Bamboo vs Cotton vs Modal Underwear: What’s the Best Fabric?
Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes
Bamboo vs cotton vs modal underwear—which fabric wins for comfort, performance, and sustainability? If you’ve ever wondered what really separates these three popular materials, you’re in the right place. We’re breaking down how each one feels on your body, how long it lasts, and what kind of impact it has on the environment.
Let’s keep it simple, clear, and helpful—so you can find what works best for your body and your values.
1. Bamboo (Rayon from Bamboo)
At do+dare undie co., we use a high-quality rayon made from bamboo. It’s buttery-soft, breathable, and helps keep you cool and dry. But what exactly is it?
Bamboo rayon is created by breaking down the bamboo plant into a pulp and turning it into a smooth, durable fiber. The result? A fabric that feels softer than cotton, breathes better than most synthetics, and stays that way even after many washes.
Why We Love It
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Super soft – Feels amazing, wash after wash
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Gentle on skin – Ideal for sensitive types
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Breathable & moisture-wicking – Keeps you cool and dry
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Odor-resistant – A plus for everyday wear or workouts
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More sustainable when done right – Bamboo grows fast, requires little water, and doesn’t need replanting
It’s true—bamboo rayon requires chemical processing. But when made in closed-loop systems that reuse water and solvents, it becomes a lower-impact, high-performance fabric that we feel great about using.
2. Modal
Modal is made from beech trees and is known for its silky, slinky texture. It’s lightweight, stretchy, and popular in activewear and snug-fitting underwear.
Most modal today is produced in closed-loop systems, which means the water and chemicals used in processing are largely captured and reused.
Why People Choose Modal
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Silky and stretchy – Hugs the body with a light feel
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Smooth finish – Slightly shinier than bamboo
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Colourfast – Holds colour well over time
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Quick drying – Great for travel or hot days
One thing to note: modal is a bit more delicate. It can wear out sooner than bamboo rayon if not washed gently.
3. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It’s a familiar, down-to-earth option that offers classic comfort and good structure.
Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton is much kinder to the planet. Still, it’s a crop that uses more water than bamboo or beech trees, and requires more land to grow.
Why Some Swear by Cotton
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Natural and breathable – With a firmer feel
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Non-synthetic – Simple, clean, and chemical-free
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Durable – Holds up well with time
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Skin-friendly – Especially if it’s certified organic
Organic cotton doesn’t have the same softness or stretch as bamboo or modal, and it can lose shape over time—but it softens with age and feels reassuringly familiar.
So, Which Is Best?
All three fabrics have their strengths. But at do+dare, we chose rayon from bamboo because it hits the sweet spot:
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Feels amazing from day one
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Holds up over time
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Breathes beautifully and resists odor
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Comes from a fast-growing, renewable source
It’s what gives our undies that “oh wow” softness people talk about—and the comfort that keeps them coming back for more.
Want to feel the difference for yourself?
Shop our bamboo undies →