Breathability refers to the ability of a fabric to absorb moisture and release it through the material itself, allowing it to breathe.
Why is this so important?
If you wear confining and non-breathable material such as nylon or lycra, you can set yourself up for irritation, rashes, and infection.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t wear underwear made of those materials, but your love below will be much happier and less at risk of getting an infection if you wear airier fabrics.
The best choice of fabric for breathability is cotton. Yet, cotton underwear can come with its bag of tricks. Some complain of swamp crotch after wearing cotton undies.
But this is only a problem when the material isn’t moisture-wicking. Brands are getting better at adding moisture-wicking features to cotton underwear.
When you combine super-soft cotton with a supportive waistband and moisture-wicking properties, you’ve found the perfect everyday underwear.
This guide lists the best breathable underwear for men and women to wear, so you can feel comfortable and rest easy knowing your private bits are nestled in a natural, protective fabric all day.
Top 10 Best Breathable Underwear
Pro: 3D fly.
Con: May ride up.
U-shape convex pouch design: Adolph’s well-constructed underwear is made of 95% quality cotton that’s very soft and comfy. It feels durable. The length is on the short side.
The material is stretchy and kind of thick so it doesn’t tear as easily as other brands. Double stitching helps this undy go the distance. Washing and drying won’t make them shrink.
Plus, the patterns are nice. They’re not just the regular boring grey or black. This is great everyday underwear.
The downside is that the size chart can be confusing. Prevent this from being an issue by measuring your waist and ordering a size based on that.
Pro: Very soft.
Con: Material thinner than some brands.
Durable Waist Band: Natural Feelings boxer briefs are made from premium 95% super soft cotton. A widened elastic band conforms to the body so you can wear this all day long without experiencing tightness or pulling.
There’s a soft double layer 3D compression-free pouch that gives your man bits room to move while feeling supported. The legs don’t creep up so they won’t rub your thighs the wrong way.
The material has a great feel. It’s not too tight on the thigh and has just the right amount of cling. Plus, these briefs hold up well with multiple washings without showing a single sign of wear.
The downside is that the waistband comes up a bit high. You can avoid problems with this by folding the band over once.
Pro: Cool zone mesh fly.
Con: Bands may be tight.
Tagless: Fruit of the Loom created a moisture-wicking boxer brief that has a ventilated area at the pouch. Without sacrificing structural strength or comfort, this undy with a mesh fly helps keep you cool, which can’t be said of all-cotton underwear.
Another perk is that this underwear doesn’t ride up. The comfortable number comes in nice colors and designs.
The solids are made of 100% cotton and the heathers are made of 90% cotton. However, this brief has an odd smell out of the pack. Remedy this by washing it.
Pro: X-Temp technology.
Con: May slide down hips.
Comfort flex waistband: Hanes delivered the goods. It has supplied a nice and comfortable everyday underwear. The waistband doesn’t pinch or bind.
Also, the tagless design prevents irritation in the back. Made of 97% cotton, this no ride-up boxer brief comes with x-temp technology to keep you dry and cool all day. The fit is excellent.
It’s easy to wear this underwear in part because there’s no need to adjust it. Plus, the fabric has a good feel to it.
The downside is that the underwear may wear faster than some brands. Keep this from being a problem by washing it on the gentle cycle and air drying it.
Pro: Non-binding covered waistband.
Con: No fly.
Flatlock friction-free seams: Gildan’s cotton boxer brief is super comfortable and durable. It lasts a long time and has a perfect cut.
This underwear fits correctly and the legs stay in place without riding up during the day. The seams are soft and it’s easy to forget they’re even there.
A tag-free design and covered waistband supply maximum comfort. Plus, the material feels substantial.
Another perk is the moisture-wicking cool spire feature which helps you stay cool and dry. If you get the solid pack, you’ll receive a 100% cotton option.
The sport grey option comes in 90% cotton. The downside is that it runs small. Stop this from being an issue by going up a size.
Pro: Comfortable.
Con: Shows panty lines.
Quality stitching: This gem is very light and comfortable. It’s a dream to sleep in. Plus, this panty offers medium coverage and has a tag-free design that prevents irritation.
The elastic doesn't feel like it's even there, but it works. Also, it has the right amount of stretch for a secure fit.
