Mens Underwear Styles

Underwear is designed with the purpose in mind to keep bodily secretions off of clothing.  However, underwear can also offer provide support or be a fashion statement. Many men will allow their pants to sag to show off their “drawers” whereas others may choose to “go commando.” Whatever your choice, here is a brief description of underwear styles for men.

Boxer shorts, or boxers, are the loosest fitting among the styles of men’s underwear. These shorts usually have an elastic waist with the legs of the shorts extending to the middle of the thigh. A fly is generally present, sometimes with buttons. Boxers can be knit or woven.

Boxer briefs, or trunks, are similar to boxer shorts, but are shorter and tighter fitting. As opposed to boxers that have a wide waistband and a fly, briefs normally have a narrow waistband and may or may not have a fly. 

Briefs are more unlike boxer shorts and boxer briefs in that they provide no coverage to the thigh. The leg sections end very close to the groin. There are several different types of briefs; traditional, diagonal-flap, double-seat, double-back, low-cut, low-rise and pouch briefs are all popular styles.

The jockstrap is used during athletics to provide support and protection for the genitalia.  Most jockstraps have an elastic waistband that is attached to a support pouch; some have elastic straps that attach to the bottom of the pouch and the waistband at the sides of the hips. 

While less conventional, some men wear thong style underwear which includes the style known as the dance belt. These were originally used for bodybuilders or male strippers but now are worn as everyday underwear. Dance belts are used for purposes similar to that of the jockstrap but are less visible under the clothing. Because of this, many dancers wear these types of thongs.