Measuring for underwear

[Amory]

So, I'm going to order my first pair of men's underwear. I'm really excited, but I want to get sizing right. My waist is about 30 inches, and my hips are about 36, so I don't know where that puts me for sizes. Thank you so much, really appreciate any help

[Dev]

Men's underwear operates solely on waist size.  With the difference between your waist and hip measurements, I'd recommend starting at a size 32.  You'll find most men's underwear is sold in sizes "32 - 34," as it's marketed to accommodate different body shapes. 

 

At 32, the elasticity should mean you won't have an issue passing the hips, and the fabric itself should be well-fitted all around.  If it doesn't fit quite right, you can use it as a springboard to determine what size to try next. 

 

Keep in mind that women's' waists are measured differently than men's.  From our clothing size guide:

 

Quote

For FtM (male clothing) measurements:

Keeping the measuring tape level with the floor, measure around your midsection immediately below your navel.

 

[Kirsten]

Remeber that men’s underwear sits at about the same level as a low rise women’s underwear. About 4-5” below the belly button. That’ll be your band size. If you have  wide hips or thighs or bum even, you may wanna try a boxer short for the extra room. Most guys have little to nothing in that area. 

[JJ]

I had forgotten about hip measurements after 8 years of wearing mens clothes though I wore women's for 6 decades. Nothing in mens clothes is ever measured by hip size. Just waist and leg for pants and chest and neck for shirts and suit coats or sports jackets, etc.

There is a S,M. L for jackets and such too. It refers only to length of the jacket or shirt and sleeves. Many trans guys need the S for shorter arms and length.

A lot of men's underwear and clothing also just comes small, medium and large. I'm a medium in underwear and wear a 34 in pants.

There can be some variation in sizes and how they fit depending on style. 

I wear bikini jockeys because they work best for me with my STP. I can actually wear a small but the longer I live male the more important comfort becomes. I like things a little loose.

Over time if you are on T your proportions will change. I was always 10 inches bigger in my hips than waist no matter what size I was from puberty on. Now my hips and waist are the same and have been for several years. It still makes me grin sometimes to have to wear as belt to keep my pants up because my hips won't anymore.

I found when I started wearing mens clothes full time that it helped to go to thrift stores where no one cares what you do and try on different sizes and styles so I knew what worked for me and how different brands fit. I had always worn men's jean's and tees but dress pants etc was different. Also if you are on T  ot going to be your size will change as your body changes so if you can find cheaper for awhile it helps because they may not fit right in a few months time.

Johnny

[StrainAsylum]

My BFF gave me my first bunch of men's briefs about 6 months ago and I only wear the old women's underwear if I've missed doing laundry and run out of briefs-!  LOVE them.  I particularly love the longer legged boxer briefs.  I wear a 2XL for now, but am determined to lose weight.  I hope T will help my size rearrange (I know it won't help LOSE); my hips are my biggest part for now.  

 

I'm disabled, so working out is a difficult venture.  Hoping just walking in small bits will help, at first.  Any suggestions for upper body work where mobility is limited?

[SugarMagnolia]

I don't know if it would work, but have you ever looked at Ski ERGs? Concept 2 started out making rowing machines, but they also make ski ergs that are supposed to be a great workout and are upper body only. Something to think about anyway

[JJ]

I lost 200 lbs when I transitioned and have kept all but 15 lbs off for over 7 years now. I started swimming - a crawl or commando stroke is great to build muscles- especially upper body. Then went to hiking. Gradually (and gradual is important or you will do damage) I added wrist weights and weight to my pack. Then I added workouts with a resistance tube working up to an Ultra- over 100 lb pull. Not for old peopl anymore. Professional body builders use resistance tubes when they travel. They are zero impact and can be customized to target specific areas. I got guns and developed my already broad shoulders at 64! That was just a bonus - I strengthened my core so I was in less pain than I had been in my adult life. (I've cracked 6 vertabrae and herniated 3 discs in different incidents.  plus no cartiledge in my knees) Since I had been bedridden for 3 years before transition and using a Walker or electric cart 10 years before that it was a massive change. I never dreamed it was really possible but just set out to do the best I could. Didn't set an ultimate goal. Just took each day doing my best. Except one day a week when I ate anything and everything I wanted. Helps control cravings and prevent metabolism falling and stalling you out. Still do it because truth is eating changes only work if they are for life.

The most important thing on the weight loss I think was that I kept track religiously 6 days a week. I used My Pate on Livestrong because it was easiest for me and free and the fit thing that came on my phone to log exercise.

You can do more than you dream. Just give it your best and live in the day!