The Truth About Synthetic Underwear, According to Science

You wear it every day.

It is closer to your skin than any other garment. And yet, most of us rarely think about our underwear — let alone what it does to our skin. The majority of boxer shorts on the market are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. While these fabrics may feel smooth, they’re far from skin-friendly — especially in your most important and sensitive areas.

What are synthetic fabrics, really?

Synthetic fabrics are produced from petroleum and treated with chemicals such as dyes, fixatives, and softeners. Common examples include polyester, nylon, and elastane. They’re inexpensive, stretchy, and quick-drying — but that convenience comes at a cost to your skin.

The effects on your skin

1. Poor breathability

Synthetic underwear doesn't allow your skin to breathe. It traps heat and moisture, creating a warm, damp environment that encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi leading to irritation, discomfort, and even infections.

A study published in Dermatitis (2016) showed that synthetic fabrics are more likely to cause skin problems than natural materials.

2. Chemical exposure

These materials are often treated with harsh chemicals during production. When worn against the skin, especially in areas with friction, they can cause itchiness, redness, and allergic reactions.

The European Academy of Dermatology (2018) found that synthetic fabrics, combined with heat and sweat, are a common trigger for eczema and other skin irritations.

3. No antibacterial protection

Unlike natural fibers, synthetic fabrics trap sweat and odor. They offer no antibacterial or skin-balancing benefits, leaving you feeling less fresh throughout the day.

And let’s not forget the microplastics...

Every time you wash synthetic underwear, it sheds tiny plastic fibers — microplastics — that enter our water systems and eventually end up in oceans, soil, and even the food we eat and the water we drink. That’s not just harmful to your skin — it’s harmful to the planet.

Conclusion: What touches your skin, matters

Your skin deserves better — and it starts with what you wear closest to it. Synthetic underwear may offer convenience and is cheap, but it comes with risks. Choosing natural, breathable materials is a simple switch with major benefits. Your skin (and the planet) will thank you.

 

 

Sources & Scientific References

1. 1. Jacob, S. E., Steele, T., & Zirwas, M. J. (2016). Textile dye dermatitis: a review. Dermatitis, 27(2), 62–72. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000172
      
      

   2. European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. (2018). Contact allergy to textiles: clinical aspects and diagnostic approach. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 32(10), 1718–1726. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15079
      
      

   3. Yousef, S., & Ahmed, M. (2020). Natural antimicrobial properties of hemp fibres. Industrial Crops and Products, 154, 112753. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112753
      
      

   4. De Falco, F., Gullo, M. P., Gentile, G., Di Pace, E., Cocca, M., & Avella, M. (2019). Evaluation of microplastic release from polyester fabrics during washing processes. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(1), 126–136. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3685-2
      
      

   5. Roos, S., Levenstam Arturin, O., & Hanning, A. C. (2015). Microplastics shedding from textiles: towards a zero fiber loss laundry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112, 125–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.09.071
      
      

   6. Textile Research Journal. (2017). Comparative analysis of antibacterial activity in natural and synthetic fibers. Textile Res J, 87(8), 960–971.