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What Are the Pros and Cons of Microfiber Underwear?
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  • Written By: Erin J. Hill
  • Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
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The benefits of using microfiber underwear include that fact that they breathable and comfortable, and they are often designed to wick moisture away from the skin. Microfiber is also soft and feels good worn against the skin. Cons are typically few and far between, but some may find microfiber underwear to be uncomfortable in certain situations. Others may wish to avoid synthetic fabrics and opt for more natural fibers.

Microfiber underwear consists of synthetic yarn made from polyester and other fibers. It is designed to allow maximum airflow, which may be beneficial for keeping cool. This fabric is also stretchy and made to fit just about any body type. Microfiber is used commonly in men's underwear because it is usually more supportive than cotton and other materials, making it ideal for male athletes. Women may also find it useful because some forms of microfiber underwear is designed to hold in their stomach in order to give a more sleek and slender appearance.

Many athletes enjoy wearing microfiber underwear because it also keeps moisture away from the skin. There are specific ways in which the fabric may be woven which allow it to wick away moisture. This helps runners and those playing certain sports to remain drier even when they are perspiring heavily. Other weaving styles allow it to absorb moisture. This may also keep the skin drier, although other varieties actually keep one cooler because they allow moisture to evaporate off the body more quickly.

There are many who also find microfiber underwear to be very soft and comfortable. Most times microfiber is equally as soft as cotton and other natural fabrics. Others may find underwear made from this fabric to be less comfortable than other types because they can be more thick and unforgiving in some cases. The softness and comfort level provided by any underwear often has a lot to do with the cut and weave.

Others may choose not to use underwear made of microfiber because they prefer to use more natural products. Microfiber is a synthetic fabric, whereas cotton is natural and can even be found in organic varieties. Women are often advised to wear white cotton underwear to avoid vaginal infections. This is partially because cotton is absorbent and may keep moisture away from the skin, but it may also have to do with the fact that cotton is a natural fiber. In most cases wearing microfiber underwear will not lead to infection.

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animegal
Post 4

When I go to the gym I always wear microfiber underwear because it makes me feel better when I am sweating a lot. I find it absorbs enough moisture that I can still feel fresh and dry even after playing basketball for an hour or more.

The only downside of microfiber is that it seems to be a bit thicker than most other materials usually chosen for underwear. While it is still thin, I honestly find it bunches up easier than regular old cotton underwear. The only way I have been able to prevent the bunching is buying the underwear a size to small. It seems the extra snug fit keeps them in place better.

wander
Post 3

Microfiber underwear is a great idea for traveling because it dries incredibly fast. If you are in a bind when you are in a hotel with overpriced laundry services you can easily wash your underwear in the sink of your room, then hang it to dry. Usually microfiber dries in just under an hour from my experience, which makes it ideal if you are in a rush.

Another great thing I find about microfiber underwear when I travel is that the material is strong and really holds up well. I find my clothes go through a lot of abuse when I move from country to country, so it is nice to have quality things.

Kat919
Post 2

@ElizaBennett - I find the same thing. I never exercise in *anything* cotton.

Another advantage of microfiber underwear for exercise is that quality microfiber won't "ride up." I have yet to find a pair of 100% cotton panties that can say the same thing. I usually get boy short-style because those stay down the best.

ElizaBennett
Post 1

In my experience, cotton underwear doesn't so much keep moisture away from your skin as prevent it from building up. It really only works if you're going to be staying relatively cool anyway.

Because once cotton panties get wet, they sure stay wet! It's important to change out of wet underwear right away because leaving it on encourages the overgrowth of yeast.

With that in mind, if you're going to be sweating a lot, I personally find that it's better *not* to wear cotton panties. A synthetic like microfiber will dry faster and keep moisture from building up.

So for sleeping, cotton is your friend. And if you're prone to yeast, you should wear them whenever possible during the day. But not for exercise! If you're going for a three-hour hike, for instance, you probably aren't going to change into dry cotton underwear every time the first ones get wet.

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