Silk Boxers

The History of Underwear

Centuries ago, men's underwear was more of an indulgence than a necessity. Only the wealthiest of nobles wore underwear until the 18th century. Undergarments then became common among all classes, and in some areas such as Europe, underwear began to shape outerwear.

In the early days, underwear was a garment constructed largely by hand from materials such as linen and silk. Nowadays, underwear is massed-produced through cotton-spinning machines. Even so, silk underwear and other handmade garments remain very popular among men and women who are looking for luxury and comfort.

Silk Characteristics

Silk is a natural fabric that has long been the preferable material for lingerie. The once rare fabric has special characteristics that others simply don't have. For example, nothing feels smoother on the skin than silk, and when cared for properly, it is thought to be one of the most durable materials in existence.

Shopping for Silk Boxers

Shopping for silk boxers is easier than ever before. You can find silk in department stores, upscale lingerie shops and online wherever fine garments are sold.

Most people assume that silk boxers are too expensive, but in reality, they can be purchased for just a little bit more than you would pay for ones made from cotton or polyester.

If you are concerned about price, you should shop around to make sure that you are getting the best deal. You can also choose to buy boxers that are made from rayon and provides the feeling of silk at a much lower price.

Caring for Silk Boxers

If cared for properly, silk boxers can last a long time.

Genuine silk boxers require more specialized care than their cotton counterparts. Most manufacturers recommend washing silk clothing by hand, but in some cases, you may be able to get away with throwing the garment in the washer if you use the gentle cycle and a very mild soap.

Other things to keep in mind when caring for silk boxers:

• Some manufacturers indicate garments are "dry clean only". While having silk dry cleaned isn't a bad idea, you may still be able to get away with gently hand-washing your garments.

• Silk is a very delicate material when wet. Be very careful when washing the undergarments -- never twist, wring or attempt to stretch the material afterwards to get the water out.

• Regular detergents should not be used. They might work great on your regular clothes, but in most cases they will be too harsh for silk materials. You should also avoid using bleach at all costs.

• Silk boxers shouldn't be placed in the dryer. The high heat can damage material, cause spotting or shrinking, and may even change the shape of the garment.

• Do not hang them outdoor. Exposure to sun will cause silk to fade.

• If you attempt to press silk boxers to remove wrinkles, avoid using the steam setting. Smooth silks will usually look best if they are pressed with a warm iron.

A Final Note

Silk boxers may be slightly more costly than boxers made from other types of materials, and may require more care, but you can't beat the way silk feels on your skin. If you care for your boxers properly, they should last for years to come.