Choosing the right underwear fabric might seem like a small thing, but trust me, it makes all the difference in how you feel throughout your day. In this guide, I compare cotton and modal for men’s underwear so you can pick what actually works for your body and your life.
Key Takeaways
Cotton is a natural fiber that feels familiar and affordable, while modal is softer, stretchier, and better at handling sweat
If you sweat a lot, move a lot, or live in hot, humid places, I usually suggest modal underwear for superior comfort
If you want cheap, classic, easy-to-find underwear for relaxed days, cotton is still a solid choice
Both fabrics can be good for sensitive skin, but quality and fit matter just as much as the fabric type
I will walk you step by step through comfort, durability, and real-life scenarios so you can pick the right fabric for work, gym, and home
How This Guide Helps You Choose Fast
In this article, I focus only on cotton vs modal for men’s underwear—not every fabric on the market. I compare them on comfort, sweat and odor control, softness, stretch, durability, and eco impact.
I give real-life advice here. I tell you what to wear to the office, to the gym, on hot days, and for lounging at home. By the end, you will know exactly when to pick cotton and when to pick modal – it really all comes down to personal preference.
What Is Cotton Underwear, Really?
Cotton is a natural fiber from cotton plants, and it has been used for men’s underwear for more than 100 years worldwide. When you walk into any supermarket or big store, most basic briefs and boxers are cotton or cotton blends. It feels familiar and “normal” to most guys.
Cotton can be regular, combed, or premium like Pima or organic cotton. Better quality cotton feels softer and lasts longer than the cheap stuff.
Simple pros of cotton:
Good breathability and air circulation
Gentle on most skin types
Easy to wash and care for
Usually cheaper than modal
Simple cons of cotton:
Holds on to sweat and takes longer to dry
Can feel heavy and damp in hot or humid weather
May lose shape faster after repeated washes
Best Things About Cotton for Men’s Underwear
Natural feel: cotton feels familiar, soft, and not “slippery,” which many men like for everyday wear in briefs and trunks
Works well for sensitive skin because it uses natural fibers and is not too clingy when loosely knit
Easy to care for: machine wash, tumble dry on low or medium, and it still works fine for years
For cooler climates or air-conditioned offices, cotton breathability is less of a problem, so it still feels comfortable through the day
Weak Spots of Cotton Underwear
Cotton soaks sweat and keeps it, so after a workout, long walk, or hot commute, it can feel wet and clingy—you might end up feeling damp by lunchtime – this is the worst if you’re spending 8 hours in an office
Heavy sweat held by cotton can lead to chafing in the inner thigh and groin, especially in tighter jeans or during long sitting
Repeated washing and tumble drying may make cotton underwear lose shape, sag at the legs, and feel rougher over time
In tropical or humid cities, pure cotton can feel sticky by midday because it does not let moisture escape quickly
What Is Modal Underwear?
Modal is made from beechwood pulp, so it starts natural but gets processed into a smooth, silky fiber. Brands often call modal “luxury soft” or “second skin” because it feels way smoother than normal cotton.
If you’re not familiar with Modal Fabric, I’ve written a blog post which you can read here.
Many modern men’s trunks and boxer briefs use modal or micromodal underwear for a snug fit that is still breathable. Modal is usually blended with a little elastane to give more stretch and shape retention.
Here is something cool: high-quality modal often comes from sustainably managed forests and can be made in more eco friendly ways than standard cotton.
Best Things About Modal for Men’s Underwear
Softness cotton cannot match: modal feels smoother and “cool to the touch” on skin, great for guys who hate scratchy waistbands or seams
Superior moisture wicking: modal absorbs about 50% more moisture than cotton but also wicks moisture away from the skin faster, so I usually feel drier
Stretch and snug fit: modal blends hug the body without feeling tight, so they work well under slim jeans and dress pants
Impressive durability: modal keeps its shape better than cotton after multiple washes, so legs roll up less and waistbands stay neat
Colors and prints in modal underwear usually stay brighter for longer compared to basic cotton
Weak Spots of Modal Underwear
Modal underwear often costs more than basic cotton, so it feels like an “upgrade” purchase
Very cheap modal can pill (small fabric balls) or lose softness if made poorly, so quality matters a lot
You should follow wash rules more carefully: cooler wash, no harsh bleach, lower heat in dryer to keep the modal fabric smooth
Men who love very loose, non-stretchy boxers may find modal trunks “too fitted” at first, since they hug more closely – I personally like this fit.
