I’ve always been a fan of merino wool for its thermoregulating properties, its breathability, and its natural resistance to odor. It’s my favorite fabric for hiking and outdoor activities. It’s also quite comfortable as my most intimate layer.
Soft Comfort
I’ve been wear testing Branwyn merino underwear for a few weeks now, and I am happy to report that both the bikini cut and the hipster cut briefs are comfortable, warm (but not too warm), and do a good job of breathing when I am active.
The first thing I noticed about both briefs was the weight of the material and the seamless construction. The briefs felt a bit more substantial than the ultra-thin 130-150g weight merino briefs I have tested in the past (and that have not lasted very long because the fabric got holes in it pretty quickly). I hope this slightly heavier weight means the the Branwyn briefs will be more durable last longer.
I like the “comfort waistband,” which is a thicker woven band of fabric rather than a band of elastic (I wish it was even wider). Both bikini and hipster briefs laid flat against my body so my tights didn’t have telltale bumps or lines. I appreciate that. I also like how both styles fit my body and moved with my body. As Branwyn website describes, it does almost feel like I’m not wearing underwear. Or, at least, I never fight against it or experience pinching around the leg holes. The fabric is quite soft and stretchy. The way I judge it: if I never think of or notice my underwear, it’s doing what I need it to do.
I want to add, though, that the waistband does roll on me. I don’t notice if it does that when I’m upright and active, but I know it happens when I’m sitting or lounging. It doesn’t bother me enough to not wear the briefs, but I was a little bothered by it (not that it impacted comfort…I just wanted it to lie flat all the time.) I think it made me feel like my tummy rolls were too big or something. I wonder if a wider or tighter waistband would always remain flat.
Fit and Styles
I’ve been wearing bikini style underwear my entire life, and loved the fit of the Branwyn Essential Bikini. The brief is well designed: low-rise and still covers my bum in a modest way. I was curious about the Essential Hipster because I have some very low-rise track pants that are too revealing for me. I was worried the hipster would look and feel like a granny panty, but it didn’t. It was a comfortable mid-rise that gives me options with some of my jeans and exercise pants that can ride too low. I like having the extra height so I have full coverage.
Branwyn’s simple designs and natural earth tone colors (and basic black) make wearing a higher rise brief a modest and fashionable option. Like a camisole for your lower half.
I think I am between sizes or not used to wearing briefs with so much stretch. I tested a size larger than I usually wear because I’ve gained weight the past two years after an accident left me unable to exercise until now. I think because of the stretchiness, I could have tested my regular size. Or, maybe I just need to adjust to the different fit and fabric.
Performance and Sustainability
Performance-wise, I felt that the Branwyn briefs were both comfortable (out of mind) and breathable. I sweat a lot when I exercise, but the briefs did a great job of wicking, breathing, and regulating my temperature. However, I’ve found that after exercise I need to take off the briefs to let them dry before I put them back on. If I stay in my exercise clothes there isn’t a way for that merino layer to dry when it’s under other clothes (unlike a merino t-shirt that can dry quicker because it’s exposed to air). I haven’t tried exercising in merino pants; that might encourage more wicking and leave me with a dryer first layer.
The briefs resist odor just like my other merino garments, making them ideal for travel when I want to pack light. I can rinse them in the sink or when I take a shower, wring them out, and hang them to dry for the next day’s outing. (Unfortunately, merino is not resistant to urine odor. I leak sometimes, and when that happens, the smell sticks around. Bummer. But easily fixed with a liner.)
I appreciate Branwyn’s commitment to sustainability. Wool is a renewable resource, of course, and the briefs are constructed in a process designed to minimize waste. Even more, I love them for their body positive website that has models of every size and shape. It is so much more respectful of women to have product models who look like real women. The underwear is expensive, but I think it’s a nice treat to have a pair or two.
Bottom Line: comfortable, high performing, and kind of luxurious.
$32 bikini, $34 hipster at Branwyn.com