THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST AND WORST MATERIALS FOR MEN’S UNDERWEAR
As with most things in life, there's way too many choices of material when it comes to new underwear shopping and not enough straightforward information out there to figure out which ones are good and which ones to avoid like the plague.
So let's keep things simple - out of all of the choices available to you, there are four types of fabric for men's underwear that you should wear; cotton, micro modal, nylon, and elastane blends, and each fabric performs better in certain environments and conditions.
This guide will explain why they're the best men's underwear fabric types, list other materials to avoid, review your choices in underwear styles, lay out our top picks for men's underwear, and end with some answers to common FAQs.
After reading this post, you'll finally be able to stop scratching your head - and bawlz - trying to figure out what material is best for men's underwear.
Topics Covered in This Guide
Different Types of Men’s Underwear
Before we get to the best material, let's quickly go over the different types of men's underwear available to you. We've reviewed this topic in detail throughout our Men's Underwear Explained guide, so we'll keep this section brief.
BOXER BRIEFS
Not to be confused with boxer shorts, boxer briefs reach about halfway down the thighs and have a snug fit. This versatile, breathable, durable, and comfortable underwear style of underwear makes them the top choice for men no matter what lifestyle you lead or size you are.
Trunks
Trunks are very similar to boxer briefs with the two main differences being that they reach down just past the groin area and they are much tighter. While they are comfortable for men with lean body types, they are not very versatile, breathable, or durable.
BOXER SHORTS
Commonly known as boxers, boxer shorts are essentially the loose version of boxer briefs. Boxer shorts also have the same leg length, but are not suitable for much else aside from lounging or sleeping seeing as they easily bunch up and provide little to no supportive fit.
Briefs
Infamously known as tighty whiteys, briefs are the tight underwear that you'll probably find in your grandad's drawer. They're way out of style and aren't durable, versatile, comfortable, or breathable.
JOCK STRAPS
While jockstraps do have their place in certain sports, they are not suitable to be worn as everyday underwear. You simply can't feel comfortable with the only thing covering your cheekz being two straps on the side of them.
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BEST MEN’S UNDERWEAR MATERIALS
Onto the main event - the best fabric for men's underwear. While there are plenty of choices to pick from, we only recommend four; cotton, micromodal, nylon, and elastane blends as explained in detail below.
You'll also find a quick list beneath each underwear material highlighting what they're best for along with our top pick for each.
Cotton
BEST FOR
Daily wear, careers with low to high activity levels, sensitive skin, hot and humid climates
TOP PICK
The father of all underwear material, the natural fiber of cotton fabric underwear has stood the test of time when it comes to versatility, breathability, absorbency, and comfort.
The inherently soft, hypoallergenic, and breathable fabric of cotton underwear makes it a top choice for men living in hot or humid climates where they'll sweat more than usual, all levels of activity, and those looking to prevent chafing, irritation, and sensitive skin.
When in doubt, go with cotton.
MICRO MODAL
BEST FOR
Superior softness, lounging, careers with low activity levels, intimate moments
TOP PICK
Made from the cellulose of birch, oak, and beech trees, the synthetic fibers of micromodal underwear fabric makes it the perfect fabric for super softness in men's underwear you can find, a great material for moments that call for maximum comfort and luxury.
Whether you're about to play a little slap n' tickle, want to feel sexy, wear your best suit, or kick it around the house, the incredibly soft micromodal is your best choice.
Underwear made from this synthetic material is also the best fabric for sedentary or low activity careers as well as cooler climates.
SHOP MODAL UNDERWEAR
Nylon
BEST FOR
Heavy sweating, physically demanding careers, lightweight, hot and humid climates
TOP PICK
The lightweight and fast-drying properties of nylon underwear makes it the go to fabric for men looking for boxer briefs that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
This stretchy material moves with you better than any other natural or synthetic fabric and is best when worn while swimming, bicycling, or any other physically demanding activity as well as those living in hotter climates with high humidity.
While all listed underwear fabrics have moisture wicking properties, this excellent underwear fabric is the best material to wick moisture and sweat away.