Cotton vs Modal: Side-by-Side for Everyday Comfort
Now let me compare these two fabrics by feel, temperature, and how they behave in real daily use. I am not using a table here—just clean bullets that show you one aspect at a time.
Comfort feel: cotton feels familiar and slightly thicker; modal feels smoother, lighter, and has a more premium feel on the skin
Breathability: both are highly breathable, but modal’s finer fibers plus stretch knit often make it feel cooler and less clingy with sweat
Odor control: staying drier in modal can help reduce odor compared to damp cotton, though neither fabric is a magic fix
All day wear: for office days or travel, many men prefer modal boxer briefs because they stay fresh through long hours of sitting
Durability and Shape Retention
Durability is not just about not tearing—it is also about staying soft and keeping fit after you wash it many times.
Thick cotton can last many years, but over time it may stretch out at the waistband and leg openings
Good modal keeps its stretch and fit longer, so underwear looks and feels “new” for more wash cycles
Cotton fibers can grow rough with repeated high-heat drying, while modal stays smoother if washed cool and dried on low
Men who hate saggy, baggy briefs after a year will likely be happier with modal or modal-rich blends that are highly durable
Moisture, Sweat, and Hot-Weather Use
This is where the big difference really shows up. Let me talk about real situations: gym days, summer heat, commuting, and playing sports.
Cotton is like a towel: it soaks sweat but then stays wet, which can rub and cause irritation between the thighs
Modal absorbs more but also releases moisture faster, so I usually stay dry and cool when I walk, cycle, or train
For men who work outdoors, ride bikes, or sit in hot public transport, modal boxer briefs often stay more comfortable through the day without that damp feeling
If you live in a cool or dry climate and do not sweat much, cotton can still be completely fine for daily wear
Skin Sensitivity and Comfort for Long Wear
Both cotton and modal can be gentle, but rough seams, cheap dyes, and tight cuts matter more than the fabric type alone
Modal’s smooth surface glides more easily against skin, which can lower friction on inner thighs and around the pouch
Some men with very dry skin like cotton because it feels a bit “grippier,” while others love the silkiness of modal
If you get red marks or rubbing by evening, trying a high-quality modal brief in the right size is a smart test to see if it keeps your skin dry and comfortable
Which Is Better for the Planet: Cotton or Modal?
Fabric choice also affects water use, land, and chemicals—not just comfort. Let me break this down simply.
Standard cotton often needs large amounts of water and can use strong pesticides and fertilizers during farming, making it more resource intensive
Organic cotton and better farming methods reduce some of this environmental impact, but they are not used in all products
Modal comes from beechwood pulp, often beech trees grown in sustainably managed forests as a renewable resource, and can be made in “closed-loop” systems that reuse water and solvents
Both fabrics can be more or less sustainable depending on how they are grown and processed, but modern modal is often designed with environmental sustainability in mind using less water than regular cotton
Washing, Drying, and Energy Use
Cotton holds more water after washing, so it can take longer to dry on a line or in a dryer, using more energy
Modal tends to release water faster, so garments dry quicker and may use less dryer time overall
Washing both fabrics in cold or warm water (not hot) and air-drying when possible lowers energy use and keeps underwear lasting longer
Use gentle detergent and skip heavy bleach, since both cotton and modal will keep color and softness better that way
How I Personally Choose: When I Pick Cotton vs When I Pick Modal
I do not think one fabric wins for every man and every day. The best material depends on what you are doing and where you are going.
