You can find your natural waist by bending sideways. A crease will form at your waist to help you identify it. Keep the tape measure parallel to the ground when you measure your hips.
Checking your measurement is important, because sometimes you don’t get it right the first time. If your measurements are different on the second try, measure them a third time. One of these sets should match up, so use that set of measurements when shopping.
While firm elastic at the waist is helpful in underwear, avoid styles with elasticized leg holes. They have a tendency to bunch up, which can be uncomfortable.
Underwear that’s too tight also doesn’t breathe as well, so it can lead to health issues and leave you a little sweaty.
Not only can bunching underwear be uncomfortable in the long run, but it can also look messy and ruin even the best outfit. This is especially important with dresses and skirts! If your underwear is bunching, readjust it so that it sits properly on you. If it still bunches, switch to a different pair. Bunching, rolling, and sagging is often a sign of old, worn underwear; it means that the fabric has lost its stretch and is now too big for you.
Because of the possibility of yeast infections, cotton underwear is a particularly good option for women. Cotton underwear is also less likely to cause chafing or rashes.
Consider the type of underwear labeled as “seamless” or “no-lines. " They don’t have any elastic in the hips or leg openings, making them ideal for fitted garments. A cotton lining in the crotch is important for another reason: it’s breathable. If the crotch lining is synthetic, then you risk trapping moisture, which can lead to infections.
This also goes for other types of fancy underwear, such as lace. While lace underwear does often have a cotton lining, it’s not very comfortable or durable.
Boxers aren’t the best choice if you wear a lot of slim-fitting pants, such as suit trousers or skinny jeans. Boxers offer little support, so be sure that’s not important to you before choosing them.
Boxer briefs are also a comfortable option if you are tall because their higher waistband doesn’t slip down beneath the waistline of your pants when you bend over.
If you have thicker thighs, boxer trunks aren’t usually a good option because they can ride up as you move.
High-waisted briefs can also be a comfortable option if you are curvy or have an hourglass figure.
Thongs can be uncomfortable for some people, so test a pair out at home before committing to wearing them out for the day.
While they’re especially comfortable if you have a large backside, boy shorts work on nearly every body type.
