Not enough men care about the state of their underwear. Out of sight, out of mind. But what you wear in the land down under can cause serious repercussions to your hygiene and health.
The truth is, not all types of underwear fit best on all body shapes. Several important factors come into play, such as comfort, breathability, support, and convenience. You might even discover that a different style is more comfortable for you in the day-to-day.
So, what exactly should men know about underwear?
What Kind of Underwear Is Best for Men?
Boxers? Briefs? Boxer briefs? There are all sorts of reasons to favour one over the others, from fit to comfort and personal style. Of course, certain styles might be better for different occasions — would you wear loose boxers to the gym? — but if you don’t want to think about it too much, it’s good to have a reliable pair you can fall back on when in doubt.
Boxers are an excellent choice if you prefer a more relaxed fit. On the other hand, briefs are considered the best form of men’s support underwear due to the tighter, more snug fit and the closed design. For the best of both worlds, try on some boxer briefs for comfort and support.
Should You Go Dark or Light?
You can’t go wrong with basic black. Or any dark colour, really. White will stain easily and won’t do you any favours against embarrassing sweat stains, stray hairs, and other worse accidents. And in the event of an unlucky rip, dark colours might buy you some time to get away from the crime scene before people catch on.
Does Size Matter?
Contrary to popular belief, menswear isn’t all one size fits all—especially not underwear. If you’ve lost or gained any weight since the last time you bought underclothes, it’s likely they don’t fit you as well as they used to. The size of your underwear can affect a lot of things, from your confidence in your clothes to your health. Before buying new underwear, try on the most comfortable size you own and check how it feels. If it feels like things are hanging too loose, go a size down. If you feel a bit pinched, go a size up.
How Often Should You Change Underwear?
It might be tempting to stave off laundry for another day and simply switch to ‘side B’. One word — don’t. For hygiene’s sake, you should be wearing a new, clean pair every morning to avoid all sorts of skin irritation and odour issues that can be caused by the unholy mix of bacteria and sweat. Real men stay clean.
When Should You Get A New Pair?
Strictly speaking, even your most trusted pair of tighty whities will eventually have to go. It’s advised to replace your underwear at least twice a year if you’re the sporty type or the kind who can afford a regular gym membership. Don’t wait for your briefs to get bacon straps, holes, or irremovable stains before you invest in another good pair of men’s support underwear.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t take what covers your bottoms for granted. A good quality pair of men’s support underwear should be comfortable, fit right, and be able to keep the rest of you clean.
