Can Men's Underwear be "Fitted"?
October 11, 2013 12:09 PM Subscribe
Women can usually go to a good women's underwear store and be 'fitted' for underwear by someone with some training who understands support issues that apply, using two basic metrics plus some variables (strap size/position). Are there any similar services for men? Or even DIY instructions? A ratings system? Explain underwear engineering and design, please.
I'm not a guy. I would like to help a guy with his underwear selection who seems to have trouble choosing and does not want to go on an underwear testing spree.
I have come to understand that beyond the cut of underwear (ex. boxers vs. briefs) there are underwear that are better as far as support is concerned, and that this is a particular concern for some men. How does a man know which ones to purchase that meet his needs? Is it trial and error, brand loyalty? How does a person know what to purchase for such a man? My own research suggests that "cup size is a result of waistband size" - but is cup size even the relevant part or is there a shaping/material issue? Like fit models for suits, do any men have better luck buying from a brand in a country where the people tend to have a similar body shape to them?
Am aware of this thread but it doesn't tell me what I want to know.
I'm not a guy. I would like to help a guy with his underwear selection who seems to have trouble choosing and does not want to go on an underwear testing spree.
I have come to understand that beyond the cut of underwear (ex. boxers vs. briefs) there are underwear that are better as far as support is concerned, and that this is a particular concern for some men. How does a man know which ones to purchase that meet his needs? Is it trial and error, brand loyalty? How does a person know what to purchase for such a man? My own research suggests that "cup size is a result of waistband size" - but is cup size even the relevant part or is there a shaping/material issue? Like fit models for suits, do any men have better luck buying from a brand in a country where the people tend to have a similar body shape to them?
Am aware of this thread but it doesn't tell me what I want to know.
Personally, I just kind of buy whatever's on sale & looks okay in my own waistband size. I have no idea whether other men put more thought into it than that as I have literally never talked about this with any other man in my entire life. That's not an exaggeration.
If this is something your dude actually wants help with, you're going to have to get him to talk about what he likes and doesn't like. This can be before-the-fact, like before you go shopping, or it can be after-the-fact, like you drop, say, $30 on different styles of underwear at Marshall's or TJ Maxx or someplace, and he tries them on and decides what he likes and doesn't like.
If he's not willing to tell you, then I'm not sure how much help you, or we, can offer.
posted by gauche at 12:33 PM on October 11, 2013 [2 favorites]
If this is something your dude actually wants help with, you're going to have to get him to talk about what he likes and doesn't like. This can be before-the-fact, like before you go shopping, or it can be after-the-fact, like you drop, say, $30 on different styles of underwear at Marshall's or TJ Maxx or someplace, and he tries them on and decides what he likes and doesn't like.
If he's not willing to tell you, then I'm not sure how much help you, or we, can offer.
posted by gauche at 12:33 PM on October 11, 2013 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: If it's not clear, he's looking to solve support issues. I don't know enough about man underwear to know what to evaluate other than "boxers are out".
He's told me this issue actually comes up at work quite a bit, he does a physical job.
posted by skermunkil at 12:37 PM on October 11, 2013
He's told me this issue actually comes up at work quite a bit, he does a physical job.
posted by skermunkil at 12:37 PM on October 11, 2013
I wear boxer briefs but I do often look for more support from the under side (spereation if that makes any sense) and I haven't found anything that can "lift and seperate" as it were for me. I understand the discomfort and I wish I had better answers, but boxer briefs (I wear Hanes - they are better than the other brands I have tried) seem to do the best job. They keep me out of the way and supported. They are way out ahead of boxers and better than traditional briefs.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 12:42 PM on October 11, 2013
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 12:42 PM on October 11, 2013
Under Armour and probably other similar brands have more support than Hanes and the like.
posted by Safiya at 12:43 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Safiya at 12:43 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
So, in increasing degree of support: boxers (no or virtually no support); boxer briefs (some to a lot of support depending on cut); briefs (generally a lot of support). I'd look at athletic brands in general, for what I think are obvious reasons.
posted by gauche at 12:44 PM on October 11, 2013
posted by gauche at 12:44 PM on October 11, 2013
He may want a jock strap for support.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:45 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:45 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I like 'trunks' or 'square cut' for the necessary support, plus a compromise between the too-long legs of boxer briefs (why?) and the no legs of briefs (ick).
