Briefs that do not ride up and what causes it

Short answer: Briefs ride up when the leg opening is tighter than the rest of the briefs. They then pull in towards the narrowest point, and the problem is rarely the size. It is the balance between edges, cut and material.

The leg opening against the rest

If the elastic in the leg opening is tighter than in the waistband, the two work against each other. The edge wins, and the briefs are pulled up each time you walk or sit. A wider or laser cut leg opening solves it, because the pressure is spread over a larger area. See bamboo briefs.

A bigger size rarely helps

Going up a size makes the whole pair looser, but the balance between edge and body stays the same. So the problem returns, only with more loose fabric. It often gets worse, because the waistband now sits too loosely to hold the briefs in place while the edge keeps pulling.

The cut matters more than the brand

Some cuts ride up by nature, because they cover little at the back and have a high leg opening. There is simply less fabric to hold on. If you want to avoid it entirely, a fuller cut is the answer, such as a hipster or boy shorts. See bamboo underwear for women.

Material plays a part

A slippery material slides more easily against the skin and against the clothes on top. A material with a little stretch that sits close and follows the body stays in place more easily. Bamboo viscose with elastane is soft and stretchy, which helps the briefs follow your movements instead of bunching up.

Shrinking can start it

Briefs that have shrunk in the tumble dryer tighten most at the edges, where the elastic sits. The problem then suddenly appears in a pair that used to fit well. Wash at 40 degrees and dry on low heat, or hang them up. Read more about washing and care.

Worn out elastic

Elastic loses its stretch over time, especially with heat. A slack waistband no longer holds the briefs up, so the leg opening becomes the only thing holding on. That makes the briefs slide and ride up. When the waistband no longer sits firmly on the hips, it is time to replace the pair.

The trousers on top matter

Tight trousers with a rough inside can drag the briefs along as you move. Friction between the fabrics shifts them little by little. A smooth layer in between, such as under shorts or lined trousers, can reduce it. It is worth testing if the problem only happens with certain trousers.

How to find the cause

Take the pair that rides up and feel whether the leg opening is tighter than the waistband. Then wear a different cut in the same size for a full day. If the new cut stays put, it was the cut. If both ride up, look at the material and at how you wash and dry them.

How to avoid it going forward

Choose briefs with a wide, soft leg opening or a laser cut edge without elastic. Pick your size by hip measurement, not waist. Wash gently and avoid high heat. With those three things in place, the problem goes away for most people, without changing brand or going up a size.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my briefs ride up?

Because the leg opening is tighter than the rest of the briefs. The edge pulls in towards the narrowest point, and the waistband cannot hold against it.