It more comfort compare polyester.

But thick and hot.

Polyester mostly for sport wear la. Where got hot. But bloody smelly if you sweet.

Nope. It's too humid to wear cotton here. I always buy those dry ex that wicks away sweat.

err what? its the other way round. synthetic material like polyester or nylon is much much more breathable than cotton but it can be dependent on the thickness/denier of the material. theres a reason synthetic material like polyester is widely used in activewear cause its super breathable (its doesnt absorb water as much since its literal plastic) and because its super breathable thats why it dries faster. the only reason it smells bad is because synthetic material is oil soluble, thus your body oils are absorbed by the material and cannot be washed out easily compared to cotton

cotton is great for all rounder general purpose daily wear, but once you get it wet.. it sux balls, it doesnt dry fast. and because it doesnt dry well, it WILL smell bad since moisture breeds bacteria

an example back then when i was hiking in Mt K, i wore cotton underwear and pants. even after i reached base camp and stopped heavy activity my cottonwear remain sopping wet, making me feel colder. my polyester top dried off within 15mins. mind you since you mention smelly, my cotton underwear & pants after i left the mountain was stinky AF compared to my mild smelling polyester top

In terms of breathability, here’s how cotton, polyester, and nylon rank from most to least breathable:

    Cotton – The most breathable of the three, especially when woven loosely. Cotton allows airflow and absorbs moisture, making it comfortable and cool in hot conditions. However, it can retain moisture, so it may feel damp in high-sweat activities.

    Polyester – Moderate breathability, but often engineered with moisture-wicking properties to improve comfort. Though polyester doesn’t breathe as naturally as cotton, some blends can effectively release moisture and remain dry. It can feel warm in high temperatures without special design features for breathability.

    Nylon – Least breathable of the three, as it’s designed more for durability than airflow. Nylon tends to trap heat and moisture, making it less comfortable in warm conditions, although it is sometimes blended with other fibers or treated for improved moisture management.

When it comes to bacteria buildup, the ranking of cotton, polyester, and nylon goes as follows, from least to most prone:

    Cotton – Least prone to bacteria buildup. Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable and absorbent, which helps reduce odor and bacterial growth. However, because it holds moisture, it can still support bacterial growth if it remains damp for long periods.

    Nylon – Moderate bacterial buildup. Nylon is less absorbent and more resistant to bacteria than polyester but tends to trap moisture and heat, which can encourage bacteria to grow over time. Its properties make it somewhat less prone to odor than polyester, especially when used in less intense conditions.

    Polyester – Most prone to bacteria buildup. Polyester’s moisture-wicking ability keeps the surface dry, but it tends to trap oils and sweat residue, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and cause odor over time. This makes it more susceptible to odor retention, even after washing, compared to cotton and nylon.

This ranking reflects general tendencies, although modern fabrics often have antibacterial treatments or are blended with other materials to help control bacteria and odor.

err what? its the other way round. synthetic material like polyester or nylon is much much more breathable than cotton but it can be dependent on the thickness/denier of the material. theres a reason synthetic material like polyester is widely used in activewear cause its super breathable (its doesnt absorb water as much since its literal plastic) and because its super breathable thats why it dries faster. the only reason it smells bad is because synthetic material is oil soluble, thus your body oils are absorbed by the material and cannot be washed out easily compared to cotton

cotton is great for all rounder general purpose daily wear, but once you get it wet.. it sux balls, it doesnt dry fast. and because it doesnt dry well, it WILL smell bad since moisture breeds bacteria

an example back then when i was hiking in Mt K, i wore cotton underwear and pants. even after i reached base camp and stopped heavy activity my cottonwear remain sopping wet, making me feel colder. my polyester top dried off within 15mins. mind you since you mention smelly, my cotton underwear & pants after i left the mountain was stinky AF compared to my mild smelling polyester top