H&M or the C9 brand from Target are fine for every day, and I also have some slightly fancier Calvin Klein and Aussie Bum that are nice as well.
Support is best on undies that have a sculpted pocket for the boys that's bounded by seams, rather than just a flat fabric area that stretches.
posted by a halcyon day at 12:51 PM on October 11, 2013
H&M or the C9 brand from Target are fine for every day, and I also have some slightly fancier Calvin Klein and Aussie Bum that are nice as well.
Support is best on undies that have a sculpted pocket for the boys that's bounded by seams, rather than just a flat fabric area that stretches.
posted by a halcyon day at 12:51 PM on October 11, 2013
Depending on what situation he's encountering in work, he might look at work pants that have a crotch gusset?
But also, as others say, might try going to a sporting goods store. They have a lot of different options in compression shorts and the like, separated out by what sport they are for, they have try-on rooms, and he can grab a handful of shirts and other stuff to try on at the same time so he'd be less self-conscious.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:56 PM on October 11, 2013
But also, as others say, might try going to a sporting goods store. They have a lot of different options in compression shorts and the like, separated out by what sport they are for, they have try-on rooms, and he can grab a handful of shirts and other stuff to try on at the same time so he'd be less self-conscious.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:56 PM on October 11, 2013
men in sports wear jocks, and if they're in a sport where dangerous objects are rapidly approaching their family jewels, they wear cups (what my late father used to call a swedish noseguard).
men on the street rarely wear underwear. boxers fetch up in anatomical clefts, and briefs unduly constrict our gift to womanhood. the only remaining question is, would i be irreparably embarrassed if my pants suddenly disappeared in public? no.
posted by bruce at 12:58 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
men on the street rarely wear underwear. boxers fetch up in anatomical clefts, and briefs unduly constrict our gift to womanhood. the only remaining question is, would i be irreparably embarrassed if my pants suddenly disappeared in public? no.
posted by bruce at 12:58 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just "support issues"? That could be a lot of different things.
It's possible he might be looking for hernia support, possibly even without knowing that's quite what he needs.
For other sorts of support, if a jock strap isn't quite his thing he might want to try a dance belt. That's what male dancers have under their tights to keep things from bouncing around.
posted by yohko at 12:59 PM on October 11, 2013
It's possible he might be looking for hernia support, possibly even without knowing that's quite what he needs.
For other sorts of support, if a jock strap isn't quite his thing he might want to try a dance belt. That's what male dancers have under their tights to keep things from bouncing around.
posted by yohko at 12:59 PM on October 11, 2013
I can relate to your guy's issues - I also need support and have done quite a bit of purchasing in a chase to find the holy grail of underwear.
I've purchased expensive underwear, cheap underwear, briefs, jock straps...you name it.
By far, the biggest revelation I had was that I was purchasing underwear a size larger than I actually needed. I simply picked up a pack of Fruit of the Loom briefs marked "L", rather than the "XL" I'd been wearing forever when I was in the local discount store and the world of difference that it has made has been immeasurable.
posted by BrianJ at 12:59 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
I've purchased expensive underwear, cheap underwear, briefs, jock straps...you name it.
By far, the biggest revelation I had was that I was purchasing underwear a size larger than I actually needed. I simply picked up a pack of Fruit of the Loom briefs marked "L", rather than the "XL" I'd been wearing forever when I was in the local discount store and the world of difference that it has made has been immeasurable.
posted by BrianJ at 12:59 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
There are absolutely different fits of underpants for men. Underpant science was a relatively frequent part of discussion between an ex and me. It was all trial and error, but his best fitting (read: most supportive) underpants were generally trendier designer brands. Underpant shopping was done at Filene's and Nordstrom Rack and the like. For your own research purposes, he was a briefs guy.
posted by phunniemee at 1:04 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by phunniemee at 1:04 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
from observation only, bikini briefs are the most supportive outside of a jock.
posted by quince at 1:13 PM on October 11, 2013
posted by quince at 1:13 PM on October 11, 2013
My guy wears Calvin Klein Trunks: http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/search/mens-trunks. They look nice and give him all the support he needs. They're a little pricey, so look for an outlet mall with a Calvin Klein store to find the best price.
