It’s the underwear brand dubbed ‘Australia’s favourite undies’, thanks to their ludicrously comfortable briefs for men, women and even kids. But what is the secret behind Step One Underwear’s viral fame and why are they just so comfy?
The Secret Lies in the Composition
According to the brand, the secret lies in the composition. Unlike most cotton underwear, Step One undies are made from viscose derived from organically-grown bamboo. Bamboo underwear is widely considered comfortable because it is exceptionally soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, often described as having a silky, “second skin” feel. The fabric is made from cellulose extracted from the bamboo plant, which is then processed into a smooth fibre that reduces friction-based irritation.
Many of the pieces of underwear on the Step One website come with close to 20,000 reviews. For men, there is the Boxer Brief ($33) with 65,000 glowing write-ups. “Pricing is on point for such a great pair of underwear. I didn’t like the no fly after having the fly so I ordered several pairs with it and I love them. I walk miles and miles at work every shift and I’m an excessive sweater these have kept the chafe at bay,” writes one happy shopper. Another adds, “Great for exercise, especially running. They don’t hike up, they don’t chafe any creases, and they hold the package just right — room to move without bouncing.”
When it comes to women, there are many different brief shapes depending on your shape, size and preferred fit. One bestseller is the SmoothFit Full Brief, which will set you back $29 for a single pair. Women have described them as the “most comfy undies ever” and “made from good quality materials”. “I’m so happy that I decided to pull the trigger on buying from Step One! Not only was shipping pretty fast, but their Customer Service is unquestionably the BEST I’ve ever come across!” writes one happy woman. Another shopper notes, “Perfect fit and comfort as always. I know they are more expensive than some other brands but these are worth it for the comfort, the feel, and quality.”
The Story Behind Step One
Step One underwear was founded in 2017 by Australian entrepreneur Greg Taylor, who launched the brand from his bedroom with only $5,000 in seed money. Famously, the idea for Step One came during a hike in New Zealand. Taylor was wearing traditional sports underwear/bike shorts, which failed to prevent painful chafing. While hiking, he was using cream and powder to manage the pain, realising that standard cotton underwear was not fit for purpose — it rode up, caused chafing, and was generally uncomfortable. When he got home, he searched for underwear that wouldn’t chafe and found nothing that adequately solved the issue without being uncomfortable, sweaty, or lacking breathability. When he couldn’t find any, he decided to make his own — and so Step One was born.
These days, Step One has a cult-like following and has quickly grown into a multinational company operating in Australia, the US and the UK. Sports stars swear by the underwear, and often say they wouldn’t wear any other brand.
What Sets Step One Apart
- Ultraglyde No-Chafe Panels: Reduces friction for running, training or all-day wear.
- Sustainable Bamboo Viscose: Breathable, antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and environmentally responsible.
- Contoured Supportive Pouch: Allows natural movement and eliminates discomfort.
- Unmatched Comfort & Fit: SuperSoft fabric designed to stay in place without bunching.
- Size-Inclusive Range: Designed to suit and support all body types.
Sports stars swear by the underwear, and often say they wouldn’t wear any other brand. For more information and to shop Step One for yourself, head here now.
