Size Guide for Briefs
Short answer: Find your brief size by measuring waist and hips and comparing with the brand's size chart. The hip measurement matters most, because the brief should follow the widest point of the hips without squeezing or cutting in.
How to measure waist and hips
Take a soft tape measure. Measure the waist at its narrowest point, usually just above the navel, and the hips at the widest point over the bottom. Keep the tape level and close to the body without pulling. Measure while standing, and write both numbers down in centimetres before checking the chart.
Use the brand's own chart
Look up your measurements in the chart for the brand you are considering. See for example the size guide for JBS of Denmark women or the size guide for Boody women. Brands use the same letters, but the centimetres behind them vary, so your size can differ from brand to brand.
When waist and hips disagree
Many find that their waist fits one size and their hips another. In that case, choose by the hips. The brief should lie smoothly over the widest point, and if it is too small there, it cuts in and rides up. The elastic at the waist usually gives enough to sit well, even if that measurement is smaller.
How a brief should fit
A bamboo viscose brief should lie smoothly against the skin without cutting in at the legs or waist. The elastic should keep the brief in place without leaving red marks. The fabric is soft and stretchy, so it forgives more than cotton, but the wrong size is still noticeable over a long day.
Signs the size is wrong
If the brief cuts in at the groin or leaves deep marks at the waist, it is too small. If the fabric wrinkles or the brief slides down during the day, it is too big. If it rides up at the back, it can be both size and style. In that case, try a different style first.
The style matters as much as the size
Tai, hipster and maxi sit differently on the body, even in the same size. A tai sits lower on the waist, while a maxi covers more and sits higher. Read the guide to finding the right brief style, and browse our bamboo briefs.
Your first purchase from a new brand
If you are trying a brand for the first time, buy one brief and wear it for a few days before ordering more. Wash it a few times and notice whether it still fits well. If you are unsure about sizes in bamboo clothing in general, our size guide will help.
Care that keeps the fit
The fit lasts longest with a gentle wash. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees with a mild detergent, ideally in a laundry bag, and avoid fabric softener. Dry the briefs on the line, as high heat in the tumble dryer can wear out the elastic. That way the fabric stays soft and the brief keeps fitting well.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose by waist or hips?
Choose by the hips if the two measurements point to different sizes. The hips are the widest point, and that is where the brief should lie smoothly without squeezing or cutting in.
Why does my brief ride up?
Often the brief is too small over the hips, or the style does not suit your body shape. Try a larger size or a style that covers a little more at the back.
Can bamboo briefs shrink in the wash?
Bamboo can change slightly with a hot wash or high heat in the tumble dryer. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and dry on the line, and the briefs will keep their fit.
See our range of bamboo panties.
