Best Breathable Underwear for Women: Stay Cool & Comfortable

If you’ve ever fallen victim to buying that cheap underwear six-pack out of convenience, you’re not alone. But have you ever considered the fact that there’s really nothing more important than the layer that lies closest to your skin? 

The right breathable underwear fabric not only feels better to wear, but it can also have health benefits, too. After building and running an underwear business for more than a decade, we’ve learned all about the importance of finding the best fabric for underwear. Here’s what you need to know.

The importance of finding the right fabric

Comfort

When you pick the right underwear fabric, you’ll be comfortable all day long. Plus, thoughtfully-designed intimates that fit your body well don’t ride up, roll down, pinch, itch, or dig. 

Health

Did you know that choosing the wrong underwear fabric can actually be detrimental to your health? That’s right: fabrics like polyester that fail to properly wick away moisture can lead to irritation. It’s important to always choose different underwear styles that are kind to your skin.

Longevity

Cheap synthetic fabrics tend to fray and lose their shape quickly, leading to unwearable (or just embarrassing) underwear. Pro tip: If you’re constantly adjusting underwear that gapes, rides up, or rolls under your clothes throughout the day, there’s probably a reason for that!

Environmental benefits

Poorly-made underwear = more underwear replacements, and more underwear replacements = more waste. 

Confidence

Wearing base layers that look good and feel good can help boost your confidence, regardless of whether anyone else is lucky enough to see.

Explore our collection of breathable fabrics 

Cotton

A lot of brands make cotton underwear  – and for good reason! Cotton is natural, soft, and has a unique fiber makeup that allows air to pass through easily, optimizing breathability. Pro tip: Not all cottons are created equal! Our women’s cotton underwear, for example, adds spandex for extra durability, and is made with longer cotton fibers for that extra softness and lightweight feel.

Modal

If you’re looking for something even finer and more lightweight than cotton, modal is your answer. A silky and ridiculously soft fabric, modal is ultra-thin with a drapey texture that doesn’t cling and feels like you’re wearing (almost) nothing at all. Check out our bestselling Whipped soft loungewear line for some seriously comfortable underwear styles.

Stretch lace

Okay, this one might come as a surprise, but believe it or not, when made right, lace can be a great, breathable underwear option. Stretch lace like our snakeskin Serpente styles, in particular, offer a breathable open weave. Stretch lace is also super flexible, lightweight, and soft. And, bonus points – it’s the perfect eye-catching wardrobe staple.

Power mesh

You might be familiar with our Sieve power mesh, which is known for making an effortlessly supportive and comfortable bra. But did you know that power mesh makes for the perfect, breathable underwear? That’s right: The sheer, open structure of this fabric allows for more airflow. The more you know! 

Underwear fabrics to avoid

Polyester

Polyester can be found in a lot of clothes, but should be avoided when it comes to underwear. Polyester is a tightly-woven fabric, which means it offers little to no breathability. This fabric is also typically not moisture-wicking and traps heat and sweat, which can lead to irritation – especially if you lead a more active lifestyle.

Certain laces

We know we said earlier that lace can be a great breathable underwear option, but when buying lace, it’s important to do your homework. Low-quality, polyester-based lace, for example, can be scratchy and non-breathable. When it comes to underwear, lace should always be mesh-like and paired with a cotton gusset.

Spandex

When blended with a natural fabric like cotton, spandex can be an acceptable underwear choice. However, on its own, spandex is not breathable. It also clings to skin and traps heat.

Velvet

Admittedly, velvet isn’t the most popular underwear fabric these days, but still – when you spot it in the wild, it’s best to stay away. This thick fabric is very warm on the skin, traps in heat, and lacks breathability.

Find the style that’s right for you

When looking for your perfect underwear fit, there are a lot of factors to consider. Are you leaning toward something unique and lacy? Or are you more of a classic cotton girl? Perhaps you like to workout and want the lightest option possible (AKA modal). Whatever your preference is, if you follow our guide, you’ll be able to enjoy long-lasting, breathable, comfortable, and stylish base layers for women.