There are a lot of factors that play into underwear size. For example… body type and weight will determine where your ideal arm and leg holes should be. Then there’s the issue of stretch waistbands… which can vary in their elasticity (not to mention the cut of the underwear itself).
Wearing underwear that doesn’t fit right isn’t just uncomfortable… it can lead to severe health problems as well. Probably the most common issue is chafing caused by rubbing and moisture build-up. Even with the most intimate of clothing… if it doesn’t fit correctly then you will be irritated and uncomfortable.
For some… finding the right size in underwear can be a bit of a challenge. However… there is no need to worry because once you know what you are looking for… it can become easy to choose the right style and size of underwear for your body.
Let’s take a look at various aspects involved in finding the perfect fit for your undies.
Also read: Why Do I Keep Getting Holes in My Underwear?
How Are Briefs Supposed to Fit?
Briefs are supposed to fit very snugly. The waistband should be snug around the hips and should not leave a gap when pulled as hard as possible. Briefs should come out of the dryer without any wrinkles and not feel loose after repeated washings. A brief’s inseam should be slightly longer than the wearer’s actual inseam.
Tight briefs can cause problems when sitting for long periods of time… such as during an 8-hour workday or a long flight. This is because tight briefs can cause chafing and skin irritation on the inner thighs while sitting. Skin irritation can lead to rashes and even infections if left untreated.
There are many reasons why someone may not like wearing tight briefs:
Many people find tight briefs uncomfortable. Tight briefs restrict movement… which in turn can cause discomfort. Also… tight briefs tend to cause pinching at the waistline and seams at the front of the legs where they meet the groin area.
Men who wear tight briefs may also experience chafing and skin irritation in these areas from prolonged contact with the inside of their thighs in a seated position.
People who want to avoid wearing briefs altogether often wear boxer shorts but complain that they get too hot.
You always want to make sure that your briefs fit well by using a size chart and following the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are on the heavier side… you might want to consider buying a larger size brief than what you would normally wear… or even switch to an all-cotton brief. These tend to stretch more and will accommodate heavier body types better.
The great thing about briefs is that they come in a wide variety of styles and sizes so there is something for everyone! So whether you are looking for cotton briefs… boxers… or boxer briefs… you can find exactly what you need.
- Boxer Briefs: This style of underwear features a snug fit around the thighs and seat while leaving the lower waist area open. This allows for more flexibility without feeling constricted by one’s underwear like with traditional underwear. Boxer briefs are often worn by athletes and those who have larger thighs as they do not ride up as easily as regular briefs do.
- Briefs: Briefs or “traditional” style underwear has a snug fit around the thighs and rear with a looser fit around the waist area. It does not go past one’s natural waistline like boxer briefs do. Briefs offer men who have larger rear ends or thighs more freedom.
Also read: What Are Maternity Briefs?
How High Should Underwear Be Worn?
There are several factors that determine how high a pair of underwear should be worn. Because the anatomy of every person is different… there is no one perfect height for an article of clothing to sit at all times. However… there are factors that can influence whether or not you should wear your underwear at your natural waist… on or below the hips… or somewhere in between.
If your boxer shorts or briefs ride up or sag below your waistline and expose you at the front or the back… no one wants to see that. The same goes if they slip off your hips and expose you from behind.
When you’re buying a pair of boxers… briefs… or any other type of underwear… the most important thing to look for is a label that indicates your waist size and the height position the underwear should be worn at.
- The waistband of underwear should always sit at the natural waist. For some… this is at the top of the hips and for others… it is just above their navel. The band should never sit below that point as this can cause underwear to move around and ride up.
- The rise of the underwear should also not be too high or too low for your body type. Low-rise briefs will sit right above your pubic bone and high-rise briefs will sit right below your navel.
- If you have a larger stomach area then the rise can be higher without creating issues with comfort or movement but if you have a smaller tummy area… then a lower cut brief may be preferable to avoid any issues with bunching of excess fabric from above the waistband.
