Brief Sizes – A Guide to the Right Fit
Short answer: You find the right brief size by measuring your waist and hips and comparing them with the brand's size chart. A brief in the correct size sits close without pinching, does not cut into the skin and does not ride up during the day. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger.
How to measure yourself
Measure the waist at its narrowest and the hips at their widest with a soft tape measure. Keep the tape level and do not pull it tight. Write the numbers down and hold them against the size chart for the brand you are buying, rather than going by the size you usually take.
The hip measurement carries more weight
Most brief models sit on the hip rather than at the waist, which makes the hip measurement the decisive one of the two. If your two measurements fall in different sizes on the chart, follow the hip. The exception is high waisted models, where the waist decides because the edge sits up there.
Sizes vary between brands
A medium is not the same across brands, and the difference can be two centimetres or more. So always use the specific chart. See the size guide for JBS of Denmark women and the size guide for Boody women before you order.
Between two numbers, take the larger
A slightly larger pair rarely folds and stays where it is put. A pair that is slightly too small is stretched to its limit, has no fabric to give with, and therefore rides up at every movement throughout the day. Tighter does not mean better here.
The model changes what fits
The same number in a thong and in a maxi does not sit the same, because there is a different amount of fabric to distribute. If you change model, check the chart again rather than assuming your old number. See also the size guide for Bamboo Basics women.
How to check that it fits
Sit down and stand up again. If anything has moved, it is either the size or the model. Take the pair off after a couple of hours and look at the skin: if there is a red line at the waist or in the groin, the number is too small whatever the chart said.
The body changes, and the chart does not
Measure again if a couple of years have passed or if your body has changed. Many people keep buying the size they have always bought and wonder why the briefs suddenly ride up. Measuring again takes two minutes and usually solves the problem.
When the chart is not enough
If you are unsure after measuring, buy one pair before you buy several. If it fits, order the rest in the same model and number. That is cheaper than buying a pack in a number that turns out to be wrong. See bamboo briefs. See also finding the right size in bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure for briefs
Measure the waist at its narrowest and the hips at their widest with a soft tape measure, and compare with the brand's own chart.
What do I do if I am between two sizes
Choose the larger. A slightly bigger pair rarely folds, while one that is too small rides up at every movement.
Is a medium the same across brands
No. The difference can be two centimetres or more, so always use the specific brand's chart.
See our range of bamboo panties.
