An examination of the decisions behind the adsurdam Modal Boxer.
Underwear is a garment of relatively few components. Fabric, elastic, thread, and a considered pattern. Small differences in each determine how the finished piece feels, moves, and sits against the body.
For the Modal Boxer, the starting point was material.
I / WEIGHT
What does 175 GSM mean?
GSM measures fabric weight in grams per square meter — the mass of a textile over a given area, rather than its thickness or its quality.
A lighter jersey can feel fluid and delicate. A heavier jersey can carry more substance and a different drape. Neither is inherently superior. The question is whether the weight serves the garment.
At 175 GSM, our modal-elastane jersey was selected for its balance of softness, weight, and elasticity — substantial enough to hold the intended silhouette without losing its movement against the body.
II / MATERIAL
Why modal?
Modal is a regenerated cellulosic fiber, valued for its soft hand and fluid drape.
Our composition combines 95% modal with 5% elastane. Modal establishes the character of the fabric. Elastane provides stretch and contributes to recovery.
The material was chosen not only for how it feels in the hand, but for how it behaves when worn.
III / CONSTRUCTION
What does continuous construction mean?
Most conventional underwear is assembled with seams along the sides of the garment.
The Modal Boxer is cut as a single continuous body wrap, eliminating conventional side seams. This is a pattern-construction decision — not a claim that the garment is entirely seamless.
The front incorporates a double-layer, two-panel pouch with a center vertical seam and 10 mm raised self-fabric binding.
The construction defines the silhouette.
IV / WAISTBAND
Why does the waistband matter?
The waistband is the structural boundary between the body and the garment.
For the Modal Boxer, we specified a 40 mm high-density matte microfiber waistband, finished with a centered woven label. Its proportion was considered alongside the body fabric and the short-leg silhouette.
No element was designed independently of the whole.
V / CERTIFICATION
What does OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 mean?
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is an independent textile certification system that tests textiles for harmful substances against established limits.
The Modal Boxer's modal body fabric is certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. The certification applies to the body fabric, rather than the complete assembled garment, including its waistband and other components.
Certification establishes compliance with the applicable testing requirements. It is not, by itself, a measure of softness, durability, or construction quality.
Technical Record
The Modal Boxer
Material 95% Modal / 5% Elastane
Fabric weight 175 GSM
Certification Body fabric certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
Colour Absolute Black — Pantone 19-4004 TCX
Construction Single continuous body wrap, zero conventional side seams
Pouch Double-layer, two-panel construction
Binding 10 mm raised self-fabric
Waistband 40 mm high-density matte microfiber
Silhouette Short-leg boxer
Designed in California.
Material establishes character. Proportion creates tension. Balance determines what remains.
adsurdam — surdam.us