When my guy is exercising/working out, he prefers Under Armor underwear. Keeps his junk supported and wicks moisture away.
posted by ATX Peanut at 1:15 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
When my guy is exercising/working out, he prefers Under Armor underwear. Keeps his junk supported and wicks moisture away.
posted by ATX Peanut at 1:15 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
Try Duluth Trading. They're built for guys that do physical work, or at least alternate physical work with other stuff. Everything that my husband and I have bought from them has been great.
posted by Madamina at 1:17 PM on October 11, 2013
posted by Madamina at 1:17 PM on October 11, 2013
plus a compromise between the too-long legs of boxer briefs (why?)
I wear the longer legged boxer briefs because for me the short square trunks just end up bunched up into makeshift briefs with really nasty uncomfortable sweat collecting panty lines.
posted by srboisvert at 1:20 PM on October 11, 2013
I wear the longer legged boxer briefs because for me the short square trunks just end up bunched up into makeshift briefs with really nasty uncomfortable sweat collecting panty lines.
posted by srboisvert at 1:20 PM on October 11, 2013
Best answer: One other thing to consider is fabric type. I wear boxer-briefs, and used to get 100% cotton Hanes boxer-briefs that would end up feeling like boxers after a few washes. I switched to some slightly more expensive boxer briefs (Champion Men's Performance Stretch Boxer-Briefs, if you're curious) that used a cotton/polyester/spandex blend that had much better and longer-lasting fit and support. For a physically-demanding job, you may want to go even further and get boxer-briefs that contain a completely synthetic blend (polyester/spandex seems to be a popular blend), usually marketed as athletic boxer-briefs. That should keep his junk well-supported.
Beyond that mostly just make sure to get the right waist size, and if he's right on the border between two sizes and support is important, go for the smaller size.
If your guy prefers briefs, there's generally not too much to worry about beyond waist-size, support-wise, though I find that they're uncomfortably tight and chafe around the thighs/groin. From the tone of your question, I get the impression that he's not a fan of briefs.
(And yes, for a lot of guys it's just trial and error once you get beyond the boxer/brief/boxer-brief preference.)
posted by Aleyn at 1:40 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
Beyond that mostly just make sure to get the right waist size, and if he's right on the border between two sizes and support is important, go for the smaller size.
If your guy prefers briefs, there's generally not too much to worry about beyond waist-size, support-wise, though I find that they're uncomfortably tight and chafe around the thighs/groin. From the tone of your question, I get the impression that he's not a fan of briefs.
(And yes, for a lot of guys it's just trial and error once you get beyond the boxer/brief/boxer-brief preference.)
posted by Aleyn at 1:40 PM on October 11, 2013 [1 favorite]
The person I know who has this issue has found great relief in the contour briefs from 2(x)ist.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 2:02 PM on October 11, 2013
posted by otherwordlyglow at 2:02 PM on October 11, 2013
Seconding otherworldlyglow on the 'contour' or 'pouch' briefs/boxerbriefs. 2(x)ist is good, as is the trunk/boxerbriefs from "Clever" that have a pouch front. There are probably other brands as well, but those are the 2 that I know.
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 2:39 PM on October 11, 2013
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 2:39 PM on October 11, 2013
I like 'trunks' or 'square cut' for the necessary support, plus a compromise between the too-long legs of boxer briefs (why?)
Long legs mitigate chaffing if you are prone to that sort of thing.
posted by Mitheral at 2:46 PM on October 11, 2013
Long legs mitigate chaffing if you are prone to that sort of thing.
posted by Mitheral at 2:46 PM on October 11, 2013
Best answer: My man is particular about his undergarments too. Based on your explanations, I'd say he should try a 'sport' bikini brief or a 'low cut' brief. He'll have to try a lot of different brands to find exactly what works for him. Be mindful of the fabric - i.e., no rib knit as it just stretches into baggy-ness.
Underwear shopping for guys is a drag.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 3:32 PM on October 11, 2013
Underwear shopping for guys is a drag.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 3:32 PM on October 11, 2013
For snug support that doesn't squish, your guy might like something like this Jockey brief, which has a form-fitting pouch for his junk. There are also options like this pouch boxer brief.
Speaking of Jockey, they have a no-questions-asked return policy, including for underwear. So he could, if he wanted, buy one of each and every style they have, in a couple of sizes even, try them all on, decide what he likes, and return the rest. Hey, it could even be a fun partner activity if he's that kind of guy friend.
posted by alms at 7:49 PM on October 11, 2013
Speaking of Jockey, they have a no-questions-asked return policy, including for underwear. So he could, if he wanted, buy one of each and every style they have, in a couple of sizes even, try them all on, decide what he likes, and return the rest. Hey, it could even be a fun partner activity if he's that kind of guy friend.
posted by alms at 7:49 PM on October 11, 2013
Anecdote time!
