When shopping for a new pair of underwear, most people focus on cut, color, or style. But the real make-or-break factor? The fabric. The best underwear fabric is what determines how your day feels: comfortable or irritating, breathable or sweaty, fresh or odor filled. Choosing the right fabric isn’t just about comfort; it’s about your skin health, hygiene, and even your environmental impact.

Why Fabric Matters When Choosing Underwear

Underwear sits closer to your skin than almost any other garment, which means fabric choice has a direct effect on your body. A good fabric should help manage moisture, reduce skin irritation, and prevent odor. On the other hand, the wrong fabric can trap sweat and heat, cause chafing, or contribute to feminine health issues.

Wearing underwear made with breathable, gentle materials supports overall comfort and hygiene, especially in warmer weather or during workouts. And for women’s underwear, the fabric used can impact everything from pH balance to recurring infections.

In short, the best underwear fabric will support airflow, reduce friction, and keep your most sensitive areas feeling fresh and dry.

"Your favorite pair of underwear could be putting you at risk of serious vaginal infections." - Newsweek, Your Underwear Might Be Causing Serious Infections, Gynecologist Warns

Common Underwear Fabrics and How They Compare

Let’s break down the most commonly used fabrics in underwear and how they stack up in comfort, health, and sustainability.

Cotton

Cotton underwear is a classic fabric for a reason. Cotton is breathable, soft, and natural, making it a popular choice for everyday wear. It's particularly good for sensitive skin because it doesn't typically cause irritation.

Pros:

• Breathable
• Soft on skin
• Affordable
• Widely available

Cons:

• Tends to retain moisture
• Not ideal for workouts
• Conventional cotton can be pesticide-heavy and water-intensive

Sustainability Notes: Organic cotton is better for the environment, but most mainstream cotton is resource-heavy to produce.

Polyester, Nylon & Other Synthetics

These are often used in sporty or seamless underwear styles. They offer stretch and durability, but at the expense of breathability and skin-friendliness.

Pros:

• Stretchy
  
• Durable
• Quick drying

Cons:

• Not breathable
• Traps heat and moisture
• Made from petroleum-based sources
• Can cause skin irritation over time
• May contain microplastics

Sustainability Notes: Not biodegradable; contribute to microplastic pollution when washed.

"Lace and other non-breathable synthetic underwear can trap hear and moisture against the vulva and vagina," Bone, the U.S. medical director at the gynecological health company Daye, told Newsweek. "This warm, moist environment allows bacteria and yeast to overgrow, potentially leading to infections."

Modal, Bamboo, and Other Plant-Based Options

These fabrics are often labeled as "natural" or "eco-friendly," though the processing can vary. Modal and bamboo fabrics are soft and silky, offering a luxe feel.

Pros:

• Very soft
• Breathable
• Often marketed as eco-friendly

Cons:

• Processing chemicals can negate sustainability benefits
• Not all bamboo fabrics are created equal
• May still contain synthetic blends
  

Sustainability Notes: Depends heavily on the sourcing and manufacturing processes.

TENCEL™ (Lyocell & Modal)

TENCEL™ is a branded fiber made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, primarily eucalyptus. It's known for its breathability, moisture-wicking abilities, and soft, smooth feel against the skin.

Pros:

• Naturally breathable
• Hypoallergenic and gentle on skin
• Moisture-wicking and quick drying
• Antibacterial properties
• Fully compostable and biodegradable

Cons:

• Slightly higher price point

Sustainability Notes: Produced in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents. TENCEL™ is one of the most sustainable natural fabrics available today.

"I didn't realize how much my underwear fabric mattered until my doctor told me to ditch synthetics and go natural to help my body stay balanced and toxin-free. Which is why I switched to CUFT's nontoxic underwear." - Helen, CUFT® Customer

The Best Fabric for Women’s Underwear: Why TENCEL™ Wins

When it comes to women’s underwear, fabric isn’t just a matter of feel; it’s a matter of function and health. TENCEL™ stands out as the best fabric for underwear for several reasons:

1. Feminine Health: TENCEL™ allows for better airflow and moisture management, reducing the risk of bacterial growth, odor, and infections.
2. Movement: The fabric has a natural drape and softness that prevents friction and irritation.
3. Sweat & Odor Control: It wicks moisture away from the body and is naturally antibacterial, keeping you feeling fresher longer.
4. Sustainability: Unlike synthetics or conventional cotton, TENCEL™ production is low-impact and earth-friendly.

Whether you're commuting, working out, or lounging, TENCEL™ keeps your body in balance and your conscience clear.

"I workout every day and there is NO better underwear. I love how quick it dries and there is NO odor. Couldn't be more obsessed with CUFT and will be replacing all my undies with CUFT! So glad I found this brand." - Liv, CUFT® Customer

What to Look for in the Best Underwear Fabric

When choosing the best underwear fabric, consider these essential qualities:

• Breathability: Allows air to circulate and prevents overheating.
• Moisture Management: Wicks sweat and dries quickly.
• Softness: Reduces skin irritation and feels good all day.
• Antibacterial Properties: Helps reduce odor and bacterial buildup.
• Stretch and Recovery: Maintains shape while allowing movement.
• Eco-Friendly: Made from renewable resources and free of harmful chemicals.

TENCEL™ checks every single box, making it a smart choice for both your body and the planet.

Final Thoughts on the Best Fabric for Underwear

Your underwear fabric choice matters more than you think. It impacts your comfort, hygiene, and how your body feels throughout the day. While cotton underwear has long been the default, there are better options available today.

Among all the materials we explored, TENCEL™ emerges as the best underwear fabric, especially for women who want breathable, natural fabric that prioritizes skin health and sustainability.

Ready to feel the difference for yourself? Try CUFT®’s TENCEL™ underwear, better for your body, better for the planet.