How to Buy Men’s Underwear

Whilst it might not be as much fun for guys to buy men’s underwear as it is for the girls, it’s still important to find the style that suits not only you but the outfit you’re wearing. The ladies are all too aware of the dreaded VPL (that’s visible panty line for the uninitiated!) but with men’s coloured t-shirts and skinny jeans having a moment this spring and summer it might just be something that you want to think about too.

So whether you’re a boxer shorts kind of guy, you stick with briefs, you rock old skool Y-fronts, or perhaps you’re even a thong man, let’s get the low down on men’s undies.

men's underwear

“Let’s just, uh, hang out on the beach in our Y-fronts”

First of all, as any female can tell you, there’s more to looking stylish than picking out a matching top and bottom because what lies beneath can both improve the look of the outfit and make it a whole lot more comfortable too. And when you feel comfortable you’re more confident, right? So believe me when I say men’s fashion isn’t just about throwing on jeans and t-shirts for men getting the right shorts can be make or break.

Let’s start with that 8 letter word so loved by some and so loathed by others: shopping. The same principle that applies to buying men’s t-shirts, shorts or jeans should similarly apply to picking out the right underwear. You wouldn’t buy a pair of cargo pants that were 2 sizes too small and you probably wouldn’t buy a tee that was 4 sizes too big; the same goes for your underwear.

men's boxer shorts

Y-fronts not your thing?

Wearing a pair of boxers that are too loose is just going to add unsightly bulky fabric whilst wearing a pair of briefs that are too tight is not only going to be excruciatingly uncomfortable (there’s probably no need to go into detail here) but it can affect blood circulations too. So how do you know what size to go for? Men’s underwear normally goes by waist size, so buy it as you would a pair of trousers.

Naturally the type of clothes you wear should be taken into consideration when you’re picking out your pants. As mentioned above, if you’re a fan of this season’s skinny jeans for men then briefs are a better bet (or a G-string if that’s your thing!) but if you’re a baggy jeans and tshirt kind of guy, boxer shorts will be just fine.

men's thongs

Hey, no one’s judging you if that’s what you find comfortable!

The life you lead can also have a bearing on your choice. Are you sporty and always on the go? Briefs or tight boxers are best as they’ll afford more support than cotton short style boxers. Likewise if you’re less get-up-and-go and lead a more office/pub/couch type of existence you should be fine with looser fitting boxer shorts.

So you’re sorted for size and style now all that remains is your choice of fabric. Of course this is a unique personal preference although most men say that they prefer cotton. However if you’re feeling flash and you want to impress a special someone or you think you might get lucky next weekend, you could always push the boat out and go for silk.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments – and don’t forget to check out our range of men’s urban t-shirts on our Ethereal clothing website!

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