Men's Underwear Guide - Briefs, Boxers, Fabrics, and More

The Evolution of Men's Underwear

For most of history, underwear served a purely functional purpose for men. But over the past century or so, men's underwear has evolved into an expansive market with options galore. From simple, affordable underwear that gets the job done to high-end designer brands that make a fashion statement, men have more choices than ever when it comes to picking out their undergarments.

The Rise of the Brief

Boxer shorts and union suits were the most common forms of men's underwear until relatively recently. But in the 1930s, the brief was invented and quickly rose to prominence. Jockey International produced the first brief in 1930, bringing to market a snug, supportive garment that conformed to the contours of a man's body. This was a major shift away from the loose-fitting boxers and union suits that preceded it.

By the 1950s and 60s, the brief surged in popularity, helped by its adoption by celebrities like James Dean and Elvis Presley. Briefs represented a bold, sexy aesthetic that appealed to the youth culture of the era. And with new synthetic fabrics like spandex coming into use, briefs could stretch and move with the body in a way older underwear styles couldn't.

The Boxer Brief Enters the Ring

Just as briefs displaced boxers as the most popular men's underwear starting in the 1930s, another innovation arrived in the 1990s to dethrone the brief - the boxer brief. Boxer briefs combined the support and contour of briefs with the extra coverage and leg length of boxers.

Boxer briefs took off in popularity in the 90s and are now considered by many to be the gold standard of men's underwear. The most common style sits mid-thigh and hugs the body from the waist down. Brands like Calvin Klein, Hanes, and Polo Ralph Lauren found great success with boxer brief designs.

The Rise of Specialty Underwear

Beyond basic white briefs and boxer briefs, specialty underwear now accounts for a significant segment of the men's underwear market. This includes modal fabrics for enhanced softness, seamless underwear for reduced chafing, moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics for athletic purposes, and more.

Compression shorts help stabilize muscles and boost athletic support. And new designs of men's thongs and g-strings appeal to those who desire less coverage. For men with incontinence issues, discreet adult incontinence underwear provides absorption without compromising style.

The Growing Market for Mens Underwear

The global market for mens underwear has steadily grown over the past decade, reaching about $8 billion as of 2018. Several factors account for this continued growth. Rising incomes in developing markets lead to more consumer spending on apparel. And population growth translates to more men buying underwear.

Lifestyle trends also contribute to underwear demand. Todays men tend to be more style-conscious than in the past. The rise of online shopping also makes buying the latest underwear fashions convenient for men worldwide. For these reasons, the mens underwear market is projected to continue its ascent in the years ahead.

Different Styles of Men's Underwear

Briefs

The classic brief is the most minimal style of men's underwear. Briefs offer full coverage in the back along with a contour pouch in front for support. The leg bands hit high on the thighs for a snug fit all around.

Pros: Briefs don't bunch or cause riding up. The snug fit keeps everything contained and stable. Briefs work well under slim pants and can be worn for physical activity.

Cons: Some men find briefs to be overly revealing or perceive them as old-fashioned "tighty whiteys." The snug leg bands can sometimes feel restrictive.

Boxer Briefs

Boxer briefs combine the coverage of boxers with the support of briefs. Boxer briefs extend a few inches down the thigh and hug the body all the way down the leg. The legs are form-fitting while the front pouch is contoured for support.

Pros: Boxer briefs offer stability through the legs and rear along with modest coverage. The leg bands don't ride up. Boxer briefs work well as underwear for working out.

Cons: Some men find boxer briefs to run warm, especially when exercising. Longer boxer briefs can bunch in the crotch area on some men.

Boxers

Traditional boxers are loose shorts that hang straight down the thigh. Boxers come in button-front and pull-on varieties. Boxers offer minimal contouring and support in front.

Pros: The loose fit of boxers allows more airflow to skin. Boxers accommodate men with longer thighs without binding. Some men prefer the casual look and laidback feel of boxers.

