Tips for choosing the colour of men’s underwear

For everyday basics, go for dark and neutral shades (they’re practical and discreet); for variety, add coloured or marl options. The key is simple: the colour shouldn’t show through, should pair easily with your trousers, and shouldn’t mean compromising on comfort.

Why the colour of men’s underwear matters more than you think

Whether you’re travelling, at the office or working out, underwear should do its job quietly - not show through clothing, not clash with your look, and not require extra fuss in care. Colour affects three main things:

• visibility under light fabrics;

• practicality (washing marks, fading, how easily it shows wear);

• psychological comfort - that subtle sense of feeling put together and confident.

Everyday basics that simply work

Neutral dark shades: when you need a true all-rounder

Black, navy and other deep tones are your safest bet if you want maximum versatility from one or two pairs. These colours don’t clash with jeans or dark trousers, tend to look fresher for longer after washing, and rarely show through clothing. In the Anabel Arto men’s range, for example, you’ll find deep blue and various blue marl options - ideal if you’re after understated versatility.

Light and skin-tone shades: when discretion matters

With beige chinos, light linen trousers or thin summer fabrics, soft light shades without strong contrast work best. White under white trousers isn’t always ideal - it can stand out more than a nude or muted light tone. When in doubt, choose something close to the colour of your clothing and check it in natural daylight.

Marl tones: a balance between practicality and style

Marl shades often look more refined than flat basics yet remain easier to maintain than very light colours. Coffee marl or dark blue marl are strong everyday options - visually calm but far from dull.

Colour as part of personal style

Brighter shades: for energy and mood

Red, turquoise, yellow or lilac aren’t about showing off - they’re more for your own confidence. Colourful underwear often works as a personal detail: unseen by others but surprisingly uplifting. In men’s collections you’ll often see shades like crimson, turquoise, lilac or yellow, which add variety without changing your preferred fit.

Two-colour packs: an easy ready-made solution

If you want to build a simple, reliable base quickly, consider multi-packs (2 pcs). Pairings such as black/burgundy or navy/denim offer both practicality and variety. This approach works particularly well for travel or a capsule wardrobe.

How to choose colour for different outfits and occasions

1) Light trousers and thin fabrics
Opt for soft light shades or muted tones. Always check visibility - in-store under good lighting, or at home by a window.

2) Business wear and office looks
Neutral and darker shades are the safest choice. They help avoid unexpected colour show-through when trouser fabrics are finer than they appear.

3) Sport and active days
Colour is secondary, but practicality matters: dark and marl tones usually handle frequent washing better. Fit is just as important - comfortable underwear shouldn’t distract you from movement.

4) Dates or special occasions
A simple rule applies: choose a colour you genuinely like and feel confident in. A neat appearance and that sense of everything sitting just right matter most.

Quick checklist before buying

• The colour doesn’t show through your usual clothing (especially lighter pieces).

• The shade works with your wardrobe - minimal clashes with trousers or shorts.

• You know the purpose: everyday basics, variety, or a special occasion.

• Comfort comes first: even the best colour won’t help if the underwear itself isn’t comfortable.

Summary

Start with a solid base: pick two or three versatile shades (a dark tone, a marl option, and a calm light shade for summer clothing), then add one or two brighter colours for variety. In the Anabel Arto men’s section, it’s easy to build such a set - you’ll find both neutral and coloured options, as well as two-piece packs, a practical way to cover everyday needs without sticking to just one colour.