You may have experienced this once or twice: you decide to give your main man an expensive pair of silk boxers, or even a sexy men's thong, only to have them end up in the drawer, unused and unwanted. What went wrong? Maybe they were too big or not his style and he didn't want to hurt your feelings by telling you. Nevertheless, all men appreciate their better halves purchasing men's underwear, special occasion or not. Here are worthwhile tips to consider the next time you think of buying your partner a new pair of men's underwear.

When should you buy underwear for him?
There are a few obvious reasons to buy new men's underwear- Valentine's day and anniversaries are both good times to show that you're thinking of him. Another good reason to purchase men's underwear is simply to be nice-some men hate shopping, and would rather let their underwear get holey than buy new pairs. A simple package of classic white briefs can be more appreciated than even the nicest luxury boxers, depending on the type of man you've got. Although it may seem like he's shirking a simple adult responsibility, it's more likely that underwear isn't a priority-he'd rather spend time playing catch with the kids than shopping for briefs. Buying him underwear "just because" can be a nice gesture of love and affection. Of course, if you've got a fashionisto on your hands, buying an expensive pair of underwear may be par for the course. It's best to know his style before hitting the Hanes department.

What's the right size?
The most obvious thing to think about is the comfort and fit. While the men's underwear you are eying may seem to be worthy, you should really know what size your partner wears. Buying a size that is too big or too small might land your beloved gift in the back of the drawer. The most vital thing to consider when buying the right men's underwear is fit. How they fit in the waistband, groin area and leg openings in particular.

The waistband should fit the wearer snugly but not constricting or too tight. Depending on the kind of men's underwear you are buying, boxers or briefs, the waistband may be encased in cloth (as is the case with many boxers). Or, it may have an exposed elastic waistband, as is often seen on briefs and brand-name men's underwear.

When buying men's underwear, know that sizing is based on the measurement of a man's waistline; for a good fit you will need to know your man's waistline measurement. Usual underwear sizes start off small, or "S", with waistline measurements between 28 to 30 inches. Medium waistline sizes are generally 32 to 34 inches, and larges can fit men with 36 to 38 waistlines. Size varies from brand to brand, so it is advisable to buy based on both waistline measurement and the S, M, and L designations.

What kind of men's underwear should I get?
Ask yourself, what type of underwear does he likes to wear? If you are comfortable enough to consider buying men's underwear, you should know what kind he favors. Although most men's underwear preference is evident if he wears only one type, there are those that alternate. If it's not obvious, you can choose between boxers or boxer briefs. Briefs and boxer briefs provide more support, while boxers are looser and generally more comfortable. Briefs and boxer briefs, (and jock straps, for the sporting types), are generally popular among athletic men. Not only do they do a nice job of showing off his toned body, but they offer better control during sports activities. Unlike boxers, briefs won't bunch up under clothing. However, many men appreciate a nice pair of silk, flannel or soft nylon boxers as an option regardless of physique. Think about what he wears every day, or what he might wear on the weekends, and choose accordingly.

What about colors and patterns?
Boxers offer more when it comes to fabric choices and patterns, while boxer briefs and briefs tend to have a limited number of choices when it comes to cloth and color. Boxers run the gamut from cotton, flannel, silk and nylon , while briefs and boxer briefs tend to be all-cotton or cotton blend. Briefs come in shades of white, gray and black, while boxers offer a much more colorful array of choices, plus whimsical patterns from little red hearts to glow-in-the-dark stars. If you're looking for a fun gift, you might consider pattern options like camouflage trunks or briefs. For a practical gift for an athletic guy, you might consider comfortable briefs designed for athletes or even a designer jock strap. If your guy just needs some basics, try a multi-pack from Jockey , Hanes , or Calvin Klein . Feeling a bit daring? Get him a thong, a pair of men's mesh underwear , or maybe a pair from 2exist to show him you think he's a hottie Whichever kind of men's underwear you choose, he's sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness. And if he already has all of the great underwear he needs, check out these other unique gifts for men.