Why is cotton the best material for women's underwear?

So, why is 100% cotton underwear good for you? In short: it's one of the most breathable fabrics you can wear against something as delicate as your skin down there – letting air circulate, moisture escape and bacteria struggle to build up. Here's the full picture...

Cotton underwear is made from the natural fibres of the cotton plant, spun into thread and then woven or knit into a breathable fabric, perfect for everyday wear.

It's breathable

Cotton is a natural fibre that allows excellent air circulation and moisture-wicking, while preventing heat build-up – making it the top choice for freshness at the gym, on a night out or on the school run. More breathable underwear can mean less odour and less bacteria.

It's better for hormone balance

Synthetic and plastic-based fibres can carry harmful BPAs and chemicals that affect your hormone balance. Your bits absorb whatever touches them, so it pays to keep things natural – one reason so many women are switching to 100% cotton underwear.

It's hypoallergenic

Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Its breathability also means it's far less likely to harbour bacteria than less breathable fabrics.

It's biodegradable and renewable

Cotton is biodegradable and comes from a renewable resource, making it a genuinely more eco-friendly choice than synthetic alternatives.

What other options are there?

There are other breathable, soft alternatives, like Modal – but Modal is still semi-synthetic, produced through a chemical process that regenerates cellulose into fibre.

Many brands opt for cotton-blends: 95% cotton, 5% spandex, for a bit of extra stretch. We think they're just commitment-phobes. If you want your bits to actually breathe, why not go all in on 100% cotton?

Otherwise, most everyday underwear is made from synthetic, non-breathable fabrics like viscose, nylon or polyamide.

How to take care of your cotton

Treat your cotton with care. Without elastane for stretch, cotton is more fragile than blended fabrics. Please don't wring it out when wet and skip the panty liners – the adhesive pulls at the seams (and panty liners rather defeat the point of letting your bits breathe!).

How to wash your cotton underwear

Wash on a 30°C cycle and don't tumble dry.

Will my cotton underwear shrink in the wash?

Like most fabrics, cotton only shrinks at very high wash temperatures. A bit like denim, it can feel slightly tight and stiff the first time it's washed, but it loosens up beautifully the more you wear it.

Make the move

100% pure cotton panties for women are a small swap with a genuinely bigger payoff. Switch to cotton underwear and keep your bits fresh today with Cotton Coup.

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