Beat the Heat with These 5 Must-Have Tommy John Essentials for Summer

Socks are an essential part of every wardrobe. We wear them daily to keep our feet comfortable and give our outfits a finishing touch. There are so many types of socks to choose from depending on the occasion and what type of shoe you’re wearing.

No matter what the day ahead holds for you, socks can make or break your outfit. There’s nothing worse than having to tug on socks that keep falling down or walking around with frozen toes because you wore the wrong type of sock.

To help you figure out which socks are your best bet for comfort and style, we created our handy guide to 15 different sock styles for men and women’s socks, too. We’ll also discuss which shoes work best with each style of sock so that you’re always putting your best foot forward.

15 Essential Sock Styles

It’s important to choose the right socks every day to keep yourself comfortable. If you pair your socks with the wrong shoes, you’re more likely to be uncomfortable or have your socks fall down throughout the day. Socks aren’t just an accessory, either! They protect your feet from injury so that you can keep sporting your favorite shoes.

We wear socks almost every day, so they need to look good and feel comfortable. If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of socks that are available to choose from, use this guide to figure out which socks are best for your needs.

1. Liner Socks

Liner socks are a type of sock that’s ideal for when you don’t want your socks to show and distract from your shoes. These socks are ultra-low – just covering your toes and heel – so they’re nearly invisible when you wear shoes. Because of this, they’re sometimes called invisible socks.

Our Stay-Put Liner Sock is made from our InvisiGrip® Technology so that you don’t have to worry about these socks bunching at your heel or falling down. Say goodbye to blisters! 

Wear them with: 

Slip-on sneakers, ballet flats

Level of coverage: 

Very low coverage

2. No-Show Socks

No-show socks are ideal for wearing loafers and dress shoes because they cover your whole foot without showing at the ankle. This means that your entire foot is protected but nobody will be able to tell that you’re wearing socks.

These socks offer all the protection without distracting from your shoe choice for formal events.

Wear them with: 

Loafers, dress shoes

Level of coverage:

Low coverage

3. Ankle Socks

Ankle socks are the go-to socks for your favorite sneakers. You’re probably going to see the very top of these socks at your ankle, but it’s subtle. 

Ankle socks cover your entire foot but scoop down below your ankle bone. They’re ideal for shoes that cover your whole foot and when you don’t want to make a statement with your socks.

Wear them with: 

Casual sneakers

Level of coverage: 

Low coverage

4. Quarter Socks

Quarter socks reach just above your ankle bone. These socks are good for transitional weather when you’re wearing ankle-length boots. They offer a bit more warmth and protection than ankle socks and usually aren’t visible above the boot line. Some quarter-length socks are called short crew socks.

Wear them with: 

Chelsea boots, ankle boots, hiking boots

Level of coverage: 

Medium coverage

5. Mid-Calf Socks

Mid-calf socks are a couple of inches taller than quarter socks but still leave the top part of your calf exposed. They’re a good option for any boots that are between ankle and knee length. Depending on your shoe, these can peek over the edge of your boot, so you can use them to accessorize your look.

Many people call these socks mids or crew socks.

Wear them with: 

Chelsea boots, ankle boots, hiking boots, rain boots, snow boots

Level of coverage: 

Medium Coverage

6. Over the Calf Socks

Over the calf socks come up around the biggest part of your calf muscle. These socks are ideal for colder weather and work well with many types of boots. 

These socks are a good choice if you want a visible sock with your shorter boots or a no-show look with your taller boots. To style them with a shorter boot, some people will wear them normally or scrunch them down just above the top of their boots.

Wear them with: 

Snow boots, ankle boots, knee boots

Level of coverage: 

High coverage

7. Knee High Socks

Knee socks cover your entire calf and come up to just below your knee. These socks are ideal for your favorite winter boots because they have full coverage of your lower legs. 

These socks are also a favorite for lounging around your home while keeping your feet warm. Our Second Skin Knee High Sock offers light compression and a Comfort Cuff that won’t leave those annoying marks at the top of your calves.

Wear them with: 

Snow boots, rain boots, knee boots, riding boots

Level of coverage: 

High coverage

8. Over the Knee Socks

Over the knee socks cover everything up to the top of your knee. These socks are often worn as accessories, but the length is also great for keeping you warm. They’re often paired with a skirt and boots in cooler weather.

Wear them with: 

Snow boots, rain boots, knee boots, riding boots

Level of coverage: 

High coverage

9. Thigh High Socks

Thigh high socks come up to your mid-thigh for the highest coverage. These socks can be ultra warm or made from stocking-like material depending on your needs. They work best for layering under your tallest boots.

Thinner thigh high socks or stockings are sometimes called hold-ups or stay-ups. 

Wear them with: 

Thigh high boots, riding boots

Level of coverage: 

High coverage

10. Casual Socks

Casual socks are good for everyday wear or loungewear. They usually have more of a knit texture to keep your feet comfortable in your day-to-day life. Our Second Skin Casual Socks have extra arch support to keep you on the move, no matter what your plans are. 

Wear them with: 

Slippers, ankle boots

Level of coverage: 

Medium coverage

11. Dress Socks

Dress socks are your go-to sock for any formal occasion. While their length is similar to casual socks, they have a smooth texture because the knit is closer. Dress socks come in solid colors or different patterns, depending on the occasion. Some dress socks are called work socks because they’re appropriate for office dress codes.

Our Stay-Up Dress Socks come in many colors and patterns. They stay up no matter what with our InvisiGrip® Technology. They’re also designed with zoned support, so you can wear them all day with comfort.

Wear them with: 

Dress shoes

Level of coverage: 

Medium coverage

12. Athletic Socks

Athletic socks offer more cushioning than other socks to protect you from blisters while exercising. No matter how your feet move, these socks will keep you comfortable. They also usually offer some compression for extra support through all your activities.

Sometimes, these socks are labeled as sports socks or varsity socks because they’re ideal for working out and playing sports.

Wear them with: 

Athletic sneakers, basketball shoes, cleats

Level of coverage: 

Medium to high coverage

13. Compression Socks

Compression socks support your legs and feet to promote healthy blood flow. These are often recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, but anyone can wear compression socks. Because of their health benefits, compression socks are sometimes called diabetic socks.

On long flights or trips, compression socks keep your blood flowing to your feet even if you’re sitting for a long time. This prevents swelling and keeps you comfortable.

Wear them with: 

Any shoe

Level of coverage: 

Medium to high coverage

14. Split-Toe Socks

Think of split-toe socks as gloves for your feet. They have 10 smaller sections for your toes to keep them warm and supported. Some split-toe socks only have two sections, one for your big toe and one for your other toes. Split-toe socks that have 10 sections are sometimes called toe socks or glove socks.

Split-toe socks with two sections are called tabi socks and are popular throughout Asia. These socks are thought to promote flexibility and are sometimes called thumb socks.

Wear them with: 

Sandals, flip flops

Level of coverage: 

Low to high coverage

15. Boot Socks

Boot socks are inserts for your rain boots that keep your feet warm and comfortable. Rubber rain boots are the ultimate waterproof choice but they can get really cold when temperatures drop. With boot socks, you don’t need to sacrifice warmth to reap the waterproofing benefits of your favorite rain boots. 

They’re also good additions to other boots that are stylish but not very warm for your feet. Boot socks are sometimes called sock boots, bootees or booties.

Wear them with: 

Rain boots, knee boots, riding boots

Level of coverage: 

Medium to high coverage

How to Wear Socks and FAQs

When deciding which type of socks to wear, it’s most important to consider the occasion, the sock’s visibility and your comfort. For example, ankle boots are appropriate for casual and formal occasions. While a quirky-printed sock may pair well with a casual look, you may want to choose a monochromatic option for a fancy dinner.

Choosing your socks’ ideal visibility level not only requires that you consider their coverage, but also their print or color if your socks will be visible. And of course the whole point of socks is to keep your feet comfortable, so be sure not to neglect your comfort when making your decision.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Socks?

It’s no surprise that casual socks are the most popular sock. Most days, we dress more casually and these socks are ideal for hanging out at home or wearing out and about.

In warmer weather, lower-cut socks are perfect for casual days. But as temperatures drop and the boots come out, you can get away with quirkier casual sock choices. So, mid-calf casual socks are a popular choice for their versatility.

What Type of Socks Are in Style for 2022?

Mid-calf socks are always in style and come in many different colors and prints. Fun patterns on socks are a fun way to express yourself and boost your mood.

Prints for socks can range from quirky patterns, like a cactus print, to classic patterns like argyle. There’s a print for any occasion, so explore until you find one that sticks out to you!

What Makes a Good Pair of Socks?

A good pair of socks is comfortable, durable and fashionable. You want breathable material that keeps your feet warm without making them sweaty in the warmer months.

When it comes to quality, you also don’t want a pair of socks that easily tears or thins out after a couple of wears. The best socks are machine washable and safe to toss in the dryer to help simplify your laundry routine.

Finally, you want to look good! You’ll always need the basics but it’s nice to have a pattern or two for when you want a fun look.

How Do You Fold Socks?

There are a couple of different ways to fold your socks to keep them organized in your drawers. Here are a few:

1. Cuff Fold: This is the easiest fold to do but it can look a little messy. To cuff your socks, just lay them on top of one another. Then, fold the cuff of one sock down and around the other so that they stay together. You can keep it this way or fold the toe part of your socks up to save a bit more space.
2. Simple Sock Fold: This sock fold packages up your socks without using the cuffs. Since it’s such an easy method, this is a great fold to teach children. For this fold, just lay your socks flat on top of each other. Next, fold the toes up one-third of the way towards your cuffs. Lastly, fold your cuffs down all the way to the crease that you made with the first sock. Now your socks are neatly folded and ready to store in your drawer.
3. Military Sock Fold: The military sock fold saves you the most space in your drawer. For this fold, lay your socks on top of each other and roll your socks up tightly, starting at the toe. When you get to the end, pull the cuff of the outer sock so that your socks are tightly packaged up. This is an ideal fold for travel laundry because it saves a lot of space.

What is the Difference Between Mid-Calf and Crew Socks?

Crew socks are slightly shorter than mid-calf socks and are usually a more casual cut compared to mid-calf socks. But now, there are many dress socks that are cut to crew length.

For some manufacturers, mid-calf socks and crew socks are used interchangeably. You probably wouldn’t notice the difference between the two in normal wear.

With the help of this guide to sock types, we hope that you’re never second-guessing your sock choices again. Whether you’re looking to gift some socks or shopping for yourself, you can feel confident that you’re making the best choices to complement any look.

The impact that bras have on our lives, whether it be a sports bra, molded bra, or even just a regular bra, can’t be overstated. They provide confidence, support, and comfort in the times we need it most. While our bras are our heroes in nearly every situation, there may be no time where they come to the rescue more than when traveling. As you leave the comfort of your home behind, the last thing you want to feel is the added vulnerability of going braless or being removed from your full personal bra collection. That said, bra packing isn’t always easy.

Due to bras’ fragility and particular shape, it can be challenging to correctly pack bras in luggage. If packed poorly, you run the risk of arriving at your destination with stained, crushed, or torn bras – complications you’ll want to avoid at all costs. Let’s take a look at some creative ways you can pack your bras, no matter the type, to ensure that they get from point A to point B looking pristine.

How to Pack Bras for Travel

Before tossing your loose bras into your luggage wherever they seem to fit, consider putting them inside something that will help keep them safe. There are several types of containers that make storing and packing bras for travel much easier. Let’s review some of the most popular options.

