Performance cotton – that’s a misnomer, right? Well, it wasn’t long ago that cotton was verboten among outdoor circles due to the fabric’s lack of moisture management. But times have changed and the Polarmax AYG underwear with XTRdry™ performance cotton is proof. What’s more, there’s even AYG (All Year Gear) tech silk shirts and boxers to boot.
I’ve long been among the naysayers when it comes to wearing cotton when recreating in the elements, but after sporting some AYG boxers, briefs and undershirts this spring, I’ve become convinced that cotton can have performance qualities, as long as the fabric is treated.
The Polarmax AYG cotton underwear is 96% cotton and 4% spandex, so the shirts and briefs keep their shape and feel closer to a polyester-type material than typical cotton. However, the cotton keeps the garments soft and breathable. But the downside with cotton is that it’s terrible at moving moisture, especially when you sweat heavily. So how does AYG stack up? Quite well, actually.
As far as comfort in the sensitive lower areas, the underwear works fine for keeping unmentionables in place and whatnot. But the real test came when I worked out in the AYG cotton shirt. While hiking and running, the shirts wicked sweat like any other technical top I own, while feeling great under backpacks where sweaty backs are ever present. However, I thought the cotton shirt worked better as an undershirt while at work. The moisture wicking kept body temperature regulated and comfortable all day.
In addition, I wore the AYG performance tech silk t-shirt on a long run on the Pipeline Trail in Millcreek Canyon, and found it to be light, airy, and comfortable for the entire 10 mile length of the workout. Plus, I never once caught a whiff of funk as the shirts are anti-microbial. Even better, both the cotton and silk shirts have UV protection – 30 UPF for the silk and 50 UPF for the cotton.
So my final thoughts are this – it’s time to ditch those cotton t-shirts and briefs for new cotton shirts and briefs, because your old cotton is now obsolete. The AYG underwear by Polarmax has proven to me that performance cotton does exist, and once you try it, you’ll want to buy enough pairs to last you all week.
For more information about AYG performance underwear, visit them at www.aygunderwear.com