Buying the perfect pair of underwear can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Even though most of us have been wearing underwear since we were toddlers, many of us still do not know what a proper fit is.
As many stores do not allow trying on undergarments and returns of underwear, finding the right pair can get complicated. Don't worry, we've got you covered… literally! Here are our top tips on how to select the right pair of underwear, every time.
How to Shop For Underwear
One of the most frustrating parts of underwear shopping is the extremely limited size availability.
Most common brands carry sizes small, medium, and large, with some (not all!) extending sizes to extra-small and extra-large. Only some specialized undergarment stores and boutiques offer more inclusive sizing.
Additionally, with differences in sizing between brands, simply sticking to a letter size might not always work. A size medium in one brand can be equivalent to a size small in another and vice versa.
The best way to deal with sizing differences is to take your measurements and compare them to the sizing chart of your desired designer.
Waist Measurement
Wrap a tape measure around the thinnest part of your waist. This is the area where you have a natural indentation or crease.
Make sure the tape measure rests on your skin and is not too tight so that it digs in or too loose so that it falls off. Record the value.
Hip Measurement
Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your hips, ensuring the tape measure is parallel to the floor. Again, ensure it is not too tight or too loose. Record the value.
Compare your measurements with the sizing chart, making sure to look at the exact model you are interested in.
Sizing may vary between models and between brands, so it is good to always double-check. If you are in-between sizes, it is recommended to go up in size.
How Should Women’s Underwear Fit?
How do you know you've found your perfect fit? Your underwear feels as if you are wearing nothing at all! Here are a few things to look out for when selecting women’s underwear.
How To Know If Women's Underwear Is Too Small
Lack of coverage and support
If you are purchasing full coverage underwear, such as a hipster, boy brief, or boyshort, make sure your booty feels supported. If your buttocks are slipping out and not fully covered, your underwear is too small.
The seams are cutting into your thighs
If your underwear feels uncomfortable around the seams or leaves red marks on your skin, they are too tight.
Not only will this cause severe discomfort, but you will also be left with nasty underwear lines that show through your clothing.
Skin bulges on your hips
One of the easiest tell-tale signs of tight underwear is hip and love-handle bulges.
Regardless of your size, if your underwear is causing any skin bulges, your underwear is too tight. Consider going up a size, or changing the cut of your underwear to something that offers more coverage or a more suitable band type.
Tight underwear can also cause sweating, irritation, and rashes, which can lead to even bigger issues.
Wedgies!
No one wants to deal with having to secretly dig out their constant wedgies. A wedgie is a sign of a small pair of underwear.
This is particularly important for thongs too. Many women avoid thongs because they believe that they are uncomfortable.
That is not true!
Your thong should never feel like it is giving you a wedgie. If it is, the size is wrong. Size up in your underwear and you will feel the difference of what extra coverage and a proper fit is like.
How To Know If Women's Underwear Is Too Big
Extra material hanging in the crotch area
If the crotch area does not fit snugly onto your body, the underwear is too big. Consider going down one size.
Extra material hanging in the butt area
Similar to extra material in the crotch, there should never be extra material hanging on your booty.
Any excess material indicates your underwear is too large, or they have stretched and need to be replaced.
Extra material will not only feel uncomfortable, but it will bunch up under your clothing and give your booty an unflattering look.
Loose waistband
A loose waistband indicates your underwear is too big, or their elastic band has worn out. Size down or throw out old underwear, replacing them with a new, well-fitting pair.
Other related issues
The material is itchy and scratchy
Not much you can do about bad material in terms of sizing, the best advice is to simply get rid of this underwear and avoid the same materials again! For optimal comfort, always choose cotton underwear.
Increased bacterial or yeast infections
Wearing underwear that is too tight, or underwear of a bad material can cause increased yeast and bacterial infections. If you suffer from infections, consider purchasing better fitting, full cotton underwear for comfort and breathability.
The size is good, but the amount of coverage or look is unappealing
Fit and look are also important when selecting underwear.
There are many cuts to choose from, from low coverage options such as G-strings, thongs, and cheeky underwear, to medium coverage bikinis and hipsters, to full coverage briefs, boy-shorts, and hi-waisted underwear.
Finding your perfect look will take time, but the end result will be a comfortable, sexy feeling!
How Should Men’s Underwear Fit?
Although men have fewer underwear options than women, there are still many adequate options to choose from!
Consider loose-fitting options such as boxers, or tighter fits such as boxer briefs and briefs. Different styles, cuts, and rises are available, so finding the right one for you can take some time.
How To Know If Men's Underwear Is Too Big
The waistband is loose and falling
If your underwear is slipping off your waist, you need to go down a size or throw out your underwear if they have lost their elasticity.
Extra material hanging on the front or back
If your underwear has loose material hanging on the front or backside, this is a sign for you to go down a size. Excess material can lead to chafing and bulging under clothing.
How To Know If Men's Underwear Is Too Small
Boxers ride up on your thighs
A sure sign of a tight pair of boxer briefs is if they ride up on your thighs during the day. Not only is the sensation uncomfortable but oftentimes the material will bulge and show under your pants.
If you are experiencing this problem, go up a size or consider shorter leg style underwear such as a brief.
Seams are tight and limit your movements
Your underwear should not be digging into your skin anywhere, and it should never be limiting your movements. If this is occurring, go up a size or two, or switch to a more stretchy material.
Boxers give you a wedgie
Underwear should never give you wedgies. This is a clear sign that your underwear is too small, or you have pulled them up too far. Tight underwear has also been linked to low sperm counts.
Other Related Issues
Chafing
If you experience chafing with your underwear, this is an indication that they are not the right pair for you.
Chafing can occur if your underwear is too tight, too loose, or simply does not provide the right coverage.
If your underwear is rubbing against your skin and causing chafing, go up a size. If your underwear does not provide sufficient coverage and you experience chafing from your pants, consider a longer option.
If you are chafing due to the material, switch to a cotton or microfiber option.
Boxers bulging under tight pants
If your underwear fits well but is bulging under tighter clothing, consider opting for a brief or boxer brief instead. As they are made to be skin-tight, they are less likely to show under your pants.
