Underwear Buying Guide
The right underwear comes down to a few clear decisions -- the cut, the fabric and how you will wear it. This hub turns the vocabulary of the other hubs into a simple way to choose, and links through to the ranges we stock.
Choose by cut
Choose by Cut
Match the cut to the trousers and support you want.
How to decide
Pick trunks or boxer briefs for slim trousers, boxers for a loose feel, briefs for maximum support and long leg boxers to stop chafing.
What to look for
Think first about how it sits under your usual trousers, then about the support and leg length you prefer. Browse mens underwear (/collections/mens-underwear).
Choose by Support
Decide how much hold and shaping you want.
How to decide
Briefs and boxer briefs give the most support, boxers the least, and compression shorts the firmest hold for sport.
What to look for
A shaped pouch and a fitted leg give everyday support, while compression fabric is for training and team sport.
Choose by fabric
Choose by Fabric
Pick the fibre for comfort, coolness or sport.
How to decide
Choose cotton or stretch cotton for everyday, modal or bamboo for a soft cool feel, and performance blends for sport.
What to look for
Match the fabric to the weather and use, remembering that natural fibres breathe while synthetics wick and dry fast.
Choose by Season
Warm base layers for winter, breathable fibres for summer.
How to decide
In winter add thermal underwear or merino base layers, and in summer favour breathable cotton, modal or bamboo.
What to look for
Merino is the versatile all-season choice, warm when cold and cool when warm, and ideal for travel.
Practical choices
Multipacks
Buying in packs for everyday value.
How to decide
Multipacks offer the best value for everyday cotton pairs you will rotate and replace regularly.
What to look for
Buy single premium pairs to try a new brand or fabric, then multipacks once you know the size and cut suit you.
Waistband Preference
Choose visible branding or a discreet band.
How to decide
Pick an exposed branded waistband for the designer look, or a covered band for a smooth, understated finish.
What to look for
Woven jacquard branding lasts longer than print, and a brushed or anti-roll band adds comfort.
Colour Choice
Neutrals for versatility, colour for character.
How to decide
Black, grey, navy and white cover everyday needs and stay discreet, while colour and pattern add character.
What to look for
White vests and undershirts sit invisibly under fine shirts, while darker pairs hide wear and show less.
Choose by Brand
Match a brand to the look, fabric and fit you like.
How to decide
Each brand has its own cut, fabric mix and waistband style, so a label you fit well in is worth staying with.
What to look for
Explore the brands we stock to find your best fit. Browse mens underwear (/collections/mens-underwear) and womens underwear and loungewear (/collections/womens-underwear-loungewear).
Frequently asked questions
What underwear cut should I buy?
Choose trunks or boxer briefs for slim trousers, boxers for a loose feel, briefs for maximum support and long leg boxers to stop chafing. Think first about how it sits under your usual trousers, then the support and leg length you prefer.
What is the best underwear fabric?
Cotton and stretch cotton are the durable everyday standard, modal and bamboo feel softer and cooler, and performance blends wick and dry fast for sport. Match the fabric to the weather and how you will wear it.
Are underwear multipacks worth it?
Multipacks give the best value for everyday cotton pairs you will rotate and replace. It is often best to try a single premium pair to check the brand's size and cut suit you, then buy multipacks once you know they fit.