On quiet home days or cool evenings, I might reach for simple cotton boxers or briefs for a loose, “old-school” feel—they are my go to for relaxing
For workdays, travel, or long sitting (like flights or road trips), I usually prefer modal boxer briefs because they stay dry and hold shape
For workouts, running, or intense activities, I almost always choose modal or modal-blend underwear because less dampness means less chafing—this is the ideal choice for active lifestyles
I suggest keeping both fabrics in your drawer and rotating based on weather and activity instead of trying to pick only one “winner”
What to Look For on the Label
Here is practical stuff you can use right in the store:
Check fiber content: 100% cotton for classic feel, or modal/cotton blends, or high modal (like 90-95% modal with elastane) for extra softness and stretch
A small amount of elastane (around 5-8%) helps both cotton and modal underwear keep shape and stay snug without cutting in
Flat seams, a soft waistband, and a shaped pouch matter just as much as fiber type for real comfort
Pick the right size: too small will dig and chafe, too big will bunch up, no matter if it is cotton or modal—the right fabric only works with the right fit
Quick Buying Guide Based on Your Lifestyle
This is a fast “if this, then that” guide to help you pick fabric based on how you live.
Office workers and students: I suggest modal boxer briefs or trunks for long sitting, meetings, and commuting, with cotton pairs for relaxed home use
Athletes and gym-goers: I recommend mainly modal or modal-rich blends because they manage sweat better and reduce thigh rub during running and lifting—this is where moisture wicking properties really shine
Men in hot, humid climates: lean strongly toward modal, especially in darker colors and quick-dry designs to avoid visible sweat patches and to stay fresh on hot days
Men on a strict budget: cotton multipacks are fine, but if possible, add at least a couple of modal pairs for long or active days when temperature regulating matters most
FAQ
These questions cover extra worries men often have about underwear fabrics. The answers are short, clear, and add details I did not fully cover above.
Does modal underwear make me sweat more than cotton?
Modal does not make your body create more sweat—it just handles sweat differently from cotton. Many men actually feel cooler and drier in modal because it pulls moisture away from the skin and helps it spread out to dry faster. In fan or air-conditioned rooms, modal can feel especially cool and smooth compared to thicker cotton. If you sweat heavily, trying one or two modal pairs for active days is a simple way to test how your body reacts.
Will cotton or modal shrink in the wash?
Cotton can shrink more, especially if washed hot and dried on high heat the first few times. Modal is generally more dimension-stable, but very high heat can still damage the fibers over time. I suggest washing both fabrics in cold or warm water and drying on low or line-drying to keep size and fit steady. Following the care label on each pair is the safest way to avoid surprise shrinking.
Is it okay to mix cotton and modal underwear in my drawer?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to own and wear both cotton and modal underwear. I actually recommend mixing them so you can pick cotton for calm days and modal for busy or sweaty days. Rotating fabrics can also spread out wear and tear, helping each pair last longer overall. Keep a few “go-to” modal pairs ready for travel, exams, interviews, or any day when comfort really matters.
Which fabric is better for very sensitive or allergy-prone skin?
High-quality cotton and high-quality modal can both work well for sensitive skin if dyes and finishes are gentle. If you often react to fabrics, start with plain, light-colored cotton or modal with minimal prints and soft stitching. Avoiding strong detergents and heavy fragrance in laundry can make a big difference, no matter the fabric. I suggest testing one new pair for a full day before buying a whole pack, to see how your skin feels by evening. Some men find tactel fabric or other specialty materials work well too, but for most guys, good cotton or modal with natural properties will be skin friendly enough.
How many pairs of cotton and modal underwear should I own?
For most men, 10-14 pairs total makes weekly laundry easy without running out. A simple split works well: 6-8 cotton pairs for home and light days, and 4-6 modal pairs for work, travel, and workouts. If you exercise often or live in hot weather, you may want more modal pairs than cotton. I encourage replacing old, stretched, or holey underwear at least once a year so both cotton and modal drawers stay comfortable and hygienic. The distinct advantages of having both fabric types mean you are ready for anything—from a lazy Sunday to an all-day conference.
