Choosing the right size of men’s underwear looks easy, until the parcel arrives and the boxers pinch at the waist or bunch up on the thigh. Men’s boxer sizes are not the same across every style: a size L in ribbed cotton boxers does not fit like a size L in seamless microfibre.
In this guide we explain how to take your measurements at home, how to read the size guide for each style and what to do when you fall between two sizes. All you need is a tailor’s tape measure and five minutes.
Why the size changes from one style to another
The letter on the pack (S, M, L, XL) is only a guide. Each style has its own fabric, its own waistband and its own cut, and the maker decides which centimetres match each letter. A very stretchy fabric forgives a few extra centimetres; ribbed cotton or a fabric without elastane is less forgiving.
That is why we suggest you do not order “your usual L” without looking. On every product page you will find the size guide for that style: that is where the centimetres count. It can also happen that the label sewn into the garment shows a different letter from the one you chose: don’t worry, the table in centimetres counts, not the letter.
How to measure yourself: waist and hips
You need two measurements. Take them standing up, relaxed, without holding your breath and ideally in your underwear, not over your jeans.
- Waist: run the tape where you usually wear the waistband of your underwear, normally just below the navel. Keep it straight and snug, without pulling tight.
- Hips: measure the widest point of your pelvis, across the buttocks, with your feet together.
- Write both numbers down in centimetres and measure twice: if you get different results, use the average.
With these two numbers, go to the size guide of the style you like and find the row you fit into. If your waist and hips fall into two different sizes, it is usually best to follow the larger one.
Fitted or loose boxers: the fit changes the choice
Fitted stretch boxers follow your body and stay put under your trousers. Here the right size is the one that hugs without leaving marks: the waistband should not “bite” into the skin and the leg should not ride up when you walk. If the boxers bunch at the front or the leg gapes, they are probably too big.
Loose American-style boxers, on the other hand, do not touch the thigh and stay up only thanks to the waistband. In this case the measurement that really matters is the waist: if the waistband is too slack the boxers slip down, if it is too tight it leaves a mark. Hips matter less, because the fabric is roomy.
Between two sizes? Here is how to decide
It often happens that you are right on the line. Before choosing, ask yourself how you like your underwear to feel and look at the fabric of the style.
- If the fabric is very stretchy and you like boxers that give support, you can stay with the smaller size.
- If the fabric is ribbed cotton or has little elastane, or you like a more relaxed feel, choose the larger size.
- If you often wear trousers that are tight at the waist, avoid a waistband at its limit: a size that pinches when you stand will pinch even more when you sit.
A practical tip: if you already have a pair of boxers that fits you well, measure them flat on the table, from one side of the waistband to the other, without stretching. Multiply by two and compare the number with the size guide of the new style, when the guide shows this measurement.
Larger sizes: when to look beyond XL
If your measurements go beyond the last row of a size guide, don’t force a style that stops too early. In the selection of plus-size boxers and briefs you will find styles from XL up to 5XL, with a soft waistband and a fit that does not pinch. The same rule applies here too: measure your waist and hips and check the table for that style.
Multipacks: one size for the whole pack
Many of our boxers come in packs of several pieces in the same size, for example the ribbed cotton boxers in packs of 10 or the seamless microfibre ones in packs of 6. That is exactly why it is worth choosing well the first time: a wrong size does not affect one pair of boxers, but your whole drawer.
If it is the first time you try a new fabric, start with a small pack. Once you find the style and size that fit you, you can go back to that combination without a second thought.
Washing and size: how not to spoil the fit
Even the perfect size can change if washing is too harsh. Follow the label on each garment, prefer cold or lukewarm water, use a mesh laundry bag for delicate fabrics and let them air-dry. Avoid fabric softener on technical fabrics and do not iron the waistband. That way your boxers keep the shape and size you chose.
Now that you know how to measure yourself, browse all our men’s boxers and open the size guide of the style you like: two numbers in centimetres are worth more than any letter.