A Complete Guide to Men's Underwear - History, Styles, Tips

The Evolution of Men's Underwear Through the Ages

Underwear - it's something every man wears daily, but few spend much time thinking about. However, the history of men's underwear is more fascinating than you might expect. Undergarments have come a long way since the days of loincloths and breechcloths.

These days, men have many options available when it comes to choosing their unmentionables. From briefs to boxers and everything in between, modern men's underwear choices cater to comfort, style, and personal preference. However, things weren't always so varied in the men's undergarment department.

The Birth of Men's Underwear

Archeologists have found evidence indicating people started wearing primitive underwear as far back as 4,000 BC. These garments offered protection as well as modesty. However, they were a far cry from the stylish and comfortable undergarments men enjoy today.

It wasn't until more recent centuries that men's underwear started to become a more common garment. In the Middle Ages, men began wearing loincloths and braies, which were a type of trouser worn under outer clothing. Braies eventually evolved into breechcloths, which covered the lower body and had an opening in the front.

The Rise of the Union Suit

By the Victorian era, union suits had become popular men's underwear choices. A union suit was a one-piece undergarment that combined a shirt and pants. Buttons ran from the neck down to the crotch for easy access. The long johns worn by cowboys and miners were a type of union suit.

Though union suits provided modesty, they weren't the most comfortable undergarment. The wool fabric was hot and itchy. Nevertheless, union suits remained a underwear staple through the early 1900s. It wasn't until the 1920s that men started transitioning to two-piece undergarment sets.

Revolutionary Developments in the 20th Century

Several innovations in the 1920s and 1930s paved the way for modern men's underwear. Annette Kellerman, a professional swimmer and performer, scandalized audiences when she appeared in a sleeveless fitted one-piece tank suit. Some credit her as the original designer of the women's one-piece bathing suit, which also influenced men's undergarment styles.

At the same time, Jacob Golomb, founder of Everlast, introduced elastic waistbands to underpants, which improved comfort and fit. Meanwhile, Arthur Kneibler patented a new process using hosiery looms to knit underwear in a variety of patterns. These innovations laid the foundation for the birth of briefs and boxers.

The Age of Briefs and Boxers

Men in the 1930s had two main choices when it came to underwear - briefs or boxers. Briefs were a snug, mid-thigh style underwear pioneered by designer Jacob Golomb. The name says it all - these were underwear brief in length and minimal in coverage.

Boxers, on the other hand, were a loose fitting, short pant extending to the thighs. They got their name from their similarity to the shorts professional boxers wore in the ring. At first, the choice between briefs and boxers came down to personal preference.

However, when WWII broke out, briefs began to take over the underwear industry. The U.S Army required soldiers to wear cotton briefs as part of the uniform regulation. After the war, veterans continued to wear briefs, fueling the rise of brands like Hanes and Jockey.

The Briefs vs. Boxers Debate

By the second half of the 20th century, most men wore either briefs or boxers as their underwear choice. Both styles have continued to evolve over the decades.

Low rise briefs, high cut briefs, mid cut briefs and more allow men options when it comes to coverage and design. Boxer briefs, tailored boxers, and loose boxers also come in an array of fabrics from breathable cotton to performance blends.

So which is better - boxers or briefs? Each style has its pros and cons.

Briefs offer more support and a streamlined fit under pants and jeans. The snug fit also provides ease of movement. However, some men find briefs to be overly confining and prone to wedgies. The minimal coverage may also pose modesty concerns for some.

Boxers allow more airflow and are less constricting than briefs. The loose fit affords men a greater range of motion. But all that loose fabric can bunch up under slimmer pants. Boxers also don't wick moisture away from the body as effectively as briefs.

When choosing between briefs versus boxers, men should consider their body type, lifestyle, occupation, and personal preference regarding comfort and coverage.

The Rise of Modern Men's Underwear

These days, advances in fabric technology allow for an ever-expanding array of technical, moisture wicking, quick drying, and spandex-infused fabrics. Underwear styles like trunks, boxer briefs, and jockstraps combine design elements from both briefs and boxers.

Performance underwear from brands like Under Armour and Saxx incorporate anti-microbial, temperature regulating, and friction reducing fabrics. High end designers like Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, and Hugo Boss market premium underwear that intersects style and comfort.

With the rise of online shopping, men can browse hundreds of underwear brands and styles with just a few clicks. Subscription services like MeUndies even deliver a regular supply of new underwear right to your door.

In addition to high tech fabrics and easy access to variety, today's market offers men more sizing options than ever before. Extended sizing, pouch-enhancing designs, and anatomically correct fits cater to different body types.

A Guide to Choosing the Best Underwear for Men

From loincloths to briefs and boxers, underwear styles today focus on both comfort and style. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky finding that perfect pair. Consider these tips when shopping for men's underwear.

Identify Your Needs

First, think about when and where you'll wear the underwear. Different materials work best for everyday, athletic, work, leisure, and intimate situations. If chafing is a problem, look for friction reducing seams and panels. For all day wear, focus on breathability and contact-free comfort.

Consider Your Body Type

A slim build, muscular frame, ample midsection - different body types call for different undergarment fits. Look for extended sizing with anatomical design elements ideal for your body. Focus on support and minimizing ride up or slippage that can exacerbate discomfort.

Choose Materials Carefully

Look at the fabric content when choosing underwear. Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo rayon are breathable, moisture wicking, and soft. However, they lack stretch and structural support. Spandex blends add stretch while synthetics like nylon and polyester provide durability.

Don't Neglect Style

While comfort is key, also consider personal preferences for coverage and aesthetics. Low rise, bikini, or thong briefs cater to different modesty levels. Bold prints, seamed pouches, and micro-modal fabric offer style options. Get the right balance of function and fashion.

Try a Quality Mix

Invest in enough pairs to cycle through for laundry while also having designated underwear for working out, leisure time, etc. Mix in higher end pairs among budget friendly essentials. Try both briefs and boxers or a hybrid like boxer briefs to find your favorites.

Common Men's Underwear Questions

New styles and fabrics make choosing men's underwear a complex decision. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about unmentionables.

What is the Most Comfortable Underwear for Men?

Comfort is subjective based on individual fit and preferences. However, look for breathable soft fabrics like cotton, modal, or bamboo rayon. Seamless construction, anatomical pouches, and stretch fabric blends also optimize comfort.

What are the Best Boxer Briefs?

High quality boxer briefs combine the fit of briefs with the leg coverage of boxers. Top picks feature moisture wicking performance fabrics and seamless friction zones. Saxx, Calvin Klein, and Duluth Trading Company offer some of the highest rated boxer briefs.

What are Benefits of Bamboo Underwear?

Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable, and moisture wicking. It's also naturally antibacterial and odor resistant. Brands like SAXX and Tommy John use bamboo rayon blends to create smooth soft underwear perfect for all day wear.

Is Pouch Underwear More Comfortable?

Underwear with pouches, panels and partitions lift and support men's anatomy for improved comfort. Designs from Obviously, Sheath, David Archy and WildmanT prevent skin-on-skin contact and chafing around the groin and thighs.

Should Older Men Wear Boxers or Briefs?

There are good arguments for both boxers and briefs as men age. Briefs provide more stable support as the body changes shape. But boxers allow more airflow and reduce skin irritation. In the end, comfort based on individual factors trumps age guidelines.

Keep Your Underwear Game Strong

Like fashion, men's underwear continues to evolve. Try different modern styles and fabrics to find your perfect fit for comfort, performance, and style. Keep your unmentionables game strong by investing in quality underwear tailored to your needs and preferences.

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.