Shopping for underwear is an experience that many men dread. It is easy to see why, as there are so many different types, styles, and brands to choose from, which can make it hard to make a decision. This is also an important purchase because you do not want to buy underwear that is uncomfortable, does not fit properly, and/or makes you feel self-conscious. Additionally, it is important to find quality items – buy cheap, buy twice, as they say. With all of this in mind, this post will act as a guide to choosing the right underwear that will hopefully help you make the right decision.
Type
First, you should think about the type of underwear you want, and there are a few options here:
Briefs: Briefs are the shortest type of underwear that will leave your thighs exposed. These are generally seen as quite old-fashioned these days, but they can provide great protection and support. Due to the fact that they do not leave much to the imagination, you will need to be self-confident to wear these in front of someone else!
Boxers: At the other end of the scale, you have boxers. Boxers have a relaxed fit and have fabric that covers part of your thighs, essentially like shorts that are worn under your trousers. If you prefer to have a more relaxed, loose fit, then these will be a good choice. The main drawbacks are that they can easily bunch up, you can easily accidentally expose yourself, and many find them to be uncomfortable. If you are self-conscious, boxers are probably the best option.
Boxer Briefs: Boxer briefs are the most popular these days, and it is easy to see why. Boxer briefs provide the best of both as you get a snug fit for support and protection, along with the thigh coverage that you get from boxers. Chaffing is rarely an issue with boxer briefs, and they are considered to be more mature and stylish than boxers. The square cut style is a popular choice as this provides a short 3-inch length making them longer than briefs with decent thigh coverage but still short enough to be comfortable.
Size
It is important to find the right size of underwear as you do not want anything that is too tight or too loose. Ideally, underwear will fit like a glove so that it is comfortable, supportive, and does not chafe. You want the waistband and leg bands to be snug, so you should measure both your waist and leg circumference and then check the sizing before making a purchase. Keep in mind that sizes vary between brands, so you should always check first. Remember, underwear cannot be returned if the packaging has been opened!
Style
Style is another important consideration when buying underwear, and this will all depend on your personality and style. You can opt for the simple, classic one color or choose patterns, stripes, or printed underwear. Many people like to have a mix so that they have underwear that is more formal and stylish, along with some fun and colorful variations.
Color
Similarly, you need to think carefully about color. Keep in mind that white and lighter shades show stains easier, and it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to underwear! Ultimately, it will be your own choice, and you may want to have a mixture of dark and light colors.
Finding a Brand
The options are endless when it comes to underwear brands, and this can make it hard to make a choice. This is not the type of purchase where the cheapest is the best, so it is worth spending a bit more if you can afford it (this could also save you money in the long run as you will not have to replace your underwear as often). It is a good idea to research online, read customer reviews, and find a brand that you like and that is within your budget. It might take a few purchases to find the perfect option, but once you have found a brand and style that you like, underwear shopping becomes a breeze in the future.
Hopefully, this guide will come in useful when it comes to buying underwear. It is a minefield out there with so many different styles, types, and brands, so it is easy to see why many men put off buying new underwear. Once you know how to go about finding the right underwear, shopping will become a lot easier and less stressful.