Men’s Underwear Guide | Style, Fit & Most Asked Questions

Our underwear can often be the piece of clothing we think the least about, but we all know what a nightmare it can be if you get it wrong. Comfort for the majority of the time is key so if they are too tight, or bunching up it can be a disaster. 

Underwear is quite literally the oldest piece of clothing, originally worn to cover up and then under clothing to keep other garments cleaner, men's underwear has come a long way. Depending on what you prefer from your underwear, buying men's underwear can be a minefield. So if you are wanting to look at types, fabrications, sizing or just want to know why you always get holes in the same places, here's your complete buyer's guide to men's underwear...  

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Underwear Types

Briefs

These are perfect if you have larger thighs or are more well endowed. Today briefs aren’t as uncool as you think, seen across many sportsmen ambassadors such as David Beckham and Cristiano Ranaldo they are a favourite for those with chunkier legs or who want the extra support when part taking in exercise. You can pick ones made from technical fabrics that will wick away moisture from your skin but if you want a comfortable everyday pair 100 per cent cotton is a go-to. Our r ecommendation would be the Tommy Hilfiger range. 

Boxers 

If you want breathability we would recommend Boxers. They offer more room and are less restrictive and revealing. However, they do not provide you with any support. Plenty of designers offer slimmer cut options in comparison to the traditional versions, which were supper baggy and bunched up in areas. 

Boxer-briefs 

Boxer briefs are the best option for taller men, it is an adapted more versatile style for regular built men. Boxer briefs usually hit the mid to low thigh and often have a button fly. This means they can also be good for those with larger thighs because the added material stops you from chafing. The reason they are good for taller men is that they have a higher waistband so it doesn’t slip when you bend over. Our r ecommendation would be Hugo Boss. 

Trunks & Hipsters 

The best option for those who have a slimmer frame or love the gym is the super skinny trouser style. They tend to sit from the mid to upper thigh. Trunks or hipsters are practical for slimmer guys because of the less fabric they won’t bunch up or leave you with access fabric around your thighs. They also sit lower on your hips which is why guys who have been working on their torso like to opt for them. 

What fabric to pick for your underwear?

You can buy men's underwear in many different fabrics. These are probably the most popular, so here are the different benefits to help you pick. 

Cotton

Cotton is probably the most popular because it is comfortable, soft and breathable. It also is pretty washing machine fool-proof they won’t shrink and won’t irritate your skin. 

Silk

Silk offers a shiny and soft fabric alternative that gives a luxury feel. Silk is a natural fabric that is known for its ability to keep you cool when you're hot and warm when you are cold. 

Polyester

Polyester is 50% thinner than cotton but because it is a man-made fibre it will last longer and will not fade in colour. 

Nylon

The best option for when you are exercising is because they are soft, easy to wash, abrasion-resistant and they dry very quickly. 

Other fabrics you can get are Mesh, Model, Jersey and Spandex. 

How to fold men's boxers?

Your boxer draw can often just be a grey area in your bedroom, resulting in you always pulling out the most worn ones from the top which have holes in all the wrong places. So just some quick tips on folding boxers so you can keep them as neat as possible is you always want to be aiming to create a square. #1 So with briefs take the bottom of the crotch up and tuck it up. Then take the left of the trunk to the right and fold. 

#2 With the boxer briefs because they are shorts fold left to right and then in half again. Then from the elasticated waist fold upwards in three squares. 

#3 With the Boxers, you haven't got a pronounced crotch area so fold left to right and then in half again and then in three squares down.  

What is the purpose of the hole in boxers?

Similar to trousers with a fly it is to make it easier for you when you go to the toilet. However, only 20% of men who wear boxers with a fly actually use it. 

Why do you get holes under your crotch?

Experts suggest that natural fluids like sweat can erode the cotton and lead to holes. 

How to know what size men's underwear to buy?

Wrap a tape measure around your waist and place one finger between your waist to ensure to you get a comfy size. We recommend that a smaller size is best if you wear slimmer or tailored plans. If you prefer a looser fit, then go a size up. Boxer Shorts (Inches) 

Your Waist

M L XL XXL To Fit Waist 30 – 34 34 – 38 38 - 42

42 – 46

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Boxer Shorts (Centimetres) 

Your Waist

M L XL XXL To Fit Waist 76 – 86 86 – 97 97 – 106

106 – 117

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Featured Image Credit – @calvinklein 

Holly ThompsonWriter and expert

Ever since Tall Order introduced underwear, one of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received is, “what material are your underwear made of?” We’ll explain our materials and logic in time, but it’s clearly something of interest to consumers. People want to know what materials go into the clothes they wear. Whether it’s to evaluate the performance of a fabric for certain conditions and activities, or if it’s to know how comfortable the underwear will be, it’s important to know what fabrics comprise your underwear.

In this blog, we’ll examine some of the most popular materials found in men’s underwear today. We’ll analyze what makes them great or bad for certain situations, how they feel, and the pros and cons of these fabrics. We’ll also give you some recommendations on what fabrics perform well in specific environments or activities, and give you some general tips on how to pick the best underwear for you given all this information.

Note that there will likely be some overlap between the information presented here and that which you can find in our previous blog on the best materials for socks.

