Our IQ Scoring Methodology

How we turn fabric facts into a single, easy-to-read number (0 – 100)

Our 5 Pillars & Weightings

Lab Performance (35%)

Moisture-wicking, dry-time, pilling, tensile strength (ISO / ASTM tests)

Skin & Health (20%)

Dermatology patch tests, antibacterial data, OEKO-TEX ® / chemical safety

Planet Impact  (10%)

FSC / GOTS status, water & solvent recovery, end-of-life biodegradability

Expert Panel  (15%)

Scores from textile scientists, pelvic-health physios & fit technologists

User Sentiment (20%) 

Natural-language review analysis (≥ 5 million verified reviews across the web) + return-rate stats

What the IQ Score Means

A higher score = better comfort, durability, safety and eco impact for the intended use

  • 90 – 100: Elite performance – best-in-class on every metric
  • 75 – 89:Excellent – strong in most areas, minor trade-offs
  • 60 – 74:Good – solid everyday option with a few caveats
  • 40 – 59:Fair – serviceable but alternatives score higher
  • 0 – 39:Needs improvement – significant drawbacks

Data Sources We Trust

Every citation in our guides links back to the original source so you can check the facts yourself.

  • Peer-reviewed journals (PubMed, ScienceDirect)
  • Government & NGO databases (US EPA, WHO, FSC)
  • Certified third-party labs (Intertek, SGS)
  • Brand-provided test reports only when independently verified

How Scores Stay Current

  • Quarterly sweep:New studies, recalls, or certification changes trigger an automatic re-calc.
  • Real-time review feed:Sentiment score updates nightly as fresh customer reviews roll in.
  • Community flag:Spot outdated info? Click “Suggest Update” at page bottom; our editors respond within 5 business days.

We built the IQ framework so you can choose underwear with the same confidence you’d expect when buying tech or travel gear—clear numbers, transparent data, no fluff. Enjoy smarter, comfier underwear guidance to guide your shopping experience! Our commitment is to provide you with the most reliable and comprehensive underwear intelligence.

Questions? Ask our experts!