Standing between two sizes on a chart and wondering which way to go is a frustration most men know well. Pick wrong, and you spend the day adjusting, dealing with ride-up, or that uncomfortable pinching feeling that makes everything worse.
Here is the simple answer: if you are between sizes, size up. A slightly roomier fit beats a too-tight pair every time. But getting your perfect fit involves more than just picking a number.
Why Underwear Sizing Feels So Complicated
You are not imagining it. Men's underwear sizing really is a mess.
A study from NC State University compared body measurements of 3,691 American men to industry sizing standards and found that only 3% of men actually fit the specifications used to make underpants. Unlike dress shirts with precise neck and sleeve measurements, underwear brands each create their own sizing systems. A medium from one brand might fit like a large from another.
Age, body type, and weight distribution all influence ideal sizing. Standard charts simply cannot account for the real variety in men's bodies.
When Sizing Up Makes Sense
Going larger is the safer choice in most situations:
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Between two sizes on the chart: If your waist measurement lands right in the middle, choose the larger option for better breathability
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Muscular or athletic thighs: Waist measurements do not tell the whole story. Many men fit a medium around the waist but need a large to accommodate their legs.
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Prefer a relaxed feel: If you want your underwear to feel present but not restrictive, a size up gives you breathing room.
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Run warm: Tighter fits trap more heat. Sizing up allows better airflow
For bigger guys,s especially, finding the right fit matters more than just picking a larger number. Quality boxer briefs use fabrics with natural stretch that adapt to your body. Even if you size up slightly, premium materials will contour without becoming baggy.
For more guidance, read Choosing Underwear for Big Guys.
When Sizing Down Might Work
Sizing down is rarely the right call for everyday wear, but a few specific situations exist:
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Need compression for athletics: During intense workouts, some men prefer a very snug fit that minimizes all movement
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Current underwear rides up constantly: Riding up often signals that leg openings are too loose. A size smaller can provide the grip needed to keep the fabric in place.
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Previous weight loss: If your body has changed and your usual size now feels loose around both waist and thighs, moving down makes sense
For most daily activities, downsizing creates more problems than it solves. Learn more about common boxer brief shopping mistakes before making your next purchase.
The Two-Finger Test For Perfect Fit
Not sure if your current boxer briefs fit correctly? Try a simple test.
Slide two fingers under the waistband while wearing them. If you cannot fit two fingers under the waistband, the waistband is too tight. If you can fit your whole fist, the waistband is too loose. Two fingers with a bit of resistance means you have found your sweet spot.
Check the leg openings too. Fabric should rest gently against your thighs without digging in or leaving red marks. At the same time, you should not see gaps or bunching when you sit or move.
Signs Your Boxer Briefs Are The Wrong Size
Your underwear sends clear signals when the fit is off:
Too Small:
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Waistband rolls or folds over
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Red marks on the skin after wearing
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Constant need to adjust throughout the day
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Leg openings cut into thighs
Too Large:
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Fabric bunches under pants
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Underwear shifts and moves around
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Leg openings gap when sitting
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Waistband slides down
Getting the right size matters beyond comfort. A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that men who wore looser-fitting underwear had 25% higher sperm concentration compared to those in tight styles. What you wear underneath affects more than just how you feel.
How To Measure For Boxer Briefs
Accurate measurements prevent sizing mistakes:
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Use a flexible tape measure: A stiff ruler will not give accurate numbers
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Measure your natural waist: Wrap the tape around your midsection at the belly button level. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and do not suck in your stomach.
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Note your hip measurement: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Some brands use hip measurements for sizing.g
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Check thigh circumference: If you have athletic legs, measure around the fullest part of one thigh.gh
Most sizing charts use waist measurements as the primary guide, but knowing your hip and thigh numbers helps when you are between sizes. For a detailed sizing breakdown, check out how to choose the right size boxer briefs.
Get Your Foundation Right
Quality fabric makes a real difference in how underwear fits and feels. Premium materials with proper stretch recovery hold their shape wash after wash, while cheaper options lose elasticity quickly. The right boxer briefs create a comfortable foundation that makes everything you wear on top look and feel better.
Browse the complete boxer briefs collection to find your perfect fit. Pair with crew neck t-shirts or v-neck options for comfortable basics that actually fit. Looking to stock up? The Pack Builder offers savings when you bundle.
Stay Epic.
FAQs
Q. Should I size up or down if I am between sizes in boxer briefs?
Size up. A slightly roomier fit provides better comfort and breathability than underwear that is too tight.
Q. Why do my boxer briefs keep riding up?
Riding up usually means the leg openings are too loose or the fabric lacks stretch recovery. Try a size down or look for boxer briefs with better thigh grip.
Q. How tight should boxer brief waistbands be?
You should be able to slide two fingers under the waistband comfortably. If you cannot fit two fingers under the waistband, the waistband is too tight.
Q. Do boxer briefs stretch out over time?
Lower-quality boxer briefs lose elasticity with washing. Premium fabrics with proper stretch recovery maintain their fit much longer.
Also Read
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