Thunderpants - New Zealand made

Sky Rise POWDER Bamboo vs Sky Rise Goldfish: Fit and Print

Sky Rise POWDER Bamboo vs Sky Rise Goldfish: Fit and Print

By Thunderpants - New Zealand made | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: Comparaisons

Compare Thunderpants Sky Rise POWDER Bamboo and Sky Rise Goldfish on fabric, fit, and print. Find out which high-rise brief suits your day.

Quick answer

Choose Sky Rise POWDER Bamboo if you want a silkier, faster-drying high-rise brief for travel or hot days. Choose Sky Rise Goldfish if you prefer the classic cotton feel and a playful goldfish print that adds a little luck to your day.

Fabric feel and drying: bamboo vs cotton

The Sky Rise POWDER Bamboo is made from organic bamboo and elastane, with no cotton. That gives it a smoother, silkier hand than the cotton-based Sky Rise Goldfish, and better wicking and drying properties. If you often wash underwear in a sink while travelling or need quick-dry options, the bamboo version has a clear practical edge.

The Sky Rise Goldfish uses the classic Thunderpants cotton fabric. It feels more like traditional underwear — soft but with a bit more texture than bamboo. For everyday wear where drying speed isn’t a priority, the cotton version is perfectly comfortable and familiar.

Print and personality

The Goldfish print is a Greta Menzies design covered in goldfish, which are a Chinese symbol of good fortune and prosperity. It’s a fun, lucky choice if you like patterned underwear that feels personal.

The POWDER Bamboo comes in a solid powder colour (the photos show the sky rise style in cotton, but the actual garment is a sleeker bamboo fabric). It’s a low-key, neutral option that won’t show through light clothing and suits a minimalist wardrobe.

Fit and sizing: same rise, different fabric

Both styles share the Sky Rise cut: an extra-high waist that sits on your natural waist and tapers at the top to stay in place all day. Sizing is consistent across the range, so you can generally take your usual Thunderpants size in either.

However, the bamboo fabric has more stretch and a silkier drape, so if you’re between sizes or prefer a snugger fit, the bamboo may feel slightly more forgiving. The cotton Goldfish has a bit more structure, which some people prefer for a secure feel.

Trade-offs to weigh

  • Drying speed vs classic feel: POWDER Bamboo dries faster and wicks moisture better, but Goldfish has the familiar cotton texture some people prefer. If you often air-dry overnight, bamboo is the safer bet.
  • Solid colour vs playful print: POWDER Bamboo is a solid neutral that hides under clothes; Goldfish is a bold print that shows personality. Consider your wardrobe: light trousers may show print lines.
  • Stretch and drape: Bamboo’s silkier stretch may feel slightly looser; cotton has more structure. Both stay put thanks to the tapered waist. If you dislike a snug feel, bamboo is more forgiving.

Product facts

  • Sky Rise POWDER bamboo: Organic bamboo and elastane fabric with no cotton, giving better wicking and drying properties. Makes it a better choice for travel or humid climates where quick-drying underwear is useful.
    Sky Rise POWDER bamboo
    Sky Rise POWDER bamboo
  • Sky Rise Goldfish: Goldfish print by Greta Menzies, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Adds a playful, lucky element that appeals if you enjoy patterned underwear with a story.
    Sky Rise Goldfish
    Sky Rise Goldfish

Which should you choose?

Best for

  • Travellers who need quick-drying underwear
  • Anyone who prefers a silky, smooth fabric against the skin
  • People who want a neutral, no-show colour under light clothing

Not for

  • Those who prefer the classic cotton feel and structure
  • Shoppers looking for a fun, patterned print

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