What a hipster brief is and who it suits

Short answer: A hipster sits low on the hips, has straight leg openings and covers generously at the back. The name comes from the waistband resting on the hips rather than the waist, and that position decides who the cut suits.

How it is cut

The waistband sits below the navel, the leg openings run straight out to the side, and the back panel covers most of the seat. That makes the hipster one of the fuller cuts without being a classic high rise. The shape resembles very short shorts without legs. See bamboo briefs.

Where the name comes from

The word hipster here describes where the waistband sits, on the hips. It has nothing to do with fashion or style. It simply tells you where the briefs sit. That is useful when comparing cuts, because the names of briefs often describe where the waistband or leg opening lies on the body.

Who it suits

Because the waistband sits low, it does not dig into your waist when you sit down. That makes it a good choice for desk work and for low rise trousers. Many people who dislike feeling a waistband on their stomach find the hipster more comfortable than a high rise over a long day.

Coverage at the back

The back panel of a hipster is wide and reaches far down. It feels secure, because the briefs do not ride in when you move. It also means more fabric has to lie smoothly under your clothes. So fit matters: too loose and the fabric can fold, too tight and the edges pull.

Under close fitting clothes

The leg opening is the weak spot of the hipster under tight trousers, because it forms a horizontal line across the thigh. A model with a laser cut edge almost removes the problem, since the edge lies flat on the skin. Find more cuts in bamboo underwear for women.

The waistband should stay put

A hipster waistband should sit firmly on the hips without rolling down. If it rolls, it is often too big, or the elastic has been weakened by heat. A wide, soft waistband spreads the pressure better than a narrow one and shows less under clothes. Check it when you sit, because that is where it is tested.

Material matters

Because the hipster covers a lot, a lot of fabric lies against your skin. A material that moves moisture away and feels soft makes a bigger difference here than in a smaller cut. Bamboo viscose and cotton are good everyday choices. Wash at 40 degrees without softener so the fabric keeps feeling pleasant.

Compared with other cuts

If you want more leg and less coverage, the tai is the next step. Its leg opening curves up towards the hip. If you want more coverage at the waist, a high rise is the answer. You will find the measurements in the guide to briefs and underwear.

How to try it

Buy a single hipster in your usual size and wear it for a few days at work and at home. Notice the waistband when you sit and the leg opening when you wear tight trousers. You will quickly know whether the cut suits you or whether you prefer a tai or a high rise.