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While cotton is still a popular underwear fabric, comprising more than 68 per cent of the men’s market globally by one estimate, your go-to pairs may not make the cut for those extra hot days when staying cool and dry can be a struggle. It’s hard to enjoy the summer heat when you’re dealing with dampness, chafing or overall discomfort.
Generally speaking, textiles such as cotton, wool, modals and rayons offer good odour management and antibacterial growth properties; but they also hold a lot of moisture and can feel less comfortable when you’re sweating or if it’s humid out. A 100-per-cent cotton garment that gets wet will feel more damp on your skin and won’t dry as quickly as one that’s made with synthetic fibres.
Compared with cotton and nylon, for example, “polyester is going to hold the least amount of moisture and dry the fastest and have the most inherent wicking properties,” says Haley Bennett, a senior lead, apparel materials developer at Under Armour. Look for undergarments made with fabric blends that stress features such as moisture-wicking and odour control if you’re concerned about staying dry and comfortable in hot weather, Bennett adds.
Some of the most commonly used for underwear include nylon/elastane and cotton blends.
Those lightweight fabrics won’t feel as bulky under summer layers. “If you’re feeling your underwear fabric and you feel like they feel very similar to some of your heavier cotton shirts or synthetics, that’s probably not going to be ideal,” Bennett says.
Additionally, undergarments with some level of elastane or stretch will move better with your body. “A hundred per cent cotton underwear would require a lot more elastics to help hold the garments up and keep them from shifting, while having a little bit more spandex allows it to mould to the body easier and not move as much while you’re wearing it,” Bennett says.
Finally, Bennett suggests looking for design features that can improve overall breathability and comfort. Men’s boxer briefs with built-in mesh panels for high-heat zones are great if you plan to be active in the heat. Seamless and “free cut” women’s underwear, which don’t have seams on the outside and are designed to minimize panty lines, will feel less bulky on. And some synthetic or blended women’s undies are available with a 100-per-cent cotton gusset for extra softness and moisture absorbency.
Six buys to try
Look for quick-dry, moisture-wicking and breathable options to keep you cooler on the hottest days.
In the women’s section
Available in more than a dozen colours, this seamless style with a cotton gusset is made with a nylon-spandex blend fabric.
Uniqlo Airism ultraseamless hip-hugger shorts, $9.90 through uniqlo.com.
This brief from Vancouver-based Understance has a cotton gusset and is made with a Pima cotton and Lycra spandex blend that’s lightweight.
Understance Pima cotton mid-rise brief, $20 through understance.com.
Made with a polyester-blend knit, this low-rise thong gets high ratings for comfort.
Gap Breathe thong, $16.50 through gapcanada.ca.
In the men’s section
Designed for hot days, this boxer brief features an odour-resistant, recycled-polyester blend fabric and mesh inserts in high-heat zones.
Under Armour UA Performance Tech 6″ Boxerjock, $26 through underarmour.ca.
This brief is made with a modal and elastane blend designed to be soft and sweat-wicking.
Lululemon Always In Motion brief, $64 for three-pack through lululemon.com.
Available in three different inseam lengths, this boxer short is made with a four-way stretch, recycled polyester-and-elastane blend that dries fast and reduces odour.
Saxx DropTemp Cooling Mesh boxer brief, $40 through saxxunderwear.ca.