
Understanding Men's Underwear Fabrics
Men's Underwear Fabrics
Earlier, cotton was the only fabric used in making mens underwear and undershirts. However, with changing preference and technological advancements, the mens underwear industry has seen a lot of innovation in terms of fabric. There are a plethora of options in this category. Some of the most used fabrics are mentioned below.
- Cotton / Cotton Stretch
- Nylon
- Modal / Micro Modal / Micro Modal Air
- Rayon
- Polyester
- Silk
These are blended with spandex in the right proportion to ensure quality, comfort, and durability along with ample flexibility. Lycra, Elastane are specifically used to add stretchiness to the fabric of the undergarment.
Here's a brief discussion about the various fabric options in the underwear category for men.
MENS COTTON UNDERWEAR AND UNDERSHIRTS
Considered as the king of fabrics, the natural fibre is one of the most used fabrics in the men’s underwear industry. This was, in fact, the only fabric used in making the best mens underwear for a very long time. However, the last couple of decades has seen a plethora of options in this category.
Properties of Cotton
Cotton is very soft and lightweight. Thus, the underneath clothing made up of this fibre is comfortable. Swiss Cotton is among the most desired cotton stretch for men’s underwear.
Mens cotton underwear has tiny pores that allow you to breathe well. Keeping the ventilation and air circulation to the next level, cotton underwear provides a comfy feel down there.
Cotton underwear has high absorbency and is moisture resistant. Thus, it can keep you dry even during the hottest day of Summer.
Mens cotton underwear is stronger when wet than dry. Moreover, it can withstand heat, detergent and even bleach. This ensures the durability of the underwear. However, it is more prone to shrinkage than the other fabrics.
Best wearing condition
The mens cotton underwear is crafted in high-quality cotton and is perfect for all occasions, events and seasons. However, cotton is slow drying, so washing it is sometimes inconvenient during Winter. Fabrics like silk and wool is a preferred option for this season.
Use of cotton underwear should be avoided while exercising as they may lead to abrasion. Nylon is a better option on such an occasion.
NYLON MENS UNDERWEAR
Nylon is the best alternative for cotton. It is a generic designation of the family of synthetic polymers. Derived from diamine and dicarboxylic acid, the polyamide fibre is the second most used fabric in the best mens underwear industry for men.
Properties
The strength of the nylon makes the mens underwear made of this fabric durable. The tenacity of nylon is not gone even with age.
The colour retention property of nylon provides it with an edge over cotton. The fabric retains colours of the clothing even after multiple washes.
The smooth texture of the fabric has excellent abrasion-resistant. This is the reason why it is used in swimwear and swim costumes.
The heat conductivity of the fibre depends on the constructions. However, it still disallows the heat to pass through it, thus, keeps the wearer warm during the cold season.
Nylon has low absorbency and hence dries quickly. This makes the mens nylon underwear perfect for those who suffer from the sweaty crotch.
Best wearing condition
Nylon mens underwear is best for hitting the gym or for other rigorous exercises. This mens underwear will dry easily keeping you dry. This will even reduce the possibility of crotch rot due to moisture retention.
This is even a preferred option for water adventures and beach outings. The swimsuit crafted in nylon will keep your manhood cozy and abrasion-free when you take a plunge into the water.
MENS MODAL / MICRO MODAL UNDERWEAR
There is no fabric softer than modal / micro modal in underwear for men. This material is around 50% more water-absorbent than cotton. Modal and micro modal are a type of rayon and the second generation regenerated cellulosic fibre.
Properties
Modal and micro modal are the softest fabrics in the world. This pretty much explains it’s significance in the men’s underwear. The mens underwear made of this fibre can keep you cozy all day long.
Despite the soft and silky feel, the material is wear-resistant and strong. This is one fabric that has very high wet strength, thus, it can even withstand machine wash and can be tumble dried. Even after multiple washes, the material stays absorbent, soft and supple.
Modal or micro modal is often blended with cotton and other synthetic fibres. It even allows easy dyeing for mens underwear.
Best wearing condition
This is a perfect option for mens summer underwear. The lightweight fabric can keep you dry and cozy during the hot and humid weather.
It can be used for everyday use. However, avoid wearing them during workouts and other athletic activities.
Even though the wet strength is an alluring property of the fabric, this is not an apt option for the bikini season. Nylon and polyester are some of the preferred options for the fun-filled season.
MENS RAYON UNDERWEAR
Rayon has many properties similar to cotton and other natural fibres. This was a commonly used fabric in summer clothing for both men and women. It is now being used in making underwear for men as well.
Properties
Just like mens cotton underwear, rayon is comfortable, airy and moisture absorbent. Thus, the best mens underwear made up of this fabric is a perfect choice to deal with excessive sweating and problems related to it.
What makes it versatile is the fact that it can be easily dyed in vivid colours. This has made the introduction of some jazzy and lesser-used shades possible in underwear for men.
The fabric has moderate strength but is soft to the skin and abrasion-resistant. Thus, it is a practical option to reduce sticking and squashing of manhood during the day.
The shrink-resistant material makes the most durable mens underwear, no matter how many times you wash it. Just make sure that you wash the rayon underwear with your hands. Avoid clubbing it with other clothes in the washing machine.
Best wearing condition
The lightweight fabric is an apt option to beat the heat of Summer. The thin material provides top-notch ventilation and keeps everything breezy down there.
The material stretches easily, so, it is not a recommended option for all-day use.
Moreover, it won’t provide the much-needed warmth during Winter.
MENS POLYESTER UNDERWEAR
Polyester mens underwear includes naturally occurring chemicals. It is often blended with natural fibres such as cotton that helps bind the fibres together.
Properties
Polyester provides a smooth and synthetic feel. The comfortable mens underwear made of this material feels very soft against the skin of the wearer.
The fabric is resistant to wrinkle, mildew as well as abrasion. This is why it is used in making men’s swimwear. The fabric keeps your package isolated and away from the body even when you are drenched.
Polyester is extremely strong and does not stretch or shrink. Thus, these mens underwear last longer than usual mens underwear. Moreover, it can be machine washed and dried.
Best wearing condition
As mentioned above, it is an apt option for the bikini season. The swimsuit crafted in polyester will facilitate all sorts of water adventures.
The material has high absorbency, hence, it is not a recommended option for the hot season.
MENS SILK UNDERWEAR
The smooth and soft texture of silk can give you a luxurious feel down there. A filament fibre formed from the protein secreted by silkworms is known for its shiny look, softness as well as insulating power.
Properties
The silky feels and sleek style of the underwear fabric make it a perfect material for making the mens underwear. The extremely soft texture keeps the wearer comfortable.
Insulation is a unique property of silk. It is very absorbent and not a good conductor of heat. It traps the heat and prevents it from leaving the clothing. Thus, it creates an insulating layer between the cloth and the body of the wearer.
Silk is durable and has the greatest pull strength as compared to all the natural fibres.
Best for occasion
As silk is a bad conductor of heat, thus, it is the perfect option for Winter. The insulating layer will prevent the heat from escaping the body and will keep you warm.
Silk doesn’t provide as much support as cotton and other materials. Hence, it is not an apt option for all-day use. Keep these sexy mens underwear in reserve for special occasions.