We tried out a range of high-performance mesh underwear that's rumored to be "too comfortable"
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Sweating heavily while hiking, running, or other activities can be quite uncomfortable and troublesome for anyone. Even with the advances in base layer performance, it's still necessary to put up with the discomfort to some extent. However, did you know that in recent years, a small revolution has been taking place in Japan to combat the discomfort caused by sweat? This is the item we'd like to introduce to you today: high-performance mesh underwear
However, these items do not yet have an official name for their category; the name itself was coined by our editorial team, and manufacturers refer to them in various ways, such as "dry layer," "0.5 layer," or "transfer layer." In short, what they contain is a mesh-like shirt worn under a base layer, meaning it's in direct contact with the skin, significantly reducing discomfort and chills caused by sweating, dramatically increasing comfort while on the move . This summer, an acquaintance recommended that I try one, saying, "It's amazing, you should try it," so I gave it a go, half-believing. ...The results were far more shocking than I could have ever imagined. So, I've summarized what they are about, so let's get started.
table of contents
table of contents
What is high-performance mesh underwear?
Four high-performance mesh underwear items I tried out this time
What is this high-performance mesh underwear that doesn't bother you at all about sweat while you're on the move?
First, I will summarize below what I have researched about this unfamiliar item and some simple questions I had before trying it on
What makes high-performance mesh underwear so great?
- Quickly absorbs sweat from the skin surface and diffuses it to the fabric surface, maintaining a dry feeling
- Sweat remains on the skin after it has been broken down, reducing the chill and return of sweat
- Maintains a stable skin temperature, neither too cold nor too hot (assuming it's worn in combination with a base layer)
Is a regular base layer not enough?
Of course, a typical base layer already fulfills several functions, such as absorbing sweat, diffusing sweat, drying quickly, and retaining heat, so that's not to say it's a bad choice. So, what are the benefits of this underwear? Broadly speaking, it has two benefits. First, it boosts the "sweat absorption, diffusing, and quick-drying" functions of a base layer. Second, it adds the additional function of "reducing chill caused by sweat," a challenge faced by base layers . In other words, high-performance mesh underwear maximizes the functionality of a base layer when worn in conjunction with it. For example, in winter, pairing it with a base layer like merino wool, which is good at retaining heat (but not at managing sweat), creates the ideal layering combination, with perfect sweat absorption, diffusing sweat, quick-drying, and heat retention. It's easy to imagine how hooked you'd be to stop.
By the way, the role of the base layer is explained on this page, so please feel free to refer to it.
What's the difference between this and a highly breathable mesh shirt?
What makes it different from the so-called thin summer mesh T-shirts (including Uniqlo's Airism) that are commonly found in store during the summer? Summer mesh is designed to be breathable, dry sweat quickly, and release body heat, making it extremely cool. However, many of them lack the measures necessary to prevent sweat return or cooling, and do not provide adequate insulation. This is a major difference from high-performance mesh underwear, which is designed to boost sweat management and reduce cooling (ensuring warmth). It is also positioned slightly differently in that it is intended to be combined with a regular base layer for optimal performance.
How do I use high-performance mesh underwear?
To more effectively disperse moisture that is transferred from sweat to the fabric surface as water vapor, it is recommended to wear a form-fitting, moisture-wicking, quick-drying base layer over this underwear . However, some manufacturers recommend that this underwear alone can be used as a base layer, so it is best to check their recommendations for details.
