It’s time for some new boxers, briefs, or whatever keeps you from going commando. We’re going to show you how to choose underwear size (for males). There’s three ways to do it.

How do you know your size in underwear?

The first and easiest way to get your underwear size is to look at the pair you’re wearing. But there may be problems.

For example, the tag might be gone or the size might have worn off. The elastic might be shot and the briefs stretched out so you can’t tell how well they fit in the first place. Or, you might’ve gained or lost weight or muscle mass since you bought them.

Not to mention the fact that sizes vary between manufacturers. Therefore, if you’re switching brands, it’s hit or miss. Even the same brand updates designs once in a while so what fit in the past might be too big or too small now.

It’s better not to cheat by looking at an old pair of briefs. But what about using your pants size?

Can you use pants size as an underwear size calculator?

You might be able to link your men’s underwear size to your trousers size. However, there are issues. Are you currently wearing a belt? That might mean you need to choose a smaller size of underwear. Not to mention that underwear with an elastic waistband fits a lot differently than jeans. Also, sizes are different between brands, so your mileage may vary.

The best way to choose men’s underwear sizes

Instead of taking a shortcut that makes everything harder, just get out the measuring tape.

If you don’t have a measuring tape, use your belt, an electrical cord, or a rope that isn’t elastic. You’ll also need something like a ruler, a yardstick, or a piece of paper with a known size. Use the cord to get the measurement and compare it to the ruler.

Wrap the measuring tape around your waist just below your belly button. Don’t pull it tight – leave about a finger’s space extra. No, don’t suck in your gut because you’ll be sorry when your whities are too-tighties. Make a note of the number. This measurement is the most common one used by size charts.

Optional: wrap the tape around your hips at the thickest part. This will include your buttocks. Note the measurement.

Lastly, if you care about how far down the leg the underwear goes, check your inseam. Measure from the crotch down to where you’d like the legs to reach.

Now you have three numbers: the waistline, the hips, and the inseam. You can look at the underwear size chart from any brand and find the right fit.

What are the typical size ranges for guys’ underwear?

We used Fruit of the Loom’s size chart as a reference. Remember that there isn’t always consistency between sizes used by different manufacturers.

As a ballpark figure, you’d wear size S (small) if your waist is between 28 and 30 inches.

Medium (M) would be 32 to 34, large (L) would be 36 to 38, extra-large (XL) would be 40 to 42, XXL or 2XL would be 44 to 46, and XXXL or 3XL would be 48 to 50 inches.

How do I know my boxers size?

Boxers suit most body types. They are breathable and lightweight, making them a good choice if you like to stay cool down under.

When are boxers a good fit?

If you like breezy underwear that isn’t restrictive, try boxers.

When are boxers not a good choice?

If you prefer support to keep junk organized and out of the way, boxers provide none. If you wear tight-fitting jeans, boxers will bunch, and the chafing gets pretty uncomfortable.

Your boxers size is based on your measurements. Once you’ve measured your waist, check the number against the size chart and you’re good to go.

How do I know my briefs size?

Even though they are known as “tighty-whities”, briefs don’t just come in white. You can get them in pretty much any color. They provide support but stay out of the way.

Find out what size of briefs you wear by measuring your waistline and comparing it to the brand’s size chart.

How do I know my boxer briefs size?

Our personal favorite underwear is boxer briefs. They are the best combination of the most comfortable features of boxers and briefs.

They are supportive yet breathable. The close-fitting design doesn’t bunch so it works well under all types of pants. They keep the thighs from rubbing together and provide plenty of coverage to prevent wedgies.

We suggest measuring your waist at a minimum to get the right size. For the best fit possible, you may want to check your hips and inseam measurements, too.

How do I know my trunks size?

Trunks are boxer briefs with shorter legs. Many times they don’t have a keyhole fly but a contoured pouch instead. They sit lower on the hips and show off a six-pack and muscular legs.

Measure your waist and check your inseam to make sure trunks are going to be comfortable for you.

How do I know my bikini, thong, or G-string size?

Bikinis are also known as micro-briefs. They have a pouch in the front and just barely cover the cheeks in the rear.

Meanwhile, the thong covers the front and leaves the buttocks bare.

Then, the G-string is the minimalist version of the thong.

Your waistline is the most important measurement for these types of underwear.

How to choose the best men’s underwear

Do you pick the cheapest multipack or invest in underwear that will last for years? Before you make that decision, let’s look at the important features of men’s underwear.

Support and fit

If you’ve measured your waistline, compare it to the manufacturer’s chart and find your size. But that doesn’t guarantee that the underwear will fit you perfectly.

Fit depends on how the style suits your body shape. The materials and construction also matter.

If you want more support (without having to wear a cup), try briefs, boxer briefs, or trunks. If you prefer free and easy, go with boxers.

Boxers fit most body shapes because they aren’t restrictive. But if you don’t want to have to adjust often, the other types of underwear keep everything corralled.

Speaking of junk, do you prefer a keyhole fly, vertical fly, button fly, or a pouch with no fly?