1. Use a Bra Case

What better way to keep your bra safe than packing it in a travel bra bag that’s designed specifically for bras? To be honest, bras come in many different shapes and styles, and don’t fit very naturally in most travel bags and suitcases. Travel bra cases are made to hold bras and maintain their shape.

While they may take up a bit more room in your luggage than you’d like, you can feel confident that your bras will stay safe when stored in a bra case. If you plan to pack more expensive bras, this is definitely an investment worthy of consideration.

2. Use a Packing Cube

Packing cubes are great tools for organizing and protecting everything you need for your next trip. Since bras are so fragile, consider dedicating a cube just for your bras, underwear and socks.

A packing cube is a great way to give yourself peace of mind that your bras will reach your destination undamaged. For added confidence that they will maintain their shape, try stacking your underwire bras and placing them along the corner of your packing cube, which should be similar to the shape of your bra cups.

3. Use a Plastic Bag

If you’d rather not invest in a packing cube or plan to pack light, you can get creative with how you pack your bras. If you have gallon-size sealable plastic bags around the house, consider using one to store  bras.

You may be wondering how a thin plastic bag could protect your bras at all. As it turns out, a little creativity goes a long way! By adding some air to your bag before sealing it, you can create a protective bubble-like barrier around your bras. Just be sure not to add too much air if you plan to fly, as the pressure of the altitude may cause your bag to burst.

4. Use a Bra Wash Bag

If you plan to wash your bras while you’re away from home, you may consider bringing a bra wash bag. Bra wash bags are mesh containers designed to carry bras to the laundry room and protect them in the washing machine, which can help you tremendously when washing bras. This is a great way to consolidate your bras and pack them away safely.

If you’ve used the bag to hold your dirty bras recently, just be sure to wash it before you fill it with the clean bras you plan to bring on your trip.

How to Fold Bras for Travel

Aside from storage vessels, there are a few folding methods that make packing bras in a small suitcase or bag much more convenient and space-saving.

6. Try the Clam Fold

One unique bra folding technique that’s great for travel involves lining up the edges of each bra cup, creating a clam-like shape. While it might sound counterintuitive to make a ball out of your bra, this shape is great for storing other small articles of clothing, like tightly folded underwear, undergarment pieces, or socks.

While you don’t want to stack anything on top of your clam folded bras, they’re a great shape for storing in the corners of your luggage as you travel. Use your other clothes to provide a protective barrier that supports your bras.

7. Try the Tuck Fold

Another great folding method for travel is the tuck fold. This method requires you to grab the middle of your bra with two fingers, twist it, and place one bra cup into the other. After folding multiple bras using this method, you can stack them all and create a heap of neatly tucked bras that are ready to pack away.

8. Stack Them

Whether you plan to pack a really nice bra or you just want to avoid messing with your bra’s fabric at all, the thought of twisting the middle of your favorite bra may concern you. Good news – you can still stack your bras together without needing to twist anything.

Stack the cups of one bra into the other in order of biggest to smallest cups until you have a stack of all the bras you plan to travel with in a pile in front of you. Just remember to fill the cups of the bottom bra with other small articles of clothing to help your bras maintain their shape.

Additional Bra Packing Hacks 

Before you begin packing your bras for your getaway, there are some tips and tricks you should keep in mind that will help you save space and keep your bras safe as you get from point A to point B.

9. Tuck in Bra Straps

Bra straps are essential to the functionality of bras. That said, the strap can be a nuisance when packed with other clothes, as the hooks can get snagged on other fabric. To avoid this, remember to tuck your bra straps inside of the bra’s cups.

If you’re stacking bras together, use the bra under it to hold the straps in place. If not, keep the straps held in place by putting them between the inside of the bra cups and the socks or underwear you use to keep the bra’s shape.

10. Use the Corner of Your Suitcase

Several of the bra packing methods above have encouraged making use of the corners of your luggage. This is because packing your bras in most other parts of your suitcase – unless they’re protected by some type of container – may damage or dent your bras.

Since bras are such a unique shape, they can also take up significant space if not packed strategically. Keeping them in the corners of your luggage will save you space and allow you to pack more clothes without filling up your bag.

11. Always Stuff the Cups

If you’re wondering how to keep bra pads in place, the easiest answer is stuffing the cups. Nearly every folding and stacking method can be improved by filling bra cups with socks and underwear. Not only is this great for supporting your bra’s natural shape, but it also saves you space as you don’t need to fill up any more of your luggage with socks and underwear.

Mindful Bra Packing Habits

Some bra packing habits require a little foresight. If you don’t keep them in mind from the beginning, you may need to restart your packing process to correct any mistakes. Before you start adding your clothes to your suitcase, remember to practice the following tips.

12. Pack Bras Last

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – bras are fragile and need to be handled with care. While packing bras can be annoying and you may want to get them tucked away as quickly as possible, you’ll want to set your bras aside until you’ve packed everything else so that they don’t get crushed. They’re safest on top of your luggage rather than anywhere in the middle or worse – the bottom of your bag.

13. Pack Fewer Bras

When it comes to traveling with bras, the fewer the better. Even if you take precautions, travel can be messy, and you may end up ruining some bras in the process. Once your bras have a few days’ wear on them, just wash them to be worn again the next day.

We get it – nobody likes doing travel laundry – but bringing as few bras as possible and washing them at your destination is the best way to save space in your luggage and keep your bras safe while you’re on the road.

14. Avoid Traveling With Nice Bras

At this point, it should be a given to leave your fancier bras at home. With travel comes some risk, so only bring what you’d be okay with getting a little damaged.

Prioritize packing wireless bras if possible, as these options offer comfort and are less likely to lose their shape if packed with other clothes.

15. Remove Bras Upon Arrival

Once you arrive at your destination, remember to remove your bras from your luggage as soon as possible to ensure they remain in good shape. The longer they stay compressed in a bag, the more likely they are to lose their shape.

Once you take them out, be sure to hang them up in a closet or lay them out in a drawer for the duration of your trip.

Bra packing can be one of the most challenging travel preparations, but with the help of the tips above you have everything you need to keep your bras safe as you explore the world!

If you’re looking for the best bra for travel, whether by plane, train, boat or car, check out our Second Skin Wireless Bra, the perfect bra for ultimate comfort and easy packing.

While men’s underwear may seem straightforward at first glance, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best style of underwear for any occasion. If you’re struggling to decide between boxers vs briefs vs boxer briefs, it’s important not to toss a coin and leave your decision up to random chance.

To help you quickly decide which style best suits your wants and needs, we address each option and compare their comfortability, functionality and appearance.

What are Boxers?

Boxers, also known as boxer shorts, are a style of men’s underwear known for their elastic waistband and loosely fitting fabric. While they don’t tend to hold anything in place, their looseness makes them a great option for breathability and free movement. Guys’ boxers are a classic that can be worn for any occasion, though they don’t tend to be preferred for high-intensity activities due to their loose fit.

What are Briefs?

Briefs are a short, tighter underwear style worn by men and women alike. One of the most classic styles of briefs for men are the notorious “tighty-whities”. They aren’t to be mistaken for boxer briefs, which tend to cover much more of the leg than briefs do. Briefs are also highly versatile, coming in styles that offer various levels of coverage as well as different types of fits.

What are Boxer Briefs?

Boxer briefs are a style of men’s underwear that blends the snugness of briefs with the thigh coverage of boxers. Unlike both boxers and briefs, boxer briefs cover the inner thighs and tend to stretch easily to allow for leg movement. Recent years have seen the evolution of boxer briefs to better meet men’s comfort needs, as in our Hammock Pouch Boxer Brief.

Boxers vs Briefs vs Boxer Briefs

Now that we’ve introduced all three styles of men’s underwear, let’s compare them using three essential factors – comfort, function and appearance.

Comfort

If there’s one quality that matters most when it comes to choosing the right underwear, it’s comfort. You shouldn’t have to tug at your underwear all day to keep it in place, and it shouldn’t be squeezing you so tightly that you lose circulation in your legs. Let’s dive into how each style makes your body feel.

Boxers

Boxers certainly have their pros and cons in the realm of comfort. If you’re looking for excellent breathability, this is the style for you. Boxers are made of loose fabric that leaves plenty of space for your sensitive areas to stay cool.

That said, with freedom comes a little risk. Boxers can leave you feeling vulnerable as your privates are not very supported or protected by loose fabric. While this is fine for leisurely activity, it can pose an issue for higher intensity activities like sports and workouts.

Boxers are also the most likely of the three styles to get bunched up, requiring you to frequently pull down on the fabric to keep it in place.

Briefs

On the other end of the comfort spectrum are briefs. No matter the activity, you can feel confident that your boys won’t be in pain from excessive movement when sporting this style.

Of course, since briefs offer a tighter fit, warmer days can introduce some discomfort into the mix. If you anticipate sweat getting in the way of comfort while wearing briefs, you’ll want to invest in a pair made from anti-microbial fabric that won’t smell or soak up sweat like our 360 Sport Brief.

Boxer Briefs

To balance the deficiencies of boxers and briefs, boxer briefs come to the rescue. This style offers great support while also providing enough space for your sensitive zone to breathe.

If comfort is your number one priority, nothing beats our Second Skin Hammock Pouch Boxer Brief.

Function

While it’s crucial to feel good in your underwear, we don’t necessarily throw on a pair just to feel comfortable. Underwear serves some very important functional purposes, from adding a layer of protection between your skin and your clothes to holding everything in place.

Boxers

While boxers can be a really comfortable option, they tend to lack some important functional qualities. While they do add an important layer of protection between your skin and your clothes, boxer fabric tends to be thinner than other options which means it’s more likely for your pants and shorts to soil quickly.

Boxers also tend to be much baggier than other options – fly and all. While this can be convenient when nature calls, it increases the possibility of accidental exposure – a situation no guy wants to find himself in.

That said, our Cool Cotton Relaxed Fit Boxer is made with a moisture-wicking fabric thick enough to provide plenty of protection and the ideal loose-but-not-too-loose fit to keep you feeling relaxed, secure and covered.

Briefs

As we’ve already mentioned, briefs are great for providing your package with the utmost support. However, they also offer the least coverage of all three underwear types, which means plenty of thigh exposure and the potential for chafing.

If you go for briefs, it’s important to choose a material that is easy on your skin and to be aware of what outer layer you’re wearing. Skinny jeans, for example, are more likely to cause thigh chafing than a pair of silky joggers.

Boxer Briefs

Once again, boxer briefs are the innovative solution to the issues encountered with boxers and briefs, allowing minimal chafing and excellent coverage to live together in harmony.

While they offer thigh coverage and up-close support, they still provide enough space between your body and the fabric to keep chafing under control. Our Apollo collection takes the functionality of boxer briefs to the next level, providing the utmost durability, breathability and softness with the help of innovative drirelease® fabric. 

Appearance

While underwear was originally designed for utility above all else, everybody wants to look good in their underwear. Let’s explore how each style stacks up when it comes to visual appeal.

Boxers

Boxers do a great job at covering your thighs and offering extra padding, just like a pair of loosely fitting shorts would. This style works great for slightly more top-heavy body types, as it makes your lower body look bigger, improving bodily proportionality.

That said, boxers can pose some stylistic challenges for people with a skinnier body type, as the baggier look can feel a bit sloppy and the large space between leg and fabric may appear awkward. It never hurts to try on a pair in the mirror and see how confident you feel!

