If you’ve ever felt inclined to compare the situation in your underpants to a muggy day on the swamps, it’s due time to get your hands on some of the best breathable underwear.
Frequently having to ask the question “Why do my balls smell?” or constantly dealing with a sweaty vagina are not enjoyable ways to live your life! Women going commando (or freeballing for the boys) is not the only solution to get a little bit of airflow to reach your privates. The easiest fix is switching over to natural, breathable underwear!
The fabric, fit, and style of your undies all impact how breathable they’ll be. Luckily, we’ll be discussing all those things and more! That, along with a list of the best breathable underwear on the market is sure to help you keep things nice and breezy “down there!”
BEST BREATHABLE UNDERWEAR: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Your privates are often kept... well... private under several layers of clothing. This means that things can easily get warm and stuffy down there. Pair that with your genitals’ predisposition to sweat and create moisture and you’ve got yourselves a bacteria breeding ground.
These types of conditions can easily lead to yeast infections for women or jock itch for men, neither of which are pleasant to experience. This is why breathable underwear is so important.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE BEST BREATHABLE UNDERWEAR
Now that we know why having the best breathable underwear is so important, what actually makes a pair of underwear breathable? Here are the key things to look for:
- Fit: The perfect fit is necessary for ensuring that your underwear remains breathable. How should underwear fit? The waistband should stay in place without digging into your skin. The back and front should rest close to your body and provide support without restricting movement. If your underwear is too tight, it may be more difficult for air to reach your genitals, not to mention it will probably cause you discomfort.
- Style: Underwear style is a matter that usually comes down to personal preference but it can also have a bearing on how breathable your undies are. For example, if the temperature outside is super hot then wearing full-coverage boxer briefs or boy shorts may prove to be a sweaty endeavor, even if the underwear is made out of a natural, breathable fabric.
- Fabric: Ladies and gents, this is the big one. The fabric of your undies is the make-or-break factor that decides how breathable they are. Synthetic fabrics, as I already mentioned, are a definite no-go because they trap air and moisture. Natural fabrics are always the recommended choice for underwear, especially when you’re looking for breathable underwear.
BEST NATURAL FABRICS FOR UNDERWEAR
The undies featured on our list are made up of different natural fabrics. While I recommend all of these sustainable options, each fabric has slightly different features. To decide which suits you best, we need to familiarize ourselves with how each fabric performs (and what they’re even made of)!
HEMP
Hemp fabric is made using the fibers found in the stalk of the hemp plant, the non-intoxicating cousin of the marijuana plant. Hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers available and producing it has less of a negative impact on the environment than a lot of other fabrics.
Hemp underwear is awesome because:
- It’s breathable and moisture-wicking
- It has antibacterial properties to keep your privates healthy
- It’s super durable and makes for long-lasting undies
LINEN
Linen is made from the soft fibers found in flax stems. It’s often hailed as a highly breathable and sustainable fabric. While it may be considered a bit more bougie, there are several options of linen underwear on the market.
Linen underwear is great because:
- It’s very lightweight and airy
- It’s softer and gentler to the skin than most other fabrics
- It’s completely biodegradable and sustainable
MERINO WOOL
Merino wool is made from wool sourced from a specific breed of sheep called, you guessed it, Merino sheep. These little guys are special because their wool is much softer and finer than the traditional wool you probably have in mind. No itchy, scratchy butts here!
Merino wool undies are baa-utiful because:
- They may be the softest undies you’ll ever encounter
- They have temperature-regulating abilities
- They’re completely natural and ethical (no sheep harmed, only sheared!)
ORGANIC COTTON
Cotton is a fabric we are all likely familiar with as it’s the most commonly used fabric of all time. If you’re confused on the subject of organic cotton vs cotton, the main idea is that organic cotton is grown using significantly less water and no pesticides and fertilizers. That makes it a better choice for the planet and your booty.
Organic cotton underwear is a classic choice because:
- It’s often the most recommended fabric by gynecologists and other health professionals
- It can be easier to find and more budget-friendly
- It’s sustainable and biodegradable
TENCEL
Tencel is actually the name of the leading brand producing lyocell fabric which is derived from the pulp of eucalyptus trees. It’s a sustainable material and makes for strong, absorbent underwear.
