Underpants are the first garment men put on in the morning – and the last one they take off in the evening. Hardly any other fabric lies so closely to the skin. However, while underwear is extremely important, when it comes to buying underwear, men like to have it quick, easy and comfortable.
If you have some things in mind when buying your next pair of undies, things will go smoothly and you will have made a great purchase. Here are some things to consider when shopping for underpants, regardless of whether you do it online or in a store.
Which underwear shape fits my body?
The right underwear shape is not just a question of taste. Depending on the shape of your body, different models suit men better.
In this sense, thinner or average men should consider short and classic cut trunks, but they will find that briefs also work well for them. Bigger guys can find that underwear with longer cuts (such as longer boxers) may be more comfortable for them. Of course, if you’re into men’s thong underwear, given that this is such a special category, you will most likely have to build some experience first before knowing whether these are right for you or not.
Also, if you’re a guy who has (a bit of) a belly, you should choose something that has a narrow waistband, this way, your underwear won’t fold uncomfortably around your waist. On the other hand, if you are a thin guy, a wide waistband is a good option for you, as it will fit snugly around your hips and make you feel well supported.
Today, boxer briefs are the bestsellers among men and for a good reason: this type of underwear is classic, it fits most sizes and body types and it is really comfortable. So, when in doubt, go for a simple boxer brief. Sometimes, you will find that “rules” don’t apply and that something unexpected may work best, so you should always keep your mind open – even when it comes to underwear.
Materials
When it comes to choosing the right fabrics, today there are many mixes of synthetic fibers available. Surely, cotton is a classic go-to choice and wearing underwear made from a quality cotton with a high thread count will make you feel comfortable and at ease. Today, a lot of underwear also contains some elastane in the mix, which allows your underwear to mold and adapt better to your body, so you don’t have to run away from a bit of synthetic fibers.
Here is a quick rundown of the best materials for undergarments:
Cotton
As said, cotton is the number one choice when it comes to underwear. It is soft, absorbent and inexpensive. However, it may be best to avoid cotton when you are engaging in intense physical activities because cotton will absorb a lot of your sweat and become moist, which can be uncomfortable.
Nylon
Nyoln is a great material because it is soft and keeps you dry, so it makes for a good choice to wear when working out or while performing other physical activities. If nylon does not meet your needs, you can try modal, which, while it is less supportive than nylon (or cotton), it is smoother than these. Spandex (elastane) is also a great synthetic fiber that you may find to work great in some contexts.
Polyester
Polyester clothes are usually not a great thing to wear, but then can prove themselves useful in some contexts. For example, polyester is a good choice when it comes to swimwear, as polyester clothes can be comfortable and thin and they also hold onto colors really well.
Rayon
When it comes to more special fabrics, rayon is a good way to go, as it has a soft feel that is similar to that of cashmere. This fabric is made of cellulose or wood pulp and can easily stretch and adapt.
One of the trending underwear materials is bamboo. It is a type of rayon made from the plant pulp of bamboo stalks. It is highly absorbent and durable. This type of material is offered in organic underwear stores like Bamboo Men Boxers. Bamboo underwear is very comfortable because it wicks away sweat.
Silk
Needless to say that silk is an amazing material, known for its smoothness and absorbent capabilities. However, silk is not a great conductor of heat, so you should be careful about when you want to wear your silk undies. Silk is best for when you want to boost up your attitude and feel sexy, so you may consider wearing it on a special night out.
Design
Men’s underwear pieces also have different types and designs. You can choose plain colored briefs or those with prints, such as geometric prints, line prints, tribal patterns, and even abstract designs. You can select the underwear design that best suits your personality and fashion preference.
Overall Quality
How do you know if you’re looking at good quality underwear? When determining the overall quality of men’s briefs, there are vital factors to consider, such as the material, craftsmanship, and even the brand.
Reputable men’s underwear brands try to keep up with strict quality control standards. Hence, you can vouch for buying from established brands in the market today. But of course, it’s fair to try out emerging new underwear brands. Some offer the same quality at a reasonable price compared to established brands. Just check reviews or offerings—read the details such as how they manufacture undergarments and even their vision or guiding principles.
At the end of the day, it can be said that there is no right pair of underwear, but that if you are aware of some things, such as fit, type and fabrics, you will be able to make the right choice for yourself. If in doubt, simply try on several combinations and see what works best for you – in the end, the clothes in which you feel most like yourself are the best clothes for you!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
Briefs, Boxers, Boxer Briefs: Is There a Best Choice?
7 Reasons Why Men Should Buy Better Underwear
Choose The Perfect Swimwear For Your Body Type
P.S. We want to hear from you! What type of underwear do you wear? Why? Which is your go-to underwear brand? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!