I've recently learned that linen underwear is great against fungal infections that can be contracted in hot sweaty conditions.
But elsewhere I had read that the best fabrics against sweaty or tropical conditions were synthetic fabrics that provide wicking thus preventing excess moisture build up.
I just arrived in Taiwan where it's 34°C/93°F and plan to hitchhike around Asia for a year, as I've done before.
Previously my biggest problem had been chafing. I've managed to find some synthetic short and trousers, so it should be better this year. But I'm also concerned about fungal infection. I get tinea pedis frequently when wearing shoes and I've had tinea cruris before and think that could be a showstopper for long distance walking in hot/tropical climates.
But so far I still only have cotton underwear. Is synthetic preferable? I think I read somewhere that polyester is the worst in regard to jock itch!
Or what about going with linen when not actively hiking and something else while out on the road?