How to read this comparison
The table is qualitative and relative. Actual results depend on the yarn, the knit structure, the finishing and the elastane content, so two fabrics with the same name can feel and wear differently. Use the comparison to choose candidates, then confirm with a washed-and-measured sample of the exact fabric.
Side-by-side comparison
| Fabric | Feel | Moisture behaviour | Stretch and recovery | Shrinkage and care | Relative cost | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton with elastane | Familiar, matte, breathable | Absorbs well, dries slowly | Good with enough elastane | Can shrink if not pre-treated | Lower to mid | Everyday ranges, value multipacks |
| Modal or micro-modal with elastane | Very soft, smooth drape | Absorbent; drying speed varies by fabric and finish | Good; check recovery after washing | Test shrinkage and twisting | Mid to higher | Soft-touch premium lines |
| Bamboo viscose with elastane | Soft, cool to the touch | Absorbent | Moderate; check recovery | Test shrinkage; follow care label | Mid | Soft-touch lines positioned on feel |
| Nylon or polyester microfibre with elastane | Smooth, technical | Low absorbency; moves moisture along the surface | Strong recovery | Low shrinkage | Mid | Sport, travel, anti-chafe |
| Seamless knit (nylon or polyester with elastane) | Smooth, stretchy, few seams | Depends on structure and yarn | High stretch; check recovery | Low shrinkage | Mid to higher | Comfort, sport, no-visible-lines looks |
Cost positions are relative and indicative. Yarn prices, market conditions and order size change them, so rely on a quotation for your own specification.
Elastane content: how much is enough?
Elastane provides stretch and recovery. Cotton and modal jersey commonly carry roughly 5–10% elastane, while microfibre and seamless knits are often higher. Too little and the garment bags at the seat and waist after wear; too much and it can feel tight or react badly to heat during finishing. State the fibre composition as percentages and ask the supplier to confirm it on the finished fabric.
Knit structure and weight
- Single jersey: the common choice; light and stretchy, with a smooth face and a different back.
- Rib: more stretch across the width and a textured look; used where recovery matters.
- Interlock: denser, smoother on both sides, with a more stable feel.
- Mesh and eyelet knits: open structures for ventilation, usually in panels.
Weight is measured in grams per square metre. Many cotton-elastane underwear jerseys fall roughly in the 140–200 g/m² range, and modal blends are often lighter. Treat those figures as a conversation starter and confirm against the measured weight of your reference garment.
Labeling and claims
The fibre content on your label must reflect the actual composition under the rules of the market where you sell. Textile labeling regimes in the US, the EU and the UK each have their own requirements for fibre names and tolerances, so check wording with your importer or adviser. The US/EU compliance guide covers the basics. Other markets differ again: Canada, for example, has bilingual and dealer-identification requirements, so ask your importer or adviser about the destination you sell into.
How to specify fabric in your brief
- Fibre composition in percentages, including the elastane percentage.
- Knit structure and weight in g/m², or a swatch or garment to match.
- Finish: for example a soft or brushed hand, and any treatment you want to claim.
- Colour: reference and method, with lab-dip approval for solids and strike-off for prints.
- Shrinkage target and the wash method used to measure it.
- Handfeel reference: the garment or swatch that feels right.
Test before you commit
Ask for a washed-and-measured sample. Wash it following the care label for several cycles, then re-measure the waist, rise and leg opening, check for twisting at the side seams, check colour change and look at pilling. Domestic washing test procedures such as ISO 6330 and dimensional-change methods such as ISO 5077 and AATCC TM135 (fabrics) or AATCC TM150 (garments) are common references; ask your lab which methods suit your market and write them into the purchase order.
Choosing a fabric for your brand position
| Position | Candidate fabrics | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Value multipack | Cotton with elastane | Shrinkage control; elastic recovery after washing |
| Premium everyday | Modal or micro-modal with elastane | Cost; care label; edge curl on light fabrics |
| Sport and anti-chafe | Polyester or nylon microfibre; seamless knit | Claims need test evidence; seam placement |
| Lounge and sleep | Cotton or modal jersey; woven cotton for boxer shorts | Shrinkage; pattern matching on checks |
Common questions
Which fabric is best for men’s underwear?
It depends on the brand position. Cotton suits everyday and value ranges, modal suits soft-touch lines, microfibre suits sport, and seamless knits suit comfort and no-lines looks. Test a washed sample of your candidate before committing.
Is bamboo underwear really made of bamboo?
Bamboo underwear is generally made from regenerated cellulose produced from bamboo, which labeling rules treat as rayon (US) or viscose (EU and UK); some is bamboo lyocell. Use the generic fibre name on the label and check any additional wording with your importer.
Can you make underwear in a fabric I already source?
Raise it in the brief. A nominated fabric affects sourcing and the minimum order, and we confirm what is workable for your project.
Ready to brief a style?
Send a reference garment or sketch, the quantities you are considering and your destination. The quotation will state what is included and how minimums are counted.