SAXX Sizing Chart and Buying Guide: Vibe vs Ultra vs DropTemp

SAXX underwear runs true to the brand's waist chart: XS 27 to 29 inches, S 29 to 32, M 32 to 35, L 35 to 38, XL 38 to 42, XXL 42 to 46. Measure just under your belly button, take the size your waist lands in, and if you sit on a line go up. Swim shorts use the same chart. Here is how the lines differ and which to buy.

What is the SAXX sizing chart for underwear and swim?

One chart covers both underwear and 2N1 swim shorts:

• XS: 27 to 29 in (69 to 74 cm)
• S: 29 to 32 in (74 to 82 cm)
• M: 32 to 35 in (82 to 89 cm)
• L: 35 to 38 in (89 to 97 cm)
• XL: 38 to 42 in (97 to 107 cm)
• XXL: 42 to 46 in (107 to 117 cm)

Measure with a flexible tape just under the belly button, where your waistband sits, tape flat and parallel to the floor. Do not use your jeans size. A man in 34 jeans often measures 35 or 36 at the belly, which is a Large, not a Medium.

Underwear is final sale online, so measure first. Between sizes, SAXX says size up, and we agree.

SAXX Vibe vs Ultra vs DropTemp: what is the difference?

Vibe is the soft everyday pair, Ultra is the same idea with a roomier cut and a fly, and DropTemp is the cooling fabric for hot days. All three have the BallPark Pouch.

Vibe Super Soft. A 5-inch boxer brief in a viscose blend SAXX describes as naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Slim fit through the seat and thigh, no fly, with Flat Out Seams and nine-panel Three-D Fit. Start here if you have never worn SAXX.

Ultra Super Soft. Also a 5-inch boxer brief, soft and moisture-wicking, but cut slightly roomier than SAXX's other boxer briefs, and it has a fly opening. If Vibe feels a touch snug in your size, or you want a fly, buy Ultra.

DropTemp Cooling Cotton. A 6-inch boxer brief in a cotton and modal blend with SAXX's evaporative cooling, one-way wicking and a No-RideUp Leg. Form-fitting but not restrictive. We carry DropTemp mainly as the liner in the Oh Buoy swim shorts below, so ask about underwear stock first.

Which SAXX underwear is best for everyday wear?

Vibe, in the size the chart gives you. It is the softest of the three, the line we stock deepest, and at $35 to $38 a pair the sensible place to begin.

On the site now, prices in CAD:

• Saxx Underwear - Vibe - Boxer Brief, $35.00, currently in Medium and X-Large.
• SAXX - Vibe Comfort Stretch, $38.00, this season's Vibe single.
• Saxx Underwear - Vibe - Two Pack SS24, $68.00, or $34 a pair.
• Saxx Underwear - Ultra, $35.00, X-Large only as of this writing.

Some listings are still being set up with size options, so if you cannot select your size online, call and we will take the order by phone. The online listings do not show every colour on the wall. If you need a size you do not see, call 905-489-0809 and we will ship it.

How do SAXX swim shorts fit and size?

Oh Buoy 2N1 swim shorts use the same XS to XXL waist chart as the underwear, with a slim liner under a relaxed shell. Buy the size your waist measurement gives you; the drawcord does the rest.

The built-in liner has the BallPark Pouch, DropTemp cooling, Flat Out Seams and a leg stash pocket. The 4-way stretch shell is rated fade-resistant to chlorine and saltwater, with quick-drain pockets and a rear pocket with key loop. The liner is Slim Fit with a 5-inch inseam; the shell is Relaxed Fit in 5-inch or 7-inch lengths. The 7-inch suits most men.

Swim is seasonal. Two still in a good run of sizes:

• SAXX - Oh Buoy 2N1 Volley " 7 " Amate Garden, $80.00, Medium and Large.
• SAXX - Oh Buoy 2N1 Volley "7" - Pineapple Strata- Multi, $99.99, Medium, Large and XX-Large.

If you are heading somewhere warm this winter, buy now. The full run of prints returns in spring at swim trunks.

How do you wash SAXX underwear so it lasts?

Cold water, gentle cycle, tumble dry low, non-chlorine bleach only when needed. That is SAXX's care label for Vibe, Ultra and DropTemp. Skip fabric softener, which hurts wicking, and keep heat low, since heat tires the waistband. Rinse swim shorts in fresh water after the pool or ocean.

Common questions

Does SAXX run small?

Not if you measure. SAXX sizes off your waist at the belly button, not your pant size, and most men measure one to two inches more than their jeans label.

Which SAXX has a fly?

Of the lines we carry, Ultra Super Soft has a fly opening. Vibe does not.

Is a SAXX two-pack worth it?

Yes, once you know your size. The Vibe Two Pack is $68.00, or $34 a pair against $35 to $38 for a single. If SAXX is new to you, buy one single first.

Can I return SAXX underwear bought online?

No. Underwear is final sale for hygiene reasons. If you are torn between sizes, email info@edsfineimports.com with your waist measurement and we will tell you which to order.

Do SAXX swim shorts need underwear or a separate liner?

No. The 2N1 shorts have the supportive liner built in. Wear them on their own.

Ready to order?

Measure your waist, pick your size from the chart, and shop the full SAXX collection. Shipping is free over $75 in Canada and the US. US customers: as with most brands we ship south, duties may apply on arrival. Or come see us in Markham.

Read next: Gitch boxer briefs, another underwear line we stock, the difference between boxers, boxer briefs and briefs, and why we say fit beats brand, every time.