Why Is 100% Cotton Underwear So Hard To Find?

Cotton Underwear: The Basics

Cotton is beloved for a reason. It’s breathable, soft against the skin, hypoallergenic, and absorbent. Dermatologists often recommend cotton underwear to prevent irritation, especially for those prone to sensitivity, yeast infections, or general discomfort with synthetics.

From a sustainability perspective, cotton (especially organic cotton) is a win. Organic cotton uses less water, no toxic pesticides, and supports better farming practices for both the environment and the people who grow it. When you see the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, that means your cotton has been verified at every stage, from seed to final product, as meeting strict ecological and social criteria.

So if cotton is so great, why not just use 100% cotton in underwear?

The Challenges With 100% Cotton Underwear

Here’s the truth: 100% cotton underwear sounds ideal on paper, but in practice, it doesn’t always work. Cotton fibers are strong, but they don’t have much natural elasticity. That means when underwear is made from pure cotton, it can lose its shape quickly and they can take the form of granny panties reeeeeal fast.

Think about what underwear actually has to do:

• Stay comfortably snug on your waist and hips.
  

• Stretch as your body moves, bends, or sits.
  

• Snap back into place after washing and wearing.
  

• Maintain its shape after dozens (hopefully hundreds) of wears.
  
  

Without some type of elastic, 100% cotton underwear tends to sag, bag or fall down (which no one likes). It can look great fresh out of the package, but over time, the waistband and leg openings stretch out. That’s why the few brands that do offer “100% cotton” styles usually have to reinforce them with thick elastic trims at the edges and those are the kind that can feel bulky, create muffin tops, or give that “granny underwear” look.

The Role of Elastane & Why It’s Preferred!

This is where elastane (also known as spandex) comes in. Elastane is a fiber that adds stretch and recovery. It doesn’t replace the breathability or softness of cotton; it simply helps the garment hold its shape and move with you.

Most modern underwear includes some percentage of elastane. For us, the magic formula is 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 5% elastane. That means nearly the entire garment is made from soft, breathable organic cotton, but that small addition of elastane ensures it will stay put, stretch comfortably, and bounce back after every wash.

With just 5% elastane, we can skip bulky elastic bands at the waistband and leg openings. That means no more “double-butt,” panty lines or pinching. Instead, La Coochie finishes the edges of the underwear with OEKO-TEX certified, non-toxic lace trim - giving you a smooth, flat finish that feels comfortable and looks seamless under clothes.

And yes, if you’re wondering - that small amount of elastane is also completely safe - because our fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified (which means they’ve been independently tested and verified to be free from harmful chemical), you still get the comfort and stretch you need, with the peace of mind that every piece meets the highest safety standards.

OK, So Why Not 100%?

The short answer: comfort, fit, and function.

• Without elastane: You’re stuck with thick elastic edges that dig in and create the dreaded “double butt,” AND the fabric itself can get baggy…graaaannny panty alert. (Because no one makes 100% cotton underwear without some elastic finish.)
  
  

• With elastane: You get underwear that’s just as soft as 100% cotton, but with the added stretch and recovery that keeps it supportive, flattering and in place (and without the bulk).
  
  

For us, 95/5 is the sweet spot. It maximizes the benefits of organic cotton while minimizing the need for bulky elastic trims.

GOTS Certification: Why It Matters

Another question we get a lot: if elastane isn’t organic, how can your underwear be GOTS certified?

Here’s how it works: the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) allows for a small percentage of non-organic fibers in certain garments, as long as the overall product still meets strict requirements. The maximum allowable percentage for elastane is 5% - which is exactly what we use.

That means our underwear is:

• 95% organic cotton: Grown without pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs.

• 5% elastane: Just enough to make the garment functional.

• Certified by GOTS: Ensuring ethical, ecological, and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
  
  

When you buy GOTS-certified organic cotton underwear, you can trust that it’s been made with care not just for your body, but for the planet.

Comparing 100% Cotton Options

Yes, you can find underwear made from 100% cotton brands…but if you take a closer look, you’ll notice something:

They often use heavy elastic trims to make up for the lack of stretch in the fabric itself.
That bulky elastic can dig in, create lines, or even the dreaded “double butt.”
Some styles have a more “retro” or “granny-style” cut because that’s what works best with pure cotton.

With 5% Elastane
That little bit of stretch lets us skip the thick elastic and still keep the fit supportive.
It means your underwear stays sleek and flattering (never baggy or bulky).
And instead of heavy trims, we finish with soft OEKO-TEX certified lace that lays flat against the skin for a smooth, seamless feel.

Everyone has different preferences, and the most important thing is to feel comfortable. But for those who want a smooth, modern fit that moves with your body, that little bit of elastane can make all the difference.

What About Sustainability?

It’s true…elastane is synthetic, which means it’s not biodegradable like cotton. But here’s the nuance: using just 5% elastane in an otherwise organic cotton garment actually helps the product be more sustainable in the long run.

Why?

• Durability: Underwear with elastane lasts longer because it holds its shape. That means fewer replacements and less waste.
  

• Fit retention: A garment that doesn’t sag or stretch out will stay in your rotation longer.
  

• Better wear experience: If your underwear fits well, you’ll actually reach for it instead of leaving it to collect dust in the back of your drawer.
  
  

And it’s not just the fabric. Our lace trim is OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s been tested for harmful substances and is guaranteed safe against your skin. Plus, we only use azo-free dyes: non-toxic, environmentally safer colorants that reduce the risk of skin irritation while keeping your underwear vibrant.

When weighing the environmental footprint, it often makes more sense to create a garment that balances natural fibers with just enough synthetic content to ensure it lasts.

The Comfort Factor

At the end of the day, underwear is one of the most personal garments you own. You wear it every day, directly against your skin. Comfort is everything.

100% cotton underwear can feel soft, yes, but it can also ride up, sag, or bunch in ways that are uncomfortable. Our organic cotton blend is designed to give you the best of both worlds: the breathability of cotton with the gentle stretch that makes underwear actually wearable.

The Takeaway

So, why isn’t there more 100% cotton underwear? Because in most cases, it doesn’t work as well as we’d like. Cotton alone lacks the stretch and resilience to create underwear that stays put, moves with your body, and feels good all day long. It also usually requires thick elastic trims along the edges to keep it from slipping down - making the fit bulkier and less “seamless” under clothing.

That’s why we’ve chosen the balance of 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 5% elastane. It’s not only the best option for performance and comfort, but also the most sustainable choice when you consider longevity.

If you’re committed to natural, breathable, eco-friendly underwear that still feels modern and flattering, this is the formula that delivers.

We get it: if you’re set on 100% cotton, those options exist (and we celebrate choice!). But if you’re looking for underwear that combines softness, sustainability, and modern fit, our GOTS-certified organic cotton styles are designed to check every box.

Because at the end of the day, underwear should do more than just exist - it should support you, move with you, and make you feel good in your own skin.