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4 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Underwear

Some guys will never be convinced that underwear is worth spending more than $5 on. But a growing number of men are starting to appreciate the finer benefits of better undergarments.

April 4, 2018 | By Kyle Ingham | May contain affiliate links (What's this?)

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Women learn early on to appreciate the importance of investing in great-looking underwear.

Their undergarments even sound better: panties…knickers…lingerie…

And how do we, as men, repay them?

By wearing underwear that looks like we draped a burlap sack around our nether regions.

…Saggy, discolored, and often riddled with far too many holes before we finally get rid of them.

sad stretched out underwear with holes

It’s not our fault. Most of us just never graduated beyond the quantity-over-quality mentality. When a 6-pack of tighty-whities from the department store was the logical option.

Even if we grow out of briefs, most of us still think of underwear as a generic item. We buy chonies the way we buy paper towels or laundry detergent: in bulk and on sale.

Why Buy Better Underwear?

Some people say there are a couple things in life you should never skimp on: your bed and your shoes…because they support you, and you spend so much time in them.

I would add underwear to this list.

Unless you go commando, it’s the piece of clothing that you wear the most often. Not to mention that underwear surrounds an area with some big fluctuations in moisture and heat.

To top it all off, underwear cradles some very important parts of your anatomy.

under wear carries precious cargo

Still, some guys will never be convinced that underwear is worth spending more than $5 on. That’s fine.

But a growing number of men are starting to appreciate the finer benefits of better undergarments.

If you’re considering making the leap, here are 4 signs it’s time to upgrade your underwear.

Watch the video below or continue reading. 


Tani Underwear logoBig thanks to our sponsor Tani for making this post possible. I love their underwear! Treat yourself: get some nice high-end, comfortable, amazing-quality underwear, and take advantage of the special 2 for 1 deal. Learn more.


1. You Constantly Notice That You’re Wearing Underwear

Don’t get me wrong. Only a small minority of guys appreciate the sensation of going commando.

But besides providing some basic support for your (ahem) “man gear,” you shouldn’t really notice your underwear.

With lesser-quality underwear, a lot of times it may fit well enough initially, but each time you move, the waistband pinches or the fabric feels constricting…because it doesn’t move with you.

The thing is, underwear should conform to you, not the other way around.

higher quality men's underwear from TaniHigher-quality underwear manufacturers usually take greater care when designing details like the waistband and seams.

More importantly, good underwear is going to use higher-quality material—soft enough that it almost feels like part of you. Usually, that’s going to mean using a blended fabric.

Cotton has been the gold standard because it’s a natural material, it’s breathable and it’s hypoallergenic. But 100% cotton lacks stretchiness.

That’s why using something like cotton or modal with another stretchy material like elastane can often provide an even softer feel with more “give.”

Great underwear should also look better under your clothes. No bulky fabric or seams bunching up under your pants. No visible “manty” lines.

Again, besides the slight sensation of support, with great underwear, you should forget that you’re wearing it all.

Just say no to manty lines

2. Your Chonies Always Develop “Air Conditioning”

Whether it was to save money or because we were just lazy, we’ve all had pairs of underwear that we held onto way beyond their expiration.

One of the telltale signs is when you can sense a new breeze coming through your nether regions.

[shiver] Winter is coming!

But c’mon, by the time holes start to develop, there are other signs that your underwear is past its prime—like an overall loss of shape.

No longer does it cling to the contours of your body; instead it hangs limply around your hips and butt like a sad Superman cape after an encounter with kryptonite.

underwear like a sad superman cape

Part of this is on you. On some level, you just need to avoid letting your undies get so sad before you take action.

In fact, I heard one recommendation that every time you get a haircut, you should check your closet and drawers and quickly purge anything that’s worn out or no longer fits.

But buying better underwear can also help.

Higher-quality underwear is generally more durable and will stay nicer over the long run. Unlike lesser-quality underwear, good underwear will generally hold its shape even with repeated washings.

And because it’s more resilient, it will survive much longer before developing those lovely “air conditioning” holes.

3. It Feels Like a Hostile Work Environment Down There

Even if you aren’t an “active” guy, let’s be honest:

Your underwear deserves combat pay.

