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Best Breathable Cotton And Organic Women’s Knickers, Briefs, And Period Pants
Ladies and vulva owners, I get it: the appeal of a matching lingerie set is simply too alluring.
But often, they’re not made from breathable materials. During the warmer months in particular, I find myself constantly pulling my pants out of my cooch (for lack of a better word) and looking like a maniac trying to get the right placement. Look, it’s not my fault no one can get sizing right.
Then, of course, there’s the smell. We all know by now (I hope) that it’s natural to have a smell down there, but you know better than anyone else when that’s off.
And I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened during the summer more than ever – but honestly, they can get uncomfy and chafe during the winter, too.
This year, I’ve simply had enough. Get ready for some TMI, but a combination of recurrent UTIs and various other gynae conditions (don’t ask) means I am desperate to do anything that gives my vulva some reprieve.
More than that, I will do basically anything to make sure I don’t have to change my pants every time I leave my house during the heatwave. I mean, the amount of laundry I do every week is insurmountable.
Recently, I’ve been making a conscious effort to wear cotton undies, but unfortunately for my bank account the H&M multipack I’ve been wearing for years has started to give way.
So I decided it was time to test breathable undies.
The best breathable underwear at a glance:
What kind of fabric should your underwear be made from?
In case you don’t already know, cotton and natural fibre are the ideal fabrics for your pants.
“Ideally you want to be looking for at least an 80% cotton or natural fabric mix” when buying pants, according to Priya Downes, founder and CEO of Nudea.
“These fabrics are much better for quick drying, and will help with things like chafing, which can be quite painful, or sweat accumulation and feeling uncomfortable.”
Tencel, hemp, and bamboo are also great options for underwear. On the other hand, man-made fabrics like polyester and elastane dry much more slowly than natural fabrics, which might be why you get recurrent thrush or BV, or generally feel not right down there.
“As well as sweat comes bacteria, which can also be really unhealthy,” Downes adds. “You do have a natural biome down there, so wearing natural fabrics is really important. Having quick-drying materials that can wick away moisture accumulation is healthier for your skin.”
What should you think about when buying knickers or briefs?
As well as the fabric, shape is important to consider when buying underwear.
“You want to be comfortable, and not everybody loves thongs,” Downes notes.
“Sometimes in hot weather thongs can be particularly uncomfortable, so look for shapes that are comfortable, and that aren’t visible under your clothes.
“In hot weather, people are wearing more see-through and skimpier things, so you’ve got to be mindful about visible panty lines.”
My review of natural fabric underwear
For the last few years, I haven’t thought much about what kind of pants I wear, but while testing these pants I realised I’ve been missing out on a lot.
I decided to reach out to a range of brands that intentionally use natural fibres, from bamboo viscose, to tencel, and cotton.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this fortnight has been the comfiest I’ve been in years.
As someone who lives in a white skirt or dress of some description during summer, I need pants that are seamless and won’t show beneath a skirt.
But considering I also rarely wear a thong, it was a difficult standard to meet.
The best natural women’s underwear to shop now
All of the products below passed the test.
Sometimes you just want to be comfortable, which is why I love that these briefs are full coverage and, most importantly, don’t dig in. I would buy this pair in every colour so I can wear it every single day, it’s that flattering.
Made of 79% bamboo viscose, which is suitable for sensitive skin as it’s hypoallergenic, the fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking.
Unlike other briefs, these don’t leave me feeling sweaty and uncomfortable throughout the day. The composition also makes for a stretchy fit that can grow with you throughout the day without weird sagging or a VPL.
As a UK 12, I find it particularly difficult to find pants that are actually made for my size, but the L is definitely true to size, with enough room for gaining weight or feeling bloated.
Plus, they’re completely seamless, so the waistband won’t show through your clothes. I’ve worn the pink and nude pair (which comes in multiple skin tones – snaps for that) under a white skirt in summer and they’re undetectable, which is all you can ask for, really.
While I could be picky and wish for a slightly higher bamboo percentage, I’m willing to make an exception for the fact I forget I’m even wearing underwear when I have these on.
+ Seamless, so you have no VPL
+ Love the range of colours
+ Waistband doesn’t cut in
– They’re breathable, but are on the thicker side of the pants I tested.
Fabric: 79% bamboo viscose, 15% polyamide, 6% spandex blend. Buttery soft texture with flexibility.
Size range: XS to 2XL.
If you’re looking for an excuse to give up your Calvins, let this Nudea pack be it. These simple briefs are up there with the softest I’ve felt, as they’re made from a combo of not one but two breathable fabrics: cotton and modal.
In case you’re wondering what that means, all you need to know is they’re incredibly soft and lightweight, and I see these becoming your every day pants. Luckily, they can be, because a pack of three comes in at just £30.
This is where I have to admit my hipster bias: I historically have thought it’s the most unflattering shape out there. But this set proved me wrong: they’re low waist, don’t cut in at the top of the thigh, and make an excellent companion for low rise jeans or skirts.
