02 February,2023 04:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
Ace the look but do not overlook your underpants. Photo Courtesy: iStock
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The best defense for your dainty parts against the world is the tender fabric of undergarments. One blunder in this department is enough to send you screaming down the bathroom. The wrong choice may lead to a pinch here, a pull there or worse, a slice on the fragile skin that can ruin a whole week. Undoubtedly, under-jeans are an intricate part of our existence as we stay in them all day long.
Most people don't put a lot of thought into selecting under clothes while getting dressed. Thongs, bikinis, hipsters, high briefs, and boy shorts - there's an infinite spectrum to choose from. And while finding the right one is no rocket science, our obsession with all the clothes on top takes away the rightful attention the under jeans deserve.
It's time to put an end to the frenzy. Your pals at Midday.com are here with a comprehensive guide on what mistakes to avoid and what fabrics to choose from while purchasing underpants.
Sushmit Shubham and Pratishtha Gohain, two denim designers at Spykar share the common undie blunders that one makes:
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Wrong fabric: Wrong choice
Cotton clothing is breathable and light, making it ideal for casual, everyday wear. It has good sweat absorption tendencies and is easily stretchable. Other fabrics like synthetics pose major risks like trapping moisture leading to yeast or bacterial infections. Although, cotton may not be the fanciest, but it is the healthiest fabric.
While a city-based stylist Sheefa Gilani is of the opinion that the choice of under-jeans also depends on the temperature. For example bamboo is the best natural fabric because of its highly absorbent yet quick drying nature and can be used in the summer season. Other fabrics that can also be used are polyester, wool, and nylon to whisk the sweat away. Whereas thermal underwear feathering merino wool blend is typically the warmest and most suitable for the cold weather.
Don't pick the cheapest pack off the rack
People have a tendency to splurge on a pair of shoes or fancy pants, but when it comes to underwear, they go for the most economical pack available in the stores. We are not suggesting that you go berserk and invest your inheritance in undies, but you can go a notch higher to ensure comfort for your second skin.
Considering reasonable options will lead you to purchase less expensive clothing that will pose a threat to changing weather conditions. The higher the quality, the longer the fabric will live on your skin and provide you with comfort while keeping irritation at bay. Thus it is advisable to set aside more funds for a couple of great matches as they last longer and let you breathe better.
Size always matters
Now is the time to face the reality: your clothing midriff size has most likely changed over time, just like the rest of your closet, and you may be wearing the wrong size.
If the fit is too loose or extremely tight for the parts where the sun doesn't shine, you need to step back and reflect. In extreme climatic conditions, sweat causes the pH of your genital parts to drop, making them susceptible to rashes, irritation and, in some cases, fungal infections. Instead, wearing the proper size will elude you from making any awkward moves in public and let you squat, stretch and bend freely.
Drop the undie post-workout
Breaking a sweat at the gym is victorious but you lose the battle if you continue to walk in the same underpants post-workout. Yeast and bacteria love a warm, moist, dark environment and you might be giving a thriving space to grow while getting lazy after sweating bullets at the gym or a run. So safeguard your lady- and boy-bits by dropping the under-jeans at the laundry post-workout.
Avoid materials that absorb moisture
Now is an excellent time to switch to moisture-wicking underwear such as cotton, miniature modular, or nylon. Boxer briefs and cotton panties absorb sweat by drawing it away from the body and to the fabric's surface, where it evaporates. Without it, undergarment fabric evaporates much more slowly, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the groin, waist, and thighs, as well as clinging odour and chafing or irritation.
Thongs are a double-edged sword
As for women, thongs are the perfect way to rock a silhouette dress or yoga pants but they come with their own risks that can turn nasty. Thongs, tanga, hipster, bikini, g-string, v-string, boy-short etc. are some types of women's under-jeans that come in undisguised threats. E-coli are the most common bacteria that live in the colon. With little activity, they can move an inch up or down leading to the bacteria entering the vagina or the urethra opening. This can amount to hygiene issues that just may cost you a bomb.
The thin fabric can also lead to skin irritation that end up in skin tags at vulva or rectum that ruin the look of your lady-bits. Sheefa adds that thongs are a temporary solution to jeans that equal up to jeggings or are made of a super thin stretchy fabric that reveals panty line. Unless it is absolutely necessary, avoid wearing thongs as under-jeans.
What's the all-weather fabric for under-jeans?
The comfort of your under-jeans has the potential to make or break your day. Did you know that the material of your underwear can impact your mental health? To feel healthy and comfortable, make sure to feel the fabric thoroughly before investing.
Designers at Spykar reveal that cotton fabrics are of various types. Such as cotton jerseys and 100% cotton, are among the most commonly used materials for undergarments. Because synthetic fabric is much less expensive than cotton, it is still widely used in designing a variety of underpants. Spandex, nylon, and polyester are amongst a few examples. Other common underwear fabrics include opulent ones such as satin, silk, and even some mesh varieties.
Finally, you must zero down on a fabric with important health benefits such as breathability, absorbency, and hypoallergenic properties. 99% of the time, 100% cotton is the best option. With natural fibers, cotton offers an effortlessly soft barrier between the skin and clothing.
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