Tencel underwear is nice because:
- It’s comfortable and durable
- It has natural moisture-wicking properties
- It’s made using a closed-loop process that produces almost zero waste
MODAL
Modal is another fabric derived from tree pulp, namely beech trees. Beech trees don’t need a lot of water to grow so the production of modal is more sustainable than that of traditional cotton.
Modal underwear is lovely because:
- It has a soft and buttery texture
- It’s long-lasting
- It’s great for a range of activities from lounging to being active outdoors
BEST BREATHABLE UNDERWEAR FOR WOMEN
Now that we know what makes a pair of undies breathable, let’s take a look at the best breathable underwear for women.
1. WAMA HEMP BIKINI UNDERWEAR
Material | 53% Hemp, 44% Organic Cotton, 3% Spandex
Sizes | XS to 4XL
Price | $24
WAMA’s hemp bikini underwear deserves to kick off this list of best breathable underwear. Hemp fabric not only allows for airflow, it also wicks away moisture and has antibacterial properties. The low-coverage cut of these undies also helps to make sure that all your private bits are safe and secure while letting your booty and thighs breathe.
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2. ALLBIRDS WOMEN'S EVERYDAY BRIEF
Material | 56% Organic Cotton, 38% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 6% Spandex
Sizes | XS to 3XL
Price | $18
Allbirds arose on the market as a pioneer in making sustainable shoes, but they’ve since expanded their product range to include clothing but the same standards of sustainability remain at the core of the brand. These briefs are made of a Lyocell and organic cotton blend, so they’re just as breathable as they are eco-friendly.
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3. TENTREE EVERYDAY THONG
Material | 60% TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell, 35% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
Sizes | XS to 2XL
Price | $15
Opting for a thong is an easy way to let your privates get a little extra air, and Tentree’s thong is a great option. This little gal is mostly made out of soft, buttery Tencel fabric with a mix of organic cotton. Oh, and the brand is dedicated to offsetting carbon emissions by planting trees (yes, ten trees!) for every item purchased.
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4. PACT EVERYDAY FRENCH CUT BIKINI
Material | 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
Sizes | XS to 2XL
Price | $14
You can’t go wrong with a classic cotton bikini. Pact uses organic cotton to make these undies and they come in a variety of fun colors and prints! They’re breathable, fun, and good for the planet, what more could you ask for?
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5. WAMA HEMP THONG
Material | 53% Hemp, 44% Organic Cotton, 3% Spandex
Sizes | XS to 4XL
Price | $24
WAMA’s hemp thong underwear is a winner for all the same reasons that our hemp bikini rocks with the added benefits of a completely exposed tush. It doesn’t get more breathable and comfortable than this!
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6. PROCLAIM TENCEL HIGH-RISE BRIEF
Material | 90% Tencel, 10% Spandex
Sizes | S to 3XL
Price | $33
Proclaim is dedicated to creating simple, earth-friendly intimates in a variety of nude shades. These high-rise briefs are my top pick because they’re super soft, with less coverage around the thighs (which means more air) and extra fabric above the hips to give your belly a warm hug.
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7. LG LINEN BOUDOIR PANTIES WITH LACE
Material | Linen and Elastic
Sizes | XS to 3XL
Price | $38.80
Linen is one of the higher-end natural fabrics on the market. Its delicate, lightweight nature lends itself perfectly to underwear because it’s extremely breathable and soft to the skin. LG linen’s undies are on the pricier side but feature cute cutouts and details that are worth the investment.
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8. BROOK THERE CAIRN BIKINI
Material | 94% Organic Cotton, 6% Spandex
Sizes | XS to 2XL
Price | $38
Brook There specializes in simple lingerie made from natural fabrics. This organic cotton bikini comes in a few colors and patterns and is a reliable choice to keep your downstairs nice and aired-out.
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9. WAMA HEMP BOY SHORTS
Material | 53% Hemp, 44% Organic Cotton, 3% Spandex
Sizes | XS to 4XL
Price | $24
If you’re looking for a little extra coverage without having to compromise breathability then WAMA’s hemp boyshorts underwear are the way to go! These bad boys will keep your booty completely covered and come up to your upper-mid thighs. The awesome hemp fibers they’re made of ensure that your tush can breathe, even with the extra fabric.
