Picking the wrong underwear can turn your day into a sweaty, uncomfortable mess. Studies show men spend an average of 8 hours daily in their underwear, making comfort a top priority.
This guide breaks down seven types of underwear for men to help you find your perfect fit in 2024. Get ready to discover what works best for your body and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
The seven main types of men’s underwear are boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, trunks, thongs, jockstraps, and bikini cut, with boxer briefs being the most versatile option for daily wear and exercise.
Men spend about 8 hours daily in their underwear, making fabric choice crucial – cotton-elastane blends and bamboo viscose offer the best mix of comfort and breathability, with premium options like Butter Blend™ Boxer Briefs costing around $30.
Body type affects underwear choice: athletic builds suit trunks and jockstraps, while larger frames benefit from boxer briefs to prevent chafing, and lean guys have more style options.
Popular brands offer value packs – Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Trunks cost $42 for three pairs, while Polo Ralph Lauren sells similar three-packs for $45.
Black, white, and gray remain classic color choices, but modern trends show men picking bold patterns and bright colors, with brands like SAXX leading the way in eye-catching designs.
Table of Contents
Exploring the Main Types of Men’s Underwear
Let’s talk about the seven most popular styles of men’s underwear that rule the market today. Each style brings something special to the table, from total coverage to minimal designs that work great for different outfits and activities.
Boxers
Boxers stand as a classic underwear choice since the 1920s, first made popular by Everlast. These loose-fitting drawers give your legs plenty of room to breathe. I’ve found that pure cotton vs nylon makes a huge difference in daily comfort.
The airy design helps keep things cool down there, which some studies link to better sperm health.
These dress pants-friendly undergarments sit right at the hip level and extend down the thighs. My personal experience shows they work great for guys with thinner legs and narrow hips.
Modern styles now include fancy options like pouch-enhancing designs and even lace versions for the bold. Next up, let’s look at briefs, which offer a different take on comfort and support.
Briefs
Moving from loose-fitting boxers, let’s talk about briefs – the classic choice that never goes out of style. Briefs give you solid support with their snug fit and Y-front design for easy access.
Modern briefs sit low on your hips and show off muscular thighs, perfect for guys who love to stay active.
These tighty-whities (though they come in many colors now) pack great support in a compact design. The stretch cotton and modal fabric with elastane keeps everything in place during your busy day.
You’ll find different styles like low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise briefs to match your comfort level. The supportive pouch makes briefs a top pick for sports and physical activities.
I’ve worn briefs during marathon training, and they prevent chafing better than most other styles.
Boxer Briefs
Briefs paved the way for a more modern hybrid: boxer briefs. Calvin Klein made these a hit in the 1990s, changing how men think about comfort down there. Boxer briefs blend the best parts of boxers and briefs into one perfect package.
They sit high on your hips and hug your thighs without riding up.
These athletic underwear stars shine in the gym and at work. The stretch fabric mix of cotton-elastane or modal keeps everything in place while you move. Tall guys and men with muscular thighs love boxer briefs the most.
I switched to them five years ago and never looked back – they’re perfect for my morning runs and long office days. The snug fit stops any bunching under pants, plus they look great and feel even better.
Trunks
Trunks offer the perfect middle ground in men’s underwear choices. These shorter-cut boxer briefs hit mid-thigh and sport a lower rise waistline that sits nicely below the hips. As part of dressing better, I’ve found trunks work great for guys with longer legs and moderate thigh muscles.
Top brands like Calvin Klein sell their Cotton Stretch Trunks in convenient three-packs for $42.00, while Polo Ralph Lauren offers similar value at $45.00.
Comfort meets style in the sweet spot between boxers and briefs.
The snug fit makes trunks ideal for active wear without riding up or bunching. My experience shows they work perfectly under slim-fit pants and during workouts. The stretch cotton and modal fabrics move with your body while keeping everything in place.
These modern cuts blend classic comfort with today’s fashion needs, making them a smart pick for daily wear.
Thongs
Men’s thongs offer minimal coverage with a focus on style and comfort. These undergarments feature a pouch in front for support and a narrow strip of fabric in the back. The design helps avoid visible panty lines under tight clothes or swimwear.
Most modern thongs come in a cotton-elastane blend that moves with your body throughout the day.
Guys who prefer thongs enjoy their sleek look and freedom of movement. The low-rise fit works great under slim pants or workout gear. While some might think of Borat’s famous beach scene, today’s thongs for men focus on practical comfort rather than shock value.
The string bikini style has gained popularity among athletes and fashion-conscious men who want less bulk in their underwear drawer.
Jockstraps
Moving from minimal coverage to maximum support, jockstraps stand out as a game-changer in men’s athletic wear. These supportive undergarments feature an elastic waistband with two straps that wrap around the thighs, leaving the rear exposed.
The front pouch cradles and protects sensitive areas during high-impact sports.
Jockstraps come in two main styles: sports and fashion. Sports jockstraps often include a protective cup pocket for contact sports like football, baseball, or martial arts. The fashion versions skip the cup pocket but keep the classic design.
The elastic straps reduce movement during intense activities, making them perfect for runners and cyclists. Many athletes pick jockstraps as their go-to choice for workouts because they offer better airflow and freedom of movement than standard underwear options.
Bikini Cut
Like jockstraps, bikini cut underwear offers minimal coverage but with a different style approach. These low-rise undies sit below the natural waistline and feature high-cut leg openings.
The style borrows its name from women’s swimwear but comes with male-specific design elements.
Comfort meets confidence in every stitch of a well-fitted bikini brief.
