The biggest complaint we get by far is sizing. It is also the most asked question about any pair we profile on the blog. “Is the sizing true?” By being true we are speaking of the size medium being a 32. Then the other sizes are based off this size. Typically a small would be 29-30, Medium 32-34, large 36-38 and X-large being a 40-42. This is pretty much the standard for US sizing. Countries around the world have different sizes.
I hear many of you saying “How can we implement sizing standards right now?” While it may seem like a something easy to do. Just adjust sizing and bam you’re done. It’s not that simple. Brands would have to redo all their patterns and production. This isn’t a cheap thing to do for bands. Once production is set, it costs money for every change that you do in the process.
The next issue is production is worldwide. In the US we want a medium to be 32 inches. Other parts of the world they want smaller or larger sizes. People are built differently around the world. Some areas would not need the larger sizes. They may actually need sizes smaller than 28 inches. We must see the bigger picture in the world of underwear. As much as we would love standard sizings, it’s not something that will be happening anytime soon.
What can you do to deal with sizing issues?
First, make sure you check out our sizing charts page. We have most major brands there and their official sizing charts. We try to update it as much as we can but don’t always get bands on there. If there is one you want to see on it, let us know. We want this to be a one-stop spot for sizing questions.
Second, Its best to know general areas of the world and how their sizing runs. Working on UNB for 8 years, I have come to know when sizing runs different from the US.
- Japan – Sizing is typically smaller than the US. I have seen sizing for large and XL being 32 inches.
- Australia – Usually the sizing is similar to the US. aussieBum and Cocksox both are very similar to US Sizing.
- Columbia/Brazil – Sizing is typically smaller than US. Not as bad as Japan. XL can usually be around a 36-inch waist. Brands such as Clever Moda and Mundo Uncio.
- UK/Europe – European countries can be a bit of a crap shoot. Some brands are equal to US sizing and others run smaller. There is no set standard as to what is equal and what is smaller. Sukrew, BumChums and Big Boys Pants are comparable to US sizing. Then brands like Barcode Berlin, Bruno Banani and more.
Lastly, if you’re on the borderline of a size err on the side of caution. Always go up in the sizing. Don’t try to squeeze into a size that may be too small for you. Nothing sucks more than a pair of underwear that is too small. Some guys don’t want their pride hurt to know they have to wear a large or XL. For me, comfort always wins out in this debate. Plus, you can always cut out the tags so no one will know the size you bought.
You can’t avoid sizing issues. It’s one of those necessary evils of loving underwear. We won’t be getting universal sizing anytime soon. But you can avoid some issues. First, double check the size charts before you buy. Next, ask friends and even us at UNB about sizing for a brand before you buy. Lastly, if you buy a “larger” size than you normally wear don’t fret. Remember, who really is going to look at your size tag of your undies?
