The Essential Layer: Cotton Underwear

As consumers become more ingredient-conscious, reading labels and choosing cleaner formulas, it’s worth considering one often-overlooked part of the routine: the fabric worn closest to the skin.

Just as you carefully choose skincare and SPF, choosing what you wear every day is another simple way to prioritize comfort and well-being. Since underwear sits against some of the body’s most intimate areas, selecting breathable, natural materials matters.

Learn more about the benefits of cotton underwear:

Breathable

Cotton is a breathable fabric; allowing the skin to breathe and keep you cool during hot summer days. This natural breathability helps regulate body temperature and prevent excess moisture buildup, minimizing discomfort and irritation during all-day wear.

Natural

Cotton is a natural, plant-based fiber that contains no plastic. Unlike synthetic fabrics, cotton does not shed plastic microfibers during wear and laundering. As awareness of microplastics continues to grow, many consumers are looking more closely at the materials they wear closest to their skin. Choose plant, not plastic.

Recommended by Gynecologists

As board-certified OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist Dr. Adriana Wong explains:

“The vulvar skin is particularly susceptible to irritation^[1], which is one reason why many gynecologists recommend choosing breathable fabrics like 100% cotton^[2] – it’s soft, breathable, and natural,” said Dr. Wong. “Checking the label to look for 100% cotton underwear is a simple way to make informed choices about the fabrics worn closest to the skin.”

Washable and Durable

Cotton fabric is known for its durability and resistance to everyday wear and tear. It’s easy to care for, maintaining its comfort and shape through repeated washing, making it a dependable staple for daily wear.

Your Essential Layer

A complete wellness routine starts with your first layer. Choosing cotton underwear is a simple way to prioritize comfort, breathability, and natural materials from the moment you get dressed.

^[1] Vandeweege S, Debaene B, Lapeere H, Verstraelen H. A systematic review of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis of the vulva: The most important allergens/irritants and the role of patch testing. Contact Dermatitis. 2023 Apr;88(4):249-262. doi: 10.1111/cod.14258. Epub 2022 Dec 13. PMID: 36458568.

^[2] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Persistent Vulvar Pain (Vulvodynia). Committee Opinion No. 673. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2016.