Although it is not certain exactly how old cotton clothing is, cotton is believed to have been around for at least 7,000 years. Cotton has been growing in various geographies in the world such as Pakistan and Egypt. Colonists began growing cotton in the Americas in the 1600s. In 1730, cotton was first spun by machinery to make clothing in England. Today, it is one of the most used fibers and an indispensable material for clothing. Although cotton clothing has been and continues to be a favorite of many, it has both advantages and disadvantages.
The most significant advantages of cotton clothing, including underwear, are that it breathes, it’s soft and comfortable, non-allergenic and insulating. So for those who have sensitive skin and require comfort, cotton underwear is an ideal option. The disadvantages of cotton clothing are that it’s less durable than synthetic fibers, it can shrink and it absorbs and retains moisture. So for those who require more durable underwear that will remain the same size and will not retain moisture, cotton underwear may not be the best option.
Cotton underwear is comfortable for most wearers, both because of its ability to breathe and because it has a soft surface that doesn’t irritate most skins. It is a natural fabric and is hypoallergenic. Unlike nylon and other synthetic materials, cotton will not become a habitat for fungi; nor does it produce static electricity. However, unless it is treated as a delicate washable and washed at low temperature, it may shrink.
A natural product, cotton doesn’t require a chemical finish to be woven into fabric. Asthmatics and others with skin or breathing sensitivities have far fewer problems with cotton underwear than with underclothes made from nylon, lycra, or polyester. Individuals who do not have allergic reactions to synthetic fabrics or the chemicals used to finish them find that cotton-spandex fabrics combine the best of both worlds.
The great news is that much of the clothing produced today are a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. So it is possible to enjoy the benefits of cotton without experiencing the disadvantages. Even when blended with synthetic materials, cotton permits air to pass through it. So cotton undergarments that are blended with synthetic fibers can breathe, are durable, will maintain shape and will retain less moisture. And this combination may well prove to be the best option.