The Benefits of Cotton Underwear

Protecting yourself against health issues and comfort aren't the only reasons you should consider rocking cotton undies.

Cotton is one of the most common clothing materials in the world. From your favourite t-shirt to your comfiest pair of pyjama pants, chances are you probably already have a closet full of cotton to choose from. But is there enough cotton in your underwear drawer?

With Kt’s new underwear—the Cotton Super Leakproof Lace Bikini—there’s never been a better time to throw some cotton period underwear for teens into your daily mix.

From cotton's breathable nature to its downy softness being a more sustainable alternative to synthetic fabrics, there are numerous reasons to add cotton undies to your daily rotation. Read on to learn more about the benefits of cotton underwear over synthetic fibres—and finally ditch those panties made from polyester, nylon and other synthetic fabrics.

A Black woman wearing a denim halter top and Kt by Knix period underwear dances

It’s breathable

If you have a vagina, you know that it can be super delicate and sensitive to irritation or infection. The growth of yeast and other bacteria is never fun, and wearing the right pair of undies can protect you against yeast infections and the like. You have to treat your vagina gently when it comes to the fabrics that are going to be getting close to it every day to prevent excess moisture. Wearing cotton underwear is a great solution.

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According to a study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, yeast infections are more likely to be caused by wearing underwear made from synthetic materials. Synthetics can trap heat—keeping your bits a bit too nice and toasty with excess moisture, which promotes more yeast growth in the vagina by trapping heat.

A white woman strikes a pose wearing orange Kt by Knix cotton leakproof lace underwear

It’s 100% natural

Being a natural material, wearing cotton fabric has a lot of benefits, especially when it’s going to be up close and personal with a sensitive zone like a vagina. “The vulva is a very sensitive and delicate area, similar to the lips on your face. You want to treat [it] gently,” explains Dr. Alyse Kelly-Jones, board-certified OB-GYN.

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The best way to treat it gently is by wearing a natural material, such as cotton. Cotton will help keep potential yeast infections at bay and prevent unpleasant itching. Plus, cotton's super absorbent nature helps keep you dry—even during the most sweaty of activities. Our Cotton Super Leakproof Lace Bikini's fabric is soft and super breathable, making it a great option for wearing in any kind of weather—even high humidity.

Close-up of the torso of a Black woman wearing blue striped Kt by Knix cotton leakproof lace underwear

It’s comfortable

There’s a reason why so many baby clothes are made of only cotton; it’s soft, soothing, irritation-free and offers plenty of ease of movement. People prefer to wear something that feels nice on their skin, and cotton offers that.

This makes it the ultimate fabric to wear when you’re on your period and could use a bit of extra comfort. It’s also the most comfortable underwear option if you have sensitive skin in general, or are allergic to synthetic materials like nylon or polyester.

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Our Cotton Super Leakproof Lace Bikini is made with our Super Leakproof technology in the gusset. This means that they are naturally ultra-absorbent and can hold up to 8 tsp (that's equivalent to 8 pads or tampons) of liquid! Many women are able to completely eliminate pads, tampons and or a menstrual cup from their period routine while wearing our cotton period panties depending on their flow. We can’t think of a more comfortable pair to wear during your cycle. No more restricted clothing locking in extra moisture during your period!

Close-up of a white woman's torso wearing orange Kt by Knix cotton leakproof lace underwear

It’s absorbent

Cotton undies are naturally absorbent—meaning that they're the best underwear to wear whether working out or relaxing at home. It doesn’t hold onto sweat and acts as a temperature regulator, keeping you nice and dry no matter what.

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However, if you're a little extra sweaty, we recommend changing underwear for the most protection against yeast infection and other diseases. Just stick the underwear in the wash, and you're good to wear it again and again!

Further reading: What is moisture wicking underwear?

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It's sustainable

The good news: cotton is generally a more sustainable option than other fabric options! When all sustainability factors are followed, cotton can be grown in a way "that can maintain levels of production with minimal environmental impact, can support viable producer livelihoods and communities, and can do so in the face of long-term ecological constraints and socioeconomic pressures," according to CottonUP—a practical resource guide on the issues, benefits and options for sourcing more sustainable cotton.

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One of the best ways to practice sustainability in your life is be prolonging the life of the things you already own and purchasing things that last. By following the care instructions, Kt's Cotton Super Leakproof Lace Bikini is likely to last for quite a while. No need to replace it every six months.

A Black woman wearing a knit crop top and black cotton leakproof lace underwear dances for the camera

Ultimately, cotton is soft, 100% natural, super absorbent and naturally breathable. That’s why we chose to make our Cotton Super Leakproof Lace Bikini!

The lace trim and unique patterns on these cotton panties add a dainty touch so you can be confident that you’re wearing cute underwear—whether you're on a heavy flow day, lounging on the couch with cramps, or you just need extra protection throughout the night. Hopefully after reading this, you'll feel determined to say goodbye to period panties made from other materials and say hello to the new, comfortable you.

Further reading: Does caffeine help period cramps?

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