- Tighter underwear will also tend to sit higher on the body while looser underwear tends to sit lower on the body. The reason for this is that tight-fitting garments tend to create tension which pulls them upwards toward a normal resting position whereas looser garments tend to hang down toward a normal resting position.
Wearing your undergarments high is likely the way most people wear them. For example… wearing briefs that sit at the natural waist or above it. This can be due to comfort and preference or fashion and trends.
A boxer might sit a little lower on the hips but still be considered a mid-rise and in this case… they are not considered high rise even though at times they too might be worn higher than the waistline.
Tucking your shirt into your underwear can help show off where your underwear sits on your body.
- If you have low-rise underwear… tuck in your shirt to show how low it goes on your body.
- If you have mid-rise underwear… tuck in your shirt to show how high it sits on your body.
- If you have full-rise underwear… leave the shirt untucked if you prefer that look or tuck if you want to show off how high it actually sits on your waistline.
The main point is that where someone wears their underwear all depends on personal preference… comfort… and style choices as well as trends and fashion.
Where someone wears their underwear can also be influenced by what type of clothing they are wearing over them such as shorts or pants as well as who they are with such as friends or significant others or family.
Also read: When to Wear Briefs?
Should Underwear Be Tight or Loose?
Some users prefer looser undies to prevent wedgies and marks on their skin… while others have found that tighter underwear provides support and prevents them from sweating excessively.
In fact… many men and women prefer super-tight underwear for comfort when exercising or just walking around all day. But if you’re not much of an athlete or don’t feel like showing off your booty in yoga pants… there’s no reason to wear super-tight underwear. The important thing is finding a style that you feel comfortable in without compromising your health or comfort.
Determining Factors Include:
- Your body type. Athletic… slim… and thin women usually can wear smaller sizes than fuller-figured and more curvaceous women.
- The wideness of underwear. The larger the gusset… the more room there is for your body to breathe.
- The number and position of fastenings. The fewer the number of fastenings… the less restrictive the underwear will be.
- The style you wear. Different styles fit differently in different places… so it’s difficult to give a blanket recommendation about whether tight or loose is best for you… but try a range of styles and sizes until you find the one that works for you.
Your underwear should be both comfortable and snug enough so it doesn’t slide down or ride up. Loose-fitting cotton boxers are great for sleeping but they aren’t going to cut it when you’re out and about all day long.
Tight-fitting briefs are good for athletic activities… but if you have a desk job they might not be a good choice because they’re simply too uncomfortable.
Should You Size Up or Down in Underwear?
It is possible to size up and down in underwear… but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. Here are a few things you should consider before making any decisions.
Tighter Underwear Doesn’t Necessarily Provide More Support
While it might make sense to assume that tighter underwear is more supportive… the reality is that there are other factors that contribute to overall support. The actual construction of the garment and even the way it’s cut can have a significant impact on support as well.
No Underwear Should Be Too Tight
Underwear shouldn’t be too tight because of increased pressure on your skin. This may cause you uncomfortable chafing… rashes… or blisters if you’re wearing them for an extended period of time. You also might not be able to wear certain styles if they’re too tight. For example… Jockey makes boxer brief underwear which provides more room at the leg openings than other styles. This allows for greater flexibility and comfort.
Too Loose Underwear Can Provide Less Support Than You Need
On the flip side… underwear that’s too loose can actually provide less support because it isn’t providing enough tension against your body.
How Do You Pick the Right Size Underwear?
Sizes are not consistent across different brands. Always refer to the size charts of the brand you are buying from and order according to your waist size. Sticking to the true-to-size option is usually best unless you want super tight or extra loose underwear.
How Does Aerie Underwear Fit?
Aerie is a brand that is known for being body positive and catering to women of all shapes and sizes. This has been a popular topic as customers want to know about the fit of their underwear.
Trying on underwear is one thing… but wearing them can be something else. For example… a pair that fits great when you are standing up may not feel so good after sitting down for an extended period of time. It’s important to know how the underwear fits when you wear it so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises later on.
People find Aerie underwear fits true to size with perhaps a slight bias to running small. So usually it is best to get true to size for your first pair.
