For anyone rethinking their top drawer, the choice between hemp and cotton underwear comes down to two big questions: how well does it breathe, and how long will it last? Both are natural fibers, but their performance next to the skin can be surprisingly different.
Breathability and Moisture Management
Cotton has long been the default fabric for underwear because it’s soft, breathable, and absorbs sweat well, which is why many lingerie and basics brands still recommend cotton for everyday use. However, cotton also holds onto that moisture, so it can feel damp and stay wet longer after workouts or on humid days.
Hemp, by contrast, is more hygroscopic than cotton, meaning it can absorb and release more moisture. Laboratory data show hemp fiber has a typical moisture regain around 10–12%, compared with about 8% for cotton. Because hemp fibers are more hollow and full of micro-channels, they pull sweat away from the skin and let it evaporate more quickly, contributing to a cooler, drier feel.
Several textile and apparel guides note that hemp often outperforms cotton in moisture-wicking and drying speed, making it popular for activewear and high-sweat situations. That same performance translates well to underwear, especially for people who live in hot climates, exercise frequently, or are prone to chafing and irritation when fabric stays damp.
Hemp also naturally resists odor-causing bacteria and fungi more effectively than cotton, thanks to its antimicrobial properties. For underwear, this can mean fresher-smelling fabric between washes and less risk of irritation in warm, low-airflow areas of the body.
Durability and Long-Term Comfort
When it comes to durability, hemp has a clear edge. Multiple textile analyses report that hemp fabric can be up to about two to three times stronger than cotton and maintains its strength even when wet. Hemp garments tend to keep their shape, resist pilling and fraying, and soften with washing rather than breaking down.
Cotton, particularly conventional cotton, is famously soft from day one, which is why many people find cotton underwear instantly comfortable. The trade-off is that cotton fibers gradually weaken and thin with repeated washing and friction. Over time, waistbands slacken, seams wear, and the fabric may develop holes or lose its supportive feel more quickly than hemp.
Hemp’s higher cellulose content and lower lignin content contribute to its superior tensile strength and longevity, allowing it to withstand frequent laundering without significant degradation. For underwear, that can translate into pairs that last years longer, especially in high-wear areas like inner thighs and seat.
Comfort Trade-Offs and the Role of Blends
The main downside of hemp for underwear is that pure hemp can feel stiffer or rougher than cotton at first, especially in heavier weaves. Many brands address this by blending hemp with organic cotton to combine hemp’s durability and moisture performance with cotton’s familiar softness.
For people with very sensitive skin or those who prioritize an ultra-soft feel right out of the package, high-quality organic cotton underwear may still be the most comfortable option. For those who value breathability under stress (workouts, hot climates, long shifts) and want underwear that stays in rotation longer, hemp or hemp–cotton blends offer a strong performance upgrade.
So Which Performs Better?
In strictly performance terms, hemp generally wins on breathability balance (especially moisture release and odor control) and clearly wins on durability. Cotton wins on initial softness, accessibility, and price. For many wearers, the sweet spot is a hemp–cotton blend: smoother against the skin than pure hemp but stronger, drier, and longer-lasting than pure cotton.