High-Waisted Bamboo Briefs – Guide

Short answer: High waisted bamboo briefs sit above the navel, support the stomach gently and do not slide down when you move. The combination of the high waist and the soft, breathable bamboo material makes them an obvious choice for everyday and for anyone who wants more coverage.

What a high waisted brief is

A high waisted brief ends above the navel rather than sitting down on the hip. That gives a smooth line under clothes, and the elastic does not cut into the stomach the way a low brief can. See the range of bamboo briefs, where several models have a high waist.

Why it stays put

A low brief only has the hip to hold on to, and the hip changes shape when you bend and sit. A high waist sits on the narrowest part of the torso, and therefore it has something to hold on to all day. That is geometry rather than a question of elastic strength.

The edge has to be wide

A narrow elastic higher up cuts in more than the same elastic down on the hip, because there is less room to spread the pressure. Look for a wide, softly knitted edge that is knitted into the fabric rather than stitched on. Then it is soft, and it stays soft.

Which clothes it works under

High waisted models are an obvious choice under high waisted trousers and skirts, where two edges would otherwise sit on top of each other at two different heights. They are also practical under dresses where you will be seated for hours, because the edge does not shift when you stand up.

The difference between high waisted and maxi

A maxi has both a high waist and full coverage at the back. A high waisted model can combine the high waist with less fabric behind, for instance as a high waisted thong or a high waisted tai. If you are choosing to avoid visible edges, that difference is worth knowing.

The material is felt over a large area

The higher a brief sits, the larger the part of the stomach lying under the fabric. Bamboo viscose moves moisture away from the skin and out into the fabric where it evaporates, and smooth fibres glide instead of catching. It shows most clearly on the days when it is warm.

How to find the size

High waisted models should be measured at the waist and not only at the hip, and the two measurements do not always follow each other. If you are between two numbers, take the larger: a high waisted brief that pinches the stomach is uncomfortable all day. See bamboo underwear for women.

Washing that preserves the edge

Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and hang them to dry. The high edge contains more elastic than any other part of the brief, and elastane does not tolerate the heat in a dryer. Skip the fabric softener, which lays a film on the fibres and closes off the moisture transport without softening the edge. See also bamboo and temperature regulation, bamboo briefs: find the right style for you and finding the right size in bamboo clothing.