The waistband of your briefs rolls down on the stomach

Short answer: The edge rolls when the waistband is too narrow or too tight for your hips. Choose a wider band or a style with a higher waist.

Why the edge rolls

A narrow band has only a small area over which to spread the pressure. When the stomach moves, the band is pushed down and rolls over on itself. It happens most when you sit down, where the stomach takes up most room.

Wider rather than tighter

The answer is rarely a smaller size. A wide, soft waistband spreads the pressure over several centimetres and stays put, where a narrow cord digs in and rolls. See bamboo briefs for women.

Waist or hip

A high waisted brief finishes above the stomach rather than across the middle of it, and there is less movement there. A hipster sits below the stomach and works for many people for the same reason. The middle is the worst place to land.

The size has to fit over the hip

If the brief is too small over the hip, the band is pulled up at an angle and rolls. Measure your hip at its widest point and choose by that rather than by the waist. See bamboo underwear for women and period briefs.

Frequently asked questions

Does sizing up help

Often yes, if the hip is what is tight. Otherwise you just get more fabric that folds.

Do all waistbands roll

No. A wide covered band rarely rolls, while a narrow exposed elastic rolls often.

Why does it roll most after lunch

Because the stomach takes up more room after a meal and pushes against the band.