UK underwear advice

[JamieM92]

Hi guys - long-time reader here as I've found the opinions and advice invaluable. But first-time poster so here goes...
I'm looking to take my underwear up a notch from the likes of M&S and Next which have been my go-to for vests / tank tops (yes, I'm 28 and wear sleeveless vests but they're so comfortable!) and boxers. Any suggestions as to where I should look to upgrade my collection?

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Is there something lacking with what you’re wearing now?

I get that you are wanting something different, but the term upgrade can mean anything. Upgrade in price? That’s easy. Upgrade in comfort or just something longer lasting?

 

[JamieM92]

I guess it's probably all of the above! Looking to spend a bit more to get superior comfort and wear in return. I have seen things like Sunspel at the upper end say maybe £30 for one vest or one pair of boxers, which seems like a lot but might be worth it, or otherwise the likes of Boss who do a 3-pack of vests for more like the £30 mark. Just not sure where to go next to get the right balance - would Boss just be paying for the name for example?

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I don’t know about that. I’ve actually found UniQlo boxer briefs, both cotton and airism, to be incredibly comfortable and long lasting.

You could certainly spend more, but there’s no harm in trying a few less expensive alternatives.

 

[dieworkwear]

Tommy John's Second Skin is really good, but it's a boxer brief and not a boxer. It's made from a micro-modal blend. Micro-modal is really good for underwear because it wicks moisture from the skin and is very breathable. You'd be surprised by how much better it is than pure cotton. However, some micro-modals pill easily. Tommy John's don't.

It's widely considered that Zimmerilli makes the best undergarments in the world. I once bought a pair of boxer briefs from them that retailed for $150 (I did not spend that much; it was on deep sale). Those were much softer and more comfortable, but the softness went away with time. I tried another pair from the line a little closer to my normal budget and they were not as good.

There are some other lines here and there, but I haven't come across anything I like as much as Tommy John's Second Skin in the long run. They hold up well, are very comfortable, and feel so much better than pure cotton boxers.

 

[JamieM92]

Wow Tommy John looks like a great range. I particularly love the sound of their boxer briefs and “cool cotton” tank tops. It’s great they even ship to the UK but I will need to look into import taxes too. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I believe Tommy John has an international presence. You should be able to find it domestically.

 

[Panama]

Sunspel are not that great. There are tons of premium European brands:

Switzerland
Zimmerli as mentioned above.
Hanro
ISA
Calida
Germany
Novila - possibly even more luxurious than Zimmerli
Mey
France
Eminence
Spain
Zero Defects
Italy
Bresciani - In the top 5.
Oscalito
Julipet
Lisanza Uomo
Perofil
Cagi
Boglietti
Alpina
Olimpia
Ragno
Moretta
Liabel
Croatia
Kozo

The above all use luxury cotton such as Sea Island, Giza 45, Peruvian Pima, Giza (Giza 70, Giza 87, Giza 88, Giza 93), Mako (Giza 86, Giza 89, Giza 90) and Filo di Scozia.

These are mostly made in their own factories. I would avoid Boss, Calvin Klein, Armani etc. They are just made in the same factories as M&S.

 

[Panama]

There are even more brands which are less luxurious:

Germany
Schiesser
Hermko
Comazo
Trigema
Ammann Bodywear
Götzburg/CECEBA
Kumpf/Otto Kern
Italy
Kabe/Oggi
La Furlana
Vilfram
Gallo
Levante
Fragi
Nottingham
Qbo
Rossoporpora
Axiom
Fraly
Navigare
Annic
Garda
Henri
Cottonella
Primal
Intimedia
Intimissimi
Arcte
Marc Luis
GiCiPi
Denny's
Linclaor
Armata Di Mare
Marina Yachting
Antonella
Marlene
Gasoline Blu
New Age
Issimo
Il Granchio
Pompea

 

[JamieM92]

These are some more great suggestions, so thanks a lot! I'm keeping my eye out for pure cotton options as I have sensitive skin - that's part of the reason why I still wear vests... and there seem to be some fantastic choices here.

 

[JamieM92]

Right so having pored over all the different makes I've opted to try out Intimissimi! Hopefully the quality and value for money hit the right spot. They had some amazing multibuy deals so I'm giving their ribbed vests and loose fit boxers (both supima cotton) a go. Can't wait to wear them as they look so good.

 

[Panama]

Right so having pored over all the different makes I've opted to try out Intimissimi! Hopefully the quality and value for money hit the right spot. They had some amazing multibuy deals so I'm giving their ribbed vests and loose fit boxers (both supima cotton) a go. Can't wait to wear them as they look so good.

Perofil is having a sale. I may grab some stuff on there.

 

[Panama]

Right so having pored over all the different makes I've opted to try out Intimissimi! Hopefully the quality and value for money hit the right spot. They had some amazing multibuy deals so I'm giving their ribbed vests and loose fit boxers (both supima cotton) a go. Can't wait to wear them as they look so good.

It's great that they use Supima. However, their products contain too much elastane for me.

 

[JamieM92]

It's great that they use Supima. However, their products contain too much elastane for me.

I saw the boxers are 7% elastane but the vests are 100% cotton.

 

[Panama]

Perofil is having a sale. I may grab some stuff on there.

I have just placed my Perofil order. 20% off non sales items for Valentine's. Two Filo di Scozia boxers and one tee.