Everything You Need to Know About Men's Underwear Sizing
Size matters. Especially when it comes to men's underwear sizing. Because a lot of your underwear issues have to do with size.
For instance, it can be too tight, or too loose. It can be tight on your hips but loose on your thighs. It can cause your underwear to ride up. The waistband can dig in harder than it should.
So we can all agree that proper sizing is the cornerstone of comfort when it comes to men's underwear sizing. Yet, it can be quite confusing trying to navigate different sizing charts from one brand to another. One brand’s L might be another brand’s M.
Let’s talk about that. We’ll go deeply into what determines underwear sizing, what issues commonly arise, and what you can do in order to get the best fit possible.
Understanding Men's Underwear Sizing
Conventionally, men's underwear has been sized using a combination of letters (S, M, L, XL) to denote sizes. But it’s a bit more complicated than that. Let’s dive a bit deeper into the intricacies of how underwear sizing is done.
Key Aspects of Sizing
Here are the main considerations that are key to measuring for men’s underwear.
- The hip measurement, taken around the fullest part of the buttocks, is crucial for ensuring underwear stays in place without riding up or sagging.
- Leg width is another important factor, with some styles offering a snug fit while others provide more room to move.
- The groin area, where comfort and support are paramount, varies in design across different underwear fit types.
- The backside: this is basically your butt. Everyone has different butts, and it’s the part that needs to really stretch well and be comfortable.
Here's a simple chart that outlines what goes into underwear measurements:
Once all of these measurements are taken, they are coordinated into a men’s underwear size chart to form what would be considered size S or size M. Naturally, this may result in some people who technically fit in size S but are on the lower end, so M is slightly loose. Or they may be on the higher end, so M is too snug.
Sizing Across Different Styles
One other factor to think about is the style of the underwear. Men’s underwear comes in multiple different kinds, and they are all supposed to fulfill different functions.
For instance, briefs, with their snug fit and minimal coverage, may require different sizing considerations than boxers, which offer more room and freedom of movement. For something like briefs, you’d need to know just how snug it is. But for boxers, all you need is the waistband size.
Boxer briefs strike a balance between the two, with coverage over your thighs, but still maintain a form-fitting look. For boxer briefs sizing, the considerations would be more complex, since you have to consider the waist, the groin, as well as the legs.
How to Measure for Men's Underwear
Since every manufacturer has a different men’s underwear size guide, the best thing you can do for yourself is to know what your exact dimensions are. That way, you can reference your own numbers and see if they match up with the brand’s size chart.
Here’s a general set of measurements you should have about yourself for underwear sizing:
- Height
- Weight
- Waist size
- Hip size
If you’re not sure where your hip is, it’s at the widest point of your lower body, typically somewhere between your groin and your waist.
Once you have your measurements, consult the size chart and see where you fit. For instance, Manmade has an exhaustively researched men’s underwear measurement guide, which they feed into their size calculator. Customers can simply enter their measurements and find out what size they should buy.
Common Sizing Issues and Solutions
Now that we've talked about how underwear sizing works, let's go over some common complaints that arise from improper sizes and what you can do about it.
Underwear Riding Up
One of the most common issues men face with underwear fit issues is it riding up throughout the day. This can be uncomfortable and distracting. Plus, if it's riding up and bunching, it means it's too tight for you, and that can create some nasty side effects for your groin area. To combat this problem, consider trying a different style or size comparison for men’s underwear that offers more coverage and a better fit. Additionally, look for underwear with elastic leg bands or anti-slip technology designed to keep them in place.
Waistband Digging In
Another common complaint is the waistband digging into the skin, causing irritation and discomfort. If you find your underwear waistband digging in, try adjusting the size to ensure a proper fit. You may also want to consider men’s underwear with a wider, softer waistband that distributes pressure more evenly and reduces irritation.
Tight Leg Openings
Tight leg openings can restrict movement and cause chafing, especially during physical activity. If your underwear has leg openings that are too tight, consider trying a style with a looser fit or more stretchy fabric. Look for comfortable fit men’s underwear designed with comfort in mind, featuring contoured pouches and seamless construction to prevent rubbing and irritation.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
So if sizes are not exactly tailor made to your dimensions, how do you find the perfect fit? Here's our advice.
Consider Personal Preference and Body Type
Everyone’s body is different. So finding the perfect fit in men's underwear is a highly personal endeavor that takes into account both individual preference and body type.
Consider what you want with your underwear. Do you like it better when things are blowing in the wind down there? Then you may want to get boxer shorts. Perhaps you want more snug protection around your family jewels? Then briefs or boxer briefs will do.
In terms of your body type, think about what’s possible with currently available underwear, and what is comfortable to you. Do you have big thunder thighs that have hard time fitting into the legs? Maybe briefs could be a better choice. Is your butt just that big? Boxer shorts. Whatever it is. Think about what is comfortable for your body. Which brings us to the next part.
Try on Different Brands and Experiment
There are so many different brands of underwear now, but not all of them may fit your body, and chances are, only a select few will be the best ones. So it’s essential to experiment with different sizes and styles to find the most comfortable option for you.
Don't be afraid to try sizes both up and down from your usual size, as sizing can vary between brands and styles. See if the brands have an easy return policy or a try-before-you-buy policy that makes it easier to experiment with.
For example, at Manmade if your first pair of underwear isn’t comfortable, it’s on us.
Consider the fabric
Certain fabric types stretch and get loose over time. Cotton underwear is a big example of this. So your sizing choice might have been right on the money, but if the fabric is less durable, then your underwear is going to end up more baggy than it used to be. For that, try different fabrics that are known to retain their shape and are more durable. Our recommendation is modal.
Read Customer Reviews
You can also just hear it from other customers who have firsthand experience with the product. Reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the fit, comfort, and durability of the underwear you’re looking at.
Pay attention to reviews that mention sizing requirements similar to your own, and take note of any recurring patterns or issues mentioned by multiple reviewers.
Manmade Boxer Briefs: The Perfect Fit for Every Size
Engineered with precision and attention to detail, Manmade Boxer Briefs are designed to provide unparalleled comfort and support, regardless of your size or body type.
Plus, it’s crafted from modal, which is a fabric that stretches to naturally contour around your body. So you won’t ever feel like your balls are either hanging in the wind, or getting choked. Plus, no chafing on your legs.
So, if you're tired of underwear that falls short in the fit department, it's time to experience the difference with Manmade Boxer Briefs. Try it. First one’s on us if you don’t like the fit.
Size matters, a lot (especially for your comfort)
At the end of the day, unless you’re going to the tailor to get the most perfectly customized underwear sizing for your body, you’re just not going to get down to perfect sizing. And chances are, you’re not hiring a tailor just to make comfy underwear. The trick is to get as close as possible to the best fit.
Which is why we want to reiterate that trying on different sizes and styles is the best way to go about this. Too many men just accept uncomfortable underwear in the name of convenience, but that extra comfort is always worth it. You need to feel good down there in order to feel good at all.
With a little patience, experimentation, and knowledge, you'll soon find yourself reaching for underwear that feels as good as it looks, every time.