Bikini briefs give guys a snug, modern fit that works great under tight pants or workout shorts. The style shows off more leg and offers less fabric than traditional briefs or boxer briefs.
Many guys pick these for hot summer days or times they want less bulk under clothes. The design keeps everything in place while letting your skin breathe. Most bikini cuts come in stretchy materials that move with your body all day long.
Choosing the Right Men’s Underwear
Finding the perfect underwear depends on your daily needs, from your body shape to your workout plans – stick around to learn how to pick the right pair that’ll keep you comfy all day long.
Consider Your Body Type
Your body shape plays a big role in picking comfy underwear. Boxer briefs work great for lean guys who want support without bulk. Men with larger frames should grab boxer briefs too – they prevent chafing and offer full coverage where needed.
Athletic builds have more options to play with, from sporty trunks to jockstraps for high-intensity workouts.
Different builds need different styles for the best fit and comfort. Tighty-whiteys might feel perfect on some frames but restrictive on others. I’ve learned through years of trying various styles that your body type matters more than trends.
Guys with muscular thighs often feel most confident in boxer briefs, while leaner frames can rock anything from string bikinis to boxers with equal comfort.
Match Underwear to Your Activities
Now that you know which underwear suits your body shape, let’s talk about matching them to your daily moves. Different activities need different levels of support and comfort.
Gym and Sports Activities
- Sport jocks and boxer briefs give top support during workouts
- The snug fit stops chafing and unwanted movement
- Moisture-wicking fabrics keep you dry through intense training
Office and Daily Wear
- Classic briefs work great for desk jobs
- Cotton underwear lets your skin breathe during long sitting hours
- Boxer briefs stay put under dress pants
Casual Weekend Activities
- Boxers offer relaxed comfort for lounging
- Loose fit works well for light activities
- Perfect for sleeping or watching TV
High-Impact Sports
- Jock straps provide maximum support for running
- Compression-style trunks reduce muscle vibration
- Extra support prevents injury during intense moves
Swimming and Beach Activities
- Swim briefs or tanga styles work under bathing suits
- Quick-dry materials prevent soggy discomfort
- Slim profiles avoid bunching under swimwear
Date Night
- Stylish underwear boosts confidence
- Trunks offer modern, flattering fit
- Bold colors and patterns add personality
Travel and Long Days
- Boxer briefs blend comfort with support
- Breathable fabrics fight odor
- Smooth seams prevent irritation during extended wear
Select the Best Fabric for Comfort
Fabric choice makes or breaks your comfort level in underwear. Bamboo viscose leads the pack with its cloud-like softness and long-lasting quality. My experience with stretch cotton or modal mixed with elastane has been a game-changer for daily wear.
The fabric moves with you, not against you. Cotton-elastane blends give you that perfect mix of breathability and stretch.
The right fabric feels like a second skin – it’s there, but you barely notice it.
The Butter Blend™ Boxer Brief at $30.00 proves that premium materials are worth every penny. These fabrics keep you cool during workouts and comfy during long office hours. The next big thing in men’s underwear? Bold patterns and colors are taking over the scene.
Trends in Colors and Patterns for Men’s Underwear
Gone are the days of plain white underwear being your only option. Modern men’s underwear comes in wild prints, bold stripes, and eye-catching patterns that match your style and mood.
Classic Colors: Black, White, and Gray
Black, white, and gray stand as the holy trinity of men’s underwear colors. Black leads the pack as a top choice for its sleek look and practical nature. You’ll never go wrong with black boxer shorts or tights – they hide small stains and match everything in your wardrobe.
White brings a clean, fresh feel but needs extra care to stay bright. Gray sits in the sweet spot between black and white, offering a laid-back vibe that works great for light skin tones.
These classic shades make up most guys’ underwear drawers for good reason. Black speaks sophistication, white shows cleanliness, and gray adds a casual touch to your collection. The best part? These colors work perfectly under any outfit, from business suits to gym clothes.
Your singlets and boxer briefs in these shades will always look sharp and feel right at home in your wardrobe.
Exploring Bold Colors and Patterns
Gone are the days of basic colors. Modern men now embrace bold shades in their underwear choices. Blue, green, and red have become top picks for guys who want to add some fun to their drawer.
SAXX leads this trend with eye-catching patterns that make getting dressed more exciting.
Nautical stripes and ocean motifs bring personality to men’s underwear fashion. These fresh designs pair well with contrasting waistbands and sharp stitching details. Many guys pick these standout styles for a confidence boost.
I’ve found that mixing bold patterns with solid colors creates a perfect balance in my underwear collection. The g-strings and activity-specific underwear now come in these striking designs too.
This shift shows how men’s fashion keeps moving forward with bolder choices.
People Also Ask
What are the most daring types of men’s underwear?
G-strings, thongs, mankinis, and c-strings are the boldest choices for men who like to push fashion limits. These styles offer minimal coverage but maximum confidence for those brave enough to rock them.
How do I pick the right style of underwear for daily wear?
Start with classic styles before jumping into bolder options like g-strings or mankinis. Your comfort level matters most. Think about what you’ll be doing that day and pick accordingly.
Are c-strings and mankinis really meant for everyday use?
No, these styles are more for special occasions or beach wear. C-strings and mankinis aren’t your typical Monday morning choices. They’re best saved for times when you want to make a statement.
What’s the difference between g-strings and thongs for men?
G-strings have a tiny strip of fabric in the back, while thongs offer slightly more coverage. Both styles belong to the minimal underwears category, but g-strings show more skin than thongs do.