Briefs

Briefs leave very little up to the imagination, revealing the entire thigh and only covering what needs to be covered to maintain a degree of modesty. For this reason, briefs tend to look best on people with very physically fit bodies.

That said, don’t let this discourage you from trying on a pair. What matters most is your own confidence level and how good you feel in them.

Boxer Briefs

By now, you probably know the drill–boxer briefs take the cake by resolving the issues posed by boxers and briefs. This style works for men of every body type, providing plenty of coverage while still nicely defining your legs and drawing positive attention. Thanks to boxer briefs, anyone can feel confident in their underwear!

Considerations When Choosing Boxers vs Briefs vs Boxer Briefs

While the qualities of the underwear types themselves are critical considerations when deciding what to wear, there are some external factors that are equally deserving of consideration before pulling the trigger on one style over another.

Activity

Are you dressing for the gym, work, a relaxing day at home or an evening out? While boxer briefs are likely appropriate for all of these activities, you shouldn’t wear loose boxers to the gym – too much risk of exposing yourself to the person across from you when bench pressing.

In the same vein, snug briefs probably aren’t the move if you’re just planning to sit back and watch a movie. Consider the risks and comfort levels of each style for whatever activity you have planned – you won’t regret it.

Body Type

Does showing a little extra skin make you look and feel confident, or does your body look best with a little more coverage? Generally, leaner guys tend to pull off boxer briefs better than they do loose boxers, and more top-heavy guys tend to look great in boxers compared to tight briefs.

Of course, no underwear style should be gatekept by certain body types. What matters most is that you can look in the mirror and appreciate what you’ve got!

Weather

Briefs may be your favorite style of underwear until things start to heat up. Sweat doesn’t feel too good when confined in an already warm space. Likewise, boxers may feel great until it starts snowing and the loose fabric provides little to no heat retention.

Don’t be afraid to have a different go-to underwear style for every type of weather – you don’t have to show undying loyalty to just one! Prepare yourself for warm days by exploring our Apollo offerings, which use drirelease® fabric to keep your skin up to 7°F cooler than cotton.

FAQs: Boxers vs Briefs vs Boxer Briefs

If you have more questions about these three underwear styles, you aren’t alone. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about boxers, briefs and boxer briefs.

Can Girls Wear Boxers?

Yes! Women can absolutely wear boxers and any other style of underwear traditionally labeled as “men’s underwear”. Women who wear boxers tend to find men’s underwear styles comfier and less prone to chafing than panties. Many women wear boxers and boxer briefs to bed, as they make great pajama bottoms.

What Size Boxer Briefs Should I Wear?

The size of your boxer briefs should closely match your waist size. If you wear size 32x34 pants, you should aim for size 32, or size Medium underwear. For the most accurate measurement, check out our underwear size chart.

How Should Boxer Briefs Fit? 

If you’re wondering how to wear boxer briefs correctly, you’re not alone. Boxer briefs are supposed to fit snugly, but they aren’t supposed to feel constricting. A good test of boxer brief comfort is to try sitting, jumping and stretching in them to make sure that any activity will feel comfortable. If something doesn’t feel right, you may need to adjust your size or try a different style.

What’s the Difference Between Trunks and Boxer Briefs?

Due to the similarities between boxer briefs vs trunks, it’s normal to be a bit confused about what sets them apart. Simply put, trunks are shorter and squarer than boxer briefs, which tend to be longer and more rectangular in shape.

Should I Wear Boxers or Briefs?

Whether it’s better to wear boxers or briefs depends on several factors, from weather to body type to occasion. For exercise and cooler weather, briefs and boxer briefs are certainly better than boxers. On the other hand, for warmer weather and lazy days around the house, boxers are probably preferable to briefs.

Why Do Guys Wear Briefs?

Since briefs tend to be considered less fashionable than boxer briefs, you may be wondering why briefs would ever be a man’s first choice. The primary appeal of briefs is that they provide plenty of support with minimal extra fabric. For guys with an active lifestyle who don’t like the feeling of extra fabric on their thighs, briefs are often a favorite.

While this post has compared three supremely popular underwear options, there are even more types of men’s underwear to explore. If you’re preparing to buy your next pair, remember that you never have to sacrifice style for comfort – our Second Skin collection provides both!

If you’re a dog owner, you understand the unbreakable bond that forms between an owner and their pet. Pets are so important to our mental health, especially during times of hardship, so it’s natural to want to snuggle up in bed with your pup while wearing your favorite pair of pajamas. But is sleeping with dogs safe?

Most of the time, the answer is yes. Sleeping with dogs is totally safe as long as both you and your dog are healthy. It’s also important to make sure your dog is house trained and is not prone to aggressive or territorial behaviors around the bed.

If you’re wondering whether sharing a bed with your four-legged friend is the right choice for you, you’ve come to the right place. With the help of experts, we’ve explored this topic and have some guidance should you choose to snooze with your pooch.

Benefits of Sleeping With Dogs 

It’s no secret why 56% of dog owners enjoy laying beside their pups at bedtime – there are some scientifically supported benefits! The following positive impacts of snuggle time with your pet present an enticing case for why dogs should sleep in your bed.

Improves Mental Health 

It’s no secret that pets are great at helping us relax and smile, but is there any scientific evidence supporting the mental health benefits of owning a pet? One study observing the impact of animal-assisted activities showed a relationship between partaking in these activities and experiencing fewer depressive symptoms.

Sleep is essential to positive mental health, so sleeping with dogs is similar to engaging in a therapeutic activity with them. Cuddling up with your pup might just be the cherry on top of your self-care regimen.

Helps You Feel Safe

Dogs tend to be highly territorial animals and will do everything in their power to protect their owners. It’s no wonder why people tend to feel safer when sleeping with their loyal companion nearby!

A study surveying women who sleep with animals found that women who sleep with dogs felt a greater sense of security and comfort than women who sleep with cats or even human partners. You could say your pup is the guard dog of your dreams (literally)!

Reduces Stress

Have you ever wondered why petting a dog makes you feel so good? As it turns out, one study revealed that human-animal interactions might benefit certain symptoms of stress, including human cortisol levels, heart rate and blood pressure.

Since sleeping is a vulnerable activity that takes up so much of our time, it’s likely that sleeping with dogs can have a healthy impact on our stress levels. According to Dr. Linda Simon, veterinary surgeon and veterinary consultant with FiveBarks, “We are most vulnerable when asleep and our dogs appreciate the opportunity to be near us at this time.”

Strengthens Owner-Pet Bond

It’s common to feel emotionally connected to dogs when physically close to them. Perhaps you’ve heard that sleeping with dogs may boost oxytocin production, potentially contributing to this feeling.

According to Crystal Litzenberger, veterinary technician and client care specialist at Lolahemp, sleeping with dogs helps them learn that they can trust you. “This is especially true for dogs with new owners,” she adds. If you’ve recently adopted or rescued a new dog, spending some quality time sleeping near them can help reassure them that you’re their protector.

8 Tips For Sleeping With Dogs

Clearly, there are plenty of great reasons to sleep with your dog. That said, there are some best practices you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure that both you and your pet remain happy and healthy.

1. Keep Them Close, But Not Too Close

It can be really tempting to sleep right next to your dog, maybe even offering them the pillow next to you. However, many dogs have sharp teeth and claws that could cause injury if they kick or wake up startled in the middle of the night.

If your dog isn’t fully house trained or is prone to scratching, biting or even licking, it might be a good idea to set up a bed for them in the room with you rather than positioning them right next to you. This is especially true with kids, as they are at greater risk of harm than adults when around dogs.

2. Wash Your Sheets Regularly

This should come as a no-brainer, but dogs can be messy. Whether your dog sheds and tracks in dirt or not, dogs carry lots of germs with them, which warrants frequent trips to the laundry room. Get into the habit of washing your sheets on a weekly basis, and consider throwing another top sheet on top of your comforter for added protection.

3. Maintain a Regular Nightly Routine

Along the same lines of keeping rules and boundaries consistent, it’s a good idea to keep your bedtime routine consistent. After a few weeks, your dog will learn the drill and be more likely to cooperate.

The benefits of a consistent bedtime routine don’t just apply to dogs. One study on children’s bedtime routines suggested that maintaining a consistent bedtime routine benefits sleep quality and cognitive function.

4. Visit the Vet Regularly

While it’s already a good idea to make routine visits to the vet to ensure that your dog is in great health, this is especially true if you share a bed with them. This significantly increases the amount of physical contact you have with them, meaning there’s a greater chance for them to pass over fleas and cause other health issues.

According to Dr. Corinne Wigfall, Veterinary Spokesperson and Registered Veterinarian with SpiritDog, it’s important to “keep your dog’s flea treatment up to date.” She adds, “those pesky fleas won’t hesitate to jump from your dog to you for a little snack.”

5. Walk Your Dog Before Bedtime

Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. If you haven’t walked your dog all day and you bring them to bed, there’s a good chance they’ll have too much energy, causing them to wake up in the middle of the night and disrupt your sleep.

Remember that certain dog breeds need to be walked more than others. Your decision whether to sleep with your dog may depend on its individual needs and baseline energy levels.

6. Consistently Enforce Boundaries

Just as in any other way you train your dog, repetition is crucial. Before you start bringing your dog to bed with you, make a game plan by setting specific boundaries ahead of time then committing to consistently enforcing them.

If you invite your dog onto your bed one night then make them stay down the next, this is likely to confuse them and make it more difficult to set rules for them. Consistency is key!

7. Adapt Your Space

As you start to figure out an arrangement that works well for both you and your furry friend, don’t be afraid to make some necessary adjustments to your space. Lucy Easton, psychology graduate and pet author, advises, “Make sure that you have enough space for you and your dog to sleep comfortably,” recommending a dog ramp for smaller or older dogs with joint problems.

If you plan to sleep with a larger dog, don’t be afraid to upgrade your bed from a double to a queen or from a queen to a king. You and your dog will be grateful for the extra space.

8. See How You Feel in the Morning

It’s no secret that dogs can be light sleepers. Their instincts are to sense even the slightest sounds and to protect their families, which means frequent sleep disruptions and middle-of-the-night waking.

While it can be tough to know whether your dog’s movements are disrupting your sleep, Dr. Sabrina Kong DVM, veterinary writer at WeLoveDoodles, explains that “the best way to gauge if a dog is disrupting your sleep is to see whether you feel tired in the morning or not.” If you consistently wake up feeling fatigued, it might be time to try out a new sleeping arrangement with your furry friend.

When Not to Sleep With Your Dog

Unfortunately, there are conditions when sleeping with your dog probably isn’t the best idea. Just remember, even when circumstance demands that you put space between yourself and your furry friend, the love is still there!

If You Have Bad Allergies

Allergies get in the way of a lot, especially if you have a pet. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, about 30% of people in the U.S. with allergies have allergic reactions to dogs and cats. Pet hair can also carry allergens like dander, dust and pollen, even for people who aren’t specifically allergic to dogs.

If you have allergies but want to sleep with your dog, you might want to look into dog breeds that tend to carry fewer allergens in their fur, or just set up a doggy bed in the room with you at a safe distance.

If Your Dog Has Allergies

While this may come as a surprise, dogs can have allergies, too! Litzenberger explains, “Some dogs have allergies that are aggravated if they sleep in the same bed as you.”