SHOP NYLON UNDERWEARElastane Blends
Also known as Spandex, the elastic fibers of elastane is what makes all of the aforementioned materials stretchy and secure - the problem arises when a pair of underwear is made entirely of elastane, as we'll review in detail below.
WORST MEN’S UNDERWEAR MATERIALS
Now that we've gone over which materials to wear, let's take a quick glance at the materials to avoid wearing.
Polyester
While polyester underwear is a common choice for other underwear brands due to its moisture wicking properties and movability, the fact that it's made from petroleum means that it bonds strongly with odor molecules and therefore has poor antibacterial properties.
You'll find the same capabilities and comfort from polyester without the stank in a solid pair of nylon underwear.
FULL ELASTANE
As we mentioned above, elastane is a great material when blended with cotton, micromodal, or nylon - but not all by itself. 100% elastane underwear quickly loses its shape and stretchability after a few wears which leads to irritated skin and chafing.
Wool
Although merino wool has its place as long johns or full-length thermal underwear, it's not the best fabric for men's underwear. It's itchy and scratchy all by itself, but its ability to trap heat in frigid temperatures should not be underestimated, and as such, works fine so long as you have a comfortable pair of underwear underneath it.
Polyamide
Another fabric commonly used by other underwear brands, polyamide easily pills, has poor breathability, and easily gathers static electricity. You can find all of the elasticity, durability, and resistance to fungi in a breathable pair of nylon underwear.
OTHER MATERIALS TO AVOID
Some dishonorable mentions of fabric for men's underwear - some found in luxury brands - to avoid include silk, organza, satin, latex, microfiber, and bamboo fabric as well as silk underwear.
TOP 3 BEST COTTON UNDERWEAR FOR MEN
Made with a carefully perfected blend of 95% cotton and 5% elastane, Drawlz cotton underwear is the best fabric for everyday wear, careers with moderate to high activity levels, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
TOP 3 BEST MICRO MODAL UNDERWEAR FOR MEN
Made with a carefully perfected blend of 95% micromodal and 5% elastane, Drawlz modal underwear is the best men's underwear fabric for lounging, intimate moments, and formal wear.
TOP 3 BEST NYLON UNDERWEAR FOR MEN
Made with a carefully perfected blend of 85% nylon and 15% elastane, Drawlz nylon underwear is the best fabric for physically demanding careers, anything that makes you sweat a lot, and wicking moisture away.
WHICH UNDERWEAR FABRIC IS BEST FOR MEN?
The most versatile fabric of men's underwear is cotton, which can be worn comfortably pretty much anywhere. For a more tailored experience based on what you're doing, micromodal fabric is best for those seeking a softer feel while nylon is the best fabric for those leading an active lifestyle.
WHAT TYPE OF UNDERWEAR IS MOST COMFORTABLE FOR MEN?
Hands down, cotton boxer briefs are the best underwear for men. Unlike loose boxer shorts, cotton boxer briefs have a secure, breathable, comfortable, and reliable fit that wears great in any situation.
WHAT TYPE OF UNDERWEAR IS BREATHABLE FOR MEN?
The most breathable fabrics of men's underwear are nylon, micromodal, or cotton. Don't stray from these three fabrics and you'll never be uncomfortable again.
Before you take off, here's some closing tips when shopping for your own underwear:
Synthetic fabrics aren't bad, avoid anything made of very delicate fabric, pima cotton is the softest version of cotton but not by much, polyester ain't all that it's cracked up to be, neither are boxer shorts, most fabrics are just putting lipstick on a pig, and finally, all of these tips can also be applied to women's underwear.
Hopefully this helps clear things up, I know the internet is loaded with annoying articles littered with ads that don't really answer the question you ask when you're just looking to buy underwear.
TLDR; when it comes to the best underwear fabric for men, look for underwear made from nylon, micromodal, or cotton blends with elastane.
You'll find underwear with all three options at Drawlz with a design that fits your unique style.
Thank you for reading, stay confident.
Anthony,
Founder | Drawlz
1 comment
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