Some men absolutely love shopping, while others look at it as a boring errand that they must do from time to time. However, no matter which of these two groups you belong to, it is most likely that underwear shopping is not something that you consider as the most exciting activity. On the other hand, refreshing your underwear collection is important as it is one of the staple pieces in any man’s wardrobe. That is why it is essential that you know what kind of underwear to buy. So, here are a few things to pay attention to the next time you go shopping for underwear.

Select the right fabric for you

From cotton to silk, the choice of underwear material depends on your personal preference, how much you are ready to spend on it, and even the occasion you are buying it for (for instance, whether you are buying a pair of boxers for every day or specifically, to be worn when you go exercising). Cotton is one of the most used fabrics for both women’s and men’s underwear, as it is soft and breathable. However, not only cotton but any organic and thermo-regulating material, such as viscose, is a great option for comfortable mens underwear, as it will make it perfect for everyday use.

Polyester and nylon may be your choice when shopping for a durable and stretchy material that will make the underwear flexible enough to work out in it. More flexible than cotton and as not moisture-absorbing, a pair of polyester briefs or nylon boxers is the ideal underwear to wear under your workout gear. The one thing you want to keep in mind is that, in case you have sensitive skin, nylon may (but not necessarily) cause irritation.

Finally, silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics to choose for your underwear. Soft, incredibly comfortable, and women love seeing their man in a pair of silk boxers. An additional plus is that you can wear them instead of PJ’s.

Do you want boxers or briefs?

One of the most common doubts men have when it comes to selecting their underwear is unquestionable whether to go for boxers or briefs. Certainly, both types are great, it just happens to be that some men prefer boxers while others feel the best when in briefs. Boxers are looser, and you can wear them if you want to feel completely comfortable and you love underwear that has enough room for your skin to breathe.

Contrarily, if you want structured underwear that will give you support, briefs are what you need. They are amazing if you have larger thighs and if you want your legs to have the complete freedom to move while exercising. Thus, briefs are a good underwear option to wear when you go for your morning run.

If you are still unsure of which of these types to go for, we advise that you buy a few pairs of both as you will most likely love wearing both types on different occasions.

Figure out your size and style before actually shopping

As with any other clothing piece, if it isn’t the right size, it will feel uncomfortable and it will not look good. The simplest way to determine your size is to take measurements. However, if you have noticed that the underwear you are wearing feels tight and not so comfy, you will want to go a size up. If you are constantly tucking your boxers into your trousers, then you want to go for a smaller size.

Moreover, you should be aware that certain underwear styles look and feel better on different body shapes. For instance, trunks (which are a mixture of boxers and briefs) fit slimmer men the best, briefs are great for shorter guys, and boxer briefs (less baggy than boxers) are an underwear style that taller men will love.

Going for a three-pack or buying individual pieces?

The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for. An affordable pack of several pairs of underpants that many brands offer nowadays is a great option for everyday use. You can find them in different styles and colors, all being of quite good quality. Still, if you are willing to invest a bit more and upgrade your collection, single pair undergarments may offer you better sewing, better quality, as well as a better choice of materials and blends.

Lastly, keep in mind that underwear is an essential piece of a man’s wardrobe. It should make you feel untroubled and confident.