How to Make Underwear for Men

Measure the waist and hips of the man or boy who will be wearing the underwear. Use a measuring tape and wrap it around the hips, recording the number of inches and rounding up to the nearest inch. Wrap the measuring tape around the waist and record the inches also rounding up to the nearest inch. Take the measurements with you for the next step.

Go to your local sewing store or look online to select the pattern. The "big three" pattern companies, Simplicity, McCalls and Butterick, have multiple patterns that include instructions for both boxers and briefs in stores and online.

Purchase the necessary amount of fabric and notions. You will find this information located on the back of the pattern. Also make sure you have the other sewing items on hand such as thread in a coordinating color to your fabric and good quality sewing shears.

Wash, dry and press the material according to recommended washing instructions for that material. Silk should be washed in cold water and cotton can be washed in warm water. Press the material on the appropriate setting on your iron.

Cut out and optionally press the pattern. The pattern has creases that may interfere with accurate pinning. To remove any wrinkles, quickly go over the pattern with the iron set on low.

Cut the fabric for the underwear. Lay out the fabric and place the pattern in the placement recommended for the boxers or briefs by the pattern instructions. This will make the best use of the fabric. Cut out the fabric with the seam allowance suggested in the pattern instructions. Half an inch is the most common seam allowance.

Sew the underwear. Line up the fabric with the wrong sides facing and pin the pieces together where the pattern dictates. Check the location of the pinning to ensure all of your pieces line up correctly. Follow the instructions on the pattern carefully and sew the seams of the underwear until all pieces are combined.

Sew on the notions. Add buttons to your briefs or boxers if called for in the pattern. Add a button hole following the button hole instructions on your sewing machine. Most machines have one-step or four-step button hole instructions.

Have the wearer try on the underwear to ensure the correct fit and trim any remaining loose threads.