By: HEATHER BIEN
When it comes time to choose the material that touches your skin on a daily basis—be it through the clothing you wear or the sheets you sleep on—you probably want to invest in something that’s well-made, comfortable, and affordable.
Cotton is a staple of the textile industry, and has roots dating back to the fifth millennium B.C. in India, where the earliest production of cotton was recorded.1
The use of the bamboo plant to create everything from activewear to bedding is a newer phenomenon, but the popularity of the material has risen rapidly in the past few years as new technologies have allowed designers to develop bamboo fiber into a wide range of textiles.2
Both of these materials have appealing qualities, depending on your preference of texture, durability, and price point. Read on to learn more about cotton vs bamboo and what effects the production of each material has on the environment.
Cotton: The staple fiber
Chances are, you probably have some cotton-based garments in your dresser and cotton-made sheets in your linen closet.
Since the invention of Eli Whitney’s mechanical cotton gin, America has led the cotton production race, falling right behind China and India. As the production of regular and conventional cotton became more streamlined, higher quality cotton was produced with longer and stronger fibers.1
Today, you may notice a rise in organic cotton-based clothing. This organic label means there are no harmful chemicals like fertilizer or pesticides used to grow the cotton plant, making the plant stronger and the resulting fibers long-lasting. This is the type of cotton that we incorporate into some of our clothing.
Those who wear cotton frequently laud this material for the following qualities. Cotton is:
- Soft
- Durable
- Easy to care for
- Affordable
- Breathable
Cotton and the environment
The cotton plant grows in tropical and subtropical climates around the world in countries including Turkey, Pakistan, Brazil, and more. The plant requires ample sun, lots of rain, and little to no frost in order to thrive.1
While organic cotton is grown sans harmful chemicals, the overall production of cotton around the world can have some negative impacts on the environment.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, cotton is the “most widespread profitable non-food crop in the world.”3 The sheer popularity of cotton as a viable textile means its production will inevitably affect the world around it.
When grown without utilizing responsible, sustainable practices, cotton plants can:
- Erode and degrade soil quality
- Pollute soil and water if pesticides are being used
- Affect biodiversity if there is runoff into water sources containing harmful chemicals and minerals
Again, there is a rise in organic cotton production and a burgeoning awareness about the harmful effects of unchecked cotton production around the world.
When purchasing cotton clothing, sheets, or other products, look for an organic label. Your items will last longer without having to be replaced, helping you create a smaller carbon footprint.
Bamboo: The up-and-comer
Ultra-durable and hard bamboo has long been used as a building material around the world. Bamboo material can also be used to make other bamboo products such as environmentally friendly utensils, toothbrushes, and accessories.4
With the advent of new technology, bamboo viscose can now be made into breathable, absorbent clothing with bamboo fabric. Bamboo bed sheets are also popular and rival the softness of much-loved Egyptian cotton sheets. There are all sorts of bamboo textile options on the market such as bamboo linen, bamboo bedding, bamboo bath towels. Many of these products are made with bamboo viscose. Learn about what bamboo viscose is right here on our blog!
Those who purchase bamboo-based textiles laud this material for the following qualities:
- Breathable
- Light
- Soft
- Durable
- (Usually) eco-friendly
- Easy on sensitive skin
Bamboo and the environment
The use of bamboo in the making of clothing and other products is often touted as uber eco-friendly. This is because the bamboo plant is regenerating, meaning it doesn’t need to be replanted every year to produce.
Bamboo grows like a weed in a variety of environments and doesn't require as much water as cotton plants. Because bamboo is so versatile, being used as food for pandas, shelter for humans, and fiber for textiles, it is considered a sustainable and efficient crop.
So, is bamboo better than cotton?
When shopping for bamboo-based products, keep an eye out for the Forest Stewardship Council certification and other certifications, like The Organic Crop Improvement Association.
Companies like Boody Eco Wear source their raw materials from bamboo farms that adhere to strict regulations so that you can rest easy knowing the finished product has been tested for any harmful chemicals.2 From men's bamboo shirts to women's bamboo clothing, Boody's collections transform your dreams of affordable, sustainable fashion and luxury into an ultra-wearable reality. If you're wondering, “what is sustainable fashion?”, see our blog for more information!
About the Author:
Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. When she's not with laptop and coffee in hand, you'll find her planning her next weekend getaway, working on her budding green thumb, or scouting for her next great vintage find.
Sources:
- MasterClass. What Is Cotton? A Complete Guide to the History, Characteristics, and Uses of Cotton. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cotton
- Boody Eco Wear. Benefits of Bamboo. https://boody.com/pages/benefits-of-bamboo
- World Wildlife Fund. Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton
- Earth.com. Top 5 Uses for Bamboo Plants. https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/top-5-uses-for-bamboo-plants/#:~:text=Because%20of%20its%20combined%20strength,floors%2C%20roofs%20and%20other%20structures.
