Measure yourself before choosing a size in boxer shorts
Short answer: Measure yourself before choosing a size in boxer shorts: take a soft tape measure around your waist where the underwear should sit and around your hips at the widest point. Compare the numbers with the size chart and choose the size that fits both.
Why you should measure instead of guessing
Many choose a size by what they usually take, but sizes can vary between cuts and makers, and bodies change too. A few minutes with a tape measure give a safer starting point than guessing. That lowers the risk of underwear that is too small and chafes, or too big and bunches up.
How to measure your waist
Use a soft tape measure and measure directly on the skin or over thin clothing. Measure around the waist where the underwear should sit, and keep the tape flat and snug without squeezing. Stand relaxed and do not pull in your stomach, or the size will only fit while you breathe out. Look at bamboo underpants for men to compare cuts.
How to measure your hips
Take the hip measurement at the widest point around hips and seat, with your feet together and the tape level all the way round. For cuts with longer legs the number matters, because it decides whether the legs feel tight. Write both numbers down, so you have them when you look at the size chart.
When you fall between two sizes
If your measurements fall between two sizes, think about what you prefer. A loose cut such as boxer shorts can handle the smaller one, while a close cut often feels better in the larger one if you are in doubt. Remember that fabric gives a little, but not enough to make a too small size right.
Boxer shorts, trunks and briefs fit differently
Even if you know your measurements, the three basic shapes fit differently. Boxer shorts sit loose, trunks sit close with short legs, and briefs have no legs. That means the same size can feel very different from cut to cut, so it is worth reading the description of each cut before you order.
Use the size chart for the specific pair
Every cut has its own size chart, and it can differ from another cut or brand. Always use the chart for the pair you are choosing, not one you know from somewhere else. If you also buy all bamboo socks for men, check their sizes separately.
How to check the fit once it arrives
Try the underwear on and make a few moves: sit down, bend over and walk around. The waistband should hold without cutting in, and the leg openings must not press. If they ride up or feel tight, the size is probably wrong, and you can consider a different one.
Measure again when your body changes
Your body changes over time, so it pays to measure again if you have gained or lost weight. Save the numbers in a note, so you can find them quickly next time. That applies to tops like bamboo polos for men too, where the measurements differ from underwear.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure myself for boxer shorts?
Use a soft tape measure around your waist where the underwear should sit and around your hips at the widest point. Compare with the size chart for the cut you are choosing.
What if I fall between two sizes?
Choose the smaller one for a loose cut such as boxer shorts and the larger one for a close cut if you are unsure. Think about what you prefer and whether you want more room.
Do I need the same size in every cut?
Not necessarily. Cuts and brands can differ, so always use the size chart for the pair you choose, and check the fit when the underwear arrives.
