When it comes to finding a great pair of underwear, it’s not just about how it fits and feels, but how it functions for you. Nylon underwear is known for its smooth and silky texture which makes it great for avoiding panty lines . Its synthetic nature, however, disqualifies it from the category of breathable underwear .

Neither of those factors really determines whether nylon underwear is “bad” or not because loving a specific style of underwear depends entirely on personal preferences. The best thing you can do to make an informed decision is to learn about all the pros and cons of nylon underwear and become familiar with alternatives to see what suits you best.

Luckily, those are our main objectives for today so let’s get right into it!

To start us off, let’s talk about what nylon even is. Nylon is a synthetic material derived from a group of thermoplastic polymers. It’s a popular material for undergarments, specifically performance gear and swimwear, due to its stretchy and durable nature. While extremely practical, nylon comes with many downsides, namely its negative environmental impact and the potential health hazards to your body.

Nylon requires a lot of energy to make and, since it is not a naturally derived material, it cannot be disposed of easily. Nylon products, like nylon underwear, can also shed microplastics during production and after. Meaning when you’re using it... right near your most vulnerable parts. Yikes! 

Is nylon good for underwear? Well, that depends on what we’re looking at. If you’re mainly trying to avoid visible panty lines and treasure that “lighter than air” feeling, then sure, nylon is definitely for you. If you prioritize sustainability and letting your downstairs breathe, then it might not be your best bet. But before you can decide which camp you’re in, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of nylon underwear! 

• It’s not breathable : Nylon is often marketed as an ideal underwear fabric for those with sensitive skin but that’s an ill-advised sentiment. For underwear not to irritate your skin it needs to allow for air to pass through. Nylon underwear isn’t breathable and it can trap your sweat and cause chafing which may lead to skin irritation.

• It’s not eco-friendly : Nylon is not a biodegradable material so it will stick around for a long time after you’re done using it. The process of producing nylon requires a lot of energy and it also releases nitrous oxide, a super potent greenhouse gas.

• It traps moisture : If your worst nightmare is a sweaty vagina or sweaty testicles, you might want to skip the nylon. Although it is marketed as absorbent and quick-drying, nylon actually traps heat and moisture which can lead to anything from minor discomfort caused by swamp crotch to yeast infections (for women) and fertility issues (for men).

• It can contain harmful chemicals : Nylon underwear, especially when marketed as moisture-resistant or leak-proof, may contain PFAS , chemicals that can cause lasting damage to your health with repeated exposure. 

For men, the main draw to nylon is that it makes for good workout underwear. Nylon is a stretchy, flexible fabric which makes it ideal for supporting your junk while allowing you to move freely. It is also marketed as moisture-repelling but it’s not a breathable fabric so working out in nylon is sure to have you asking “Why do my balls smell?”

Boys, if you’re looking for performance underwear that you can wear for any occasion from lounging around the house to working up a sweat at the gym then a pair of hemp men's boxer briefs is what you need! Hemp is the strongest natural fiber so these bad boys will hold your junk in place while allowing for a full range of movement. 

Ladies, nylon underwear has a lot of draws in terms of how lightweight and thin it can get. It is an ideal material for seamless undies and is easy to hide underneath tighter clothing. The issue is that wearing nylon is just not the best option for your kitty. Your vagina needs to breathe and nylon just won’t let her.

If you’re looking for a discreet pair of undies that will stay in place and can easily be hidden underneath your body-hugging outfits, try hemp thong underwear ! If a “no underwear” feel is what you want, there’s no better option than a thong. These cheeky undies will let in all the air your coochie needs while protecting her with natural, antibacterial hemp fabric. 

If you’re on the fence about nylon underwear or you’re wanting to switch things up, there are several natural alternatives you can try!

Nylon underwear vs cotton is a necessary comparison to make, given that cotton tends to be many experts' go-to choice for underwear material. Of course, I’m most excited to compare nylon underwear vs hemp but I already know how that one will turn out. Hey, it’s no secret that I’m a hemp enthusiast! But, those aren’t the only options, so let’s see how nylon stacks up against all the rest.

Here are the best alternatives to nylon underwear: 

If you’re looking for a completely natural alternative to nylon then you needn’t look further than hemp underwear ! It’s a whole new world, really. Especially if you’re used to synthetic underwear. Take it from me. I used to be someone who didn’t care what I put on my booty until I started wearing hemp undies. Now, I feel less sweaty, less itchy, and less wedgie-prone.

When pitting nylon underwear vs hemp underwear, it’s important to note that they have different functions. Nylon undies are more aligned with the values of today’s mainstream fashion market. Hemp undies, on the other hand, manage to be cute and functional while also working overtime for your body and the planet.

Hemp is the strongest natural fiber out there which means underwear made from it lasts longer. But this durability doesn’t prevent it from being super soft and cozy. Hemp underwear is also extremely breathable and naturally wicks away moisture, so you’re less likely to experience swamp crotch while wearing it. Hemp plants can also grow in some gnarly conditions and require little water to thrive which makes it the more eco-friendly option! 

Cotton is often said to be the best material for underwear. It is lightweight and breathable. Cotton is also 100% natural and can be composted so it’s the better choice for the planet if we’re talking about nylon underwear vs cotton underwear.

That said, there’s a significant difference between cotton and organic cotton. Organic cotton is harvested and produced more sustainably. Traditional cotton, which is used by fast fashion brands, takes a lot more water and energy to produce. In fast fashion practices, cotton is often blended with synthetic materials. 

Let’s be honest, nylon underwear’s most attractive quality is how often it gets compared to silk. But, silk is silk and nylon is… plastic.

Silk is a naturally derived material so it’s 100% compostable and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful materials. It is made from the cocoons of silkworms

Yes, I know that silk underwear is quite a bougie item and nylon is infinitely more affordable but it’s an apples-to-oranges situation. If you’re looking for a buttery, lightweight material that lets your coochie or junk breathe, then silk’s your girl. 

If silk is not your (or your wallet’s) cup of tea but you still value that light and buttery texture then tencel underwear might be worth a try. Modal is a fabric made from cellulose, a pulp derived from beech trees. It makes for very soft, silky, and breathable underwear.

Rayon, the most popular artificial alternative for real silk, is made using cellulose. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to nylon underwear, modal would definitely be an upgrade!

At the end of the day, the choice to wear (or not wear) nylon is yours. Is it the best option for your health? No. Will wearing nylon sometimes bring about the end of the world? Also no. If nylon underwear is a staple in your closet, there’s no need for an immediate purge! Try out one of the natural alternatives mentioned above, and slowly phase the synthetics out of your life.

How do you feel about nylon underwear? Is it practical to own a few pairs or are you more inclined to keep your skivvies drawer 100% natural? Share your thoughts in the comments!