Four high-performance mesh underwear items I tried out this time
Now, let me introduce you to four representative high-performance mesh underwear items that I picked out and tried out this time
finetrack Skin Mesh Series
This hit from Finetrack coined the term "dry layer" and sparked the explosive popularity of this category. Its distinctive feature is the fabric's durable water-repellent properties, which allow sweat from the inside to be absorbed by the base layer worn on top, preventing rain from reaching the skin from the outside. This unique concept keeps the skin dry at all times. This season, the product has been further enhanced with an improved fit and specifications that further reduce the feeling of wetness
MILLET DRYNAMIC MESH series
This next-generation base layer, which became a huge hit in 2015, offers the ultimate in dryness. It's so stretchy you'll forget you're wearing it, and the bulky mesh absorbs sweat, preventing it from sticking to your skin. Its striking appearance, more akin to the "net shirts" that were popular in the 70s than mesh, makes it hard to imagine how comfortable it is to wear and keep you warm in both summer and winter
Phenix Transfer Series
The inner layer uses water-repellent yarn to keep the skin dry, while the outer layer uses sweat-wicking, quick-drying yarn, creating a hybrid structure using our proprietary "Quick & Dry UP" technology. This makes it a highly complete piece that can function almost as a base layer all by itself. In the summer, this is enough as a base layer, and in the colder months, you can choose from a wide range of materials, from sweat-wicking, quick-drying synthetic fibers to highly insulating materials like wool
THE NORTH FACE Paramount Mesh Series
The fabric used in this item (100% polypropylene) has the characteristic of not absorbing water, and has long been a popular choice for quick-drying base layers. However, the new, coarse mesh construction ensures high breathability and stretch. Layering it with a sweat-wicking, quick-drying base layer reduces sweat return and helps keep you dry
Compare specs and performance
| item | finetrack Skin Mesh Series | MILLET DRYNAMIC MESH series | Phenix Transfer Series | THE NORTH FACE Paramount Mesh Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | ◎ | ◯ | ◎ | ◯ |
| Sweat treatment | ◯ | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Cold sweat | ◯ | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Heat retention | ◯ | ◎ | △ | △ |
| water repellency | ◎ | △ | ◎ | △ |
| quick drying | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ | ◎ |
| Odor resistance | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | △ |
| durability | ◎ | ◯ | ◎ | △ |
| Recommendation level | ★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ |
| Specifications | ||||
| material | 100% polyester | Polypropylene 66% Nylon 28% Polyurethane 6% | 88% polyester, 12% polyurethane | 100% polypropylene |
| Variations | V-neck T - shirt, long sleeves, sleeveless , tights , boxers, briefs *Men's and women's types available | NS Crew 3/4 Sleeve Crew Boxer Shorts 3/4 Tights *Men's and women's sizes available | Short sleevesV -neckShort sleevesLong sleeves *Men's and women's versions available | Short Sleeve Tank Top Shorts |
Summary of this comparison (2 recommended items)
Literally dry and chill-free, the Millet Dry Mesh series is an unprecedented, ultra-comfortable layer
After trying out all four shirts several times, I found that they all felt dry and free of any sticky sweat, completely eliminating any discomfort while moving. However, when it comes to sweat chills, surprisingly, the Millet shirt was the only one that didn't feel cold at all, even when exposed to the wind while wearing a wet shirt. This is likely because, while other shirts stick tightly to the skin when wet, creating a contact point with the outside air, this shirt's thick, bulky mesh creates a layer of air that blocks out the outside air. This bulky mesh ( as can be seen in official user comments ) provides consistent heat retention, keeping you cool in the summer and slightly warm in the winter, and its outstanding stretchability provides unprecedented comfort in all seasons and in all situations. Incidentally, I also tried the boxer shorts with this one, and they were the most impressively perfect underwear I've ever worn.
High sweat-wicking performance and versatility that can be used alone: Phenix Transfer Series
What's great about this shirt is not only its high sweat management ability (the main point of this comparison), but also its excellent balance. Considering that heat retention isn't even a key concept, it's clear that it's flawless and of high quality overall, including comfort, sweat management, durability, odor resistance, and more. What's more, the mesh is so fine that it could be worn on its own as a regular T-shirt, so it can be used in any situation (other see-through mesh shirts are too difficult to wear on their own)
Mesh underwear is still relatively unknown. I was skeptical before trying it myself, but after using it, I was honestly amazed at how much comfort there is still to pursue. I can confidently say that the effects are so great that anyone can feel them. It's true that it's not yet a must-have item, but the day may be coming soon when this style of wearing it will become commonplace. So, if you can afford it, I definitely recommend giving it a try!
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