Another perk is that it gets softer after each wash without shrinking. It doesn’t ride up and it’s made of 95% cotton.
On the other hand, this panty is rather delicate. Make sure that you wash it in a bag for underwear on the gentle cycle. Let it air dry.
Pro: Double-layer crotch.
Con: May ride up.
Stretchy, covered waistband: Wirarpa’s soft, high-waisted 95% cotton underwear comes with a stretchy, covered waistband that sits right at the waist. Forget about those days of struggling with waistbands that roll or bunch.
This one is perfectly snug. This beauty offers moderate tummy support and reduces the appearance of a muffin top.
Women who have had a c-section or abdominal surgery will find that this underwear offers a great fit. It’s also a perfect option for women who love to wear high-waisted jeans and dresses.
It has a sweat-wicking, wide, and breathable crotch. Yet, these panties run large. Solve this issue by going a size down.
Pro: Thick chick friendly.
Con: Elastic may scratch.
Great fit: Innersy’s soft 95% cotton panty provides a comfortable, breathable, and stretchy fit. This underwear lasts longer after multiple washes than some other brands.
Plus, the colors are vibrant and resist fading. These don’t ride up and they’re easy on the eyes. You won’t feel like you’re wearing boring granny panties.
The crotch area doesn't have irritating seams. The material is divine and the fit is just right. This curve-friendly panty is great for women with thick cheeks.
It’s super comfortable and durable. It doesn’t come apart after a few wash and dry sessions.
On the other hand, this underwear doesn’t have a tagless design. Prevent this from being an issue by removing the tag if it bothers you.
Pro: Slims tummy.
Con: Extra fabric on the bottom.
Offers plus sizes: This full-coverage 95% cotton underwear has the right amount of stretch. There’s no pilling, pinching, or binding. The fit is amazing. It’s neither too tight nor too loose.
Plus, it reduces the appearance of a muffin top. The wide elastic waistband doesn’t roll or bunch. It conforms to the body well.
This soft and comfortable panty doesn’t cut or dig into any part of your skin. It sits at your natural waist. Plus, the double-layer crotch provides added protection and breathability.
Although this panty is high-waisted and slims the tummy, it doesn’t suck the tummy in for you. Stop that from being an issue by wearing this panty with styles that don’t emphasize a full belly.
Pro: Moisture-wicking.
Con: Extra material in the back.
Body conforming: Iris & Lilly’s soft, 95% cotton brief is designed to sit on the hips with wide sides and medium back coverage for the perfect everyday panty. It falls right under the belly and isn’t cheeky.
Plus, it doesn’t ride up. A discreet elastane trim keeps your panties in place. The trim isn’t uncomfortable. Another perk is that it’s lightweight.
On the flip side, the trim can feel scratchy at first. But, with a few washes, it will soften and no longer be an issue.
Most Breathable Underwear: Buying Guide
Selecting the best underwear isn’t rocket science, but knowing how to do it well can feel like an art.
Armed with the right information, you can snag the most incredible knickers to grace your backside.
Here are the features to keep in mind when shopping for the best breathable underwear.
Best Material for Breathable Underwear
Cotton is king for a reason. When it comes to offering breathability, nothing beats this natural beauty.
Opt for underwear that has 90-100% cotton. It doesn’t have to be organic. The important thing is to go for underwear that has a high cotton content.
- Cool zone mesh fly provides ventilation where you need it
- Sizes S, M, L, XL are pack of 5
- Sizes 2XL and 3XL are pack of 4
Most Comfortable Breathable Underwear
Not all cotton is created equal. Some cotton underwear can feel rough and scratchy. You want to avoid that kind.
Instead, choose super soft cotton that makes you feel like your bum is resting on a cloud. It will be a lot easier to feel comfortable when you’re able to walk without having to adjust scratchy underwear.
- Solids: 100% Cotton; Sport Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester
- Colors may vary
- Moisture wicking - keeps you cool and dry
Best Waistband for Breathable Underwear
Up your comfort factor by not settling for a lackluster waistband experience. You want a waistband that conforms to your body.
It should help your underwear stay up without being restrictive. Opt for one that doesn’t pinch or bind.
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