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.
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.
Silk
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? 5 Underwear Rules 7 Reasons Why Men Should Buy Better Underwear Choose The Perfect Swimwear For Your Body TypeP.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!