When it comes to men’s underwear, style and fit are important, but with it also comes some skin problems. If you have ever had chafing, itching, or irritation, most likely it's the fabric to blame. You don’t just wear any underwear, but your skin needs to approve the fabric to have an irritation-free skin. 

At Cottosilk we believe that underwear is something that should move with you, not against you…More likely a second skin to you.

 

Our bodies contain various types of skin tissues, some of which are just extra soft and sensitive, which is why the wrong fabric can ruin the whole product. Some fabrics would be awesome in t-shirts, but when wearing them as underwear, they will irritate. In addition to another common misconception that skin problems related to underwear are only coming from being tight, which is somehow true, but the greater reason is the fabric, so let’s discuss why choosing the right fabric is the key to a relaxing underwear experience.

What Makes a Fabric Skin-Friendly?

It’s not just about softness; skin-friendly fabric is about how it treats your body throughout the day. You might wear a shirt for a few hours, but underwear? That’s on your skin all day, every day. A good fabric should let your skin breathe, handle sweat without sticking, and move with you without causing any friction. The real deal is in the details: how it’s woven, how it stretches, and what it's made of. If the fabric holds heat, traps moisture, or has any rough texture, irritation is just a matter of time. A skin-friendly fabric feels light, stays fresh, and honestly, you forget you’re even wearing it. That’s the goal.

 Which Fabric Should You Choose, and Which Ones Should You Avoid?

Let’s keep it simple, not all fabric is meant to be mens underwear. Some materials might look good or feel fine at first, but a few hours in and your skin’s already asking for help.

Go for fabrics like:

Cotton: The classic for a reason. It’s breathable, soft, and perfect for daily wear, especially in warm weather. If you’re after cotton underwear for men, look for high-quality, combed or ring-spun cotton for that smooth, non-irritating feel.

Micro Modal: If you’ve never tried micro modal underwear, you’re missing out. It’s insanely soft, cooler than cotton, and moves with your body. Ideal if you’re always on the go or hate feeling sweaty or restricted.

Modal-Cotton Blends: The best of both worlds — you get the natural breathability of cotton with the luxurious stretch and coolness of modal. Great for men’s underwear for sensitive skin.

Technical Fabric from Cottosilk: Designed specifically for performance and skin comfort, this lightweight, moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and dry all day. Whether you're heading to the gym or just dealing with a hot day, this sports underwear offers flexible stretch and quick-dry action, without the plastic feel of traditional synthetics.

What should you avoid?

Cheap Polyester or Nylon: These trap heat, hold onto sweat, and can feel like plastic wrap. Unless it’s a technical blend designed for sports underwear or gym use, it’s better to pass on these for everyday wear.

Heavily Dyed or Chemically Treated Fabrics: Some underpants are made with harsh dyes or synthetic finishes that don’t go well with sensitive skin, especially in warmer climates.

Rough Seams or Stiff Elastic: Not technically fabric, but still something to avoid. The construction of your men's boxer briefs matters just as much as the material itself.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid Skin Irritation

But surely there are some tips to avoid skin irritation, especially during this hot summer! 

1- First, always choose breathable mens underwear, made from natural or high-performance fabrics like cotton, micro modal, or technical blends, like we talked about previously. 

2- Avoid anything that feels too tight or traps heat. Make sure you're wearing the right size, too loose can bunch up and rub, too tight will dig into your skin. 

3- After long days out, especially in the heat, always change into a fresh pair. 

4- Moisture is your number 1 enemy, so go for moisture-wicking underwear when you're active or sweating. 

5- Wash your underwear with a mild detergent, try not to use heavy fragrances or harsh chemicals that can stick to the fabric and irritate your skin.

6- And finally, don’t ignore the seams and waistband — flat seams and tagless finishes like the ones in CottoSilk boxers make all the difference when you’re trying to stay comfortable, cool, and irritation-free.

Conclusion!

Let’s wrap it all up. When choosing underwear or anything that touches your skin, you shouldn’t be looking for just the color or style; you should be considering whether your skin will feel good in it.

Cottosilk offers you the perfect equation. With us, you can find skin-friendly underwears, undershirts, and socks that help you get through the day without any irritation while maintaining a stylish look. From cool to classic…Cottosilk gives you a wide variety of options you can choose from, with three carefully selected fabrics made to match your daily routine: Cotton, Modal, and Technical…and of course, they are all considered your skin's best friend!