

Jock Itch: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic

Hyperhidrosis - Diagnosis and treatment | Mayo Clinic

What's that smell? Get rid of body odor | Harvard Health

October 17, 2022 — Bridget Reed

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