ORCA Fabric guide
Nylon vs cotton vs modal vs Tencel Modal
Choosing fabric for swim shorts, gym shorts, or underwear comes down to how each fibre handles heat, water, stretch, and skin contact. Here’s a straight comparison — then how Orca Australia actually uses fabrics today (no invented materials).
Quick comparison
| Fibre | Breathability | Quick-dry | Softness | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Moderate (can trap heat) | Strong | Smooth, less “cottony” | Swim / performance shells |
| Cotton | Good when dry | Poor when soaked | Familiar; can roughen | Casual wear, not swim |
| Modal | Good | Better than cotton | Very soft | Underwear, next-to-skin |
| Tencel Modal | Good | Better than cotton | Very soft, smooth | Orca boxer briefs |
Stretch and durability depend on the knit or weave and any elastane blend — not the fibre name alone.
Nylon (in plain English)
Nylon is a synthetic (plastic-based) fibre. It is strong, light, and usually dries much faster than cotton — which is why nylon and similar synthetics show up so often in swimwear and outer performance pieces. Downsides for all-day underwear: it can feel warmer against skin and hold onto heat or odour more than soft cellulosic fibres.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural plant fibre most people know. Dry cotton breathes reasonably well, but once wet it soaks and stays heavy — a poor choice for swim shorts. Over many washes it can feel rougher or lose shape. Fine for some casual clothes; not ideal for beach swimming or high-sweat next-to-skin pieces in humid summers.
Modal vs Tencel Modal
Modal is a regenerated cellulose fibre, commonly produced from beech wood pulp. It is prized for softness and drape in underwear and similar garments. TENCEL™ Modal is Lenzing's branded modal fibre — made from beech pulp under Lenzing's process and trademark. When we say Tencel Modal on Orca products, we mean that Lenzing fibre family, not a generic marketing nickname for cotton.
Read the shorter explainer on what Tencel Modal is.
How Orca uses fabrics (honest map)
Boxer briefs: Orca uses Tencel Modal for soft, breathable everyday underwear. Shop boxer briefs or see best underwear for men.
Swim shorts: Described as lightweight, quick-dry swim fabric — built for water and Aussie summers, not cotton boardies. Shop swim shorts or men's swim shorts. Prefer a shorter cut? See swim short length.
Gym shorts: Lightweight, breathable fabric with stretch for training and warm-weather casual wear. Shop gym shorts. We don't invent a fibre composition beyond what product pages state.
Ordering
Order online with Stripe checkout. Orca ships across Australia. Support: support@astryks.com or contact. No retail store list, wholesale programme, or international shipping claims on this page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between modal and Tencel Modal?
- Modal is a soft regenerated cellulose fibre often made from beech pulp. TENCEL™ Modal is Lenzing’s branded modal fibre — same fibre family, with Lenzing’s production standards and trademark. Orca uses Tencel Modal in boxer briefs.
- Is nylon or cotton better for swim shorts?
- For swimming, synthetics such as nylon (and polyester blends) usually beat cotton: they dry faster, hold shape in water, and resist sagging when wet. Cotton soaks up water and stays heavy. Orca swim shorts are lightweight, quick-dry swim fabric — suited to beach and pool, not cotton day shorts.
- Why does Orca use Tencel Modal for underwear?
- TENCEL™ Modal (Lenzing, from beech pulp) is soft, breathable, and comfortable next to skin — a better everyday underwear fibre for warm Australian summers than heavy cotton or heat-trapping nylon. Orca’s boxer briefs are cut from Tencel Modal.
- Does Orca make nylon underwear or cotton swim shorts?
- No. Orca’s published range is men’s swim shorts and gym shorts (lightweight / quick-dry / breathable stretch fabrics as described on product pages) and Tencel modal boxer briefs. We don’t claim cotton swim shorts or nylon underwear in our current lineup.