It’s an issue that plagues millions of men and women around the world.
But the days of painful chafing may finally be a thing of the past, thanks to futuristic boxers and knickers made from bamboo.
Step One’s products are made from organic viscose derived from bamboo, which is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial.
Speaking to MailOnline, Greg Taylor, Founder & CEO of Step One, explained: ‘Thanks to these naturally occurring properties, your skin will dry much faster than if you were wearing undies of the cotton variety.
‘Excess moisture where the sun doesn’t shine can be a breeding ground for bacteria.’
The brand has already proved a huge success in Australia, and has now launched in John Lewis stores across the UK.
Unsurprisingly, the underwear comes with a fairly hefty price-tag.
A pair of boxers will set you back £15, while a pair of women’s briefs costs £12.
It’s an issue that plagues millions of men and women around the world. But the days of painful chafing may finally be a thing of the past, thanks to futuristic boxers and knickers made from bamboo
Step One’s products are made from organic viscose derived from bamboo, which is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial
Step One was founded in Australia in 2017, after Mr Taylor became fed up of ‘unbearable chafing’ while hiking on holiday.
Speaking to MailOnline, he said: ‘I began searching for a product to help prevent chafing but was left wanting more. I could see there was a gap in the market.’
The founder began experimenting with cycling shorts, scissors, and various fabrics, which led to the creation of Step One’s ‘UltraGlyde’ panels.
These panels are made from a low-friction material, and strategically placed between the legs – providing an ‘unparalleled’ solution to chafing.
‘These panels were later finessed and now make up the inner thigh portion of Step One’s trunk and boxer briefs to effectively minimise friction, chafing and ride up,’ Mr Taylor said.
The men’s boxers also feature a 3D pouch to ‘keep everything separate down there.’
‘A small piece of elastic, expertly sewn around the pouch is the game-changer,’ Step One explains on its website.
‘It stretches to support every guy perfectly, lifting and separating the anatomy from the leg.’
The founder began experimenting with cycling shorts, scissors, and various fabrics, which led to the creation of Step One’s ‘UltraGlyde’ panels
While most underwear is made from cotton, Mr Taylor wanted to find a more comfortable material – and soon discovered organic viscose derived from bamboo
While most underwear is made from cotton, Mr Taylor wanted to find a more comfortable material – and soon discovered organic viscose derived from bamboo.
As well as being naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and antibacterial, this material is also more environmentally-friendly than cotton.
‘Organic bamboo is a rapid-growing plant and a naturally irrigated source–meaning it does not require any extra water in production (unlike cotton),’ Mr Taylor said.
‘It also thrives without the need for fertilisers or pesticides and has an eco-friendly footprint.’
While Step One initially launched with just a men’s product, it has now branched out into clothing for women and children.
And it has proved a huge success in not only Australia, but also the US, and the UK.
‘A pair of Step One underwear is being sold every 7 seconds around the world,’ Mr Taylor proudly told MailOnline.
The one downside is the price.
On John Lewis’ online store, a pair of the men’s Bamboo Boxer Briefs will set you back £15, while a pair of the women’s Bamboo Bikini Briefs costs £12.
However, Mr Taylor maintains that Step One’s customers ‘get what they pay for’.
‘Our product is made incredibly well, with a high quality, organic fabric,’ he said
‘We have proof that we are an environmentally conscious brand due to our certifications and we have improved underwear significantly for our customers, especially if they often sweat or chafe.’
The first drop of Step One Men’s Trunks are now available to buy in select John Lewis stores across the UK and online at johnlewis.com.
