There’s a fine balance when it comes to comfort and luxury, but it’s entirely possible to combine the two and, with the right brand and style of underwear, you can feel like a million dollars every day.
An excellent fit is important to ensure you get the support you need, but you’ll want to feel just as confident in them when getting undressed, so the aesthetics are an equally key consideration. Then, there’s quality – great underwear is designed to last and will stand the test of time without question. As with almost everything in life, you get what you pay for, so be prepared to splurge on designer goods, and they’re almost certain not to disappoint.
If you’ve always struggled with getting your men’s underwear choices just right, then here are some things to consider to ensure you land the perfect option for you.
Style
When it comes to style, it often comes down to a matter of personal taste, and the kind of men’s underwear you look and feel your best in is key.
While briefs provide a snug fit and often look sophisticated, many men prefer the boxer fit, which allows for greater air circulation, which can become important in warmer weather. That said, if you’re planning on wearing fitted shorts, trousers or jeans, then you’ll want to consider how well your choice of underwear will go underneath – bunched up boxers can quickly spoil the look as well as making you feel uncomfortable, so in situations like this, you might prefer to opt for briefs or trunk-style underwear instead.
Whilst the former offers maximum support with a small amount of coverage, the latter are a hybrid style akin to boxer briefs, but with shorter legs. Boxer briefs then, are the best of both worlds, and offer both maximum support and coverage for men who struggle to choose between the two. We love Icon underwear, which offers a range of different styles in a variety of colourways – so you’re certain to find a design that speaks to you.
Fabric
Another important consideration, when choosing your underwear, is the fabric from which they are made. We mentioned that you get what you pay for, and it’s particularly true in this instance – cheap materials offer minimal breathability and may feel scratchy or hot against the skin, whereas excellent quality materials, like 100 per cent pure cotton, are comfortable whilst still allowing the air to circulate to prevent you from overheating.
The biggest name designer brands tend to favour cotton as their fabric of choice, but while the likes of polyester, nylon and spandex are generally best avoided, there are some instances where they make for a good choice. Particularly useful if you’re planning on running or participating in sports, all are lightweight and durable. Spandex is stretchy and flexible to allow you to move freely, while nylon is quick to dry – so it all depends what you want and need from your men’s underwear.
Fit
Whilst you might assume that style and fit are pretty much the same thing, this isn’t the case – and no matter how supportive a style you choose, if your underwear is too big, it won’t do the job efficiently. Similarly, if your underwear is too small then it’s going to be tight and uncomfortable, and you’ll potentially be excusing yourself throughout the day so you can head to the bathroom and re-arrange it – not very practical if you’ve got a busy day or board meetings or are heading out for an important dinner.
Don’t just assume you know your size – measure up before you go underwear shopping to ensure you’ve got it just right. Measure your waist and hips, and refer to the sizing chart provided by the brand you’re interested in buying from – many brands size their garments differently from one another, which means the one you buy might be different depending on where you’re shopping. If you can’t find the perfect fit in your chosen brand and style, then be prepared to look elsewhere – and don’t be tempted to prioritise only the aesthetics, as you’ll likely regret it later.
Caring for your designer underwear
Whilst it’s true that the best-quality luxury men’s underwear is durable and built to last, there are still some care and maintenance tips you’ll need to adhere to to keep them looking and feeling their best for as long as possible.
Nothing is more embarrassing than faded or frayed undergarments, so be sure to read the label and follow the washing and drying guidance provided. Best washed on a ‘delicates’ setting to be on the safe side, although many designs may say tumble drying is fine, hanging them on an airer may improve their lifespan further and help to preserve the elastic waistband for longer.
Avoid using harsh detergents, which may age your luxurious choice of underwear more quickly – ultimately, handle with care, and you’ll get the most out of them.
