Careful shopping for underwear important, as underwear shoppers need to ensure that their underwear fits properly, is comfortable and is in a style that suits the wearer's wardrobe. As its name suggests, underwear is worn under clothing and is not generally seen by others. Despite the fact that it is kept "under cover," underwear can have a significant impact on how a person looks and feels. In some climates, the fabrics used to make underwear can also be important consideration in choosing underwear.
For men, shopping for underwear is often a matter of selecting a fit that they feel most comfortable wearing. It is a good idea to measure one's waist before shopping for underwear so one can have an idea of what size to purchase. In some cases, men may find that they have to try different underwear brands before they discover one that they find most comfortable. As a general rule, people tend to appear more comfortable and at ease if they are wearing undergarments that do not bind or pinch and that allow for free movement.
Shopping for underwear can be a more complicated process for women. In addition to underpants, most women wear bras which can require specialized fitting. Women's clothing styles may also require the wearing of different styles of underwear, which means that women may have to buy a greater assortment of underwear that can be worn under a variety of garments. Women should always receive a professional bra measurement and fitting when shopping for underwear. This is particularly true if a woman has recently lost or gained weight or had a baby. It may be to a woman's advantage to wear or bring with her the garment or garments she plans to wear when she goes shopping for underwear in order to ascertain whether the underwear is suited to a particular piece of clothing.
For some people, the underwear fabric is very important to their comfort and well-being. For example, women who are prone to vaginal or urinary tract infections may be better off purchasing white cotton underwear which is often less irritating and allows for some airflow. Those who live in very hot climates may also find cotton underwear, including cotton bras, to be more comfortable than synthetic fibers. On the other hand, those who live in very cold climates may wish to purchase long underwear and underwear made from thermal fabrics that can help them retain body heat and protect against wind and cold temperatures.