What is a maxi brief

Short answer: A maxi is the knicker style with the highest waist and the most coverage. It sits above the navel and covers both hips and bottom completely. Many choose it for comfort, because the high waist lies flat and does not dig in.

The highest waist of the styles

The maxi sits above the navel, so the waistband lies flat against the stomach without digging in. With the waistband sitting high, there is less risk of it rolling down or pressing when you sit. That makes the style calm to wear through a long day. See the bamboo underwear for women.

Full coverage at the back

Because the back panel is large, the maxi covers the whole bottom, and no edge shows under your clothes. That helps under close fitting trousers, leggings and dresses in thin fabric. An edge across the bottom is often what shows most clearly, and a maxi avoids it. See the bamboo T-shirts for women.

Comfortable all day

The high waist spreads the pressure over a larger area, so you feel it less. A narrow waistband that sits low can press in one spot, especially when you sit. A wide waistband that sits high lies more calmly. Many find the maxi is the style they forget they are wearing, which is a good sign.

Compared with tai and hipster

Knicker styles are often grouped by waist height. The hipster sits lowest, below the navel. The tai sits in between, around the navel. The maxi sits highest, above the navel, and covers the most. It is the obvious choice when you want as much coverage as possible and a high waistband.

Under high waisted trousers

High waisted trousers and skirts go well with a maxi, because the knicker waistband sits below the trouser waistband. That stops the knickers peeking over the top or leaving an edge across the stomach. Under low rise trousers, a tai or a hipster often suits better, since a maxi would show above the edge.

Choose the right size

A maxi that is too small pulls over the stomach and at the leg, and then the comfort that is the whole point disappears. A size too large folds and slips down. Choose your usual size and use the size chart if you are between two. The waistband should lie flat.

All the way down to your feet

A soft maxi is a good starting point for a day when you want to be comfortable. Add a soft top and socks in the same quality, so the whole outfit feels the same against the skin. On cold days, warm socks make a real difference. See the bamboo socks.

Washing and care

Wash at a low temperature, ideally in a laundry bag, and skip fabric softener. Avoid the tumble dryer, because the heat strains the elastic in the wide waistband and leg edges. Let the knickers dry flat or on a rack. That way the waistband keeps its stretch and lies flat after many washes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a maxi brief

The knicker style with the highest waist and the most coverage. It sits above the navel and fully covers hips and bottom, so no edge shows under clothes.

Why choose a maxi

For comfort. The high waist does not dig in, and no edge shows under close fitting clothes. It also works well under high waisted trousers.

Is a maxi old fashioned

No. The style is chosen for comfort and to avoid visible edges, and it comes in all modern qualities. Many wear it as their go to style every day.