Buying underwear that fits properly and is comfortable can be a challenge. Whether you're buying new underwear for yourself or looking to buy them for someone else, there are a few key things to remember. Consider the ethically made underwear, the type of material, and what will be most comfortable for you. Here are five tips to help you buy underwear that fits well and is comfortable.
Choose cotton fabric
Cotton is one of the most demanding fabrics for underwear. It's a breathable and durable fabric that can be recycled many times. Because it's made from natural materials, cotton also has environmental benefits.
While many different kinds of cotton fabrics are available, you should look for cotton-certified organic or fair trade by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). This ensured that the cotton was grown without pesticides and herbicides, and workers were paid living wages.
Skip the glossy underwear
For the sake of your comfort, skip the glossy underwear.
Glossy underwear tends to be less breathable than other types of fabric. The more complicated a fabric is, the harder it is for air to pass through. This means that most people find shiny materials itchy and uncomfortable—not precisely what you want from something you wear directly against your skin all day long!
Glossy materials can also make you sweat more than other kinds of fabric because they don't breathe as well as others. Sweat builds up underneath such clothing, which can lead to an unpleasant odor and infection if not washed often enough (and sometimes even if washed regularly).
Check the waistband
Check the waistband. The waistband should be comfortable, not too tight, and wide enough to stay in place. It should be soft and not too elastic (like new underwear). If the waistband is too high or low on your body, it can irritate sensitive areas like under the breasts or around your belly button.
Avoid branded waves on the underwear
Underwear with waves on the waistband is a sign of poor quality. The stitching needs to be done better, causing the fabric to move around and create creases or waves. This can cause chafing in sensitive areas like the waistband, where you might be wearing your underwear for long periods.
If you have a favorite brand that makes beautiful lingerie but is uncomfortable, try another brand instead! Underwear should feel good and look good, too (if that's what you're into). Buy ethically made underwear from a reputable source, ensuring that the materials used are ethically sourced and manufactured.
Look for firm elastic
- Look for firm elastic. Underwear with too much stretch in the waistband will sag and bunch, while underwear with too little stretch can be uncomfortable.
- Avoid elastic that is too tight or loose. Too-tight elastic will cut into your skin, which isn't comfortable; likewise, if the elastic is too loose, it may look baggy or unflattering on you.
- Avoid thin or thick bands of stitching around the legs of your underwear—it's best to find something in between so as not to irritate your skin when moving about throughout the day!
Conclusion
If you find something that doesn't fit your body shape or size perfectly, don't worry. You can always turn around and exchange your underwear for a different size or style. You deserve the best, so make sure your underwear fits!