The full brief: how to buy men’s underwear that will last the distance | Men’s fashion
LLast week I was at a black tie event with a friend. She came to the hotel I was staying at beforehand so we could do our hair and makeup together. As I was putting on my dress, I mentioned that I had to change my underwear so I didn’t have a visible panty rim.
She shrugged and replied that she was wearing her partner’s panties (which she often does) because they were so comfortable. She said his seamless shorts are the best under silk dresses because they leave no lines and make her feel locked in. The exchange made me wonder if, like with bags, women are falling short when it comes to lingerie design.
From waistbands to natural fibers, this week experts explain the nuances of what makes men’s underwear comfortable, durable and supportive.
Boxer shorts or underpants?
Whether you wear briefs or boxer shorts, boxer shorts or mid-length briefs generally comes down to personal preference and what works for your body. Things to consider are how the leg bands feel, whether you prefer thick or soft cuffs, and how relaxed or constricted you want them to be.
Binny Borwick, Icebreaker Global Design Manager, says: “Whatever your preference, the garment should fit well to be comfortable. It should feel like a second skin, where it moves and breathes with your body and you don’t even realize you’re wearing it.”
Choose a stretchy fabric made from a natural blend
The material of your underwear determines how comfortable it feels. Josie Aynsley, Bonds chief designer, says: “Material is important when you’re looking for men’s underwear [because it can] offer you specific benefits, such as B. no chafing, sweat control or quick-drying sportswear.
“Natural fibers are more breathable because of the yarn structure, while synthetic fibers have the advantage of drying faster,” she says.
Boody’s product development team recommends choosing cellulosic fibers such as hemp, linen, bamboo or cotton that have been blended with a synthetic material. “To ensure a good fit and add some stretch to the fabric, it’s best to mix natural fibers with spandex. Using 100% natural fiber is possible, but your underwear will lose shape over time and will not give you a good fit.”
Elastane is indispensable
According to Boody, it is important that the material in men’s underwear is durable and elastic. As men age, their muscles and ligaments soften, “so they need underwear that supports their package to reduce the risk of groin strains or injuries.”
Spandex blend material is key. The elastane stretch allows underwear to return to its original shape, which is crucial for close-fitting garments that can be worn over and over again. “Without spandex…the garment wouldn’t fit like that after a few hours of wear,” says Borwick.
It’s all in the seams
Seam placement can determine how comfortable your underwear is. Borwick recommends looking for seam lines that “work with the body’s natural ergonomics and movement, providing comfort and ensuring there are no stress points where seams are stressed.”
Or you can opt for seamless underwear. According to Boody, seamless garments are more comfortable because there are no stitches, seams, or hems to dig into your waist or skin. The lack of seams also means that holes are less likely to form.
Other things to look out for are flat constructed seams and a quality waist elastic that is soft but strong; it should sit flat on the waist without rolling down or digging in.
According to Boody, a double-layer pouch offers extra convenience. If this is a priority for you, it’s best to opt for briefs, trunks, boxers or jockstraps as opposed to more free-form styles like boxers or thongs.
What to wear to workout
When it gets hot and sweaty at the gym, look for underwear that breathes, doesn’t chafe, and regulates temperature.
According to Aynsley, when choosing training underwear, you should look for properties that will cool you down when your skin temperature rises. She recommends lightweight microfiber fabric and leg straps designed to stay in place and reduce chafing.
Underwear made from natural fiber blends is ideal, says Borwick. Merino wool, for example, is “breathable, thermo-regulating, naturally odor-resistant and quick-drying, so you stay comfortable during your workout for longer”.