For genuine cooling, look for underwear made from TENCEL fibers (MicroModal or Lyocell), a relaxed fit that doesn't compress, and moisture-wicking construction. These three factors do more for keeping you comfortable in heat than any cooling-branded synthetic.
Most underwear marketed as cooling is polyester with a label on it. Whether that actually keeps you cooler comes down to two things: how fast the fabric pulls moisture off your skin, and how much heat it traps against you. Get those wrong and it doesn't matter what the packaging says.
What actually separates cooling underwear from regular underwear
Two things drive comfort in heat: how fast a fabric moves moisture away from skin, and how much heat it traps. Synthetic fabrics like polyester wick moisture quickly but trap heat and hold odor. Heavy cotton absorbs moisture but holds it against you. The middle ground, naturally derived fibers like MicroModal and Lyocell, moves moisture efficiently and stays cooler against skin without the heat retention of synthetics. [1]
Fit is the other variable most roundups skip. A compressive fit holds fabric against the body and reduces airflow regardless of what the fabric is made from. A slightly looser cut creates a small air gap that lets heat dissipate. [2]
How the main options compare
| Category | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| MicroModal / Lyocell | All-day heat, sauna recovery, daily wear | Less durable than synthetics over many washes |
| Performance polyester | High-output training | Traps heat, retains odor, synthetic sourcing |
| Cotton | Low-heat, low-activity days | Holds moisture, heavy when wet |
| Ice-pack designs | Targeted short-term cooling | Bulky, not practical for daily wear |
Oakman launches Fall 2026. Founding members get first access and founding pricing locked in. Reserve your spot.
Where Oakman fits
Oakman is built specifically for active men looking for scrotal cooling all day and want the option of a cold pack for cooling in the sauna or after heat exposure. The fabric is TENCEL MicroModal, naturally derived from wood pulp rather than plastic, blended with ROICA V550, a clean Japanese stretch fiber, rather than conventional spandex. The fit is athletic with a gusset, an extra panel that gives the testicles room and airflow. Dyes are bluesign approved, so what touches your skin is controlled all the way through the supply chain.
Oakman launches Fall 2026. The Founding 100 get first access to the boxer briefs and the 3-pack before general release.
Related reading
- When Is the Best Time of Day to Use a Sauna for Sleep Benefits?
- Best Materials for a Durable, Efficient DIY Sauna
- Best Breathable Underwear For Men
- Best Cooling Boxer Briefs
- Best Alternative To Cotton Boxers
Frequently asked questions
Does the type of underwear fabric actually affect how cool you feel?
Yes, in a measurable way. Naturally derived fibers like MicroModal and Lyocell release moisture faster and trap less heat than polyester or heavy cotton, which translates to a cooler, drier feel throughout the day. [1]
Does underwear fit affect scrotal temperature?
Research suggests it does. Tighter garments hold fabric against the body and reduce the airflow that helps dissipate heat from the genital area. A relaxed fit creates a small air gap that supports natural thermoregulation. [2]
Is MicroModal better than cotton for hot weather?
For most men in heat, yes. MicroModal moves moisture away from skin more efficiently than cotton and doesn't hold it against you the way cotton does when wet. Cotton is fine for low-activity, low-heat days.
Are cooling underwear with gel packs worth it?
They deliver a short burst of targeted cooling, which some men find useful in specific contexts. For daily wear, they're bulky and impractical. Fabric-based cooling through breathable natural fibers is more sustainable for all-day use.
What should I look for in underwear to wear after a sauna?
After a sauna session, you want fabric that moves residual moisture away quickly and doesn't trap the heat your body is still releasing. A relaxed fit and a breathable natural fiber are the two things that matter most. You can read more about building a complete sauna routine in our sauna accessories guide.
This guide is educational and not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Oakman is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your health routine.
References
- Comparative Assessment of Sensory Comfort Properties Across Eco-Friendly Textile Materials for Apparel. 2025. Journal of Natural Fibers (Taylor & Francis). [Link]
- Zleczewski, et al.. (2024). Garment fit, scrotal thermoregulation, and male fertility outcomes: a narrative review. Translational Andrology and Urology. [Link]