It’s important to be mindful of your dog’s allergic reactions in certain areas of the house before getting in the habit of inviting them to bed with you. Don’t forget to prioritize your pup’s comfort just as you prioritize your own!

If Your Dog Isn’t Yet Trained

Dogs that aren’t house trained are more likely to ruin sheets and disrupt sleep. If your dog is still a puppy or is kept outside most of the time, it’s more hygienic and safer to keep them away from your bed when you sleep until they’re fully house trained.

Brown advises against sleeping with your dog when it’s still young and being trained. She explains, “It can lead to issues with house-training and also leave your dog feeling insecure without you.”

She warns of the problems that dogs suffering from separation anxiety can cause and recommends crate training early to help your dog feel comfortable in their own space, away from their owner.

If Your Dog Has Anxiety or Epilepsy

Anxious dogs tend to wake frequently and may have accidents, which is likely to disrupt your sleep and cause some annoyances. You may consider asking your veterinarian about medicinal options to help calm your dog at night, or simply give them space where they won’t frequently disrupt your sleep.

Dr. Wigfall weighs in here as well, advising that dogs with epilepsy sleep off of the bed. She explains, “Seizures can be violent and [dogs] can either injure themselves if they fall off the bed, or potentially injure you through paddling or even biting.”

Ultimately, it’s a good idea to think twice before letting a dog who suffers from anxiety or epilepsy up on the bed, as this may lead to sleep disturbances or even injury.

If Your Dog Has Behavioral Issues

Some dogs are more territorial and prone to aggression than others. Whether this be due to trauma earlier in life or certain biological instincts, it’s important to address the issue before moving forward with sleeping with your dog.

Dr. Wigfall adds, “If your dog shows any aggression around sleeping on the bed, this should be stopped immediately and behavioural training sought to correct the behaviour before it becomes a habit that is hard to break.”

If You’re a Light Sleeper

Dogs can be pretty needy and disruptive, moving around at night to get more comfortable or wanting some cuddle time when you’re trying to get some REM. If you’re a light sleeper and are easily awoken by movement, it might be a good idea to sleep away from your pup.

If Your Partner Isn’t on Board

While you may be gung-ho about inviting Fido to snuggle, your significant other may not be. Charli Burbidge, veterinarian and co-founder at Petz addresses the importance of ensuring that a sleeping partner is totally comfortable with sleeping with the dog. “Don’t guilt them into it,” she advises, as this could put a rift in your human relationships.

5 of the Best Dog Breeds to Sleep With

If you’ve ever confused joggers vs sweatpants and vice versa, you’re not alone. This guide will explain everything you need to know about both styles.        

If you have a drawer that is stuffed to the brim with panties, but you can never seem to find the perfect pair, then it’s time to learn how to properly fold your underwear. Home organization is a recent trend where experts show their methods of organizing their closets, drawers and personal belongings. Organization gurus like Marie Kondo and the ladies from The Home Edit have given Instagram-worthy inspiration and advice on how to keep your closet in tip-top shape.

To help you learn how to fold underwear and maximize your drawers, we’ve sourced 8  different expert methods for folding every type of underwear. Before jumping in, let’s discuss the importance of learning how to properly store your drawers. 

The Importance of Learning How to Fold Underwear

There are many advantages to learning how to fold your underwear. Folding underwear can be very therapeutic as taking the time to organize and fold each piece slows down your day and encourages mindfulness. Also, folding each article into a small square or roll, helps you save space and keep track of how often to buy new underwear. Folding your underwear also saves time as it prevents you from spending hours digging for that specific underwear needed for an outfit and helps make packing a breeze. 

What is the best way to fold underwear? You can decide for yourself as you explore the different expert methods for underwear organization. For step-by-step instructions on folding underwear, watch our video below!

Let’s begin by discussing the best ways to fold panties. 

How to Fold Panties 

Learning how to fold panties is no easy feat, especially if you aren’t skilled with folding small pieces of fabric. Try one of our simple underwear folding methods and for extra organization, purchase a panty organizer to keep folded panties lined up and in place in your drawer. Before each step, make sure to flatten the fabric so that there are no wrinkles or puckers. 

1. The Square Method 

The square method is one of the simplest ways to fold your underwear and works best with thongs, briefs or cheeky underwear. In the visual above we demonstrate this folding method by using our Women's Cool Cotton Thong. Follow the directions below to get started.

1. Lay underwear on a flat surface with the front facing up.
2. Pull the crotch area up to meet the top of the waistband.
3. Fold the right side into the center. Take the left side and fold that over the right side. 
4. The result should resemble a rectangle.
5. Fold the rectangle to make a square shape.

2. The Egg Roll Method 

The next method is called the egg roll method because the result resembles a Chinese egg roll. It is great for packing as your underwear will stay in place and can be stored in small places. This method also works great for briefs or cheeky underwear.

1. Lay underwear horizontally face up with the waistband towards you.
2. Fold three times in narrow equal folds, moving away from you. 
3. When you have about an inch of fabric left, stop folding and flip the underwear over.
4. Fold each side towards the center.
5. Fold the bottom up. 
6. Place your thumbs in the pocket made and flip inside out. 

3. The Roll Method 

The next method is the roll method and is also one of the ways Marie Kondo instructs her clients to fold their underwear. This method is best for briefs or cheeky underwear. In the visual above we demonstrate this folding method by using our Women's Second Skin Brief.

1. Lay underwear vertically and on a flat surface with the front of the underwear facing up.
2. Pull the crotch area up to meet the top of the underwear’s waistband.
3. Take the left side and fold it in half vertically.
4. Roll the fabric away from you and into a tight cylinder.

4. The KonMari Fold

The KonMari fold is another underwear folding method from Marie Kondo. This folding method works best for briefs.

1. Lay underwear on a flat surface with the front facing up.
2. Fold one side across the middle to make a rectangle.
3. Fold the other side the same way.
4. Fold the bottom part up in half or thirds until it meets the top of the waistband. 
5. The result should be able to stand up on its own and can be stacked vertically. 

5. The Boyshort Method 

The next method is called the boyshort method because it works best for boyshort style underwear. In the visual above we demonstrate this folding method by using our Women's Second Skin Boyshort.

1. Lay underwear on a flat surface with the front of the underwear facing up.
2. Take the top of the panties (waistband area) and turn it 90 degrees laying it flat down. The seam should be facing you and the leg holes should be stacked on top of each other. We do this to ensure the extra crotch fabric lays flat.
3. Take the bottom of the underwear and fold it to meet the top of the underwear (waistband).
4. Take the left side and fold it inwards 3 times. 
5. The result should resemble a small square. 

How to Fold Boxers + Briefs 

Learning how to fold men’s underwear comes with different challenges. Men’s underwear like boxers and briefs have extra fabric that can get in the way of a seamless fold so remember to flatten the fabric before getting started. Explore our methods for simplifying the process and learning how to fold boxers below. 

6. The Big Square Method

Our first method for folding men’s underwear is the big square. This method is best for boxers and trunks. In the visual above we demonstrate this folding method by using our Second Skin Boxer Brief 8”.

1. Lay the underwear face up with the waistband positioned away from you.
2. Pull the left leg or side and fold it towards the middle. It should line up with the middle of the underwear. Fold the right side inwards so it is covering the left folded section. It should make a rectangle shape. 
3. Tuck in any extra fabric or flared sides from the crotch, then take the crotch side of the underwear and fold it thirds until it reaches the top of the waistband. 
4. The result should resemble a big square.

7. The Tucked Square

Our last underwear folding method is called the tucked square. This works best for boxers, trunks and other underwear with a strong elastic waistband.

1. Lay the underwear down face up with the waistband positioned away from you.
2. Fold the left leg or side and fold it towards the middle. It should line up with the middle of the underwear.
3. Fold the right side inwards so it is covering the left folded section. It should make a rectangle shape. 
4. Fold the waistband side of the underwear halfway down.
5. Hold the bottom section of the underwear in one hand, while holding the waistband open with the other hand, and tuck the bottom part into the waistband.
6. You should be left with a small tucked square that’s easy to store. 

8. The Army Roll

The next method is called the army roll because of the way you tuck in and roll up the fabric. Similar to the egg roll, it is great for packing as your underwear will stay in place and can be stored in small places. This method also works best for boxers and trunks. In the visual above we demonstrate this folding method by using our Cool Cotton Trunk 4".

1. Lay the underwear face up with the waistband positioned away from you.
2. Flip the waistband and pull it down about two inches so that you can see the inner fabric. 
3. Take the left side and fold it towards the middle to line up with the middle of the waistband. Take the right side of the underwear and fold it over the left side.
4. Pull the bottom of the underwear (leg openings or crotch) and roll it up toward the waistband keeping it as tight as possible. 
5. Hold the rolled part of your underwear with one index finger tucked under each end of the waistband, and your thumbs on the other side of the fabric. Push the waistband up and towards you with your index fingers, while pushing the rest of the fabric down with your thumbs. You should be left with a rolled underwear that won’t come apart. 

We hope our guide has helped you learn how to fold underwear. From thongs to boxers, there are many different types of underwear and ways to fold them properly. If through this process, you find that you’ve outgrown some of your old pairs, use our underwear size chart to find your perfect fit. 

To many women, bras are just another part of daily life. The support, comfort and confidence they provide isn’t always top-of-mind and like most other basic necessities it’s easy to take bras for granted. Deciding what to do with old bras might seem a bit trivial to women who have never dealt with clothing insecurity, but the truth is that they can make a huge difference.

For the 216,000 homeless women in the U.S. and the millions of others around the world, bras are more of a luxury than a basic necessity. This October, we encourage you to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a meaningful way by donating unused or old bras to support women in need.

Read on to learn more about how you can make a difference with your used bras.

Table of contents:

What to Do With Old Bras

The thought of giving away or finding another use for your used underwear might feel a bit odd at first. After all, bras and underwear are such intimate articles of clothing. That said, it’s important to remember that repurposing used bras can make a huge difference in the lives of those in need.

You have several options when deciding what to do with old bras. First and foremost, you can donate to an organization that will either distribute or recycle your bras for you. You could also upcycle your bras yourself, using the fabric to make something else. If your bra isn’t too used but you aren’t a fan of the style or fit, you might even consider swapping your bras with friends or members of online communities.

We’ll dive deeper into all of these options and provide you with the resources you need to start making an impact today.

Why Donate Bras? 10 Statistics to Inspire Bra Recycling

To shed some light on the gravity of global clothing insecurity as well as textile waste, we’ve collected some data surrounding these topics.

Environmental Impact of Clothing Waste

Unused clothing can contribute to textile waste, which the following statistics make clear:

1. While 95% of textiles can be recycled, only 15% get recycled or donated. (Center for Eco Technology)
2. The amount of clothing Americans toss annually nearly doubled between 2000 and 2018 from 9.5 million to 17 million tons. (EPA)
3. Textiles accounted for over 5.8% of all municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018, totaling more than glass. (EPA)
4. A 2016 survey carried out by Rigby & Peller found that approximately 33% of women who bought bras that ended up not fitting them properly threw them away almost immediately after purchase. (Brarista)
5. Most recycled polyester currently used by large fashion brands is made from bottles rather than old clothing. (BBC)

The Need for Bra Donations

To better understand the need for essential articles of clothing, we’ve collected some statistics surrounding women in need in the U.S.