I was recently with a lady who suggested I'd look better in boxer briefs than my standard 4 year old barely surviving boxers. I. went. crazy. at the local Nordstrom Rack and bought as many different types of boxer briefs as I could, since, at the ripe age of 30, I had never worn any.
The difference between brand is insane. I literally threw away my Hugo Boss boxer briefs, which despite being larger than my waste size would indicate, insisted on conducting a wrestling match with my junk at all hours of the day. On the other hand the Calvin Kleins I'm currently wearing are a size smaller than my waste size should be, and the whole thing is rather hammocky.
I wish I had better advice, but I really don't. Go somewhere cheap (maybe online) and drop a hundred on a bunch of different types of underwear, with the understanding that you might throw out half of 'em. Don't be patient and hope you 'get used to it.' Bad underwear sucks and there's no reason to tolerate it.
[edit - grammar. Why did I have a gin and red bull?]
posted by OrangeDrink at 8:12 PM on October 11, 2013
I was recently with a lady who suggested I'd look better in boxer briefs than my standard 4 year old barely surviving boxers. I. went. crazy. at the local Nordstrom Rack and bought as many different types of boxer briefs as I could, since, at the ripe age of 30, I had never worn any.
The difference between brand is insane. I literally threw away my Hugo Boss boxer briefs, which despite being larger than my waste size would indicate, insisted on conducting a wrestling match with my junk at all hours of the day. On the other hand the Calvin Kleins I'm currently wearing are a size smaller than my waste size should be, and the whole thing is rather hammocky.
I wish I had better advice, but I really don't. Go somewhere cheap (maybe online) and drop a hundred on a bunch of different types of underwear, with the understanding that you might throw out half of 'em. Don't be patient and hope you 'get used to it.' Bad underwear sucks and there's no reason to tolerate it.
[edit - grammar. Why did I have a gin and red bull?]
posted by OrangeDrink at 8:12 PM on October 11, 2013
My understanding is that underwear fittings are for bras.
I've never heard of a woman having a fitting for panties, or choosing a style or brand of panties based on anything beyond what is comfortable after, one assumes, a degree of trial and error.
I don't really understand why the man in question is not willing to go the trial and error route. Underwear isn't that expensive and it should be easy to tell within a matter of moments what is comfortable. To me this seems like a normal aspect of being human. Figuring out what kind of underwear you like.
FWIW bra fittings aren't about "what brand of bra do I find most comfortable" or "should I get full coverage or demi cup", but which specific size you take. I don't think knowing your correct size of men's underwear is going to have an effect on all the other variables.
(Ugh I can't believe I typed the word "panties" that many times...)
posted by Sara C. at 11:37 PM on October 11, 2013
I've never heard of a woman having a fitting for panties, or choosing a style or brand of panties based on anything beyond what is comfortable after, one assumes, a degree of trial and error.
I don't really understand why the man in question is not willing to go the trial and error route. Underwear isn't that expensive and it should be easy to tell within a matter of moments what is comfortable. To me this seems like a normal aspect of being human. Figuring out what kind of underwear you like.
FWIW bra fittings aren't about "what brand of bra do I find most comfortable" or "should I get full coverage or demi cup", but which specific size you take. I don't think knowing your correct size of men's underwear is going to have an effect on all the other variables.
(Ugh I can't believe I typed the word "panties" that many times...)
posted by Sara C. at 11:37 PM on October 11, 2013
As a chap I can second undies with a pouch for your junk as far more comfortable than any other type; as a bonus they keep down there "nice and organised" and look good too
posted by Middlemarch at 2:01 AM on October 12, 2013
posted by Middlemarch at 2:01 AM on October 12, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
Fellas either like their junk tucked up, in tighty-whities or in boxer-briefs. Or they like to hang low and lazy in regular boxers.
If your guy has special needs for his junk (I can't imagine, most straight guys don't) Undergear.com has some more customized stuff. Formerly International Male and I'd say that the nearest female equivalent to the catalogue used to be Fredericks of Hollywood. My gay friends had it, but never ordered from it.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:28 PM on October 11, 2013 [2 favorites]