Cons: Loose boxers are prone to riding up, twisting, and bunching during activity. The legs can flap open. Boxers lack rear coverage and support.

Trunks

Trunks provide a middle ground between briefs and boxers. They have short leg bands like briefs but in a square cut shape. The contour pouch offers light support. Trunks offer a trunks offer a balance of coverage and support.

Pros: The leg bands on trunks rarely ride up. Trunks accommodate athletic builds well. The shorter square cut looks sharp under workout shorts.

Cons: The cropped leg style isn't ideal for avoiding thigh chafing during exercise. Some men find the rear and side coverage of trunks insufficient.

Jockstraps

Jockstraps were originally designed as protective support for contact sports. Today jockstraps remain popular as athletic support garments. A jockstrap has just an elastic waistband, a contour pouch, and two leg straps in back.

Pros: Jockstraps provide ergonomic support and stability during athletic activity. The minimal design allows ventilation and moisture-wicking. Jockstraps work well as a baselayer under uniforms.

Cons: Jockstraps lack coverage in the rear and sides. The straps and bands may chafe on some men. Jockstraps work best for contact sports, not everyday wear.

Choosing the Right Men's Underwear

Consider Fit and Coverage

When selecting underwear, consider your priorities in terms of coverage and how snug or loose you prefer the fit. Men who desire more support may opt for briefs or boxer briefs, while those wanting breathability and openness may choose boxers. Your body type can help determine optimal underwear fit as well.

Think About Comfort and Mobility

Underwear that bunches, rides up, or chafes will quickly become uncomfortable. Prioritize comfort by choosing underwear made of soft, high quality materials. Underwear with stays in place and offers freedom of motion will better support an active lifestyle. Underwear that breathes well is also ideal for comfort.

Match Underwear to Your Clothing

Briefs and boxer briefs with no visible waistband work best for wearing under slimmer pants and tight clothing. Boxers paired with jeans allows a casual look. For athletic gear, choose moisture wicking underwear that matches the activity. Don't forget to coordinate with the color palette of your wardrobe as well.

Select Materials for Specific Benefits

The fabrics and materials used impact the performance of your underwear. Moisture-wicking synthetics assist with sweat during workouts. Modal or MicroModal offer supreme softness. Cotton allows breathability. Spandex lends stretch and flexibility. And seamless underwear means no chafing or abrasion.

Buy the Proper Size

Ill-fitting underwear that's overly loose or tight will be uncomfortable. Measure your waist and thighs to determine the best size. Brands have different sizing, so you may need a different size in boxer briefs than briefs even when your waist size is the same. Take time to test different sizes for optimal comfort.

Men's Underwear Fabrics

Cotton

Cotton is the most prevalent fabric for men's underwear. Cotton is highly breathable, helping keep you drier and cooler. It's also soft against the skin. However, cotton tends to hold moisture rather than wicking it away from the body.

Modal

Modal is a variety of rayon made from beech tree pulp. It offers an exceptionally soft and smooth feel. Modal has good moisture wicking abilities and is more breathable than cotton. It's commonly used for men's undershirts and underwear.

Spandex

Spandex is an elastic synthetic fabric that lends stretch and flexibility to underwear. It's often blended with cotton or modal to create underwear that contours to your body. The compression of spandex also provides muscular support during physical activity.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic with excellent sweat wicking abilities to keep you dry. It dries much faster than cotton. Polyester holds its shape well and resists shrinking. It's a common fabric in performance underwear lines.

MicroModal

MicroModal is an even softer and smoother version of Modal, making it ideal for men's underwear. It's created via an additional processing step that uses super-soft beechwood pulp. MicroModal underwear provides next-level comfort and breathability.

Silk

Silk underwear is prized for its unparalleled softness against bare skin. Silk is also moisture wicking and breathable. Silk underwear is often used for light compression designs offering muscular support. It has natural antibacterial properties as well.