And, proving it’s not that hard to get right, the L is true to size – no unreliable sizing here, thank you very much!
+ Super flattering for a hipster cut
+ Great value for money
+ Low elastic count
+ Doesn’t cut into the leg
– Wish they came in more fun colours.
Fabric: 47% cotton and 48% Lenzing Modal
Size range: XS to XXL.
I have to say, I don’t love a thong – because hellooo wedgie (and maybe I just don’t like wearing pants?) – but if there’s a brand that can convince me to, it’s Stripe and Stare.
The brand offers more colours and prints than a girl could dream of, and I love how sultry this cherry colour is. But that doesn’t detract from the fact these are without a doubt the most comfortable and silky smooth thong I’m yet to wear.
The L doesn’t dig in, which is pretty unheard of for a thong, and might be down to the fact it’s made of stretchy lace and a 95% TENCEL body.
The softness really does not disappear over time, especially if you follow its instructions to wash at 30 degrees.
You can even make yourself a fun multipack, because you can save 30% when you buy three pairs. Shout out to this high rise pink and brown polka dot pair I’ve been loving, too.
Fabric: 95% TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane. Lace: 91% nylon, 9% elastane.
My first intro to Step One was through its period undies. Having declared my hatred of thongs, this pair actually comes in pretty handy when I have an event I have to go to and don’t want to look like I’m wearing a nappy (ie. other period pants).
It’s actually my most flattering pair of period pants, and is still made of its signature breathable material, so you won’t get the smell you sometimes get with period pants (it’s only natural!).
Beware, though, if you have a heavy flow you might want to wear a pad or tampon, too, as it’s only designed for light absorbency. I wear mine towards the start or end of my period.
+ Comfy period pants – who knew?
+ The sizing is spot on
+ The gusset is basically invisible – you won’t feel like you’re weighed down by extra material between your legs
– It’s fitted, so go for a size up.
Fabric: 95% viscose made from bamboo and 5% spandex
Size range: XS to 2XL.
If you’re not willing to give up your lingerie every day of the week, you might want to go for a pair of cotton undies on the cheaper side.
Uniqlo has started making some cutie classic cotton undies for under £8, and this pair is my favourite. I have absolutely zero complaints about the shape, and there will always be a soft spot in my heart for a lace trim.
No prizes for guessing what size I went for (a L!) and it fit perfectly. They might not be as soft as a Nudea or Stripe and Stare pant, but they seem pretty durable and you can also pick them up when you’re out on your lunch break.
+ Affordable
+ Come in a range of patterns – some with bows, some without
+ Fits well, although the size guide only comes with waist/hip measurements
– Not as lightweight and soft as other options on the list.
Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane/ lace: 77% polyamide, 23% elastane
Size range: XS to XXL.
If you’re more of a thong girl (valid) but don’t want to splash out over £10 on a pair, Uniqlo unforch doesn’t have a cotton thong in its line – but Boux Avenue does.
Can you tell what my favourite colour is? I picked up this sweet floral pair, and I have to say it comes in on the smaller size. I got a 12 but could’ve definitely gone for a 14.
Despite being a little tight on the hips, though, it was very breathable, and I didn’t feel like I had something permanently wedged to my butt cheeks, which is always good.
Not to mention they come with an adorable matching PJs set – and who am I to turn down a pink co-ord?
+ Affordable thong
+ Comes with a matching set
+ Slightly ribbed, if you like that kinda thing
– Comes in small.
Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane.
Size range: 6 to 18.
How to wash and care for natural underwear
When you’re spending a good chunk of money on some nice undies, you’re going to want to take good care of them.
Of course, natural staining is going to happen, but it’s all in how you care for them, according to Downes.
Cool (ish) wash
“The best way to to wash them is in the washing machine and on not too high a temperature, so 30 to 40 degrees is absolutely fine,” she says.
No dryer
“Absolutely do not put them in the dryer because natural fabrics will degrade at high temperatures, so you should always, always line dry your your knickers.”
Stains are inevitable
“It’s probably better to go with a darker colour because they are a little bit more immune to stains,” Downes suggests.
“Nudes are great because they they hide stains a bit better. White is very hard to get away from staining, and you will probably have to replace white knickers more often than any other colour.”
Final verdict
Switching to breathable underwear has increased my comfort levels by tenfold over the past couple of weeks.
Not only do I not sweat as much, which means less chafing between my thighs (thank god) but I’ve also noticed I smell less down there (thanks for asking) and actually have to do less laundry. Thank god!
If you’re after pants you can reach for every day, Nudea has a range of shapes and fabric mixes that feel lighter than air. However, Stripe and Stare is maybe just that bit softer, and comes in tons of fun candy box colours, if you like a pink pant like me.
Uniqlo and Boux Avenue are solid budget options, but you will forfeit that buttery feeling.
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