Between Two Underwear Sizes? How to Decide

If your waist measurement falls between two Gigo underwear sizes or directly on a shared boundary, choose the larger size. This is the recommended starting point for greater comfort, natural support and freedom of movement. The underwear should still remain stable and preserve its intended shape without creating unnecessary pressure at the waistband, pouch or leg openings.

Being between sizes is common. Bodies do not follow fixed retail categories, and two people with the same waist measurement may experience the same garment differently. Anatomy, body shape, preferred level of compression and the cut of the underwear all influence how a size feels.

The practical approach is simple: begin with an accurate waist measurement, choose the larger Gigo size and confirm the fit while moving.

What Does Being Between Underwear Sizes Mean?

You are between sizes when your waist measurement falls between two listed ranges or lands on a value shared by two consecutive sizes.

For example, the Gigo lower-body size chart includes boundaries where one size ends and the next begins. If your waist measures exactly 31 inches, that value appears at the upper end of S and the beginning of M. Under the current Gigo recommendation, you should choose M.

These are body measurements, not the dimensions of an unstretched garment. Underwear contains elastic and is designed to fit close to the body. Measuring the product flat and comparing that number directly with your waist can therefore produce the wrong conclusion.

Measure Where the Waistband Actually Sits

Before deciding between two underwear sizes, confirm that you measured the correct part of your body.

Use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the point where you normally wear the waistband of your underwear. For many men, this is slightly above the hip bones, but the exact position can change according to the rise and cut of the garment.

• Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
• Place it in contact with the body.
• Keep it straight around the waist.
• Fit it comfortably without pulling it tight.

Stand naturally and avoid holding in your stomach. The goal is to measure the body as it normally rests, not to create the smallest possible number.

Do not automatically use your pants size. A pants label may not represent your current body measurement, and sizing can vary between brands. Always compare your actual waist measurement with the specific Gigo chart.

If you need help with this step, start with our guide to reading a men’s underwear size chart online.

Why Gigo Recommends the Larger Size

Choosing the larger size gives the garment enough room to support the body without forcing the fabric, elastic or seams to work under excessive tension.

This does not mean the underwear should look loose. A correctly selected larger size should still:

• Stay in position at the waist
• Hold the front naturally
• Follow the shape of the body
• Keep the leg openings stable
• Maintain the intended silhouette
• Feel comfortable when sitting and moving

The purpose of sizing up is not to remove all contact with the body. It is to find the balance between support and pressure.

A smaller size may initially appear more sculpted because it stretches tightly across the body. That appearance is not always evidence of a better fit. If the waistband digs in, the pouch feels compressed or the leg openings pull, the garment is being forced rather than fitting naturally.

Being Between Sizes Is Not the Same as Choosing the Wrong Cut

A size controls the overall dimensions of a garment. A cut controls where the fabric sits, how much it covers and how it interacts with different parts of the body. Moving up one size cannot solve every fit issue.

If the waistband feels comfortable but only one leg opening creates pressure, the problem may be the relationship between that cut and your thigh. If the waist fits well but the rear fabric moves constantly, you may need a different level of back coverage. If the waistband and back feel correct but the pouch remains restrictive, your anatomy may need a roomier front construction.

Choose the larger size first when your measurement is between ranges. Then evaluate the complete fit. If discomfort remains isolated to one area, compare another Gigo cut instead of continuing to move through sizes.

How the Decision Changes Across Underwear Cuts

Briefs

Briefs create a close silhouette without fabric extending down the thigh. Their fit is mainly experienced at the waistband, pouch, leg openings and rear panel.

The Audacy Orange Brief provides a useful example of a close brief construction. When choosing between sizes, the larger option should preserve the defined appearance while reducing the possibility of excessive pressure around the pouch or leg edges.

A brief fits correctly when the waistband remains stable, the pouch accommodates the anatomy naturally and the leg openings follow the body without digging in.

Trunks

Trunks include more fabric through the upper thigh. This creates additional points where the garment must adapt to the body.

The Prudence Green Trunk lets you evaluate how the larger size behaves at the waist, pouch, seat and short leg sections. The legs should remain in position without gripping the thighs too tightly or rolling upward during normal movement.

If the waist is comfortable but the legs continue to ride up, another trunk length or cut may work better. That symptom does not automatically mean you should keep increasing the size.

Jockstraps

Jockstraps reduce rear coverage and use straps to support the garment. Correct sizing still begins with the waist, but strap placement and front support become especially important.

