Men's Underwear Fabric Guide

The men's underwear market today is flooded with a variety of fabrics that were not an option just a few years ago. Gone are the days when men's underwear were viewed as a commodity and the only options available were "tighty whiteys" or old school woven boxers that your Grand Pappy used to wear. Today men shopping for underwear have more fabric and style options then ever before. Lots of men are learning that having a high quality, comfortable, functional base layer is an integral part of having a confident, comfortable productive day. 

Checkout our Underwear Fabric Guide to help you select what fabrics will work best for your daily activities.

Acrylic - A synthetic fiber made from a polymer (polyacrylonitrile) known for its moisture-wicking capabilities due to its quick drying time. Although it's not a popular fabric used in underwear production, it adds strength and durability when blended with other fabrics.

Bamboo - Made from the pulp of bamboo grass, is a light yet strong fabric. It also posseses natural moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties. Bamboo is also the perfect alternative for those who are allergic to other alternative fibers such as wool and hemp.

Cotton - An all-natural fiber that is probably the most popular fiber for fabrics in the world. Although there have been numerous advances in fabric innovation and functionality, 100% cotton is still one of our favorites. Cotton is soft, comfortable and breathes well. Although cotton may not be the best option for physical activity or exercise due to the fact that cotton fibers retain moisture, it's still number one in our book when it comes to chilling and grilling.

Microfiber - A super fine synthetic fiber. So fine in fact that it is about 1/5th the diameter of a human hair. Microfiber is known for its moisture wicking capabilities and can be manufactured using any synthetic fiber such as polyester or nylon. Fabrics constructed from microfiber tend to be lightweight and durable.

Modal - Initially constructed to be an "artificial silk", modal is a type of rayon, cellulose fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. It is our favorite fabric when it comes to having a high-end luxurious feel. Modal is smooth, soft and breathes extremely well.

Nylon - A synthetic fabric derived from petroleum product. Nylon was originally developed as a cheaper alternative to silk. It's lightweight and durable with moisture-wicking qualities and that's why we really love nylon mesh fabrics for lightweight, cool underwear during the hot / humid summer months. When it comes to saying dry and cool a quality nylon mesh undergarment is our go to fabric of choice.

Polyester - An extremely durable synthetic fiber. Polyester is incredibly strong, durable, wrinkle-free and quick-drying. It also maintains its shape and holds its color without fading. These qualities make polyester the ideal performance fabric for a lot of physical activities, from golfing and yoga to football and basketball. Polyester fabrics perform at the highest level, exhibiting functionality, durability, moisture-wicking and quick-dry capabilities. If you're looking for a fabric for workouts, training and an on-the-go active lifestyle, look no further. Polyester is our fabric of choice.

Rayon - A manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber. It's made from purified cellulose, primarily from wood pulp. Rayon is considered a semi-synthetic fabric and is from the same fabric family as modal and viscose. Rayon has a soft and comfortable silk like feel.

Satin - A glossy fabric made with Polyester, Acetate, Nylon and Rayon. Satin is extremely soft and is generally glossy on one side and soft on the other.

Silk - Silk is a fiber that is formed from proteins that are secreted by silkworms. The best known silks are obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silk worms. Although silk may have a luxurious appearance, this fabric is not a great choice for underwear. Limited breathability and moisture-retention make this a underwear fabric that's good for show but not good when you're on the go.

Spandex - Also known as elastane, is a synthetic fiber made from polyurethane. It's lightweight, elastic, durable and resistant to moisture. Spandex is the fiber of choice for blending with other fabrics such as cotton, polyester, modal etc. In today's underwear manufacturing process, the blending of spandex, (generally 5%-10%) to other fabrics allows those fabrics to maintain a better fit with added functionality.

Viscose - Viscose is the oldest manufactured fiber. It is soft, light weight and has excellent moisture wicking capabilities. However, in our experience we have found viscose to be lacking when it comes to durability.

Wool - Wool is a natural fiber that is obtained from sheep. Merino wool in particular has been  used in underwear production due to its extreme softness. Wool also posses natural moisture wicking and quick dry qualities with the innate ability to adapt to the body's needs, providing a cooling effect when the body warms up and a warming effect when the body is cool.

Hopefully the Derde Drawz fabric guide will help you understand the vast array of fabric options available in the men's underwear category. Whether you're looking for luxury, athletic and performance, quick-dry or natural, there are a variety of fabric options to keep you covered no matter what the activity may be.