Mesh is not a single fibre, it is a construction: a fine, net-like knit, usually made from polyamide with a little elastane. That makes it light, breathable, stretchy and delicate. Here is what mesh is made of, how it wears and when it is the right choice.
What is mesh, exactly?
Mesh (the word means "net") is not a material but a way of knitting fabric. Its signature is the fine, regular net structure with many small openings. Those openings make mesh light, air-permeable and, depending on density, semi-sheer. It is usually made from polyamide (also called nylon), combined with elastane for stretch. Because the fibre defines the properties, mesh comes in very different qualities, from coarse and sporty to fine and delicate.
What is mesh made of?
In underwear and lingerie, mesh is almost always a blend of polyamide and elastane. Polyamide gives the fabric tear resistance and its smooth, light feel. Elastane adds stretch and recovery so nothing bags out.
An example from our range: our Iconic Mesh collection is made of 79% polyamide (48% of it recycled) and 21% elastane (12% of it recycled). On the briefs and thongs the gusset is additionally made from 95% certified-organic cotton (kbA standard), right against the skin. The mesh fabric comes from Italy or Türkiye, and the garments are sewn in Hungary. (Iconic Mesh is the name of the collection, not a material. The exact composition is listed on each product page.)
Properties: the strengths and the limits
What mesh does well:
- Light and airy: the net structure barely adds bulk and lets air reach the skin.
- Breathable: comfortable on warm days and when you are moving.
- Stretchy and shape-retaining: it adapts and springs back.
- Quick-drying and easy-care.
Where the limits are:
- Mesh is fine and, depending on colour and density, semi-sheer, so not fully opaque.
- It gives little warmth: a summer and layering fabric, not a winter one.
- As a fine fabric it is more delicate than sturdy cotton basics and prefers a gentle wash.
Mesh, lace or smooth microfibre?
All three are fine fabrics, but they feel different. Lace has a pattern and looks more decorative. Smooth microfibre is closed, more opaque and sits flat under clothes. Mesh sits in between: net-like, airy, semi-sheer. If the fibres interest you, read our guide to elastane and spandex, which is also in mesh.
When mesh is the right choice
Mesh is for you if you like things light. On warm days it feels pleasantly airy because it barely adds bulk and breathes. Under smooth, close-fitting clothes fine mesh hardly shows. And when you want something finer than your everyday basics, it is an easy option that feels good on the skin. Whether you wear it quietly under a jumper or as lingerie you chose on purpose is up to you, for yourself. Our Iconic Mesh collection pairs this light fabric with a cotton gusset and flat edges that do not dig in. You will find more underwear for women in the overview.
Caring for mesh
Fine mesh lasts longer if you wash it gently:
- At 40 °C on a delicate cycle, ideally in a laundry bag.
- Use a delicate detergent rather than a heavy-duty one, and no fabric softener.
- Do not tumble dry, just let it air-dry.
When in doubt, always check the care label of your specific style, as fabric blends can carry different instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is mesh breathable?
Yes. The fine net structure has many small openings that let air reach the skin, so mesh feels pleasantly light on warm days and when you move.
Is mesh underwear see-through?
Mesh is fine and, depending on colour and density, semi-sheer, so not fully opaque. Dark colours and more densely knitted mesh cover more than pale, very fine versions.
What is mesh made of at erlich textil?
Our Iconic Mesh collection is made of 79% polyamide (48% recycled) and 21% elastane (12% recycled), with a 95% certified-organic cotton (kbA) gusset on briefs and thongs. The fabric comes from Italy or Türkiye and is sewn in Hungary.
How do you wash mesh correctly?
At 40 °C on a delicate cycle, ideally in a laundry bag and with a delicate detergent. Do not tumble dry. To be safe, check the care label of your style.
Is mesh made from recycled materials?
It depends on the product. In our Iconic Mesh collection, 48% of the polyamide and 12% of the elastane are recycled. You will find the exact share on each product page.
Mesh or lace: what is the difference?
Lace has a decorative pattern, mesh is an even, fine net. Both are light and fine: mesh looks cleaner and sportier, lace more playful.