With the Bahia Red Jock, the larger size should sit securely without making the waistband or straps feel forced. The pouch should support the front without flattening it, and the straps should remain stable without creating uncomfortable pressure.

A jockstrap may feel visually and physically different from a brief or trunk in the same size. That difference comes from construction, not necessarily from incorrect sizing.

A Simple Movement Test After Trying It On

A garment can appear correct while you are standing still and reveal problems as soon as you move. After receiving your Gigo underwear, wear it for a few minutes and perform three simple movements:

1. Walk naturally.
2. Sit down and stand up.
3. Lift your legs slightly, one at a time.

During the test, observe the waistband, pouch, back and leg area. The fit is likely correct when the waistband stays in place, the garment does not require constant adjustment, the pouch supports without compressing and the fabric moves with the body.

This short test is more useful than judging the garment only in front of a mirror. Movement reveals whether the size and cut are working together.

Signs You May Still Need a Different Size

Signs the underwear may still be too small

• The waistband creates strong pressure or deep marks.
• The pouch compresses or flattens the anatomy.
• The fabric pulls sharply toward the front.
• The rear panel shifts repeatedly.
• Seams appear excessively stretched.
• Leg openings dig into the thighs.
• The garment rides up throughout normal movement.

When pressure affects several areas at the same time, the overall size is the most likely issue.

Signs the underwear may be too large

• The waistband slides down.
• The pouch has excess loose fabric.
• The rear panel sags.
• The garment loses contact with the body.
• Leg openings stand away from the skin.
• Support decreases noticeably while walking.

A larger recommended size should provide comfort, but it should not eliminate stability. If the garment feels loose throughout, recheck your measurement and confirm that the tape was positioned correctly.

Signs the cut may be the real issue

• The waistband fits, but one leg opening feels uncomfortable.
• The waist and pouch fit, but the rear coverage shifts.
• Only one section moves or creates pressure when seated.
• The front needs more room while the rest fits correctly.
• A trunk fits at the waist but its leg length does not suit your thighs.

These isolated symptoms usually suggest that another cut may adapt better to your body.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Between Sizes

Choosing the smaller size for a more enhanced look

Gigo underwear is designed to create shape through its construction. The intended appearance should come from the cut and pouch, not from forcing the entire garment into a smaller size.

Assuming tightness means support

Support means the garment holds the body in a stable and comfortable way. Compression is pressure. A tighter garment can produce more pressure without providing better functional support.

For a detailed front-fit check, read our guide to men’s underwear pouch fit without compression.

Using another brand’s size label

A medium from one company is not guaranteed to match a medium from another. Compare your body measurement with the Gigo chart instead of transferring the letter automatically.

Evaluating only one part of the garment

A waistband can feel correct while the pouch, back or leg opening does not. Check the complete garment before deciding that the size is right. If your main concern is waist pressure or rolling, review how a men’s underwear waistband should feel.

Quick Decision Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Should men size up or down when between underwear sizes?

For Gigo underwear, choose the larger size. It provides a better starting point for comfort and movement while the cut continues to supply support and shape.

Should underwear feel tight when first worn?

Underwear should feel secure, but it should not create uncomfortable pressure. The waistband, pouch and leg openings should remain stable without digging into the body.

Does choosing a larger size reduce support?

Not when the size matches your body measurement. Support comes from the garment’s construction and its contact with the body. A correctly chosen larger size should remain stable without unnecessary compression.

Should I use my pants size to buy underwear?

Use your current body measurement instead. Pants labels and fit conventions vary, so they are not a reliable substitute for the Gigo size chart.

Can I wear the same size in briefs, trunks and jockstraps?

Your waist measurement remains the starting reference across these cuts, but each construction may feel different. Evaluate the waistband, pouch, rear coverage, leg openings or straps according to the garment.

What if the larger size fits the waist but not another area?

Identify where the problem occurs. If discomfort is limited to the pouch, leg opening or rear panel, compare another cut instead of assuming the entire garment is the wrong size.

Choose Comfort Without Losing the Gigo Shape

When you are between two underwear sizes, the decision does not need to become a guessing game. Measure the point where the waistband will rest, compare that number with the Gigo chart and choose the larger size.

Then move. Walk, sit and lift your legs slightly. A good fit remains stable, supports naturally and lets the garment create its intended shape without excessive pressure.

Your size is the starting point. The right cut completes the fit.