Red flags in Undergarments

While those silky, shiny, or ultra-stretchy fabrics might appear and feel attractive at first glance, they could be hiding some serious downsides. As grown-ups who look for comfort (and skin) to be supreme, we must be knowledgeable about these lines of synthetic materials and uncover why some of them should be kept away after all. Please read through a few insider tips provided to help you make the best choices!

Which typical textiles should you avoid using in undergarments, and why?

🚩 The Perspiration Persuading POLYESTER

🚩 The Not-So-Nice NYLON

🚩 The too stretchy SPANDEX

🚩 The Artificial Annoyance ACRYLIC

🚩 The Raffish RAYON

Here are some satisfying reasons to steer clear of these synthetic materials that don’t belong in your undergarment drawer.

ꕤ POLYESTER may seem fancy, but it’s basically the fast food of fabrics—quick, cheap, and leaves you feeling out of place. This man-made material shows up everywhere, from your gym gear to your favourite fast fashion finds, and in some undergarments too. But here’s the scoop: polyester doesn’t let your skin breathe.

ꕤ When you put it on, especially where air doesn't move much (ahem, under your clothes), it holds in heat and sweat like a steam room. This sets up a perfect breeding spot for germs and can cause bad smells, skin irritation, and even fungal infections.

ꕤ If that’s not enough to turn you off, polyester tends to get fuzzy and lose shape after washing it a few times.

Insider Tip: If you like the stretchiness of polyester but want to avoid its pitfalls, look for blends with natural stuff like cotton. These combos give you the good parts of both — some stretch without sacrificing breathability.

ꕤ NYLON is another synthetic icon often found in items ranging from pantyhose to lacey lingerie. Its smooth texture, durability, and wrinkle-resistant nature make it appear as an ideal choice for undergarments.

ꕤ But here’s the not-so-nice part: nylon doesn't allow air to circulate well.

ꕤ Nylon locks in moisture and heat. This can lead to uncomfortable situations, from skin chafing to infections. Moreover, manufacturers often treat nylon with harsh chemicals during its production, which might trigger allergic responses or skin irritations in certain individuals.

Insider Tip: If you’re set on nylon (maybe because of that silky smooth feel), look for items that include mesh panels or have moisture-absorbing quality to help mitigate some of the breathability issues.

ꕤ SPANDEX, also known as elastane or Lycra, is the stretchy superstar that gives your undergarments that snug, form-fitting feel. A bit of spandex can work wonders (hello, yoga pants), but too much in your underwear can cause issues.

ꕤ Spandex is another synthetic that doesn’t let air through well, and when it’s used in high percentages, it can lead to the same issues as polyester and nylon—trapped heat, sweat, and all the unpleasantness that follows.

ꕤ Spandex has another drawback: it can lose its stretch over time when washed and dried in hot conditions. This means your once-perfect bra or briefs might become loose and baggy too soon.

Insider Tip: Look for undergarments that use spandex sparingly—ideally in blends where it makes up less than 10% of the fabric content. This way, you get the benefit of a little stretch without compromising on comfort or durability.

ꕤ ACRYLIC works great for sweaters, but not so much for undergarments. This man-made material feels warm and soft, but when it touches your skin, it can irritate delicate areas.

ꕤ Acrylic doesn’t wick moisture, meaning it traps sweat and creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This can cause rashes, itching, and overall discomfort.

ꕤ Also, acrylic tends to pill and can feel scratchy on the skin after a few wears and washes. It’s not particularly durable either, so you might need to replace those comfy-looking items earlier than expected.

Insider Tip: If you love the warmth of acrylic, use it for outer layers like sweaters and scarves.

ꕤ RAYON might seem natural because it comes from wood pulp, but don’t be misled—it’s a chemically processed fabric that can bring out problems when used in undergarments. While rayon is lightweight and feels soft to touch, it’s highly absorbent and doesn’t move moisture away effectively. This means it can stay damp for a long time, leading to discomfort and a higher risk of infection.

ꕤ Rayon also lacks durability and can lose its shape or shrink a lot when washed. Over time, this can make your undergarments look and feel less than fabulous, and who wants that?

Insider Tip: If you love the feel of rayon but want something more practical, look for garments made from Modal or Tencel. These are similar but tend to be more breathable and durable, making them a better choice for your everyday undergarments.

So, next time you’re refreshing your underwear drawer, think beyond the looks. Opt for natural fabrics when you can, and should you wear synthetic, choose high-quality blends that breathe and wick away moisture. Always check the label before buying new underwear.