When deciding if Aerie underwear fits well… it’s best to know what kind of body type you have and what kind of cuts will fit your curves. Aerie has several different styles available and each one can be flattering in its own way.
Aerie panties have many cuts and styles available… including thongs… boyshorts… hipsters… cheekies… bikinis… and more. Each cut will emphasize different parts of your body to create an overall flattering look.
How Should Boy Short Underwear Fit?
So… what is the best fit for boy short underwear? Boy short underwear should fit snugly on the hips… and the leg openings should fit smoothly over the thighs with no tightness.
Boy short underwear should be comfortable to wear… but make sure that it does not ride up when you move. If your boy short underwear rides up… this can cause chafing and a rash. Make sure that your boy short panties are not too big or too small. If you find that your boy shorts are too small or too big… then they are most likely not the right style for you.
Boy shorts come in a variety of styles and colors so that you can find the right pair that fits your needs. You can choose boy shorts made of cotton or boy shorts made of lace. You can even find boy shorts in a leopard print or with a cute pink bow on the front. Boy shorts come in such a diverse array of colors… patterns… and styles that there is something for everyone to choose from!
The style of your boy short underwear is a matter of personal preference and comfort. The important part to remember is that you should never feel uncomfortable in your underwear. No one should ever know you’re wearing boy shorts… if possible. If you don’t feel comfortable in your boy shorts… then they are not the right fit for you.
Look for boy short underwear that fits snug but not tight and feels comfortable. Boy shorts that fit correctly and are the right size will allow you to move freely without restriction or discomfort.
How Does Calvin Klein Underwear Fit?
Calvin Klein underwear fits true to size. The waistband of CK’s classic boxer briefs is designed to be worn lower on the hips than other brands… providing a tighter and more secure fit that won’t ride up. If you prefer more room in your underwear… you may want to order a size larger than your usual size.
Calvin Klein boxers are made with a soft… silky fabric that stretches for comfort and a close fit. Another feature of Calvin Klein underwear is the contoured pouch for a comfortable fit. Most men feel this type of pouch design provides increased comfort… support… and discretion.
If you’re looking for a pair of Calvin Klein underwear and want to know how they fit… you will be pleased to know that wearing a CK brand garment will offer you a great fit that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Calvin Klein underwear is designed with a number of benefits in mind… including but not limited to the following:
- Calvin Klein underwear offers men and women a variety of stylish choices. These undergarments are made from high-quality materials… including cotton… nylon… spandex… and more. These materials offer comfort as well as style. They also feature unique design elements intended to make them attractive and appealing to the wearer. Some features include bold patterns… contrasting trim… attractive colors… and more.
- Calvin Klein underwear comes in a wide range of sizes. The company offers panties and bras in different sizes and styles for women. It also offers men a wide range of styles in briefs… boxers… and more. With these options… people can find an undergarment style that fits their body type perfectly.
Calvin Klein underwear is a great fit for both men and women. It’s made to last… so it’s designed to provide comfort for regular wear. Calvin Klein underwear is designed to keep you looking good… no matter what you do. Whether you’re going for a run or hitting the gym… Calvin Klein underwear offers comfort that won’t let you down.
Does Calvin Klein Underwear Shrink?
Some Calvin Klein products are made with pre-shrunk cotton fabric so that they do not shrink upon washing. The cotton briefs… boxer shorts… and boxer briefs are all made with pre-shrunk cotton material so that they will not shrink after being washed according to the care instructions on the tag of the clothing item.
How Does Hipster Underwear Fit?
Hipster underwear is actually a lot like regular underwear… but with a few distinctions. Hipster underwear tends to be more expensive… and the designs tend to be more original. It’s also a bit more difficult to find hipster underwear in brick-and-mortar stores: most shops that sell hipster undies are online only.
In order for hipster underwear to fit properly… it has to sit comfortably around the waistband… and it has to fit well in the crotch area as well. Many men and women find hipster briefs or boxer briefs easier to wear than traditional boxers because they conform better to their anatomy.
Hipster underwear is usually made out of cotton or linen. The former is more comfortable and soft… but it does have the potential for shrinkage when washed and dried. Linen offers good support but can tend to be scratchy.
