Classic briefs and when the most covering cut is right

Short answer: The classic high cut covers the most and sits at the waist. It is the most comfortable choice for cold days, for home and for anything where comfort comes before a smooth line.

High at the waist

The waistband sits above the hip bone and covers the tummy. That adds a layer of warmth and a sense of being covered. Because the waistband is higher, it also sits where it does not press when you sit down. Many people find it calmer than a low waistband that can slip. See bamboo briefs.

No leg edge that digs in

Because the cut is fuller, the leg opening sits where there is no pressure. It runs around the thigh rather than angling up over the hip, so it stays put when you walk and sit. That is why many people find it the most comfortable cut, especially over a long day.

For cold days

When it is cold, an extra layer of fabric over the tummy and lower back makes a difference. The classic cut blocks the draught between jumper and trousers when you bend. Under winter trousers it does not show, and it gives a warm feeling that a lower cut cannot quite match.

At home and every day

At home, where there is no line to think about, comfort is all that counts. A high cut is an obvious choice there. The same goes for days in loose clothes, long walks or long journeys where you sit a lot, and where briefs that stay in place matter more than looks.

Under clothes

A high style can show above the hip under tight trousers, because the waistband sits higher than the trouser waistband. Under looser clothes it does not show at all. For tight trousers a seamless or lower cut is often better, while the classic cut belongs to days in looser clothes. See bamboo underwear for women.

For night

The cut is also the most comfortable to sleep in, because there are no edges to dig in when you turn over. The waistband stays calm and the leg opening moves with you without pulling. Many people keep a few classic briefs just for night and choose other cuts during the day.

Combine with other cuts

You do not need one cut for everything. Most people need several: a classic cut for home and night, a seamless one for tight trousers and perhaps another for training. Then you choose by the day, and the classic cut is the one you reach for when comfort comes first.

The right size

A high cut should sit calmly at the waist without digging in or rolling down. Too small, and the waistband presses on the tummy. Too big, and it slides down and folds. Measure your hips and waist and compare with the size chart. Sizes are in our guide to briefs and underwear.

Old fashioned or just practical

The high cut has a reputation for being old fashioned, but that is more about habit than function. It is the fullest cut and for many the most comfortable. Choose it in a soft material and a colour you like, and it is a practical everyday choice that does not have to feel like a compromise.