Fabric In Men's Underwear: A Guide to Cotton, Nylon, Microfiber and Latex

It is estimated that 80% of Americans wear the same type of underwear for their entire adult lives. While most people look for comfort and fit while shopping for their underwear needs, most consumers are unaware of the various types of fabrics that make up modern designs.
 
In today's undergarment market, many designers are exploring new and innovative fabrics to include in their men's underwear collections. Pulling different fabric patterns, textures and colors together can be tricky but with a plan it is not as difficult as you might think. As with selecting paint colors, there are a few guidelines to follow that help you make the selections.

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Although color palette, commonality and patterns are all key elements to any collection, an easy way to add interest is by using various fabrics with great textures. Indeed, Texture is the "feel" of a fabric and its texture can add a depth to a design which cannot be achieved any other way. The most popular and common forms of fabric used in today's underwear markets are cotton, nylon, microfiber and Latex
 
Cotton
 
Wikipedia describes Cotton as a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The plant is a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The fiber most often is spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft, breathable textile, which is the most widely, used natural-fiber cloth in men's underwear.
 
Typically lightweight, 100% cotton underwear fits comfortably under clothes, even under everyday business attire, making them perfect for all activities. They provide extra warmth without bulk, to feel warm and dry indoors and out. Usually, cut oversized to compensate for first-wash shrinkage, underwear made out of cotton is the most popular choice in men's underwear.
 
Nylon
 
Nylon is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum products. Developed in the 1930's, Nylon was the first commercially successful synthetic fiber to be made entirely from ingredients: coal, water and air. Nylon's first real success came with it's use in women's stockings, in about 1940, but Nylons continued success has been due to its is strong, elastic, qualities. It is resistant to abrasion and chemicals, and has low moisture absorbency. Nylon is also used in men's swimwear.
 
Nylon is valued for its light weight, incredible tensile strength, durability, and resistance to damage. It also takes dye easily, making nylon fabrics available in a wide array of colors for consumers. Nylon is very sensitive to heat and should be washed and dried on cool settings.
 
Microfiber
 
Microfiber is synthetic fiber made from polyesters, polyamides, and or a conjugation of polyester and polyamide. Fabric made with microfiber means that the fabric's filaments are extremely fine - much finer than silk. Microfiber fabrics are light-weight, and look and feel luxurious. Because microfiber filaments can be packed so closely, they can prevent moisture from passing though, yet allow air flow.
 
While some people may not be comfortable wearing a garment made from microfiber material, many are attracted to this type of fabric due to its resiliency and its absorption of water. In men's underwear collections, the use of microfiber is desired for its luxurious feel and its unique physical and mechanical performance. Indeed, the look of the fabric is what makes microfibers so special.
 
Latex
 
Latex is made with rubber and possesses rubber-like qualities. Latex rubber is used in many different types of clothing, including undergarments, for its dramatic appearance. Worn on the body, it tends to be skin-tight, producing a "second skin" effect. It is used in the underwear industry to provide greater elasticity and as a clothing material is common in fetish fashion.
 
Some drawbacks to latex is its innate properties of breaking down easily when exposed to sun and body moisture and can have reactions to those this latex allergies. For those with latex allergies, spandex is a good alternative.