The amount of heat, moisture, and funk that goes on down there is other-worldly.

Just because you drive to work and spend all day in an air-conditioned office doesn’t mean you don’t sweat like crazy down there.

And if you’re wearing chonies with substandard fabric, you can really feel it—especially if you are more active.

When that moisture has nowhere to go, it builds up. And not only does it feel wet, but it can also cause chafing, and maybe even skin irritation or rashes.

Higher-quality underwear may use performance fabrics that can wick away sweat so your skin stays cool and dry. That means you stay comfortable, but it also keeps your nether regions from turning into a war zone.

underwear with performance fabric

4. Your Underwear is Bad at Merchandising the Goods

When you take off your pants in front of a special lady, you want her to like what she sees, right?

You’re nodding your head, but as guys, we’ve historically had a double standard with this.

A woman knows that if she got undressed in front of you and she was wearing granny panties and a frumpy looking bra, she’d never hear the end of it…

Underwear that helps merchandise the goodsWomen understand that wearing attractive undergarments is like presenting a nicely wrapped gift to a lover.

Isn’t it about time us guys started thinking that way too?

Even when we spend an hour or more picking out the perfect date night outfit, our underwear is often just an afterthought at best.

Higher-quality underwear is generally going to help present the (ahem) “goods” in a more attractive way. Great underwear isn’t designed to just cover up your stuff—it’s designed to make everything look like a nice…well…package.

Ultimately, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got going on down there, but at least try to put your best foot forward.

Quality Underwear is More Expensive, But…

Of course, you’re going to pay more for higher-quality underwear. But because it’s better constructed and made with better materials, it’s going to last longer.

That means that you’re going to buy fewer pairs of underwear less often.

No longer are you buying underwear in bulk and repeatedly finding yourself in the “holey” worn-out phase. You slow down the cycle, and you can enjoy each pair for a longer period of time.

Upgrade Your Underwear With Tani

Tani SilkCut Boxer Briefs

If you’re at all intrigued by the idea of trying some higher-quality underwear, Tani is a great choice.

Some things you can’t appreciate until you try them. If you told me 5 years ago I’d be spending more than $10  on a pair of underwear, I would have laughed. Same thing with undershirts.

But after experiencing Tani underwear I can understand the draw.

First, the fabric is ridiculously soft.

You’ve probably heard of modal, right? Well, the SilkCut Boxer Briefs from Tani that I tried are made from an even finer proprietary fabric called MicroModal® AIR. The fibers are made from Austrian beechwood, and they’re thinner and finer than even the finest silk.

Fabric of Tani SilkCut Boxer Briefs up close
Fabric of SilkCut Boxer Briefs up close

The fabric has an amazing stretch to it and naturally wicks away moisture, keeping you cooler and dryer. But it’s also extremely durable and does a great job of retaining its shape. Unlike high-maintenance fabrics like silk, it’s also easy to care for and is designed for everyday washability.

Finally, the design of the underwear is really sleek—they’re just sexy. Tani made some very deliberate choices that help minimize bad stuff…and maximize the good stuff:

  • In the back, the seamless design helps make your butt look pert
  • In the front, the design of the seams help gather your goods to make them more presentable

Tani underwear seamless back and specially designed front puch

Tani underwear isn’t for everybody. There’s certainly cheaper underwear out there if cost is a big driver for you.

But if you can swing it and you want to feel what really high-quality underwear feels like, you should give Tani a try and experience it for yourself.

Buy One Pair, Get One Free

Right now Tani is offering Distilled Man readers a special deal: if you buy one pair of Tani underwear, you get a second pair free—so they’re effectively half price.

Learn more

If you end up getting some, let me know what you think in the comments below!

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About Kyle Ingham

Kyle Ingham is the Founder and Editor of The Distilled Man, an online channel that helps everyday guys become well-rounded gentlemen. Kyle is a husband, new father, blogger, podcaster, and a recovering advertising executive. For the past 7 years, he's been helping men learn the essential skills and knowledge they need to become better, more confident men. Kyle enjoys Bourbon, burritos and the occasional pirate joke. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and son.
 
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