The edge of your knickers cuts in at the side, why and what to do

Short answer: If the edge of your knickers cuts in at the side, they are usually too small, have too tight an elastic, or are cut in a way that does not suit your body. Measure your hips and try another size or another cut. That is the first step towards knickers women can wear all day.

The most common reasons the edge cuts in

The edge usually cuts in because the size is too small or because the elastic sits too tight on exactly your hip point. It can also be that the fabric does not give enough. A sharp mark on the skin after a day is a sign that something does not fit.

Check the size first

Measure your hips and compare with the chart. Many people pick their usual letter and end up with knickers that are half to a whole size too small. Try going one size up in bamboo knickers and notice whether the edge calms down.

The cut matters as much as the size

A high cut leg and a narrow side cut in more easily than a wide side. If you often get marks, try a cut with more fabric at the side, such as a hipster or a classic brief. The cut decides where the edge meets your body.

Knickers women wear all day, so fabric counts

When knickers stay on for many hours, small details start to matter. A soft fabric with some stretch gives way when you sit and move, while a stiff fabric presses. Bamboo fabric is soft and elastic, but the size still has to fit.

The elastic edge and the back

Some knickers have an edge with elastic, while others have a folded edge without. If you are often unsure where it hurts, look at the width of the edge. A wider edge spreads the pressure, while a narrow one can cut in deeper.

The clothes on top can make it worse

Close fitting trousers and belts can press the edge of your knickers into your skin. Try changing to looser clothes to see if it helps. If it feels better, the clothes on top are to blame and not the knickers.

When to ask a doctor

Repeated red marks, sore spots or a rash that does not go away are something to discuss with your doctor. The knickers may be part of the explanation, but not the only part. Do not try to guess the cause on your own.

How to choose your next pair

Note where the edge cut in and what else felt wrong before you order. Then choose another size or another cut, and look at bamboo underwear for women and the soft bamboo T-shirts for women. That way your next purchase will be better.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go up a size if the edge cuts in?

That is often a good first fix. Measure your hips, read the size chart and then try a larger size. If the edge still cuts in, the cut may not suit your body.

Can a different cut help?

Yes. A cut with a wider side, such as a hipster or a classic brief, spreads the pressure over a larger area. A high cut leg with a narrow side cuts in more easily.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you have repeated red marks, sore spots or a rash that does not go away. The knickers may be part of the explanation, but a doctor can judge whether there are other causes.