Joybuy Insights

How to choose underwear without regretting your purchase: a practical guide for women and men

You often buy underwear based on instinct: an attractive colour, a familiar brand name or a multipack at a low price. Yet disappointing purchases are usually caused by details that are not visible in a product photo. A waistband may feel tight, a style may show through clothing and a fabric may lose its shape after just a few washes.

This guide helps you compare underwear online with confidence. You’ll find key points to consider for women’s and men’s underwear, along with a selection of products for everyday wear, sport and intensive use.

Common underwear pitfalls

1. Looking only at the size letter

A size S, M or XL is not the same for every brand. The fit also depends on the cut, rise and amount of elastane. A fitted style sits closer to the body than a relaxed fit. Always check the size guide and compare your waist or hip measurements with a garment that fits well.

This is especially important for women’s briefs, women’s thongs, women’s bikini briefs and women’s bras. With a bra, the underband size, cup size and adjustability of the shoulder straps also matter.

2. Confusing marketing terms with measurable features

Words such as ‘comfortable’, ‘shaping’ and ‘breathable’ mean little without details about the material composition and construction. Check the percentages of cotton, polyamide, polyester and elastane. Also check whether the seams, edges and waistband are clearly described.

With shapewear, it is worth paying attention to the stated level of shaping. Light shaping is different from a firm, close-fitting style. For example, Feelingirl’s product description states ‘light shaping’; this is a product specification, not a guarantee of a particular silhouette.

3. Skipping the care instructions

Underwear is washed frequently. A product that can only be hand-washed requires more maintenance than a machine-washable style. Also check the drying advice, as some items must not be tumble-dried. Always follow the care label, as this helps preserve the elasticity, fit and colour.

What should you look for when buying underwear?

Material and when you’ll wear it

For everyday wear, many shoppers choose a cotton blend with elastane. Product information often links cotton with a soft feel and ventilation, while elastane provides stretch. Do check the exact composition, though. According to the product description, the Urban Classics 5-pack consists of 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane.

For sport or lots of movement, a stretch blend with a smooth finish may be more practical. Seamless underwear can be less visible beneath close-fitting clothing. Reebok styles such as the Kali thong and Serena sports thong are described as seamless in the product information. This does not mean every wearer will have the same experience; fit and the clothing worn over it remain decisive factors.

Style and cut

  • Men’s boxer shorts: offer more coverage around the upper thigh and are suitable for everyday wear.
  • Men’s trunks: generally have a shorter leg and a close-fitting shape.
  • Women’s briefs: a compact style offering full freedom of movement around the legs.
  • Women’s thongs: minimal fabric at the back; pay particular attention to a soft, well-finished edge.
  • Women’s bikini briefs: a middle ground between briefs and a thong.
  • Women’s bras: check the underwires, cups, fastening and adjustable straps.
  • Shapewear: compare the rise, compression and leg finish with how you intend to use it.

Size, waistband and seams

A firm waistband can help keep underwear in place, but it should not dig in. Look for information about an elasticated or wider band, and check whether the style is low-rise, mid-rise or high-waisted. With sports underwear, flat or seamless construction can be useful when you move around a lot.

An underwear multipack is practical when you want several identical styles. Do compare the price per item and check that all the pieces are the same size, colour and cut. A multipack is only good value if you actually find the style comfortable to wear.

Recommended choices for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Reebok Carina Briefs Black White Grey Marl S

Reebok Carina Briefs Black/White/Grey Marl S

Why it suits this profile: The set contains three women’s briefs in different colours. According to the product description, the fabric is made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, giving you a straightforward everyday essential.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The material composition and number of pieces are clearly stated. Even so, check the available size and care instructions before buying.

Main benefit & highlights

3-pack, cotton blend, elasticated waistband and three neutral colours according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Calvin Klein 3-Pack Bikini Briefs

Calvin Klein - 3-Pack Bikini Briefs - Icon Logo

Why it suits this profile: If brand appeal and a dependable basics wardrobe matter to you, this set includes black, grey and white bikini briefs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 90% cotton and 10% elastane, a lined gusset and logo elastic. Check the current size guide, as the sizes shown may vary between products.

Main benefit & highlights

3-pack, cotton-stretch blend, three colours and a fully lined gusset according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Reebok Kali Seamless Thong Black XS

Reebok Kali Seamless Thong Black XS

Why it suits this profile: The product description mentions a seamless design and a set of three. This makes the style worth considering for close-fitting clothing or an active day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, the seamless design helps minimise visible edges. The recommended care is machine washing at 30 °C; tumble-drying is not advised.

Main benefit & highlights

Seamless style, polyamide according to the product information, 3-pack and machine-washable at 30 °C.

Suitable for: Considered multipack shoppers
Urban Classics Solid Organic Cotton Boxer Shorts 5-Pack

Urban Classics Solid Organic Cotton Boxer Shorts 5-Pack

Why it suits this profile: If you do laundry frequently or want to build up a supply of everyday essentials, you get five men’s boxer shorts in the same colour. The product description states that they are made from certified organic cotton.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition of 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane is specified. Wash cold with similar colours and avoid bleach, following the care advice provided.

Main benefit & highlights

5-pack, organic cotton underwear, elastane for stretch and a slim fit according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Care for longer-lasting wear

Wash underwear according to the care label and separate dark colours when recommended. Do not use bleach on elasticated fabrics and avoid high drying temperatures if the product label advises against them. Dry delicate items, such as some shapewear styles, flat.

Over time, check the seams, gusset and waistband. When the elastic becomes loose, the fabric feels thin or the seams cause irritation, replacing the item is more practical than continuing to wear it.

Frequently asked questions about underwear

How often should you replace your underwear?

It depends on how often it is worn, the material and how it is cared for. There is no fixed timeframe for every item. Look out for permanently stretched elastic, wear, fading, holes and a fit that no longer feels right. With intensive use, multipacks can help you spread out the number of washes.

Is cotton always the right choice for underwear?

Not in every situation. Cotton blends are popular for everyday wear, while synthetic stretch fabrics or seamless styles can be practical beneath sportswear or close-fitting outfits. Compare the composition, fit and care instructions with when you plan to wear the underwear.

What is the difference between boxer shorts and men’s trunks?

Men’s boxer shorts usually have a longer leg. Men’s trunks are generally shorter and often fit more closely around the thigh. The right choice depends on your preference, the fit of your trousers and how much freedom of movement you need. For both styles, check the waist size and elastane percentage.