Why the gusset in briefs is made of a different material
Short answer: The gusset is sewn from a material that can move moisture, whatever the rest of the briefs are made of. It is there for the skin and not for looks, which is why you find it in almost every pair.
What the gusset is
The gusset is the extra piece of fabric sewn into the crotch on the inside of your briefs. It is added as a separate layer and covers exactly the area where the skin is most sensitive. Because it sits close to the body all day, it is the part of the briefs where the choice of material matters most.
Moisture away from the skin
Dry skin is less prone to irritation than damp skin. That is why the gusset needs to absorb moisture and lead it away from the skin through the day. A material that keeps moisture close to the body can feel clammy. If you have discomfort that does not go away, talk to your doctor.
Why cotton or viscose
The gusset is nearly always cotton or viscose, even in lace briefs where the rest is synthetic. Both materials absorb moisture well and feel soft. Synthetics such as polyamide are good for shape and wear in the rest of the briefs, but they absorb less moisture. So the gusset gets its own material. See bamboo briefs.
The whole pair does not have to be
If the gusset is right, the rest of the briefs matters less for comfort. That is why you can wear synthetic briefs without trouble, as long as the gusset is a natural material. The rest of the fabric is mostly about fit, looks and how the briefs sit under clothes, while the gusset handles what the skin feels most.
When the whole pair is bamboo viscose
If the whole pair is made from one material, there is no transition between two fabrics. That is one less place where friction can build up, and the briefs feel the same everywhere. Bamboo viscose is soft and absorbs moisture, so many people choose it for the whole pair. See bamboo underwear for women.
Check the gusset when you buy
Turn the briefs inside out and look at the gusset before you choose a style. The small sewn in layer shows which material sits against the skin, and the care label usually says what the gusset is made of. It is worth checking on lace briefs and synthetic styles, where the difference is greatest.
Fabric softener cancels the function
Fabric softener leaves a thin film on the fibres, and it settles right on the layer that is meant to move moisture. The gusset then absorbs less, and the briefs no longer feel as dry. It is the one thing that can really cancel the function, so leave the softener out when you wash underwear.
Washing that keeps the gusset working
Wash briefs with a mild detergent and follow the care label. A hot tumble dryer is hard on both the gusset and the elastic, so let them air dry instead. Turn them inside out so the gusset gets a thorough rinse. There is more on washing in washing and care.
In short
The gusset is there for the skin. It keeps the area dry, which is why it is almost always cotton or viscose. The rest of the briefs can be made of almost anything, as long as the gusset is right. If you want no transition at all, choose briefs made from a single material.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the gusset made of cotton?
Because it has to move moisture away from the skin. Dry skin is less prone to irritation, and cotton and viscose absorb moisture better than most synthetic fabrics.
Do the whole briefs need to be a natural material?
No. The gusset is the part that matters most for comfort. The rest is mostly about fit and looks, so it can easily be synthetic.
Can fabric softener affect the gusset?
Yes. The film settles right on the layer that is meant to move moisture, so the gusset absorbs less. Wash your underwear without softener for that reason.
See our range of bamboo panties.