- KOPA. Bamboo VS. Cotton: An Environmental Comparison. https://keepingourplanetalive.ca/blogs/blog/bamboo-vs-cotton-an-environmental-comparison
- Sleep Foundation. Bamboo vs. Cotton Sheets. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedding-information/bamboo-vs-cotton-sheets
- World WildLife Fund. Cotton Industries. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton
- World Wildlife Fund. Bamboo—Impact on Pandas and Environment. https://help.worldwildlife.org/hc/en-us/articles/360008012813-Bamboo-impact-on-pandas-and-environment
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Wearing underwear is part of your everyday routine. You hop out of the shower and pull on your panties, bra, socks, and outfit; usually without overthinking the finer details. You might notice a stray thread on your favorite sweater, or a little fluff on your black pants. But what about the finer details of your undergarments? Chances are, you don’t pay much attention to them. You wear them every day - so no surprises, right? Maybe not. Have you ever wondered what the little pocket piece piece inside your panties is for? It’s a small detail many people overlook, which is why questions like “why do women’s panties have a pocket?” come up so often. That small piece of fabric is called a gusset and it’s there to keep your intimate area comfortable and protected.1 Let’s explore what a gusset does and why it’s an important feature in underwear. Why Gussets Exist in Women’s Undergarments (and What That Little “Pocket” Really Does) Now that we’ve drawn your attention there, you may be thinking about that small square of fabric at the bottom of your panties.2 It’s easy to wonder what the pocket in women’s underwear is used for when you first notice it, but this tiny panel plays a big role in comfort and hygiene. Without a proper gusset - especially in underwear made from synthetic materials - your underwear could be far less comfortable. In fact, the state of the gusset often indicates when it’s time to replace underwear. You don’t only find gussets in panties. This extra piece of fabric is also common in: Tights Pantyhose Leggings Workout pants and shorts In all of these garments, the gusset helps keep your genitals protected and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. Protection & Hygiene: The Real Function Behind the Pocket-like Gusset So… what is the pocket in panties for? The main answer is protection. Many undergarments are made with fabrics that feel soft but aren’t breathable or moisture-wicking. That’s why the gusset is generally made from a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, often similar to the bamboo-viscose blend used in many comfy underwear designs. This is ultimately the reason why panties have a pocket built into the design. Your body naturally produces moisture in the form of vaginal discharge, - this is normal and healthy.3 However, when you wear underwear that traps moisture and doesn’t allow airflow, you may be increasing the risk of: Yeast infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Bacterial vaginosis A well-designed gusset helps keep the genital area dry, ventilated, and hygienic. That said, choosing underwear with the right fabric isn’t enough - how you wash your underwear, especially around the gusset area, also matters for maintaining hygiene. You can read more about proper care in our guide on how to wash underwear. Comfort & Fit: How the Gusset Works Like a Soft Pocket Layer Aside from hygiene, comfort is another major reason why panties have a pocket. Sensitive skin around the vulva can easily be irritated by rough fabrics or seams. If your underwear is made from materials like satin, silk, polyester, lace, nylon, lycra, or spandex, those fabrics can bunch up or chafe - especially without a gusset to provide a soft, protective layer. Without it, the answer to why there is a pocket in panties becomes clear… it acts as a soft barrier against irritating fabrics. Imagine going commando in a pair of jeans: the friction from seams rubbing against skin can be painful. A gusset gives you a soft cushion between your skin and potentially irritating fabric making underwear wearable all day long. For breathable comfort and secure fit, you might also consider underwear crafted from natural fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo viscose and designed to allow airflow around your genitals. Browse some of our options in the women’s underwear collection, or explore specialised designs like period & leak-proof underwear or maternity-friendly underwear. Do All Women’s Undies Have That Pocket-Style Gusset? Here’s What to Know Most do. Because the gusset offers both comfort and protection, it’s rarely left out. You’ll see it across everything from everyday panties to period & leak-proof underwear, where the gusset adds a soft, breathable layer for comfort. As for how the gusset is constructed: often it’s sewn on three sides, creating a pocket-like section that is open on the fourth side. This design choice is less about function and more about efficiency - it’s faster and more cost-effective to sew only three sides. Buying New Underwear? Here’s Why the Pocket-Like Gusset Should Be on Your Checklist Leaving the gusset open isn’t the only cost-cutting shortcut some underwear makers use. Cheap fabrics, poor stitching, rough seams, and uncomfortable adornments also signal lower-quality underwear - which can compromise comfort and hygiene. For best results, choose underwear that: Uses natural, breathable fabrics such as organic cotton or bamboo viscose Fits well around your waist, hips, and legs (not too tight or too loose) Lets your skin and genitals breathe and stay dry Do Men’s Underwear Include a Gusset, Similar to the Pocket in Women’s Panties? Yes! Men’s underwear typically includes a gusset,4 often located around or along the inseams. So the reason as to “why does underwear have a pocket?” Is that the gusset reduces the number of seams that rub against the skin, which decreases chafing and improves overall comfort. Whether you prefer boxers or briefs, the presence of a gusset helps the underwear conform better to the body. You can read more about design differences in our boxers vs briefs guide. The Bottom Line: What That Little ‘Pocket’ in Women’s Underwear Actually Does When someone asks ‘what is the little pocket in women’s underwear for?’ now you know. The gusset provides comfort, moisture-management, and protection for sensitive skin. For optimal comfort and hygiene, choose underwear made from high-quality, breathable, moisture-wickling materials like bamboo or organic cotton. If you’re interested, many of our styles deliver just that. About the Author: Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community. Sources: Health. 6 Underwear Rules Every Woman Should Live By. https://www.health.com/condition/yeast-infection/6-underwear-rules-every-woman-should-live-by Business of Fashion. Gusset. https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/gusset MedlinePlus. Vaginal Itching and Discharge: Adult and Adolescent. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm Textile School. Anatomy of Men’s Underwear. https://www.textileschool.com/308/anatomy-of-mens-underwear-briefs/#:~:text=In%20men's%20underwear%2C%20the%20gusset,thus%20formed%20%E2%80%93%20fitting%20and%20comfortable
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