Frequently asked questions.

What is Aqua Underwear?

A Salt Lake City-based, handmade underwear project with an eye on gender, size, disability, and BIPOC inclusion!

At the moment, we offer gender inclusive, packing, and pad compatible boxer briefs, compression undies, and crop tops. Available off the rack and via custom orders in all adult sizes. Our garments come in cozy cotton and bamboo as well as mesh, lace and spandex. Prints, colors and styles change with the seasons.

Aqua Underwear is an online store, with two Salt Lake Valley stockists Under the Umbrella Bookstore and Genderbands. We also vend at the occasional in-person market.

Who’s behind Aqua Underwear?

Mel Martinez (they/them), a queer Latine sewist based out of Salt Lake City, is the creator and owner! They hand-make all garments with the help of the occasional friend.

Where do you ship & how fast will my order arrive?

We ship anywhere in the United States. Orders are processed within 3 business days and ship with the US Postal Service First Class mail in 1-4 days.

Custom orders ship after their 4-6 week production time. Check out our Shipping & Local Options page for more information.

*If you’re in another country and would like a shipping quote, please ask, but Canada is likely the only country with somewhat affordable rates.

I'm in Salt Lake City, how do I pick-up my order?

You can pick up your local order at Under the Umbrella Bookstore, SLC’s all queer bookstore in downtown Salt Lake City! See full details on the Shipping & Local Options page.

Are these undies really intended for me?

YES! We joyfully make underwear for anyone who wants them! In fact, having a diverse customer base helps us continue to provide customized, affordable options to the folks who need them most.

What is your size range?

Size inclusion is very important to us, and we’re proud to offer custom made garments (at no additional cost) in ALL adult sizes! Our off the rack sizes typically range from XS-3X, fitting up to 63” chest and 58” hip.

How do I know whether I want to buy something off the rack or custom made?

‘Off the rack’ items are already made and hanging out on our shelves, waiting to be shipped! They come in a fixed standardized size range, similar to what you’d find in a store. Custom orders are created for your unique body measurements and preferences, do not carry additional charges, and take us 4-6 weeks to make.

For more details, check out our Measuring & Sizing page and our Custom Info page.

How do I order custom made underwear?

It’s just like adding a typical item to your cart, except that you’ll first be prompted to fill out a custom form. It will ask you to provide your measurements or size, fit preferences, and any desired accessibility features. We’ll ship your garments out in 4-6 weeks, when we’ve finished making them just for you. Visit our Custom Info page for more info.

Wait, are you telling me that I have to measure myself?! How?

If you’re ordering a custom garment and you’ve never measured yourself, don’t worry we’re here to help! We’ve got all sorts of tips and visual measuring guides on our Measuring & Sizing page! We also offer free 15 consultations for guidance.

What are “front” styles?

The front (also called the gusset or crotch) of your underwear is the space between the legs, designed for your bits! Off the rack garments come with standard or gender nuetral front styles. The sky’s the limit for custom undies but typically include narrow, gender neutral, and wide options. Boxer briefs also include add-ons for packer pockets and absorbent pad compatibility.

What custom modifications can be made to Aqua Underwear garments?

Custom made boxer briefs include complimentary options for front style (crotch space), rise, leg length, and accessibility features like fabric waistbands, enclosed seams, alternative fabrics, and some other special requests.

Add-ons include fly openings, absorbent pad compatibility, packer pockets, ostomy bag pockets, and snap side or front openings. Additional charges apply for all add-on options.

Custom made crop tops include complimentary options for sleeve and body length, collar adjustments, and hem styles. Add-ons include snap openings.

Custom made cheeky compression undies include complimentary options for waist rise, front width, and booty coverage.

 Do you offer matching sets?

Everyone loves a coordinated cutie! Matching crop tops are now available for any underwear order, and we have our sights set on matching binder, sports bra, and bralette options one day.

Isn’t $35-50 expensive for underwear?

Yes, and no! Most of us are accustomed to buying lower-priced fast-fashion items made with cheap materials, made by workers who aren’t paid a living wage. When you buy from Aqua Underwear, you’re supporting a queer person of color owned small business that handmakes ethical, sustainable, high-quality garments that last!

That makes sense! But it’s still a bit out of my budget. Do you offer any discounts? 

Yes! We offer standing discounts and pay-what-you-can options for customers that are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Ask us for your BIPOC 20% off code or apply for our BIPOC Community Program.