1. There are 216,000 homeless girls and women in the U.S. and millions more around the world. (I Support the Girls)
2. Women were 35% more likely to live in poverty than men in 2019. (National Women’s Law Center)
3. Nearly one in nine women lived in poverty in 2019, with one in 20 women living in extreme poverty (below 50% of the poverty line). (National Women’s Law Center)
4. Affordable child care has lagged far behind women’s workforce participation, so many of the 11.5 million single mothers in America either can’t afford to work or spend nearly all they earn caring for their children. (The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund)
5. 80% of women do not wear a correctly fitting bra. (The Bra Recyclers)

Where to Donate Used Bras

It’s common knowledge that you can donate new bras, but can you donate bras that have been used? Absolutely!

There are several organizations that take gently used bras and use them for good, whether that be by recycling them or donating them to people in need. Let’s take a look at six places you can donate your used bras today.

1. I Support the Girls

I Support the Girls collects and efficiently distributes essential items such as menstrual hygiene products, new and slightly used bras and underwear for people experiencing homelessness all over the world.

The organization partners with homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, LGBTQ+ agencies, foster care agencies and others. It is motivated by the conviction that every woman should have the means to maintain her personal health and dignity.

Mission

“Through an international network of Affiliates, I Support the Girls collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity.”

Contact Information & Mailing Addresses

Website: https://isupportthegirls.org/

Phone number: (240) 816-0570

Email: info@iSupportTheGirls.org

Mailing addresses:

If shipping products via USPS, address to:

I Support the Girls

Attn: Dana Marlowe

P.O. Box 2736

Wheaton, Maryland 20915

If shipping products via UPS or FedEx, address to:

I Support the Girls

Attn: Dana Marlowe

11431 Amherst Avenue #2736

Wheaton, Maryland 20915

Drop-Off Locations

I Support the Girls currently has drop-off locations in 31 states and four countries outside the U.S. To check if there is a dropoff location near you, explore their location page.

2. Free the Girls

Free the Girls equips women who have been rescued from sex trafficking to achieve financial freedom by offering them the opportunity to sell slightly used bras to their communities. The organization collaborates with services all around the world that are working to end sex trafficking and collects bra donations to fulfill its mission.

Whether you plan to drop off or ship bras, Free the Girls asks that you fill out this form ahead of time.

Contact Information & Mailing Address

Website: https://freethegirls.org/ 

Phone number: (720) 383-4384

Email:

info@freethegirls.org (general inquiries)

dropoff@freethegirls.org (bra drop-off inquiries)

Mailing address:

Free the Girls

1552 Pioneer Trail

Chesterton, IN 46304

Drop-Off Locations

Free the Girls currently has drop-off locations in every state except Montana and North Dakota, and three countries outside the U.S. To check if there is a dropoff location near you, explore their location page.

3. The Bra Recyclers (Bra Recycling)

If the environmental statistics above reveal anything, it’s that too many textiles end up in landfills. The Bra Recyclers is a clothing recycling company dedicated to extending the lifespan of clothing items (such as bras) and cutting down on textile waste.

The Bra Recyclers send usable bras to its partners to distribute to women in need and recycle bras they receive that are no longer usable. This is a great option if you’re unsure whether a bra is usable, as the organization will find a use for it regardless.

Before you send or drop off bras, The Bra Recyclers ask that you fill out this form ahead of time.

Value Proposition

“We provide a simple and scalable process for retailers and consumers to extend the life cycle of pre-loved and new bras, potentially reducing the water, carbon, and waste footprint. In partnership with Bra Recycling Ambassadors around the world, the social impact of these actions has resulted in the donation of over 4 million bras to over 100 nonprofits, supporting women and girls escaping domestic violence, human trafficking, or who just need a bra to go to school or play sports.”

Contact Information & Mailing Addresses

Website: https://www.brarecycling.com/

Phone number: (480) 988-2283

Email: info@givebackbox.com

Mailing address:

The Bra Recyclers

4904 S. Power Rd, Ste 103-441

Mesa, AZ 85212

Drop-Off Locations

The Bra Recyclers currently partners with companies around the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. To check if there is a drop-off location near you, use the location finder. 

4. Donate to Women’s Shelter

If you want to support women in your local community, you can locate a women’s homeless or domestic violence shelter near you and check to see whether they accept bra donations. Chances are, they will be more than happy to take gently used bras.

Find local homeless shelters: https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/ 

Find local domestic violence shelters: https://www.domesticshelters.org/help#?page=1 

5. Donate to Local Schools

Where there’s a bra, there’s a young girl who could use it. A quick internet search should show all of the schools in your area – try calling their front offices and asking if they take bra donations for their students. Many public schools also regularly hold clothing drives, especially during the holidays.

Find local schools: https://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/ 

6. Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere (San Jose Women’s Club)

Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere is a group based in San Jose, California that collects bras and underwear and distributes them to homeless and at-risk women, primarily in the Bay Area.

There are numerous women (especially women experiencing homelessness) who do not have a correctly fitting bra which, aside from discomfort, can pose health issues. This group actively works to provide women with bras that fit well.

Contact Information & Mailing Addresses

Website: https://sjwomansclub.org/groups/be-a-dear/

Phone number: (650) 862-1375

Email: BAD@sjwomansclub.org 

Mailing address:

Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere

C/O Eileen Hunter

568 N. 9th Street

San Jose, CA 95112

Drop-Off Locations

Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere currently exclusively has drop-off locations in California, in San Jose, Los Altos, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Oakland, Palo Alto and San Francisco. To check if there is a dropoff location near you, explore their donation page.

Additional Ways to Use Used Bras

If your bra isn’t in good enough condition to donate or you’re simply looking for other creative ways to repurpose your used bras without tossing them, we’ve compiled a few more ideas that might come in handy.

1. Upcycle Used Bras and Underwear

If you have a creative side, you’ll jump at the prospect of turning your old bras into a new project. Here are a few ideas to consider as you brainstorm upcycling possibilities:

1. Stitch old bra cups onto another top. If you have a swimsuit, dress or other top that doesn’t have much support, you can stitch on your old bra cups for extra comfort and support.
2. Make a purse out of your old bra. Using some scissors and hot glue, you can even transform your bra into a small purse for outings. Find a detailed walkthrough of how to do this on YouTube.
3. Use your bra padding for shoe inserts. Simply remove the padding from an old bra and put it into a pair of uncomfortable or poorly fitting shoes.
4. Make art out of your bra. If you love crafting, consider using your old bra to make a meaningful art project.

2. Compost Used Bras

If your bras are made of natural fibers such as cotton, silk and wool, they can be composted. You’ll just want to remove any elastic and anything else that won’t biodegrade (including tags and any plastic) with scissors.

Next, cut the rest of the bra into small pieces so that it can compost more easily before putting the pieces into a compost bin or distributing them in soil.

3. Textile Recycling

If your used bras aren’t totally compostable, consider investing in a service that will take your bras and recycle them for you, turning them into new products.

Check out the following organizations:

1. Bra Recycling Agency. This agency offers subscription-style bra recycling services, transforming used bras into carpets.
2. TerraCycle. If you have some money to invest into textile recycling, TerraCycle offers a “Zero Waste Box” that can be filled with any fabric to be recycled.
3. I:CO. Short for I:Collect, I:CO recycles clothing and shoes in over 60 countries to reduce textile waste.

4. Swap on Reddit

Reddit is filled with communities of people of common goals and interests, including women who are figuring out what to do with their used bras! Consider swapping bras with someone on r/braswap or giving away your used bras for free on r/RandomActsofBras.

Best Practices for Donating Used Bras

To be sure that the bras you donate are going where you want them to go and that they will be accepted by an organization, it’s important to do your due diligence before sending them out or dropping them off.

Research the Organization 

Do you have a solid understanding of the organization’s mission? Are you confident your bras will end up serving the cause you’re most passionate about? If you’re at all hesitant, you might want to do more research and even directly reach out to the organization by phone or email to get all your questions answered.

Wash Your Bras Ahead of Time

While many organizations accept used bras, not all of them will wash those bras for you. To respect the donation site and to ensure that your bras will be accepted rather than tossed, it’s important to wash your bras before donating them.

While they likely don’t need to be perfectly stain free, try to wash them as thoroughly as you can so that they can best serve those in need and be distributed as quickly as possible.

Do a Final Gut Check

Before you pack up your bras to send off to a donation site, you’ll want to go through a mental checklist to ensure you haven’t missed any important steps.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. What is the condition of the bra? Is it torn and falling apart or still structurally sound?
2. What type of bras do I plan to donate? Are they made of fabric that’s best for donating, recycling or composting?
3. Am I providing the organization with everything it needs to use the bra? Did I fill out all required forms?

Bra Donation FAQs

You may still have some questions about bra donations – we’re here to answer them.

Does Goodwill Take Bras?

Whether Goodwill takes bras and other underwear depends on the need of your local Goodwill. It’s a good idea to call your local Goodwill to ask whether they take bras before bringing them in – otherwise, they may be tossed.  According to Fashionista, 11% of Goodwill’s donations in 2014 were deemed unfit for sale and were added to landfills.

Does Goodwill Wash Clothes?

When Goodwill takes bras, it tends to be picky and requires washed bras. While you can contact your local Goodwill to check their policy on washed clothes, the best way to avoid the potential of your bras getting tossed is to wash them ahead of time.

Are There Any Personal Benefits to Donating Bras?

Aside from the joy of helping people in need and protecting the planet from additional waste, you may be eligible for IRS tax deductions when you donate your bras.

Are There Bra Donation Services Outside the U.S.?

Yes! While many U.S. charities operate both inside and outside the U.S., there are also several nonprofits based outside the U.S. For example, Against Breast Cancer and Smalls for All are UK based charities that raise money and provide bras for women in need. Consider checking online to see if there is a charity operating near you.

Can You Donate Underwear?

While not all nonprofits and donation centers take underwear, some do! Planet Aid boxes, for example, accept underwear that is washed ahead of time. When in doubt, just call the organization of interest and ask to see what articles of clothing they accept.

Like bras, you can also compost your underwear as long as it’s made of natural materials. Just remove the elastic strap with scissors and add the rest of the material to a compost bin.

Whether you choose to donate, recycle, compost or swap your used bras, you will be doing the earth and people in need a favor by expanding their lifespan for years to come.

When you’re ready to refresh your bra collection, remember to level up your new wardrobe with a Demi bra or any of the other luxury bras we offer.

If you’ve recently explored the men’s underwear section to find the ideal pair, you may have felt overwhelmed by the number of styles that are available to choose from. If so, you’re not alone. Today, there are more men’s underwear types than ever before – so many, in fact, that we created a comprehensive guide to help you understand each one.

This guide will describe each category and sub-category of men’s underwear, explaining the pros and cons of each style as well as what activities they were made for. We’ll even help you decide what bottoms to pair them with!

What’s the Best Underwear for Men?

With so many men’s underwear styles on the market, the art of how to choose underwear may have you scratching your head. Don’t panic – the best underwear for men is whatever best fits your own lifestyle.

Do you prioritize comfort or appearance? Breathability or snug fit? Do you prefer minimal coverage or total coverage? It’s okay if you don’t know the answers to these questions yet. As you explore this guide, pay attention to what speaks to you and what doesn’t, and you’ll have the perfect pair in no time.

10 Men’s Underwear Types

We’ve separated 10 types of men’s underwear into the following categories:

1. Briefs
2. Boxers
3. Long Underwear
4. Sports Underwear
5. Cheeky Underwear

If you already know what category you’re interested in, feel free to skip right down. Happy hunting!

