7 Answers to Your Questions About Silk Panties

As we read articles about yeast infections, vaginal health, and how to avoid chafing, a few things stood out. Health experts dismiss silk undies; they associate them with lace and a hefty price tag.

In this blog post, we unravel the health benefits of silk panties. First, we scoured the Internet for articles and we learned that the best pair of underwear maintains the nether region’s microbiome, resists humidity, and is gentle on skin. Second, we demystify the claims about silk’s attributes, and in some cases back them up with personal experience.

1. Are panties that don’t smell antimicrobial? Can silk panties kill microorganisms such as bacteria?

Like a strand of hair, a silk filament is a protein fibre, partly composed of the protein sericin. Sericin is the gum that is produced by silkworms, holding silk filaments together as they are spun into a cocoon. This explains why silk retailers often describe silk as antimicrobial. Sericin is used in medicine for wound suturing and healing, as it is also naturally infection resistant. However, a silk cocoon is degummed in the production process and sericin is a waste byproduct. The concentration of  sericin after silk production is still up for debate.

2. Is silk naturally anti-odor?

Yes. As wearers of silk panties, we can tell you that silk is naturally anti-odor.  Since odor is caused by sweat mixed with bacteria on the skin, there might be some truth to the claim that silk is antimicrobial. What you need to know is that friendly bacteria such as lactobacillus  keep the delicate area healthy, so not all bacteria is bad, and undies alone cannot prevent yeast infections.  

3. Does silk wick away sweat?

To set the record straight, silk soaked in sweat will stick to the skin, but it won’t stay wet like a cotton t-shirt. And you actually want your underwear absorbent, but also moisture-wicking at the same time. Especially in cases of bladder leakage and during your period. Since the vagina is a self-cleaning mechanism and releases discharge, you also want undies to absorb excess moisture. This can eliminate the need for pantyliners, which cause friction and dryness.

4. Is silk breathable?

Moisture-wicking and breathability don’t always go hand in hand. Synthetics such as polyester and nylon repel water, but they don’t allow air to flow. Activewear keeps you dry as you perspire and you usually remove them after exercise, but synthetics in underwear can trap in heat and sweat – absorption levels are low or non-existent. This creates an optimal environment for yeast and bacterial infections, since they thrive in humid and moist areas.  As a natural fibre, silk fabric is breathable since spaces between thin woven threads allow air to pass through. And as you read above, silk has moisture-wicking ability, keeping you dry. 

5. Is silk thermoregulating? How does it keep you cool?

“I’ve worn silk shirts in all seasons. All silks are different. Silk charmeuse is always cool to the touch, and can make you shiver under cashmere. Silk crepe keeps you cool in the summer because of its breathability but also warms up to your skin in the winter.”

Based on our experiences wearing silk, the fabric is not an automatic thermoregulating system. Thermoregulating fabrics can be engineered to develop the ability to contract or expand in response to changes in body heat. 

What we do know is that silk keeps you cool since it is breathable, lightweight and it feels like a second skin.

6. Since silk is naturally hypoallergenic, what are the benefits?

Silk doesn’t worsen skin dryness or conditions such as eczema and dermatitis due to its smooth, frictionless, and supple surface. Since no chemicals were involved in its production, silk is naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens.

Like a silk pillow that doesn’t cause skin dryness by irritating the skin with abrasion, silk panties don’t dry out your delicate area. 

7. Why silk panties are a health choice and personal preference

In this next section, we explain how silk panties can provide relief for women in specific stages of her life journey. 

• Women  experiencing menopause

Women who experience menopause grapple with symptoms such as the sudden onset of hot flashes and night sweats.  

To ease discomfort, silk panties keep you cool, as air passes through this lightweight fabric easily. Since dryness, itching, and burning in the delicate area is also caused by reduced estrogen, a smooth and soft fabric such as silk doesn’t chafe or irritate. 

• New moms recovering from a C-section

Whether planned or a last-minute necessity, the C-section scar can affect a woman’s body image. It can also take from  two weeks to three months to fully heal.

C-section scars are located below the belly button, near the bikini line, and positioned either horizontally or vertically. They typically range from four to six inches. 

Choose undies with waistbands wrapped in smooth, moisture-wicking fabric such as silk to prevent elastics from rubbing against the scar and keep the area dry.

All Things Considered

As a natural protein fibre, silk also keeps up with current underwear trends. From panties infused with silver ions and carbon (antimicrobial and anti-odor) to those made from modal, pima cotton, and tencel ( soft and smooth). 

If you’re interested in silk panties, shop our selection. We’re happy to answer any questions you’ve got. Of course, the intangible benefit of silk panties is how they make you feel – comfy and confident. But they are also good for your health. Consider the switch if you haven’t already.