We-tested-7-pairs-of-underwear
We tested 7 bamboo underwear brands: here is the winner
We bought underwear from 7 different brands, wore them for 4 weeks and washed them 30+ times. Only one kept its promise.
You change your shirt. You change your trousers. You change your shoes. But your underwear? It has looked the same for 30 years.
In recent years, bamboo underwear has exploded in popularity, and there is a reason. Bamboo fibre is naturally antibacterial, breathes better than cotton and feels softer against the skin. But not all bamboo underwear is created equal.
We ordered from 7 popular brands in Sweden and tested them side by side. Here is what we found.
The problem with ordinary underwear
- Cotton absorbs sweat but dries slowly: you walk around damp all day
- Synthetic material (polyester) is cheap but itches, smells and does not breathe
- The waistband rolls, chafes or leaves marks
- They lose their shape after a few washes, and you buy new ones again
How we tested
We rated each pair on 7 criteria that actually matter in everyday life:
Softness straight out of the packet
First impressions say a lot. We compared the feel against the skin: silky smooth or plasticky? The best bamboo underwear should feel like wearing nothing at all. Three brands stood out, but only one kept its softness after 30 washes.
ECOAWEAR: softest after washingBreathability and sweat control
We wore each pair for a whole working day, including walks and exercise. Bamboo absorbs up to 4 times more moisture than cotton and releases it faster. The difference was clearest in summer: the worse brands felt sticky by lunchtime.
ECOAWEAR: breathable micro-mesh makes a differenceDurability after 30+ washes
This is where most cheap options fail. We washed each pair 30+ times at 40°C and checked stretch, colour and shape. Two brands had lost their shape completely. ECOAWEAR's bamboo fibre is 83% more hard-wearing than conventional underwear, and our test confirms that they keep their shape best.
ECOAWEAR: kept shape and colour bestFit: do they ride up?
The most common complaint about underwear: it rides up, rolls or chafes in the groin. We tested while moving: walking, running, office work. ECOAWEAR's wide waistband and longer legs stayed in place best without leaving marks.
ECOAWEAR: the wide waistband makes a differenceDon't want to wait? See the winner now.
See ECOAWEAR's offer →Odour resistance
Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, but how big is the difference really? We wore each pair for a whole day without washing and compared. All the bamboo options were better than cotton, but those with a tighter weave performed best. Three brands were evenly matched here.
Even result: bamboo wins overallPrice per pair
Bamboo underwear costs more than cotton, but how much more? We worked out the price per pair including any offers. The price difference between the most expensive and cheapest brand was over 300%. ECOAWEAR sits in the middle at full price, but their bundle offer (5+7 free) gives one of the lowest prices per pair.
ECOAWEAR: best value with the bundleEnvironmental impact
Bamboo grows fast, needs little water and no pesticides. But the manufacturing process varies. We looked at how open each brand is about its supply chain. Most said "eco-friendly" without details. ECOAWEAR puts sustainability forward as a core value, and you can see it in the name and communication, but the industry as a whole still has some way to go.
The industry needs to be more openSummary: how they performed
| Criterion | ECOAWEAR | Brand B | Brand C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softness | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability (30+ washes) | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Fit | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Odour resistance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Price (bundle) | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Environmental impact | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Winner: ECOAWEAR
Best in 5 of 7 categories. Softest after washing, best fit, and best value for money with their bundle offer.
"I have tried all sorts over the years. These are the first underwear that actually stay in place all day without me having to adjust them. My wife ordered more for me straight away."
"Bought the 5-pack for my partner. He said it was the best present he has ever had. Now he doesn't want anything else."
"Soft, fit well, don't smell after a long day. And the price per pair with the offer was hard to beat."
An honest comment
No product is perfect. ECOAWEAR ships from Asia, which means delivery can take 1-2 weeks. That is longer than you are used to from Swedish online shops. But the quality once the parcel arrives? It speaks for itself. And they offer free size exchanges if the fit is not perfect.
Try it yourself, risk-free
Buy 5 pairs, get 7 extra free. 12 pairs of bamboo underwear for the price of 5.
This article is produced in collaboration with ECOAWEAR. The test is based on an internal product comparison. Results may vary depending on individual preferences.