Briefs

While men’s briefs used to be dominated by the infamous “tighty whities,” today they are perhaps the most diverse category of men’s underwear, boasting several different styles and variations.

1. Boxer Briefs

Since their introduction in the 1990s, boxer briefs have quickly become supremely popular among men of all ages. While the fabric used in their design varies from brand to brand, they tend to include a comfy blend of cotton and spandex. They come in low-, mid- and high-rise lengths, each of which have their own ideal bottoms to match:

Low-rise brief:

Wear them with: Shorts, low-rise jeans, workout pants

Coverage level: Moderate-slight coverage, moderate-full thigh exposure

Best for: Everyday wear, working out

Mid-rise brief:

Wear them with: Jeans, dress pants, board shorts

Coverage level: Moderate coverage, some thigh exposure

Best for: Everyday wear

High-rise brief:

Wear them with: High-waisted pants

Coverage level: Full coverage

Best for: Everyday wear

Our Second Skin boxer briefs demonstrate the stylistic versatility of the boxer brief, available with both 6 and 8 inch inseams depending on your preferred fit.

2. Trunks

Trunks are essentially a cross between a brief and a boxer brief. They are very similar to boxer briefs in style, though they tend to be more square-cut and lack the heap of fabric that boxer briefs have. Trunks have been gaining increasing popularity over boxer briefs as a result of their comfort and versatility.

Our Cool Cotton Trunk boasts not only the stylishness of the square-cut design, but also supreme breathability to keep you cool and comfortable. 

Wear them with: Shorts, casual wear

Coverage level: Moderate coverage, some thigh exposure

Best for: Long days at a desk, warmer weather

3. Micro Brief

If you’re looking for a little extra exposure and flair, the micro brief might be for you. Also known as the male bikini or the European brief, the micro brief’s side seam is about an inch deep or less.

Wear them with: Shorts, casual wear

Coverage level: Slight coverage, significant thigh exposure

Best for: Casual activities, warmer weather

4. Hipster (Square-Cut) Brief

The hipster brief, also known as the square-cut brief, is very similar in style to men’s trunks. It offers a modern, low-rise look and is great for men looking for something more stylish and sexy. Since it’s more high-riding, you may want to invest in a hipster brief made of a particularly comfortable material for daily use, such as our second skin.

Our 2-inch Square Cut brief demonstrates just how alluring and comfortable the hipster brief can be.

Wear them with: Shorts, casual wear

Coverage level: Slight coverage, moderate thigh exposure

Best for: Casual activities, warmer weather

Boxers

Boxers are one of the most classic styles of men’s underwear. As opposed to briefs, they tend to be made of a stiffer fabric and include a balloon seat, or a section of loose fabric at the back of the underwear that provides space for the wearer’s buttocks. While briefs stretch, boxers provide extra space with their balloon seat design. Boxers also often come with highly elastic waistbands.

5. Boxer Shorts

Boxer shorts are probably the first image that comes to your mind when you think of the word “boxers.” While they peaked in popularity back in the 1920s, they’ve made a comeback in recent years not only because of how affordable they often are, but also because of their breathability and relaxed fit.

That said, boxer shorts aren’t very snug, so you may want to pursue other options if you’re looking for something that offers more support.

Wear them with: Long pants (casual or dressy), longer shorts

Coverage level: Full coverage

Best for: Lounging, light activity

Long Underwear

Whether you live in a region prone to freezing temperatures or are just planning a trip to the mountains, you may want to invest in some long underwear. While most underwear styles are quite versatile, long underwear tends to be strictly used in cooler climates, offering extra warmth and coverage.

6. Long Johns

Commonly used by men who work outdoors in the cold, long johns are a classic for anyone who needs an extra thermal layer. This style of underwear has even been repurposed in recent years to serve as loungewear. Since it’s sold quite seasonally, you’ll want to grab yours as soon as the weather starts to cool down.

Wear them with: Warm long pants, ski pants, jeans

Coverage level: Full coverage

Best for: Cold weather, mountain sports, lounging

Sports Underwear

If you’re looking for something comfortable and supportive that’s great for running, working out and playing sports, you may want to invest in some sports underwear. As you’ll see, these styles vary drastically in appearance, but they were all designed with an active wearer in mind.

7. Hammock Pouch Briefs

Have you ever wondered if you should try the increasingly popular hammock pouch? If sport leggings provide too much coverage for your taste but you still want extra breathability and support, hammock pouch briefs are for you. With a style similar to boxer briefs, these sport briefs are designed for maximum comfort when exercising, preventing chafing, sticking or swinging as you move. 

Wear them with: Sport shorts, sweatpants

Coverage level: Full coverage

Best for: Working out, playing sports, hiking, high-intensity activities

8. Jockstraps

Originally used for biking and other high-intensity sports to keep genitals cool, dry and tightly supported, the jockstrap has become a popular underwear type for activity and style alike. It’s similar in appearance to the tanga brief on the front and sides, but with total exposure in the back (aside from buttock straps) for maximum breathability.

Wear them with: Tight compression shorts

Coverage level: Minimal coverage, total buttock and thigh exposure

Best for: Biking, playing sports, high-intensity activities

Men’s Cheeky Underwear

While options for men’s cheeky underwear may be less commonly known than options for women’s panties and types of bras, there are certainly playful styles available for men to try out! If you’re exploring men’s sexy underwear options, consider the styles below.

9. G-Strings

G-strings or thongs are basically as close as you can get to going “commando” while still wearing underwear. They are designed with a thin piece of fabric that connects the front pouch to the back of the waistband up the middle of the buttocks. If you want maximum breathability, a G-string may be right for you!

Wear them with: Casual shorts and pants

Coverage level: Minimal coverage, total buttock and thigh exposure

Best for: Everyday wear

10. Cheeky Briefs

For a little extra “cheek” exposure, consider a pair of cheeky briefs. They’re designed like classic men’s briefs but with less fabric on the lower back side – a great halfway point between briefs and a G-string.

Wear them with: Casual shorts and pants

Coverage level: Minimal coverage, full thigh and some buttock exposure

Best for: Everyday wear

Best Material For Men’s Underwear

Men’s underwear comes in all types of fabrics, each of which offers its own benefits. We’ve reinvented common fabrics, designing underwear that’s as lightweight, breathable and versatile as possible to help men feel their very best at all times.

Cool Cotton

For a breathable, fast-drying material that’s perfect for everyday use, check out our Cool Cotton collection. Made with Pima Cotton, this fabric will keep you feeling 2-3x cooler than regular cotton on warm summer days.

Second Skin

As the name suggests, our Second Skin collection is designed to feel like it was made to be on your skin. It’s soft, smooth, and made from a non-pilling micro modal fabric. You also don’t have to worry about your underwear getting bunched up, as it’s designed to stay put throughout the day.

Air Collection

Take advantage of maximum breathability and comfort with our Air Collection. Not only is it as light as underwear fabric can be, but it’s also fast-drying and anti-microbial. This breathable underwear just about as close a feeling to going commando as you can get!

360 Sport

For a material that won’t ride up as you work out yet still provides necessary support for movement, try on our 360 stretch fabric. In addition to offering mesh cooling zones, this collection prevents chafing and rubbing no matter how much you move. As important as it is to thoroughly wash your underwear, our anti-microbial technology will keep you from smelling while you finish your workout.

Men’s Underwear: FAQs

Hopefully, this guide has demonstrated that men’s underwear is pretty diverse in style. Having some questions after taking in all this information is to be expected. Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions so that you can slip into the best pair for you!

What are Men’s Underwear Cuts?

Men’s underwear cuts are another way of phrasing men’s underwear types. There are several different underwear cuts (as you can see above), the most popular being:

1. Briefs
2. Boxers
3. Boxer briefs
4. Trunks

How to Choose Men’s Underwear Size?

For the best fit possible, we recommend checking out our underwear size chart, which includes detailed steps for how to measure yourself.

What Is the Flap in Men’s Underwear For?

People frequently ask, “what is the hole in men’s underwear for? And what’s it called?” The hole in your boxers is technically called a fly, but it has also been given nicknames such as the “air hole” and the “pee hole.”

Essentially, the flap in men’s underwear provides men with extra crotch space, breathability and accessibility to use the restroom, eliminating the need to untuck and re-tuck a shirt.

How to Wear Men’s Underwear Properly?

How men wear their underwear largely depends on personal preference, but it also depends on the type of underwear worn. High-waisted briefs, for example, should be worn as the name indicates – high on your waist.

Chances are, you’ll want to avoid underwear that’s too small or tight, underwear that lacks good airflow and underwear that allows for too much contact, which could result in chafing. Ultimately, what’s most important is that you wear your underwear in whatever way feels most comfortable.

After learning so much about men’s underwear styles, you’re probably itching to find your next pair. Refresh yourself on our fabric guide and start exploring the best underwear for your lifestyle.

To help move your search along, remember to check out Tommy John’s wide variety of boxer briefs, trunks and square-cut briefs below.

Life has gained some normalcy for the millions of Americans whose past year has been defined by indoor activities and social distance. That said, as vacation plans cautiously resume, so do the logistical challenges that come along with traveling, including the beast that is travel laundry.

Before you pack a suitcase overflowing with two weeks’ worth of underwear to avoid breaking out the detergent, remember that learning how to wash clothes while traveling doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are several on-the-go laundry tactics you can use so that you can pack fewer clothes, freeing up space for more important items. Let’s get washing!

How to Do Your Laundry While Traveling

Whether you’re traveling by hotel, hostel, Airbnb or camper, you have options for travel laundry – you might just have to get a bit creative. From making use of a hotel’s laundry services to scrubbing in a sink, we’ll cover it all.

Use Hotel Services

The most convenient – but also most expensive (we’re talking $30-$70 per load) – travel laundry method is using a hotel’s or cruise ship’s laundry services. Most hotels are willing to wash, dry, iron and fold your clothes for you. Some even offer dry cleaning services if you need a nice suit or dress ready for tomorrow night’s gala.

How to Wash Clothes in a Hotel

To wash clothes in a hotel, you’ll first want to look for a laundry bag in your room, as most hotel rooms should have one. You should also see a form that you can fill out to tell hotel staff what you want done to your clothes. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call the front desk and ask about their laundry services.

Just be sure that you don’t need any of the clothes you put in the bag for the next 24 hours – that tends to be how long it takes to complete a load.

Use a Bathtub or Sink

If you’d prefer to skip the laundromat and do your laundry yourself, consider hand washing in the bathtub or sink. Unlike using a hotel service, this strategy is the most time-consuming and challenging but also the cheapest way to do your travel laundry.

When washing by hand, it’s important to have a drying space ready ahead of time. Since many clothes will take 12-24 hours to hang dry indoors, it’s a good idea to primarily pack clothes made of quick-dry fabrics like polyester and nylon if you expect to hand wash during your trip.

If you’re in need of some quick-dry underwear for your next trip, our Air Underwear can hang dry in under 4 hours! After a wash, just squeeze out the excess water and roll the underwear in a towel to soak up any remaining liquid before hanging up to dry. Thanks to the underwear’s perforated mesh fabric, it will be dry within 4 hours.

How to Wash Clothes in a Bathtub or Shower

If worse comes to worst and you have to hand wash your clothes, there’s no need to stress. Just remember to come prepared with your own laundry detergent and to ensure you have a good place to hang dry your clothes.

