What to look for in a new set of underwear

Short answer: The waistband, the seams and the size decide whether a new set of underwear gets worn or ends up at the back of the drawer. The fabric decides how dry it feels through the day, and the colour decides how much you can wear it with.

The edges

The waistband is the first thing you notice. A wide, soft waistband spreads the pressure over a larger area, so it does not dig in or roll down when you sit. A narrow, hard edge often feels fine in the fitting room but tightens after a few hours. Check that the edge gives without going loose. See bamboo underwear for men.

The seams

Flat seams lie close to the skin and do not show through fitted clothing. Thick or raised seams can chafe, especially where the fabric moves a lot, such as at the hips and crotch. Turn the underwear inside out and run a finger along the seams. If they feel soft and flat, that is a good sign. Read more about underwear without labels and seams.

The size

Choose your size by hip or waist measurement, not by your trouser size. Trousers and underwear do not follow the same scale, and a few centimetres decide whether the waistband stays put. Measure yourself with a tape and compare with the chart before you order. If you are between two sizes, the larger one is usually more comfortable. Use the size guide.

The fabric

A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin feels drier on long days. Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture and lets it evaporate, so the underwear does not cling after many hours on the go. A little elastane helps the fabric keep its shape without squeezing. Also check that the fabric is light enough to be comfortable. See bamboo underwear for women.

The colour

Black and skin tone cover almost everything you wear. Skin tone disappears under light clothing, and black works under dark clothing and jeans. If you want more colours, pick ones that match the rest of your wardrobe, so you do not have to think about it in the morning. A set in one colour is also easy to wash together. See underwear sets that match.

Buy one first

If you do not know the model, try a single piece before buying a whole pack. Wear it for a full day, ideally one where you sit, walk and move around. Then you know whether the waistband, seams and size work in daily life and not just in the mirror. Only when that one fits well is it time to buy more of the same.

Washing

Wash underwear at 40 degrees without fabric softener and without the tumble dryer. Softener leaves a film on the fibres that makes the fabric worse at absorbing moisture, and the dryer heat wears the elastic in the waistband. Hang it to dry so it keeps its shape longer. Turning it inside out before washing also helps. Read more in the washing guide.

Leg length

For models with legs, the length decides whether they chafe or ride up. A short leg can roll up the thigh as you walk, while a longer leg stays in place and protects against rubbing between the thighs. Think about what you wear over it and how much you walk in a day. See the lengths in bamboo boxers for men.

How many to buy

Once you have found a model that fits, it is cheapest and easiest to buy several identical pieces at once. Then the whole drawer has the same age, wears evenly and can be replaced together. The same goes for socks, where identical pairs make matching after the wash simple. See all bamboo socks for men.

Frequently asked questions

What matters most when choosing?

The waistband and the seams matter most for comfort. A wide, soft waistband and flat seams mean you do not notice the underwear during the day, whether you sit or walk.

How do I find my size?

Measure your hips or waist and compare with the size chart. Do not go by your trouser size, as it follows a different scale and rarely matches underwear directly.