Why your underwear rides up or rolls down, and how to fix the problem

Adjusting your underwear multiple times a day is one of the most common discomforts with underwear, yet one of the most avoidable. Underwear that slips, rolls, or rides up is not inevitable. In most cases, the problem stems from one or more specific factors: size, material, cut, or design of the underwear.

Here are the most frequent causes and concrete solutions to address them.

Incorrect Size: The Most Common Cause

Size is responsible for most slipping issues. Underwear that is too large lacks support and gradually slides down with movement. Underwear that is too small, on the other hand, puts excessive pressure on the skin and causes a rolling effect, particularly at the waist or hips.

Well-fitting underwear should rest comfortably against the skin without leaving marks, and its edges should stay in place without pulling or constricting.

To find the right size, refer to your numeric pant size, either the DENIM or US column in our size chart. If you are between two sizes, opt for the smaller one: the stretchy fabric of seamless underwear adapts to the body, and a size that is too large will always end up slipping.

Fabric Quality: Elasticity and Support

The fabric of underwear directly determines its ability to stay in place. A fabric that is too rigid does not conform to natural curves. A fabric that is too slippery loses its grip on the skin. In both cases, the underwear moves.

Underwear designed to stay in place generally uses a blend of nylon and elastane. Nylon provides lightness and softness, while elastane provides the necessary elasticity for the fabric to follow every movement without shifting.

LICA Wear seamless underwear is made from 63% nylon and 37% elastane, a significantly higher percentage of elastane than the market average, which is generally around 20%. This composition guarantees superior elasticity and a stable fit all day long.

The Cut: All Body Types Are Different

A cut that fits one person perfectly may slip on another. Some low-rise cuts tend to slide down on more pronounced hips. A high-waist with an overly tight elastic can roll down if the tension is poorly distributed.

The cuts that generally offer the best support are as follows.

The seamless thong conforms to the silhouette seamlessly and remains discreet under all clothing. Its minimalist cut eliminates friction zones that usually cause slipping.

The high-waist seamless thong offers additional support thanks to its higher band that stabilizes the underwear on the lower abdomen. This is often the best choice for those whose underwear tends to slide down.

The seamless Brazilian cut provides more coverage for the buttocks and remains stable thanks to its laser-cut edges that naturally adhere to the skin without creating friction.

The seamless bikini brief is the most covering of the four styles. Its classic cut at the hips offers versatile support for everyday wear.

The Crotch Width: An Often Overlooked Detail

A crotch that is too narrow is a frequent cause of shifting throughout the day. When the contact area between the fabric and the skin is insufficient, the underwear lacks stability and moves with every motion.

A sufficiently wide crotch provides a natural anchor that keeps the underwear in place effortlessly, whether sitting, standing, or moving.

Fabric Wear: Knowing When to Replace Your Underwear

Underwear that used to stay in place but starts to slip has often simply reached the end of its lifespan. Elastane loses its elasticity over time, especially if the underwear is washed at high temperatures or put in the dryer.

To preserve the elasticity of your seamless underwear for as long as possible, wash them in cold water on a delicate cycle, use a wash bag, and avoid the dryer. Consult our complete guide on seamless underwear care for all the details.

Daily Activities: Adapting Your Underwear to Your Lifestyle

Repeated movements, such as walking, sitting and standing, or exercising, place greater demands on underwear's ability to stay put. Underwear that is perfectly stable at rest may slip during more intense activities if it is not designed for movement.

For active days or sports sessions, seamless underwear made from 360-degree stretch fabric is the most suitable. Its elasticity allows it to follow movements without ever shifting.

For a complete guide on how to choose your underwear according to your lifestyle and clothing, consult our guide on invisible and comfortable underwear.

FAQ

My underwear always slips, even in the right size. Why? If the size is correct, the problem likely comes from the cut or the elasticity of the fabric. Try a high-waist thong or a Brazilian cut, whose design offers better anchorage on more pronounced hips or a slightly rounded belly.

Does seamless underwear slip less than regular underwear? Generally, yes. The absence of side seams and the 360-degree stretch fabric of seamless underwear allow it to adapt to the body's curves without creating tension points that promote slipping.

When should you replace your underwear? When it starts to lose its elasticity, to slip when it used to stay in place, or when the fabric becomes looser at the waist or edges. Generally, well-maintained underwear lasts between one and two years depending on the frequency of wear.