Men's Underwear Features

Contour Pouches

Underwear with a contoured pouch offers lightweight support and enhancement. The pouch fits to the male anatomy for a tailored look. Contour pouches are common in briefs, trunks, and boxer briefs. Some also include a separate pouch within the fabric.

Moisture Wicking

Performance underwear uses technical fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin by dispersing sweat across a larger surface area. This moisture wicking action keeps men drier during physical activity or hot weather. Polyester and spandex blends are common.

No Ride Up Leg Bands

Some men's underwear incorporates a no ride up leg band that stays firmly in place. This elasticized band grips the thighs gently to prevent the legs from riding up, twisting, or bunching. No ride up leg bands are a popular feature of boxer briefs.

Separate Pouch

Many men's underwear styles feature a separate pouch within the main fabric contour. This pouch lifts and supports the male anatomy for an enhanced look. Separate pouches are often made of soft modal or microfiber for added comfort.

Seamless

Seamless underwear utilizes knitting technologies that eliminate side seams, leg bands, and chafing stitching. The result is an ultra-smooth fit. Seamless underwear crafted from MicroModal or other soft fabrics maximizes comfort.

Compression

Compression underwear applies gentle pressure and support to the muscles. This can enhance athletic performance and circulation. Compression underwear is often constructed using spandex blended with modal or polyester.

Caring for Your Men's Underwear

Read the Care Label

Start by reading the instructions on the garment's care label to understand the proper washing method. Follow the recommended machine wash cycles, dryer settings, and other garment care directions.

Use Mild Detergent

Wash men's underwear separately from other garments and use a mild, fragrance-free liquid detergent. Powder detergents can sometimes leave residue in the fabric. Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets as well.

Wash in Cold Water

For most underwear, washing in cold water helps the fabrics and elastic maintain their shape and function. The elastic in waistbands and leg openings relaxes faster in hot water. Cold water washing preserves the integrity of performance fabrics too.

Line Dry When Possible

Line drying your underwear in open air can extend the lifespan versus machine drying, which can degrade elasticity over time. Lay flat to dry or use a mesh wash bag. If machine drying, use low heat to avoid damaging fabrics.

Inspect Elasticity

Inspect the waistband and leg openings of your underwear. If the elastic has lost compression and no longer grips your body, it's time to replace those underwear. Loss of elasticity impacts both support and how securely underwear fits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Men's Underwear

What is the most popular and best selling style of men's underwear?

Today the most popular style among men is boxer briefs. Boxer briefs provide the support of a brief with the coverage and comfort of boxers. Brands like Hanes and Calvin Klein generate huge sales from their boxer brief lines.

Should guys wear briefs, boxers, or boxer briefs?

This comes down to personal preference in terms of fit, coverage, and support. Briefs provide maximum support while boxers are loose and breathable. Boxer briefs give a balance of contouring and coverage. Try different styles to see what's most comfortable for your needs and lifestyle.

What is the difference between trunks and boxer briefs?

The main difference is leg length. Boxer briefs extend around mid-thigh while trunks have shorter legs that end closer to the crotch. Boxer briefs also offer more contouring through the legs versus a looser trunk fit. Trunks provide less coverage overall.

Should you wear underwear under board shorts?

Most men wear underwear under board shorts, but it's not required. Boxer briefs or shorts-style underwear work well under board shorts if desired. The liner inside board shorts acts as a base layer against the skin. Some men skip underwear for a less restricted feel.

What fabrics are best for men's underwear?

Natural fibers like cotton and modal offer good breathability. Synthetics like polyester wick moisture during activity. Spandex adds stretch and compression. Seamless styles prevent chafing. The best fabric depends on your needs for comfort, cooling, performance, enhancement, etc.

In Conclusion

Underwear that goes unnoticed while worn is one sign you've found the right style and fit. With the wide selection of fabrics, features, and silhouettes available today, take the time to test out different underwear types. Focus on comfort, support, coverage and your personal preferences. Your underwear should suit your needs and feel like it was made for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.