The Right Underwear Fabric
The Right Underwear Fabric
Three things matter in your most intimate wear: comfort, support, and breathability. Underwear brands have long defaulted to cotton and jersey, which provide all three. But textile innovation offers the modern man new ways to keep himself cool and dry.
Cotton
An old classic. “This is a brilliant fiber for underwear,” says Francis. “It’s naturally breathable, soft, and hypoallergenic.”
Jersey
It’s soft and lightweight with a natural stretch, making it the perfect choice for guys on the move. The Tani team advises to “opt for a stretch style, with higher elastic content for added support if you spend your weekends exercising as opposed to relaxing.”
Lyocell Jersey
Hamilton & Hare developed this exclusive spin on the traditional jersey. “We use a natural paint nanofibre and blend it with cotton for a luxurious feel – the microscopic nanofibres offer unparalleled smoothness as well as moisture absorption.”
Silk
It’s a classic choice, but silk is quickly disappearing from the underwear market. And for good reason. “Although it offers incredible lightness and breathability, it’s a delicate fabric that doesn’t benefit from wash and wear and damages easily,” says Francis. Leave to Peter Stringfellow.
Mesh
The go-to material for sports-oriented underwear, the mesh is light and breathable. Some brands go even further and use heat-sensitive mesh fabric that helps disperse body heat and leave your pants feeling cool to the touch – even after a bout of cardio.
The Other ‘Underwear’ You Need To Know
These days, underwear is about more than just pants. Here’s everything else you should slip between skin and clothes.
Undershirt
This isn’t necessary all the time, but an undershirt prevents sweat stains and means your dress shirts need washing less so last longer.
Go for a V-neck – few things kill your look like a crew neck behind an open collar – in breathable cotton. Look for tight fits in light to mid-grey – it’s less visible under a white shirt than white. Vests also create visible lines on your shoulders, so stick to T-shirts.