Cotton underwear is often the most comfortable option, but there are also some health benefits to wearing it. Dr. Jennifer Anglera urologist and co-author of “.A guide to the pelvic floor for women: What’s going on there?Cotton is considered the “gold standard” in panties when it comes to wicking moisture and keeping the vaginal area clean and fresh, she said.
“The reason so many doctors recommend cotton panties, or at least cotton crotches, is because cotton is a very skin-friendly, absorbent and breathable material.” Dr. Victoria Scotta urologist and one of Angler’s co-authors. Synthetic materials like spandex and nylon can trap moisture and heat. This creates an “ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to grow and cause infections,” Scott said. Plus, she added, cotton is a “gentle fabric” so it’s less likely to “cause vulvar irritation,” which can be uncomfortable and painful.
People with certain health conditions should wear cotton crotch underwear most of the time. “If you’re prone to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections, wearing panties with a cotton crotch may reduce your risk of developing an infection,” says Scott. Additionally, people with vaginal dryness or vulvar irritation or pain may find comfort in panties with a cotton crotch.
Graves added that people with diabetes and pregnancy are at higher risk of developing yeast infections and should wear cotton linings to stay healthy.
If you want the benefits of cotton but also the lace look, you should look for panties with a cotton crotch or cotton inserts. “The groin is the most important part of the panty for vulvar and vaginal health,” Scott explained. Underwear with a cotton crotch “allows you to wear underwear with lace or other materials, but it has the comfort of cotton where it matters most,” Angler said.
