What fabric is underwear made of？
As one of the most intimate clothing in our daily life, choosing the right fabric of underwear is very important. In this article, we will talk about the types and characteristics of underwear fabrics to help you make right choice of underwear.
Common underwear fabrics
- Polyester cotton:
Polyester cotton refers to the fabric that blend with polyester short fiber and cotton fiber. Polyester cotton has advantages of neat appearance, durability, stable size, and easy to wash and dry. However, its moisture absorption and breathability are worse than pure cotton. The most commonly used proportion for polyester/cotton blending is 65/35, 50/50, 35/65, and 80/20, etc. The cost of polyester cotton fibers are lower than pure cotton fibers.
- Pure cotton:
Pure cotton fabric is made from cotton. It is a commonly used fabric in underwear, especially in middle-aged, elderly, and children’s products. Pure cotton fabric has advantages of moisture absorption, moisture retention, heat resistance, and hygiene, but it also has disadvantages such as easy wrinkling and shrinkage.
- Lycra Cotton:
Lycra cotton fabric is widely used in underwear, especially in women’s panties. Because it is elastic and not easily deformed. The products made from it are comfortable and fit well. Due to the fashionable nature of Lycra cotton, a wide front is more commonly used as the waist in Lycra fabric underwear. For example, Calvine Klein, VERSACE, Looksee and other well-known brands are mostly made of Lycra fabrics.
- Regenerated cellulose fibers:
The commonly used regenerated cellulose fibers in underwear include viscose fibers, Modal, Tencel, etc.
Viscose fiber has the advantages of smooth, cool, breathable, anti-static, and colorful dyeing.
Modal fiber has the advantages of softness and luster. What’s more, its water absorption and breathability are better than cotton. The disadvantage is easy pilling
Tencel has the characteristics of soft drape, unique touch, elegant and dynamic feel, breathability and moisture permeability, and elegant luster, giving people a sense of satisfaction, safety, full of texture, and nobility and generosity.
- Nylon：
Nylon has the advantages of good elasticity, high strength, high wear resistance. However, it also has the disadvantages of poor water absorption, poor light resistance, and easy yellowing in sunlight.
Other emerging underwear fabrics
- Silk:
Silk is a top-end natural fiber. It has excellent softness and breathability. Silk underwear is comfortable and has smooth touch.
- Carbon fiber:
Carbon fiber is a type of fiber with characteristics of conductive and antibacterial. It can be used to make underwear with anti-static and antibacterial. Carbon fiber underwear has the advantages of moisture absorption, fast sweating, and odor resistance.
- Bamboo textile fabric (including 95% of Bamboo textile fabric):
Bamboo textile can instantly absorb and evaporate a large amount of water. It known by industry experts as a “breathing” fiber, and its moisture absorption, moisture release and air permeability also rank first among the major textile fibers.
How to choose the suitable underwear fabric for oneself
1. Consider comfort and applicable scenarios
You should choose the underwear with breathable, hygroscopic, and elastic fabrics, as they are good for your skin and will not cause allergies or irritation. Natural fibers such as cotton and silk, as well as fabrics with antibacterial properties such as carbon fiber, are usually more skin friendly. According to personal needs, you can choose fabrics with special functions. For example, fabrics with UV protection functions can be selected for UV protection needs.
2. Pay attention to personal preferences and needs for fabrics
3. Choose fabrics based on season and weather
In summer and hot weather, fabrics with good breathability are the first choice to help sweat evaporate quickly. Natural fibers such as cotton and modal can provide good breathability. Fabric with strong moisture absorption can help you absorb sweat and quickly expel it. Cotton and Bamboo textile are good choices. Avoid choosing materials that are too tight or heavy.
In winter and cold weather, you need to primarily consider the warm-keeping ability, so choose fabrics that can resist the cold, such as a blend of wool and polyester fibers. Avoid excessively thin fabrics to avoid cold penetration.