Now, look at the legs. If they are fitted, they shouldn’t ride up or bunch. Do they have elasticated bottoms?

Also, consider the waistband. A wide waistband won’t dig into the skin but it may fold over. Do you prefer that the band sits at the natural waist or on the hips?

Material

Synthetic underwear like high-performance nylon feels very lightweight. The sleek fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly. It’s perfect for active days and workouts.

However, you might prefer cotton or a cotton blend for everyday wear. Although it holds onto moisture longer, it feels more breathable.

Will your underwear require special care or can they be tossed in the washer and dryer?

Let’s look at examples of the best male underwear.

Best male underwear

Calvin Klein Men’s Underwear Micro Stretch Jock Strap

When you must wear underwear but prefer minimum coverage, it looks like this. Your buns are bare but the family jewels tuck into a microfiber pouch. Elastic bands keep everything in place.

Moreover, the synthetic microfiber feels silky soft and doesn’t chafe. It’s breathable, fast-drying, and machine-washable, too.

Reebok Men’s Underwear – Low Rise Briefs

Yes, these are guys’ bikini bottoms. They are low-cut briefs with a contoured pouch. They are so soft and comfy that you’re likely to forget that you’re wearing them.

As they are from an athletic wear manufacturer, they hug the body yet provide freedom of movement. Also, the waistband is tagless.

The fabric is mostly cotton with a little stretch. It’s double-lined in the front for the guys who shake and go. Furthermore, the briefs can be machine-washed and tumble-dried.

The only downside is that they are not pre-shrunk. Be prepared to size up or avoid washing in hot water and drying at high temperatures.

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Underwear

If you like the classic brief style, this brand makes our favorite pairs. They are 100% combed cotton for extra softness. Furthermore, they run true to size and are durable.

The waistband doesn’t chafe or fold over. There is a functional fly as well.

Choose these when you want sensible, comfortable underwear that isn’t grandpa style.

Fruit of the Loom Men’s Coolzone Boxer Briefs

These are our favorite boxer briefs. They are inexpensive and available in a wide selection of colors and sizes. Furthermore, they hold up well after repeated wearings and washings. (If you want your underwear to last longer, get more pairs so you can rotate them. The average guy should have at least one week and preferably 2 weeks’ worth of underwear).

The updated version has better elastic and a mesh cool zone panel in the fly. There’s no tag on the waistband. Instead, the inside of the band feels velvety soft. What’s more, the non-chafing flatlock stitching is located where it won’t cause friction.

The fabric is mostly cotton with a touch of polyester for durability. It’s breathable, cool, and wicks away moisture from the skin.

The pair sits at the natural waist and the legs hit mid-thigh. In our experience, the waistband doesn’t roll over and the legs don’t ride up. We love them because they do their job with no wedgies and no problems.

Jockey Men’s Underwear Sport Cooling Mesh Performance Trunk

If you prefer underwear in different colors and patterns, check out Jockey’s trunks. They are made of a nylon/spandex blend that hugs the body without binding. The ultra-lightweight fabric moves with you. The pair is also well-ventilated with mesh panels. Although they’re described as sports underwear, they are comfy for everyday wear.

The design has a pouch, not a fly. Meanwhile, the waistband sits on the hips and extends to the top of the thigh. In other words, the style is more compact than boxer briefs but provides more coverage than briefs. And yes, you can toss them in the washing machine.

Hanes Mens Tagless Boxer

Boxers continue to be a best-selling style of men’s underwear. What else do you expect when they are cool, breezy, and freeing?

Hanes boxers are made from a cotton/polyester blend that wicks away sweat. They are breathable and soft with nary a tag in the waistband. There’s also a no-gap fly.

Choose from sizes small (28-inch waist) to 3XL (50-inch) in various colors and patterns. Of course, they are all machine-washable.

Which type of underwear is best if I have a big package?

You might think boxers would be good, but they don’t offer support or containment. The dangly bits will bang around and need shifting every so often. We recommend briefs, trunks, or boxer briefs to keep things organized. You might also find that a style like the Calvin Klein jockstrap is comfortable.

How to make your underwear last longer

Did you know that regular detergent is hell on elastic? If your waistbands shred all too soon, switch to an activewear detergent. It will protect synthetic fabrics and can be used at cooler temperatures, which saves you money in the long run.

What’s more, fabric softener isn’t good for synthetic blend underwear, either. It clogs the fibers and kills the moisture-wicking ability. So, you can save more cash by skipping the softener.

Wash your underwear in warm or cool temperatures and use the warm setting, not hot, in the dryer.

Finally, get enough pairs of underwear.

How many pairs of underwear should a man have?

Sorry, Marie Kondo, this is no time to downsize the underwear drawer. If you’re changing every day, and you do laundry once a week, you need a minimum of 7 pairs of underwear. We recommend doubling that number so that you can go on a trip and still come home to clean undies. Furthermore, your underwear will last longer if they’re not being worn and washed as often.