Some men prefer baggy hipster briefs or boxers… while others like them snug against the body. Having more fabric around the hips and thighs can make them appear bigger on a man who’s otherwise slender. The elasticity of the fabric also plays a role in how well they fit. Man-made fabrics such as spandex stretch better than cotton… so they’re often used in designer hipster
How Does Saxx Underwear Fit?
Saxx creates underwear for the guy who likes a more generous cut in their undies. This means that they go a bit larger than your average… traditional cut boxer briefs. If you like something snug… you may want to consider sizing down.
If you’re between sizes and you don’t mind a little extra room… stick to your normal size because these will shrink slightly over time. The fabric is also very stretchy.
The good news is that Saxx underwear definitely lives up to its name. They don’t squish… they don’t pinch and they feel like a regular pair of underwear. They are very comfortable… durable… and well-made.
Taller Guys Should Size Up – Taller guys should take one size up to get the right length and fit in our underwear. Short guys should stay true to size.
Trying on a pair of Saxx is a revelation. They fit like a glove… designed right down to the last stitch to hug your body and hold everything in place. And they don’t stop there — Saxx underwear also delivers a huge boost in comfort and performance that you can feel every time you put them on.
Saxx underwear is designed to fit like a glove… hugging your body instead of bunching up or pulling on your crotch. You’ll find that everything stays where it belongs… but it’s easy to get them off at the end of the day.
The secret behind Saxx underwear is a unique blend of materials in the fabric blend and design of the briefs and boxer briefs. The fabric is made from an exclusive fabric blend that’s lightweight… breathable… and moisture-wicking… so it keeps you dry whether you’re lounging around the house or working up a sweat at the gym.
The seamless construction eliminates any unnecessary seams for maximum comfort. The contour pouch design hugs your package for support without squeezing or pinching
How Does PSD Underwear Fit?
It’s likely you’ve heard of PSD Underwear before. The brand is the current leader in designer men’s underwear… and their products have appeared in Esquire… Details… and GQ — to name a few. In fact… their underwear has been called the best men’s boxer briefs on the planet.
PSD Underwear fits very well. This is because they’re made to accommodate athletic builds… larger-than-average packages… and heavier body types. Their shapewear-like undergarments are great for any guy with more junk in his trunk because they pull everything in without feeling constricting or uncomfortable.
Also… the material is very soft to the touch and feels like it’s made from high-quality cotton. The cuts and materials used on PSD Underwear are designed to fit snugly but comfortably around your body.
The pouch on their boxer briefs is elasticized so that it always stays in place no matter how much you move around throughout the day. This means you can wear them under any type of pants or shorts without worrying about them revealing themselves to everyone else around you.
How Does Knix Underwear Fit?
Knix underwear sizing is based on waist size. To find your correct size… you should measure around your waist where the pants would normally fall (around your belly button). The size that you choose should be 2-4 inches larger than this measurement. Basically… Knix Underwear will fit a little tighter than other brands of underwear.
The material that Knix underwear is made out of is designed to mold to your body… so it will break in and form-fit over time.
If you are in-between sizes or have never worn compression underwear before… we recommend ordering a size up. If you are unsure whether to go up one size or two… it’s best to go up one size.
In summary… whether you wear briefs… boxers… or loose-fitting boxers-briefs… it really doesn’t matter. As long as they don’t chafe… cut into your thighs or end up in your crotch when you bend over… you’re good to go. The most important thing is that the underwear should fit correctly around the waist and seat.
You may also be interested in. When to Wear Briefs? and Do You Need to Wear Underwear?
Louise Wilson is an accomplished author, passionate textile historian, and renowned fashion enthusiast with a rich background in the world of apparel.
Graduating with honors in Fashion Design, Louise further expanded her skills and knowledge by completing a master’s degree in Textile History. Her academic pursuits have led her to explore the fashion capitals of the world, including Milan, Paris, and New York, enriching her insights into the global world of fashion.
As an author, Louise’s passion for fashion has found its way into her writings, where she intricately weaves narratives of style, design, and fashion history.