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10. HUHA LONG BOXER
Material | Shell: 90% TENCEL™ Modal x Micro, 10% Spandex, Lining: 88% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 10% Lyocell (smartcel™ sensitive), 2% Spandex
Sizes | 2XS to 3XL
Price | $43
For even more coverage, try out Hu-ha’s long boxer which comes down to about mid-thigh length. There’s a mix of fabrics going on here but the main star here is Tencel. That means these undies are soft, not compressive/restrictive, and still completely breathable, despite the full-coverage.
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BEST BREATHABLE UNDERWEAR FOR MEN
Boys, I didn’t forget about you! Here are the top picks for best breathable underwear for men.
11. WAMA HEMP BOXER BRIEFS
Material | 53% Hemp, 44% Organic Cotton, 3% Spandex
Sizes | S to 4XL
Price | $28
Boxer briefs are the go-to style for men these days and WAMA’s hemp mens boxer briefs are an excellent option for men who want to stick to the classics. The durable hemp fabric these are made of offers support for all your dangly bits while still allowing the underwear to move with your body.
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12. PACT EVERYDAY BOXER BRIEF
Material | 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
Sizes | S to 2XL
Price | $18
There’s nothing more classic than a cotton boxer and Pact’s version is made from organic cotton which is better for both your crown jewels and the planet!
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13. REI CO-OP MERINO
Material | 48% merino wool, 32% TENCEL lyocell, 15% nylon, 5% LYCRA spandex
Sizes | S to 2XL
Price | $39.95
These boxer briefs come from REI’s own line of products. They’re made from a blend of merino wool and tencel. The temperature-regulating properties of merino wool will keep your butt warm during winter hikes and activities.
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14. WOOLY CLASSIC BOXER
Material | 100% 18.5 micron merino wool
Sizes | S to 2XL
Price | $29.99
Wooly Clothing, as you may guess, specializes in clothing made out of merino wool. These boxers are made of 100% merino wool which means they’re ultra soft, cozy, and breathable.
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15. ALLBIRDS ANYTIME MEN'S TRUNK
Material | 56% organic cotton, 38% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 6% Spandex
Sizes | S to 2XL
Price | $24
Allbirds medium coverage anytime boxer brief is another simple choice made from a blend of cotton and tencel. It’s a soft and no-fuss solution to any excessive sweat issues you may be experiencing.
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16. WAMA HEMP BRIEFS
Material | 53% Hemp, 44% Organic Cotton, 3% Spandex
Sizes | S to 4XL
Price | $28
WAMA’s hemp mens briefs are the most breathable undies you can squeeze your butts into, boys! The classic brief style provides low coverage while still keeping your bits secure and in place. The lower amount of fabric (compared to boxer briefs) paired with hemp fabric makes for some ultra-breathable undies!
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17. TENTREE 5" BOXER BRIEF
Material | 57% TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell, 38% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
Sizes | S to 2XL
Price | $35
Tentree’s classic boxer briefs are made from a blend of Tencel and organic cotton which means they’re soft, soft, soft! And ultra breathable! Tentree’s unique draw is that they plant (as the brand’s name suggests) ten trees for every item purchased.
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18. BOMBAS BOXER BRIEFS
Material | 46% Modal 46% Cotton 8% Elastane
Sizes | S to 3XL
Price | $28
Bomba’s boxer briefs are made from a modal and cotton blend which means they’re soft, buttery, and allow in a ton of air to ensure your privates stay dry. No sweaty balls here!
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19. NADS OGRANIC COTTON BOXER
Material | 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
Sizes | S to 2XL
Price | $32
Nads’ cotton boxers are special because they offer the loose, breathable fit of boxers without the extra length. Made from 95% organic cotton, these guys are sure to help you keep things nice and breezy.
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20. WAMA HEMP BOXERS
Material | 53% Hemp, 44% Organic Cotton, 3% Spandex
Sizes | S to 4XL
Price | $28
WAMA’s mens boxers are the best pick for keeping your junk aired out and letting the boys breathe. The loose nature of boxers pairs beautifully with naturally breathable and antibacterial hemp fabric!
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BEST BREATHABLE UNDERWEAR: CONCLUSION
There you have it, some top picks for breathable, sustainable undies! The good news is that finding ethically made, eco-friendly undies that are also great for your body is a lot less of a struggle than it was a few years back.
That means there are many more options out there for you to discover! Just remember the advice shared in this post and always be sure to look into the mission, practices, and sourcing information for a new brand before buying from them.