To wash your clothes in a bathtub or shower, just follow these easy steps:

How to Hand Wash Clothes in a Sink

The process of hand washing clothes in a sink is very similar to doing so in a shower or bathtub. A sink, being smaller, makes it the ideal choice for washing small garments like underwear, bras and thin undershirts. 

Here are the steps for washing your clothes in a sink:

Book a Self-Service Option

Before you book a place to stay, you might want to do some research and see which locations offer self-service laundry options. Several lodging options offer these services, from hostels to Airbnbs to apartments. There may even be a washer and dryer in the same building you’re staying in.

While these are often free to use, they may charge a few dollars per load and they tend not to provide detergent or dryer sheets. It’s a good idea to have some coins, cash and detergent on-hand just in case! 

Use a Laundromat

Laundromats are great options if you’re wanting to keep costs low and are willing to do a little walking to get your clothes washed. Just be sure to look at a map ahead of time to check if there’s a laundromat near where you’re staying.

Laundromats come in many different formats, but the most common are self-service and assisted. Much like other self-service options, machines in laundromats will likely charge between $2.00 and $6.00 USD to wash and dry your clothes.

Some laundromats may offer washing and drying services, where an employee does your laundry for you. They will likely give you a time to return to the laundromat when your clothes will be washed, dried, folded and sometimes even ironed for you. Although far more convenient, this service will likely triple or quadruple the cost of your laundromat visit.

Pay for Laundry Services

Local laundry services can be great options if there are no laundromats near you. Price can vary significantly by location, so you may want to check the cost before you carry your dirty clothes to one of these facilities. You can either pick up your finished laundry or potentially have it delivered to you, depending on the service.

These services are often attached to tailors or dry cleaners, and tend to be run by families or even a single person.

Camping Laundry: Washing Clothes While Camping or RVing

Finding a way to do laundry is relatively easy when traveling in a city or town, but washing clothes while camping in the wilderness may require a little more creativity. Before giving up on ways to wash your underwear and hunting for bra alternatives, remember that camping laundry isn’t as difficult as you may think!

While campsites often have either a laundry facility or a sink that can be used to wash clothes, if you’re camping away from a designated campground, you can either look for a river or other water source, or bring a bag that you can fill with soap and water to wash your clothes.

If you find a natural water source, remember to use environmentally friendly travel laundry detergents to avoid causing unnecessary pollution. All that soap has to go somewhere!

On the flip side, traveling in an RV opens up some more options for on-the-go laundry. You can either detour to a laundromat, an RV site with a laundry facility or hand wash inside your RV. Since you’re traveling, you’ll have plenty of outdoor space to hang your clothes if you just stop somewhere safe for the day.

How to Wash Clothes While Backpacking

When backpacking, it’s especially important to be ready to do some travel laundry since you have to travel so lightly. If you’re wondering how to wash clothes while backpacking, we can pull from some of the tips in the above camping section.

If you stumble upon a natural water source like a lake, river or stream, make use of it! As mentioned previously, just make sure to invest in a small bottle of environmentally friendly laundry soap ahead of time.

The bag method will also be especially useful when backpacking, particularly when you’re traveling in a relatively dry area that lacks natural water sources. Just add some water from your water bottle, a little detergent and your clothes. Voila – you’ll be the best-smelling among your backpacking buddies!

Tips for Preserving and Washing Clothes While Traveling

If the concept of travel laundry intimidates you, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through some helpful tips so that you can feel confident in your washing abilities before you hit the road.

How to Remove Stains from Laundry

Traveling can be messy. Whether you spilled a greasy snack on your shirt while on the plane or got some wine on your pants at dinner, there are plenty of powerful and eco-friendly stain removers that you can add to your travel laundry arsenal.

Tide to Go

If you do the shopping for your household, you’ve certainly seen Tide to Go pens in the “impulse section” before checkout, if not in the laundry detergent aisle. These little tools are inexpensive, TSA compliant and can easily be thrown into a small bag compartment for emergencies.

Just press the pen down and rub it onto your stain immediately after the stain occurs. It’s a good idea to also wash your clothes with laundry soap and water after applying the pen.

Warm Water and a Bar of Soap

Don’t underestimate the power of simple body soap when you need to remove a stain fast. Rub the stain with soap (lightly, to avoid rubbing the stain deeper into the fabric) and soak your garment in warm water for several minutes, and repeat if needed.

Just remember to go easy on your clothes to keep them from getting damaged.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most popular ingredients for simple and natural stain removers. Just mixing it with some water and scrubbing it on your stain should work wonders.

Luckily, baking soda is super easy to come by. If there’s a convenience store anywhere near where you’re staying there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find some.

Dish Soap

Dish soap was strategically designed to remove food grease from plates, and it works the same for clothes! If you spill something greasy on your clothes, rub some dish soap into the stain before it dries to start attacking that grease before giving it a thorough wash.

How to Stop Your Bag From Stinking

Sometimes, you have nowhere to put your dirty clothes aside from the bags you’re using for other items, like snacks, sunscreen and electronics. After a little while, your bag may start to smell like your three-day-old dirty laundry, which isn’t fun.

If your bag starts to stink, don’t panic. There are several ways to mask or absorb these odors until you get home and can give your bag a thorough wash.

Use Dryer Sheets

If you’re planning to use a laundromat or a similar self-service laundry area, you’ll likely already have some dryer sheets on hand. If not, bring some anyway!

Dryer sheets are great for taking care of odors, so you might as well throw a couple in your dirty laundry bag so that the smell of your clothes stays contained for the rest of your trip.

Use Essential Oils

If you aren’t a big fan of the synthetic smell of dryer sheets, turn to a favorite among aromatherapists: essential oils. Choose your favorite natural scent (like lavender or lemongrass) and rub a couple of drops onto the lining of your backpack. This will keep your laundry smelling like a field of flowers.

Use Silicon Gel Packets

You may have never thought to save those little silicon gel packets stored in medicines and other packaged goods, but it turns out they have a valuable use when traveling. They work great for absorbing moisture – including sweat.

They’re cheap to purchase and throwing a couple in your laundry bag after filling it with your post-hike clothes will keep microbes from growing and help improve the smell of your bag.

Use the Sun

Bacteria don't do well in sunlight. If your bag starts to stink, just leave it open outside for a little while to get rid of bacteria and improve its smell.

5 Things to Bring for Travel Laundry

Now that we’ve covered just about everything you could want to know about doing travel laundry, let’s review a checklist of items that you should pack away to make the process as seamless as possible.

1. Sink Stopper

To avoid needing to create a makeshift drain plug using a garment, you’ll probably want to bring your own sink stopper. While many hotels and other lodgings will have built-in sink stoppers, bringing your own is a good way to ensure that you’ll be able to hand wash your clothes regardless of your destination’s amenities.

2. Dry Bag for Dirty Clothes

Unless you’re backpacking and don’t have the carrying capacity to bring another bag, consider bringing a dry bag to use just for your dirty laundry. This way, you’ll keep your dirty clothes separate from everything else to avoid stinking up your other items.

3. Travel Clothesline

Depending on your travel logistics, you may not have a clothesline readily available for hang drying your clothes. To keep your wet clothes from dripping on the floor, you may want to buy or make a bathtub clothesline.

Making a DIY travel clothesline may sound daunting, but it can actually be a fun project before departing for your destination if you’d rather make one than buy one. You can use elastic ropes or rubber bands to braid a long line together that makes hang-drying your clothes at a hotel, Airbnb or campsite easy.

4. Travel Laundry Detergent

When deciding which travel laundry detergent to pack, remember the importance of packing light. Choose a small bottle, and ideally one that is eco-friendly – especially if you’ll be washing your clothes out in nature.

5. Travel Laundry Washing Bag

As mentioned above, a great way to wash clothes in the wilderness is using a travel laundry washing bag. These bags tend to be sturdy, sealable and lightweight making them perfect for on-the-go washing.

Just add water, soap and your clothes, seal the bag and use the pressure of your hands on the outside of the bag to lather up your clothes before rinsing them. These bags are a must-have for any avid adventurer.

Whether you’re figuring out how to wash your underwear on a backpacking adventure or are simply wanting to freshen up your cozy pants to wear around your hotel, hopefully, this guide has provided you with some valuable travel laundry takeaways.

Remember to stock up on some soft tops and sweaters for your next travel adventure so that you feel as comfortable as possible the next time you trek.

To sleep in panties or not to sleep in panties? If that question keeps you up at night, don't sweat it! We’re here to put your worries to rest.

Chances are, you’ve heard the age-old debates about what to wear to bed. Is it OK to sleep in a bra? What about certain types of pajamas? Along these same lines, many women also wonder whether it’s better to sleep in panties or go commando. 

Contrary to anything you’ve been told, catching Z’s in your underwear is perfectly fine. While it's still a matter of personal preference, there are advantages to sleeping in your knickers. In fact, it might even provide all sorts of benefits, from lightening the laundry load to preparing you for emergencies.

Surprised? Keep reading to find out seven unexpected reasons why you should sleep in panties.

Is it OK to Sleep in Panties?

It turns out that sleeping in panties is more than OK! According to OB/GYN and clinical assistant professor Dr. Alyssa Dweck, it’s not medically necessary for most women to go commando at night. 

So, what’s with all the drama?

The reason there’s so much controversy over wearing underwear to bed has to do with the non-breathable materials lining some panties. Naturally, if you’re choosing uncomfortable drawers, your vaginal health might suffer. That's why people prone to inflammation and vaginal infection might want to avoid bedtime underwear.

However, overnight undies themselves aren't the problem. As long as you opt for knickers made of cool, soft, and light light fabric, you can let your skin breathe all night long. 

7 Reasons to Sleep in Panties

Before you opt for the birthday suit, you might want to consider the many benefits of wearing underwear to bed. Here are some reasons to sleep in panties: 

1. For Cleanliness

For starters, sleeping in panties can be cleaner than going to bed bare. In a survey, 30% of respondents report washing their sheets only once a year. Between washes, tiny bugs called dust mites feed off dead skin flakes on our bedding.

Still keen on sleeping naked? Sleeping in underwear gives you an extra layer of protection between you and any germs living between your sheets.

2. For Comfort

While your bedding might keep you warm at night, the fabric in some sheets can feel scratchy and coarse. In addition to general discomfort, dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner explains that the synthetic materials in certain bedding can cause irritation or worsen skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Unless you're using silk or cotton sheets, you might prefer the comfort of sleeping in cotton underwear. Cotton is the best fabric for sleepwear because they are breathable and soft, you won't mind the extra layer.

3. For Less Laundry

If you think going commando to bed will save you a load of laundry, think again. Without the extra layer of protection for your nether regions, your pajama bottoms and bedding might need a bit more attention from the washer. 

Instead of cleaning those bulkier items more often, you can learn how to wash underwear and save your quarters.

4. For Period Protection  

There’s nothing worse than waking up to a period stain on your freshly washed bedding. Did you know that sleeping in underwear can help lower the chances of this unpleasant surprise?

Since panties provide an additional barrier between you and your bedding, you're much less likely to experience leakage. 

5. For Body Temperature

If you get night sweats, the last thing you might want is to wear an extra layer of clothing to bed. However, certain underwear can actually help keep you dry.

Choose an anti sweat underwear. Instead of sporting regular fabrics, try cool cotton underwear or other lightweight materials overnight. They'll help regulate your temperature and soothe even the hottest sleepers. Plus, if you still end up breaking into a sweat, you'll have a layer of protection between you and the sheets.

