Now that we’re heading into summer, you might be paying extra attention to the fiber content of your clothing to ensure it will be cool and comfortable. And nowhere does this matter more – in summer or otherwise – than our underwear, the layer that sits closest to our body.
Here at Shadowline Lingerie, we’re huge fans of both nylon and cotton – all of our panties are made from one or the other. But the two are very different! So today, let’s talk about why we chose these fibers for our underwear collection, and which one you should choose for your lingerie drawer.
Left: Shadowline® Cotton Hipster Panty
Center: Shadowline® Cotton Full Brief Panty
Right: Dixie Belle® Cotton Full Brief Panty with Lace Waistband
The advantages of cotton panties
Soft
Cotton fibers grow as hollow tubes which bend and flex easily, giving cotton fabrics a soft, drapey hand rather than feeling stiff. Those fibers are also particularly fine, which results in a fabric that’s very smooth to the touch. And the best bit? Cotton gets even softer over time!
Breathable
The hollowness of cotton fibers allows air to circulate and your body heat to escape, and the fabric is also extremely absorbent so it draws moisture away from the skin (that’s why most towels are made from cotton.) Overall, cotton underwear helps you to feel both cool and dry.
Cozy
Cotton fibers’ hollow shape and the way they are interwoven together traps many tiny pockets of air, which act as a layer of insulation. That’s why you won’t just love cotton’s breathability in summer, but its warm and cozy feeling in winter too!
Durable
Cotton is naturally durable and easy to care for. While some fabrics become more delicate when wet, cotton actually gets stronger! It’s also able to withstand high temperatures (although we recommend washing our cotton panties on a warm setting to protect the elastic) and it’s naturally resistant to pilling, for fuss-free laundering.
Natural
Whether you’re environmentally-conscious and looking for a biodegradable lingerie option, or you have sensitive skin and want something that’s naturally hypoallergenic, the plant-based nature of cotton is just one more reason to love it.
Left: Dixie Belle® Scallop Trim Full Panty
Center: Shadowline® Lace Trim Hipster Panty
Right: Shadowline® Nylon Full Brief Panty With Lace
The advantages of nylon panties
Silky
Whereas cotton panties are soft in a cozy, flannel-like way, nylon panties have a sleekness and smoothness that means they’ll glide over your skin like silk. It’s frictionless, and less likely to wrinkle or bunch up than some other underwear types.
Breathable
It may surprise you to learn that our nylon panties are super breathable! Nylon is often chosen for activewear for just this reason, in fact. While cotton does still perform slightly better for breathability – which is why our nylon panties still typically include a cotton gusset – the finer finish of our nylon panties mean they feel wonderfully lightweight and airy.
Colorfast
Natural-fiber fabrics such as cottons have a tendency to fade over time, but nylon can be dyed into really bright colors that will stay vibrant long term. That’s why we offer our nylon panties in a wide array of colors, everything from pastels to jewel tones to classic jet black.
Durable
Nylon underwear may look delicate, but it’s super resilient! If you follow a few simple care tips, your nylon panties can last for years to come – this purpose-made fiber is actually even more durable than cotton.
Glamour
Finally, when it comes to glamourous style, there’s no denying that nylon has an edge over comfy and practical cotton. Except for our Nylon Seamless Full Brief Panty which is made from our heavier-weight Opacitrique® nylon, our nylon panties have a semi-sheer appearance (especially in the lighter colors) and those made from Satintrique®, such as the Nylon Full Brief Panty With Lace, also have a touch of pearlescent shine.
Nylon vs. cotton panties
So, cotton underwear or nylon underwear? Both will offer you breathability and durability benefits, so it really depends on what else you’re looking for. If you want an everyday panty that’s simple, casual and feels soft as a cloud on your skin, cotton is the way to go. But if you want a panty that’s a bit more luxe and elegant, with a silky smoothness and the option to wear fun colors, check out our extensive nylon panty range instead.
Once you’ve found your perfect panty, here’s how to care for it so that it lasts and lasts!
