Buying underwear online, what you need to know

Short answer: Underwear is the hardest thing to buy online, because fit matters most and trying on matters least. The size guide and the style name make all the difference, and a single test purchase removes the rest of the doubt.

Fit matters most

Underwear sits close to the body all day, so you quickly notice if something is wrong. A T-shirt that is slightly too big can still be worn. Underwear that pinches or slips ends up at the back of the drawer. That is why it pays to spend a few minutes choosing carefully before you order anything.

The size guide matters more than the letter

Measure your waist and hips with a tape measure and compare them with the centimetre measurements in the guide. A letter does not necessarily mean the same across brands or styles. If you fall between two sizes, choose based on whether you prefer a close or softer fit. Write your measurements down for next time.

The style name tells you the cut

Hipster, tai and maxi describe different heights at the waist. Hipster sits low, tai sits in between, and maxi sits highest. Choose based on what you usually feel comfortable in and what you wear on top. With low rise trousers, a lower cut often works better, see bamboo panties.

The waistband decides comfort

A wide waistband sits more softly than a narrow one, especially under close fitting clothes. It spreads the pressure over a larger area and digs in less. A narrow waistband can be easier to hide under some clothes. Think about what you wear most often and choose accordingly, see bamboo boxers.

Read the product description

The description often tells you about cut, fit and care. It shows whether a style is meant to sit close or is a little looser. Notice those details before you choose a size. It takes a minute and can be the difference between an item you wear every week and one you never put on.

Buy one set first

Try one style and wash it three times before you order the rest. Underwear needs to be worn for a full day before you know if it fits well. Check whether the waistband holds, whether seams rub, and whether the fabric keeps its shape after washing, see bamboo underwear for women.

Follow the care label from the start

Underwear is washed often, so care has a big effect on how long it keeps its shape. Follow the care label and wash with similar colours. Avoid high heat in the tumble dryer if the label advises against it. Looking after the item from the first wash gives you a fair picture of how the style holds up.

Build on what works

Once you have found a style that fits, the next purchase is easy. Write down style, size and colour, and order the same again when you restock. That is far safer than trying something new each time. Underwear then goes from being the hardest thing to buy online to the easiest.

Frequently asked questions

What is hardest about buying underwear online

That fit matters most and cannot be felt. That is why the size guide matters more here than anywhere else, and measuring before you order pays off.

What do the style names mean

They describe the cut. Hipster sits low on the waist, tai sits in between, and maxi sits highest. Choose based on what you usually feel comfortable in.

How many should you buy the first time

One set. Wear it for a week and wash it a few times before ordering more of the same style. Then you know how it fits and holds up.