6. For Privacy

There’s a reason they’re called your private parts — you probably want to keep them private. If you have roommates or housemates, going commando to bed might result in some embarrassing encounters. For those with a tendency to sleepwalk, you might not even realize you’re wandering around your home in the buff.

To avoid the awkwardness, you might want to sleep in panties and throw on some comfy loungewear while you’re at it.

7. For Emergencies

If someone breaks into your place, you won’t want to worry about being decent. By sleeping in underwear, you’ll be ready in the case of an emergency break-in.

In addition, what happens if the fire alarm goes off? Sleeping in panties gives you one less layer to throw on before evacuating the building.

Best Styles for Sleeping Underwear

Sleeping in underwear offers all kinds of benefits, but does the style matter? When deciding between different types of panties for bed, it’s all about what makes you comfortable. 

If you prefer full coverage between the sheets, go for briefs or boyshorts. Those who want a little less material might gravitate toward cheeky styles.

How about thongs? Although certain myths insist that thongs cause discomfort, the truth is that many people simply aren’t choosing the right pair. If you’re most comfortable wearing a thong to bed, just be sure to pick out a breathable fabric and proper size.

Best Fabrics for Sleeping Underwear

Once you’re set on a style, choosing the right fabric can provide you with optimal comfort.

Here are the best underwear fabrics for sleeping:

On the flipside, those susceptible to inflammation might want to avoid sleeping in panties made from these materials:

By choosing better fabrics, you can rest assured that you’re doing right by your privates. 

Best Sizes for Sleeping Underwear

Whatever style and fabric you wear to bed, the most important thing to keep in mind is the size. Sporting panties that aren’t the right fit can be uncomfortable no matter what time of day it is. Even worse, wearing tight underwear to bed might make it harder to fall asleep.

To help you pick a loose, breathable pair for bedtime, check out this underwear size chart. That way, you can make sure the only thing sleeping tight is you.

Underwear FAQs

In case you need a recap, here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about sleeping in panties:

Is it Good to Sleep Without Underwear?

For most people, hitting the hay with panties isn’t a problem. However, it’s OK to sleep without underwear if you’re prone to irritation. 

What is the Best Underwear to Sleep in?

The best underwear for bed is whichever style, fabric, and size provide you with comfort and breathability. If none of your pairs make you feel fully comfortable, it might be time for an upgrade.

In terms of the underwear style, any amount of coverage works under the covers — as long as you choose the right fabric and size. Cotton, micro modal, and nylon mesh are some of the airiest fabric options. When picking a size, just make sure to give yourself room to breathe.

Ultimately, what you wear to bed is completely up to you. However, before you strip down for the night, remember all the advantages of keeping on your drawers. By choosing underwear with the right fabric, style, and size, you can sleep in panties and enjoy all the benefits.

Now that you’ve stopped worrying about your bedtime underwear choice, it’s time to hit the sack. 

Still struggling to fall asleep? Try pairing your comfy night clothes with some calming sleep affirmations.

As the days get warmer and swimsuit season kicks into gear, many of us can’t help but compare ourselves to others, becoming hyper-critical of how our own bodies look whether in our undies or when out in the summer sun. When negative self-talk creeps in, it’s important to do things that remind us of our endless beauty and worth. That’s why we’ve compiled 40 body positivity quotes from respected authors and public figures who have dealt with self-esteem issues and have some wisdom to share on the topic.

Body positivity quotes aren’t a cure for low self-esteem, but they can certainly be a catalyst for a more positive outlook on life. Hopefully, you’ll have some “aha” moments as you read so that you can start stepping outside radiating with confidence.

Body Positivity Quotes For Every-Body!

Nobody is immune to struggles with self-confidence. Women and men alike battle feelings of unworthiness that tear us down rather than build us up. When the going gets tough, remind yourself of these affirming body positivity quotes that will help you feel good in your own skin again.

Body Image Quotes for Moms & Mature Women

As much as children add to life, maturity and motherhood can bring with it some body insecurity that’s tough to overcome. For when you’re feeling self-critical, bookmark these body image quotes for a fresh reminder that all bodies are beautiful.

Quotes About Being Confident for Students

The life of a student can be incredibly challenging. From anxiety about grades to self-comparison with peers, it’s easy to lose track of one’s own sense of self-worth. Check out these quotes about being confident for some inspiration as you navigate the challenges of being a student.

Women’s Self-Love Quotes

If anyone has had experience developing fierce self-love in the face of criticism, it’s successful women living in the public eye. On days when it feels hard to love yourself, even when you’re wearing your favorite top, look to the following self-love quotes from those who have taken active steps to feel satisfied and confident in their own skin.

Confident Girly Quotes for Younger Women

Every young woman deserves to feel like she’s on top of the world. If you need a reminder that you’re perfect just as you are, keep these confident girly quotes in mind.

Quotes on High Self-Esteem for Men

With all of the societal expectations placed on men, it can be difficult to feel worthy. If you feel like your confidence is slipping, remember the following quotes about being confident to boost your self-esteem.

How to Use Body Positive Quotes

Remember, much like underwear, body positivity quotes aren’t a “one size fits all.” You may resonate with some and not others, and that’s okay! Remember, it’s one thing to believe these affirmations; it’s another to live them out. Let’s take a look at some ways you can meaningfully integrate these body image quotes into your life.

Body image quotes are one popular way to remind yourself of your beauty and value, but the journey toward self-love goes beyond quotes from successful public figures. Consider developing some sleep affirmations or taking the time to chat with a close friend or a therapist to develop a positive mindset surrounding your body and your worth.

One crucial step toward self-love is wearing what makes you feel most confident. Whether that means picking out the right panties and the best-fitting bras or even just leveling up your loungewear around the house, you deserve to feel your best in everything you wear.

While there are many things to look forward to when the weather warms up, boob sweat is not one of them. Whether it’s a first date or taking a quick jog, boob sweat is an unwelcome guest that seems to invite itself to all of your summer plans.

Boob sweat, or perspiration between and under your chest,  is normal and most women will experience it at some point or another — but that doesn’t make it any more tolerable. If you’ve experienced the dreaded boob sweat, you know that this uncomfortable occurrence can literally put a damper on your day. 

What’s more, if not managed properly, excess boob sweat can cause heat rashes under or around your breasts. Don’t worry, from choosing the right bra to tata towels,  we’ve got sweaty boobs covered. If you have plans where you’ll be exposed to “humid-titty” this summer, read on to discover 24 ways to keep your chest dry. 

1. Choose the Right Bra Size

Boob sweat is uncomfortable and bra-fitting problems will do you no favors in warm weather. During the sweaty summer season, it’s more important than ever to have a comfortable and properly fitted bra. 

Having a bra that fits correctly can go a long way to keep you comfortable during summer activities and also prevent chafing during your next boob sweat session. Not to mention, breast chafing can be a result of wearing an ill-fitting bra that is either too small or too big.

2. Change Your Bra Style 

When dealing with sweaty boobs, the simplest fix is changing your bra style. Oftentimes, bras that are too thick or have extra padding can induce sweat under your boobs.  Look for lightly lined bras, made with breathable materials that won’t trap heat and will allow any moisture to evaporate.

A bralette or sports bra can be a great alternative to lingerie or padded bras that could trap in heat. 

3. Stay Hydrated

Sweating is how your body cools itself down. When you sweat, your body releases liquid through sweat glands, which then covers your skin, and in this case, your boobs. Staying hydrated and regularly drinking water can help keep you cool and reduce your body’s need to sweat. 

To stay sufficiently hydrated, it’s recommended that females drink about 11.5 cups of water a day and males drink 15.5 cups of water a day. 

4. Wear Breathable Fabric

In addition to choosing the right bra fabric, the right kind of clothes can help keep your body cool and your boobs from sweating. Cotton, bamboo, rayon and seersucker are all great, breathable materials that can reduce the amount of heat trapped against your body.

5. Be Strategic About Your Shirts

Opting for loose, flowy tops and dresses can also be a good idea before stepping into the sun. Not only will they reduce the chances of sweat forming in the first place, but they’ll likely hide any sweat that does form. 

6. Apply an Antiperspirant 

Antiperspirant isn’t just made for your underarms, it can be applied to other areas of your body as well! An organic or aluminum-free deodorant is perfectly safe to apply around your breasts. An antiperspirant deodorant can prevent you from sweating and can help you smell fresh if you do. To apply, rub the antiperspirant between and under your boobs — or any area where you want to stop sweating. 

7. Ditch the Pastels 

Nothing kills a summer mood like sweat stains. If you suffer from boob sweat, consider swapping out your seasonal, pastel wardrobe with dark colors like black or navy blue. This can help hide any sweat that forms and prevent noticeable sweat spots from appearing on your clothing. 

8. Use Anti-Chafing Powder

If boob sweat had an evil twin, it would be boob chafing. When you sweat, your boobs can rub against your chest or each other causing friction that leads to chafing and eventually rashes. The friction creates heat, which then makes you sweat even more — creating a vicious cycle. 

Using an anti-chafing powder is an effective way to absorb sweat quickly and prevent your breasts from rubbing on your skin. An anti-chafing powder can simply be brushed on your skin before physical or hot activities. 

9. Bring Along Wipes

Basic alcohol or baby wipes can help you freshen up when you’re in a pinch and can help temporarily close pores to stop excess sweating from happening. Find wipes that are portable and can be brought along during your summer activities, so that you can feel and smell clean even on the hottest days. 

10. Stick to the Shade

Shade is Mother Nature’s gift to big-breasted women. If you have large breasts or are especially prone to breast sweat, do your best to find shade. Whether it’s an outdoor lunch or workout class, finding a shady spot can help keep your body (and your girls) cool. 

11. Talk to Your Doctor About Treatment Options 

While sweating is normal, excessive sweating could be a symptom of an underlying health condition. If you are unable to manage boob sweat or other types of sweating on your own, consider discussing your symptoms with your primary healthcare provider. They may be able to determine the cause of your sweating and offer the best solutions for your body’s specific needs. 

Additional Tips for Sweaty Situations

Did you think we were done? Not even close. Below are more solutions to boob sweat that you can try: 

Boob Sweat: FAQs

Why Does the Sweat Under My Breasts Smell?

Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat, linked to the apocrine glands. Most body odor comes from these glands. These glands are found in the breasts, genital area, eyelids, armpits, and ear — which makes these areas more prone to sweating and odor. 

How Can I Prevent a Sweat Rash Under My Breasts? 

Avoiding underwire bras can help those who find themselves more prone to sweat rashes or chafing. It also may be helpful to wear a bra liner or mini pads to absorb moisture and prevent a sweat rash from forming under your breasts. You may even consider sleeping without a bra if nighttime boob sweat causes irritation.

How Do I Stop My Breasts from Itching?

Breast itching can be caused by yeast infections that are formed in warm, moist areas like under your boobs. Yeast infections usually cause red, irritated and extremely itching skin. 

Minimizing boob sweat is the simplest and most effective way to prevent your breasts from itching. However, if you do end up having itchy boobs, cooling cloths or over-the-counter topical creams can help relieve itchiness and symptoms quickly. Remember to wash your bras thoroughly and frequently to keep them clean and to prevent irritation.

The struggle is real with boob sweat. So, when it comes to your boobs, choosing a breathable bra is important to boost your level of comfort during sticky situations. When looking for the right bra for you, consider cooling materials and proper fit so that you can seize the summer without the sweat.