Not all underwear is created equal, and neither are the fabrics.

If you’ve ever stood in the underwear or bedding aisle wondering what fabric is best for your skin, your comfort, and the planet, you’re not alone. For years, cotton has dominated the conversation, praised for being soft, breathable, and natural. 

But there's a new contender on the block: TENCEL™, a fabric derived from eucalyptus trees and other sustainable sources of wood pulp.

In this deep dive into TENCEL™ vs cotton, we’ll break down the key differences between these fabrics; from moisture control and skin-friendliness to sustainability and performance. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly why your skin (and the planet) will thank you for making the switch to TENCEL™.

What is TENCEL™?

TENCEL™ is the brand name for fibers like TENCEL™ lyocell and TENCEL™ modal, produced by the Austrian company Lenzing. These fabrics are made from renewable wood sources, primarily eucalyptus, using a closed loop production process that recycles water and solvents, minimizing environmental waste.

Known for its moisture wicking, softness, and biodegradability, TENCEL™ is gaining rapid popularity in clothing, underwear, and sheets.

What Is Cotton?

Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. It's been used for centuries in clothing, bedding, and more. However, not all cotton is created equal. Pima cotton, for example, is known for its longer staple length, which gives it more durability and softness. Still, even premium cotton has its drawbacks, especially when compared to newer, more environmentally friendly materials like TENCEL™.

Moisture Management: TENCEL™ Keeps You Dry

One of the key differences between TENCEL™ and cotton lies in their moisture wicking abilities. 

TENCEL™ fibers are structured to pull moisture away from the body and release it into the air, helping you stay dry and comfortable—whether you're wearing TENCEL™ underwear or sleeping on TENCEL™ sheets.

Cotton, while absorbent, tends to hold on to moisture, which can lead to dampness and even bacterial buildup, potentially causing infections. This can be especially uncomfortable in hot climates or during workouts.

Winner: TENCEL™ is better for moisture management and hygiene support.

"TENCEL™ underwear is great for working out because it stays dry and prevents odor-causing bacteria from accumulating. It doesn't smell down there!" – Olivia M, CUFT® Customer

Comfort & Skin Sensitivity: TENCEL™ Is Kinder to Your Skin

TENCEL™ fibers are incredibly smooth and naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Its structure creates a surface that is less abrasive, reducing irritation and promoting long-term comfort.

"My skin always gets irritated from certain fabrics, but not TENCEL™ because it's hypoallergenic. I finally found something that feels good all day, and in all situations." – Kayla W, CUFT® Customer

Cotton can sometimes feel rough, especially after repeated washing. If you're wearing something close to your body like underwear or sleeping on it nightly, this difference matters.

Winner: TENCEL™, especially for those with skin sensitivities.

TENCEL™ Blends vs Cotton Blends

Both TENCEL™ and cotton are often blended with other fibers to create a variety of fabric types, but how they perform in blends can vary significantly.

TENCEL™ blends (like TENCEL™ with organic cotton or elastane) retain their signature softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking capabilities. Even when blended, TENCEL™ tends to elevate the feel of the fabric, giving it a silkier texture, better drape, and superior skin-friendliness. Plus, TENCEL™'s natural hypoallergenic qualities remain effective in blended textiles.

Cotton blends, on the other hand, often involve mixing cotton with synthetic fibers like polyester to improve durability or reduce cost—but this often comes at the expense of breathability, softness and, potentially, toxicity via microplastics. These blends may also trap heat or moisture, leading to discomfort and a higher risk of skin irritation.

When it comes to blending, TENCEL™'s performance-enhancing traits tend to shine, while cotton blends can dilute the comfort and sustainability benefits of natural cotton. CUFT® is the only brand offering underwear made from 100% pure TENCEL, completely free of fabric blends, toxins, and microplastics.

Winner: TENCEL™, for consistently improving the quality and comfort of blended fabrics.

"At CUFT, our underwear is made from 100% TENCEL™. No blends, no compromises. By eliminating added fibers, we preserve the integrity of the fabric, keeping it free from microplastics, elastane, and harsh chemicals. It’s fully compostable, completely natural, and designed with your body (and the planet) in mind." — CUFT® Co-founder

Sustainability: A Clear Environmental Winner

Let’s talk about the environmental impacts. Cotton, especially conventional cotton, is notoriously water intensive. It takes over 2,000 gallons of water to make enough cotton for just one pair of jeans. Plus, cotton production often involves heavy pesticide use, which can harm local ecosystems and farm workers.

TENCEL™, on the other hand, is created from fast-growing eucalyptus trees that require less water and no harmful pesticides. The closed loop system used in TENCEL™ production means that over 99% of solvents are reused, significantly reducing environmental waste.

Winner: TENCEL™, by far, for its eco-friendly approach.

Durability and Longevity: TENCEL™ Holds Up

Thanks to the strength of TENCEL™ lyocell fibers, garments made with this material tend to be more durable over time. TENCEL™ retains its softness and structure even after multiple washes.

While pima cotton and other high-quality cottons can also last, many standard cotton garments wear out quickly or lose their shape.

Winner: TENCEL™, for better longevity and shape retention.

Feel and Finish: Silky vs Soft

TENCEL™ has a naturally silky, luxurious finish. It drapes beautifully and feels ultra-smooth against the skin. This makes it especially popular for underwear, sateen sheets and loungewear.

Cotton can be soft, particularly when brushed or treated, but it rarely achieves the same fluid feel as TENCEL™ fabric.

Winner: TENCEL™, for that luxe, elevated experience.

Thread Count and Quality

Many people use thread count as a measure of quality, especially when buying sheets. But with TENCEL™, the feel and performance often outpace cotton, even at lower thread counts. That’s because TENCEL™ fibers are smoother and more uniform than the irregular surface of many cotton fibers.

Winner: TENCEL™, because thread count isn’t everything.

Personal Preferences: Is There Still a Place for Cotton?

Of course, some people still prefer cotton. It’s familiar, accessible, and comes in a wide variety of weaves and finishes. For those who love the classic crispness of cotton or are loyal to pima cotton, cotton may still be the go-to.

But for those who prioritize sensitive skin, eco-friendliness, and cutting-edge fabric tech, TENCEL™ fabric is clearly the superior choice.

The Verdict: Why TENCEL™ Is The Future

When it comes to TENCEL™ vs cotton, the winner is clear. From moisture wicking and softness to environmental impacts and durability, TENCEL™ outperforms cotton on almost every front.

So, whether you're shopping for underwear, bedsheets, or clothing, choosing TENCEL™ means choosing:

• A gentler experience for your skin
• A smaller environmental footprint
• A longer-lasting, better-performing product

Ready to make the switch? Your skin—and the planet—will thank you.

Choose #CUFT.