Summer is when innerwear stops being “just a layer” and starts shaping how your day feels. If your vest stays damp, your shirt clings, or the underarm area feels warm, fabric choice is usually the reason. So when you’re choosing a baniyan for men, the cotton vs. polyester question isn’t about which is “best.” It’s about which one matches your sweat, routine, and skin comfort.

What summer demands from a baniyan

A good baniyan for men should:

• Let heat escape (airflow and vapour release)
• Handle sweat without turning sticky
• Dry fast enough to feel fresh

Cotton and polyester can both work, but they solve these needs in different ways.

Breathability: why cotton often feels cooler first

Breathability is how easily air and water vapour pass through a fabric. That movement matters because sweat must evaporate for you to cool down.

Cotton is naturally breathable and absorbent. In a light knit, it usually feels cool the moment you wear it, and it doesn’t feel slick. If your day is mostly indoors – fans, AC, office seating – cotton can stay comfortable for hours.

Polyester comfort depends heavily on construction. A dense knit can feel warm because heat stays trapped. But a well-designed polyester knit (micro-knit or mesh zones) can feel light and airy, especially when you’re moving.

Sweat control: absorption vs wicking

Here’s the core difference.

Cotton absorbs sweat. It soaks up moisture into the fabric. That can help in short bursts because sweat doesn’t immediately show on your shirt. But once cotton is wet, it often stays wet longer in humid weather. The fabric can feel heavy and clingy.

Polyester moves sweat. It doesn’t absorb much water, so performance polyester is made to wick: it spreads sweat across the surface so it evaporates faster. That’s why polyester often feels drier during commutes, long walks, or busy workdays. A well-made polyester baniyan for men can reduce that midday “damp layer” feeling.

Odour: the hidden comfort factor

Odour happens when bacteria break down sweat and skin oils left on fabric.

Cotton can hold moisture longer, which may increase odour during the day. The plus is that cotton usually handles deep washing well.

Polyester dries faster, but it can hold onto body oils, which can cause lingering smells if the wash is weak. Some innerwear uses anti-odour finishes, but those vary by brand and can fade over time.

If odour is a big issue, look for:

• Quick-dry + wicking knit
• Anti-odour treatment from a trusted brand
• A wash routine you can follow

Skin comfort: softness, seams, and heat rash

Many people choose cotton because it feels gentle. A combed cotton baniyan for men tends to feel soft and safe for sensitive skin.

Polyester can be smooth too, but details matter more:

• Flat seams or low-bulk stitching
• Tagless labels or soft printed tags
• No rough elastic edges around the armholes

Fit matters for irritation. A tight layer traps heat and sweat, increasing the chance of prickly heat.

Which one works better for your routine?

Instead of picking a fabric based on reputation, pick it for your day.

Choose cotton when:

• You spend most of the day indoors
• You sweat lightly to moderately
• You want a soft, natural feel

Choose polyester when:

• You commute in heat or humidity
• You sweat heavily or stay active
• You need faster drying during long days

If you keep only one baniyan for men style for summer, shop for your toughest hour of the day, not the coolest hour in the morning.

Summer scenarios: match the fabric to the moment

If your main problem is sweat patches showing through light shirts, cotton can help early in the day because it absorbs moisture before it reaches the outer layer. The downside is that once it’s saturated, it can feel damp for a long time.

If your main problem is feeling “sticky” after travel, polyester usually feels better because it dries quickly and doesn’t stay waterlogged. This is also why polyester is popular for gym wear: it manages repeated sweating better during continuous movement.

If you switch between indoor and outdoor spaces, a blend is often the least risky choice. You get enough softness for long wear, plus enough quick-dry performance to stay comfortable after a short walk in the sun.

One more detail: stretch and recovery

Many modern innerwear fabrics include a small amount of elastane for stretch. In cotton, elastane helps the vest keep its shape and reduces sagging after washing. In polyester, it improves fit without making the fabric feel tight. If you dislike rolled hems or a loose neckline, look for a fabric that mentions stretch, but still feels breathable in hand.

Also, check shoulder straps: wider straps reduce chafing during sweaty commutes.

Cotton-poly blends: the balanced middle

A blended baniyan for men often solves common complaints:

• Softer than pure polyester
• Faster drying than pure cotton
• Less “wet cling” when you sweat

Blends can be a smart pick for mixed days – some outdoor time, some indoor time.

Buying cues that matter more than the label

Two products can both say “cotton,” yet feel totally different. These factors change summer comfort quickly:

Fabric weight

Lighter fabric usually feels cooler. Very thick cotton can feel bulky in the heat. Extremely thin fabric can lose shape. Aim for a light-to-medium weight that feels breathable but not flimsy.

Knit style

Rib knits stretch and sit close to the body. Dense knits can feel warmer. Mesh or micro-vent zones help most in polyester options.

Fit and cut

Snug is good; tight is not. A baniyan for men should sit close enough to avoid bunching under a shirt, while still letting air move. A deeper neck or sleeveless cut reduces coverage, but if you sweat heavily under the arms, a slightly wider strap can help protect your shirt.

Care tips for summer freshness

• Wash soon after heavy sweat days
• Rinse well to avoid detergent residue
• Dry fully before storing

For polyester, skip heavy fabric softeners because they can reduce wicking over time. For cotton, avoid extreme heat drying that makes the fabric stiff.

The final call

Cotton wins on easy, skin-friendly comfort and that cool first feel. Polyester wins on sweat handling and fast drying. Blends often give the best everyday balance. Choose your baniyan for men based on where you spend time, how much you sweat, and how you like fabric to feel on your skin.