One of the lesser talked about subjects in menswear is their underwear.
While the reason for this ignorance is hard to fathom, it should be noted that the days of men’s underwear being a simple, straightforward choice have long gone. The range of men’s underwear might not be as exhaustive as compared to women inner wear, but it seems that men are closing on the gap, rather quickly.
While the reason for this ignorance is hard to fathom, it should be noted that the days of men’s underwear being a simple, straightforward choice have long gone. The range of men’s underwear might not be as exhaustive as compared to women inner wear, but it seems that men are closing on the gap, rather quickly.
Rather than turning this article into a comparison between male and female underwear styles, it is better that we get started with understanding the different types of men’s underwear styles that are have found a global prevalence. This list includes:
Basic Male Underwear Style: Briefs
Understandably, the most conventional and comfy choice in the niche of men’s underwear is wearing briefs. These are the classical definition of male underwear. Briefs provide some cover for the lower end of the waistline, almost the entire rear and sufficient coverage at front. This avoids too much friction along the inner thigh region. This also helps to limit visibility of the paunch to a certain extent. The comfort factor is extended with a fly or slit. Variations include:
Low-Cut Briefs—these are worn slightly lower than the commonly-retailed briefs. The elasticity of the waistband ensures that the low-wear style can be maintained easily. Such briefs may or may not have a front fly. The waistband is pushed a bit below the navel. This is ideal for the averagely-built guy who wants to feel snug inside his trousers and wants an underwear that helps to improve presentation of the waistline.
Mid-Cut Briefs—these are stretched down a bit more than the traditional briefs. Here, the waistband is wrapped around at nearly two inches below the waistline. However, slightly loose-fit mid rise briefs can be pulled-up to the navel.
Boxer Briefs
A slight variation from the actual boxer underwear, these are a combination of sorts. Boxer briefs combine the looks of biker shorts, the fitting of a conventional brief and the appearance of boxer underwear.
Tip: Those who find the traditional Jockeys creating too much folding could opt for the tighter boxer briefs.
Boarder Shorts Men’s Underwear
This isn't a very popular choice, particularly among men who dress for the office. These are essentially water-sports inners that are worn under a lower when headed to the beach. Broad shorts underwear is not meant to be worn for long hours. Yes, it is stitched in the typical trunk style but the fitting is rather loose, often extending to the knees.
Tip: Don’t try this one unless you plan to go surfing!
Most Recommended Male Underwear: Boxers
For all those who don’t know, boxers are true to their namesake, i.e. they have been inspired by actual boxers (sportspersons). These are essentially a Western type of male underwear that has now found a worldwide following. Boxers extend a few inches above the knee. There is a front fly and these are ideal to be worn under your trousers since they don’t jam your goodies at all, providing appreciable comfort.
Full-Cut Boxers
These are a recent variation on the conventional boxer. The leg openings are made bigger. The inseams are crafted to provide more movable space. This helps to raise the comfort level and reduces chances of creasing.
Male Underwear Options worth Considering: Modern Trunks
These can be understood as the earlier form of boxer shorts but with a tighter fit. The trunk underwear is slightly shorter than the boxer brief but fits more tightly. The fitting is more like a Speedo that is used by swimmers. The inseams are also smaller.
Sensuous Choices: Bikini-styled Underwear
This is among the more revealing, sensually-inclined underwear choice that is daringly similar to the female bikini. Owing to the larger male frame, the men's bikini underwear has broader straps but it is worn almost equally, down south, i.e. about four to five inches below the waistline. This essentially means that bikini underwear for men has to be worn below the navel. Coverage for the bums is decent enough but the goods are left hanging in a very provocative manner at the front. This is mainly due to the high cut along the legs.
Tip: This men’s underwear choice is not meant for every guy. You need to have a killer physique to carry this look. Further, there is no fly and thus, this isn't the most comfortable choice either. Men who have bigger, heavier thighs would feel quite uncomfortable in these. Basically, those who are naturally skinny or have a gym-built physique are ideally cut out to try this.
String Bikini Male Underwear
This is the ideal choice for guys who have a hidden stripper lurking inside them. Seriously, this is the closest the male underwear can come to being controversial and erotic. The amount of coverage, at the front and back, is the bare minimum. The side panels are done away with and the waistband is worn nearly five inches below the navel. There is no fly here but then, these are not meant to be worn to work, are they?
Jock Strap or Thong for Guys
Usually referred to as the thong, this is actually a Jock-Strap or jock-type underwear. The front cup is more like a miniature panel. It is kept secured with small band-like extensions that are attached to the center of the waistband, offering minimal coverage. Besides those who want to spice-up the foreplay, guys suffering from excessive sweating can opt for these.
Tip: Jockstraps need to be worn with care as they can be made out when worn under thinner fabrics. The Jockstrap is often chosen by hikers and campers to avoid friction. This also reduces sweating and aids more ventilation.
Sports Briefs for Men
This is a rather interesting option among male underwear options. The front and rear are reasonably covered but the cuts are quite narrow towards the legs. The front cup is ample-sized but the sides are like a thin supporting band.
Tip: This is the recommended choice for guys who want to experiment with their underwear but feel awkward trying the bikini variation.
Besides the listed options, some new variations in men’s underwear have been introduced that haven’t engaged much popularity. If you endorse any other underwear style, Please Share It With Us!