The 7 Most Common Materials for Men’s Underwear

Before we examine each fabric in detail, here is a quick reference guide you can use to narrow down your search for the ideal fabrics:

 Material Best Features Worst Features 1. Cotton soft; breathable holds on to moisture 2. Modal extremely soft no support 3. Silk comfort; lightweight fragility; difficult to clean and maintain 4. Merino Wool soft; moisture wicking; best for cooler temperatures difficult to maintain 5. Polyester durability; support synthetic; not naturally moisture-wicking 6. Bamboo lightweight; breathable thin and flimsy 7. Nylon flexibility & stretch too light by itself

Cotton

When most people think of men’s underwear, they picture a classic set of cotton briefs or boxer briefs. Cotton has been a popular fabric in underwear because it is inexpensive, widely available, easy to produce, comfortable, and breathable. This can make cotton underwear cheap, though you likely will sacrifice some quality with the lower price. Cotton underwear holds on to some moisture, degrades relatively quickly, and is prone to cause irritating chafing in between your legs. 

Pro Tip: If looking into cotton underwear, be sure to look for a premium cotton blend, like that in Tall Order’s Boxer Briefs to minimize these annoyances.

Modal

Modal (also known as micro modal) has come on the scene in recent years as a popular men’s underwear fabric. It is a natural fabric spun from tree cellulose fibers. The result is a set of underwear that is breathable as cotton, but as buttery soft as silk. Modal underwear is some of the most comfortable underwear you can find on the market. However, be advised its greatest asset is also its weakness; its softness and comfort means it lacks rigidity for support, especially during active activities.

Silk

Silk is a natural fiber spun from insects and silkworms, which use the material for cocoons. It is extremely soft, smooth, and lightweight, with natural moisture-wicking capabilities. However, it is an extremely fragile fabric and it is difficult to clean; it requires delicate care when laundering as it can degrade under the wrong conditions. The high-maintenance barrier it poses, along with a high price tag when compared to similarly soft fabrics, such as modal, means silk underwear is best reserved for only one or two pairs in your underwear drawer.

Merino Wool

Merino wool is a natural fiber harvested from a specific breed of sheep. Unlike traditional wool, which can be itchy and can pill after repeated wear, merino wool is much softer and not itchy. It also has built-in moisture-wicking capabilities and is great at regulating skin and body temperatures in cooler conditions. That said, it is difficult to maintain and not the most durable fabric, leaving it a poor choice for more active lifestyles.

Polyester

Polyester is a generic term for several synthetic materials made from a chemical reaction of certain acids and alcohols. For the purposes of underwear, think of polyester as the opposite of a lot of natural fabrics; it is extremely durable, provides a lot of support, is easy to maintain, and is flexible enough to hold its shape. However, by itself it is not very moisture friendly; it holds on to sweat and is not naturally breathable. You’ll typically find polyester blended with other fabrics to help with moisture control and breathability. These types of underwear are great for athletics and more active lifestyles, where support and rigidity are more desirable characteristics for underwear.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a natural fiber made from bamboo grass that has gained popularity in recent years due to its biodegradability. Like other natural fabrics, it is breathable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and soft. However, because it comes from a grass, it tends to be thinner and less durable than other fabrics. So be sure to find bamboo underwear that is reinforced by other, more rigid fabrics. This would make bamboo blends a good choice for not only everyday wear, but also for an active lifestyle.

Nylon

Nylon is another generalized name for certain synthetic materials derived from petroleum. Nylon is lightweight, smooth, flexible, moisture-wicking, and stretches and retains its shape well. However, nylon must be blended with other fabrics, as it is too light to stand up on its own. Additionally, while it repels moisture, it’s not very breathable, so it’s not a great choice for warmer environments.

How to Pick the Best Underwear for You

A lot more than just the fabric goes into selecting the best set of underwear. In all likelihood, you’ll want to keep several types of underwear in your top drawer to handle whatever life throws at you. However, definitely take the following into consideration when purchasing a new set of underwear:

• Style - men’s underwear comes in many different shapes and form factors to suit a wide variety of activities, preferences, and body types. For more information on the types of underwear styles, check out our previous blog on types of men’s underwear
• Size - this holds especially true for big and tall. Not only do you need to make sure that the waist is comfortable (not too tight to be painful, but not too loose to sag down during the day), but also, if you’re choosing a style such as boxers or boxer briefs, that the leg portion goes down long enough to cover your upper thigh. You also want to ensure ample room for your genitals, and look for sufficient length in the leg to prevent chafing. 
• Price - you need to decide if you want more pairs of underwear that are cheaper but less durable, or if you want to invest in a more premium product with the prospect of them lasting longer
• Brand - how do you identify with the brand on the underwear and what do they support? Do they give back to charity? Are they environmentally sustainable?

Our Expert Picks: The Best Fabrics for Men’s Underwear

After talking with our fellow underwear fanatics here at Tall Order, here are our consensus top materials for each type of activity and environment:

• High Activity Underwear: polyester blends, especially those with moisture-wicking capabilities, offer the best combination of support and sweat control for athletics and very active lifestyles.
• Cold Weather Underwear: merino wool underwear will do the best job of regulating your body temperature and insulating you from frigid conditions. In cold weather, you can also look to long underwear to cover more of your legs.
• Warm Weather Underwear: cotton blends, bamboo, and other natural, breathable fibers are best to promote airflow during warmer days.
• Lounging/Everyday Underwear: for lounging, you’ll want to enjoy softer fabrics such as modal, silk, merino wool, and even some cotton blends. Cotton blends and some polyester blends can be more durable for everyday wear.
• Affordable Choice: plain cotton tends to be the cheapest choice for underwear, just know you’ll replace them more often as they are less durable than other fabrics.

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