KNOWLEDGE / MATERIAL GUIDE – Understanding Key Textile Fibres

This page explains the most important fabrics used in underwear, leggings, bodies, pyjamas and socks. You’ll learn how each material feels, how it behaves, how durable it is – and which fabric is best for which type of clothing.

1. Cotton – natural, soft & skin-friendly

Cotton is one of the world’s most popular natural fibres. It is soft, breathable and gentle on the skin – ideal for underwear and everyday essentials.

✔ Advantages of Cotton

• very skin-friendly – suitable for sensitive skin
• breathable and moisture-absorbing
• natural and comfortable feel
• durable & easy to care for

❗ Disadvantages of Cotton

• prone to stretching out (especially 100% cotton)
• slow drying time
• less shape retention under strong movement

This is why high-quality manufacturers use cotton blends with 3–10% elastane to improve shape retention and stretch.

2. Bamboo Viscose – soft, cooling & naturally antibacterial

Bamboo fibres are chemically processed into a smooth viscose. The result is an extremely soft, cooling fabric perfect for underwear.

✔ Advantages of Bamboo Viscose

• silky soft – very pleasant on the skin
• temperature regulating & breathable
• excellent moisture absorption
• naturally antibacterial → reduces odours

❗ Disadvantages of Bamboo Viscose

• requires chemical processing
• can shrink if washed incorrectly
• not as shape-stable as synthetic fibres

3. Milk Silk – ultra-fine microfibres without chemical softeners

“Milk Silk” is not a natural fibre but a high-quality polyester–spandex blend designed for maximum comfort. The name refers to its silky-smooth, second-skin feel.

✔ Advantages of Milk Silk

• naturally silky without chemical softening processes – unlike bamboo viscose, Milk Silk does not require chemical treatment to become soft
• extremely elastic – ideal for seamless underwear & bodies
• excellent shape retention – does not stretch out
• fast-drying – perfect for sports & everyday wear
• “second skin” feel – smooth with no friction

❗ Disadvantages of Milk Silk

• synthetic – less natural feel than cotton
• can feel warmer in high temperatures
• less breathable than natural fibres

Milk Silk is ideal for underwear, bodies, seamless tops and sports leggings.

4. Polyester – durable, colourfast & long-lasting

Polyester is one of the most durable synthetic fibres. It is lightweight, colourfast, easy to care for and often blended with elastane.

✔ Advantages of Polyester

• extremely durable and abrasion-resistant
• quick drying
• excellent colour & shape retention
• ideal for sportswear

❗ Disadvantages of Polyester

• less breathable than cotton
• synthetic touch

5. Blended Fibres – combining comfort & durability

Combining fibres allows manufacturers to merge the best characteristics:

• Cotton + elastane → natural, soft, shape-stable
• Bamboo + elastane → soft, cooling, flexible
• Nylon + elastane → perfect for sports & opaque leggings
• Polyester + elastane → durable, quick-drying, stable

For underwear & leggings, the ideal elastane content is 8–20%, and for sports leggings even up to 30%.

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