Written By: Jared Mortense
Choosing the right underwear is crucial for comfort, support, and confidence throughout the day. With so many different styles available, it’s important to understand the features of each one to find what suits your needs best. Whether you prefer something snug and supportive or loose and comfortable, there’s an option for every man.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common underwear types for men, their benefits, and when each style is best suited for wear.
1. Briefs
Briefs are one of the most classic and traditional types of men’s underwear. They provide full support and coverage to the waist, hips, and genitals, leaving the legs exposed. Briefs come in various cuts, from high-waisted to mid-rise, depending on your preference.
- Benefits: Briefs offer excellent support, especially around the crotch area, making them ideal for active men. They are known for their compact and snug fit, which helps avoid chafing.
- Best For: Men who need daily comfort and support. Briefs are great for physical activities like running, gym workouts, or wearing under formal attire.
2. Boxers
Boxers are looser-fitting underwear that offers more freedom of movement. Made from materials like cotton, they come in a range of lengths from mid-thigh to knee-length.
- Benefits: Boxers provide breathability and a relaxed fit, which is perfect for lounging or sleeping. They’re also comfortable for men who prefer less restriction around the legs.
- Best For: Men who want maximum comfort with no constriction. They’re ideal for sleeping, relaxing, or casual days at home.
3. Boxer Briefs
Boxer briefs combine the support of briefs with the extended leg coverage of boxers. They offer a snug fit around the waist and thighs, making them a popular choice for many men.
- Benefits: Boxer briefs are versatile, offering support in key areas while providing full coverage. The fit reduces chafing and provides comfort during physical activities.
- Best For: Men who need a combination of comfort and support. Boxer briefs are great for exercise, everyday wear, or when you need to wear tight clothing like jeans.
4. Trunks
Trunks are similar to boxer briefs but with a shorter leg. They provide the same snug fit and support, but their shorter length gives them a modern and stylish edge.
- Benefits: Trunks offer all the benefits of boxer briefs but with a more streamlined look. They’re great for men who want a fit that is close to the body without excessive leg coverage.
- Best For: Men who prefer a shorter leg length while maintaining the support of boxer briefs. Trunks are perfect for under tight pants or for those who prefer a more modern fit.
5. Jockstraps
Jockstraps are designed primarily for athletic support. They feature a waistband and two straps that wrap around the hips, holding a pouch in place. The design leaves the buttocks exposed while offering strong support in the front.
- Benefits: Jockstraps are excellent for providing support during physical activity. The design helps reduce chafing, allowing for better range of motion during sports or workouts.
- Best For: Athletes, weightlifters, or men who engage in high-intensity sports. They’re also commonly worn under uniforms or sports gear.
6. G-Strings and Thongs
For those who want minimal coverage, g-strings and thongs provide a more daring option. Both styles feature a small waistband and a narrow strip of fabric running between the legs to provide minimal coverage of the buttocks.
- Benefits: G-strings and thongs are designed to be virtually invisible under tight clothing. They provide minimal coverage while ensuring comfort and reducing visible panty lines.
- Best For: Men who need underwear that won’t show under form-fitting clothes or those who prefer minimal coverage.
7. Long Johns (Thermal Underwear)
Long Johns are designed for warmth and insulation, typically worn in colder weather. They consist of long pants and a top that fits closely to the body, providing extra warmth and protection from the cold.
- Benefits: Long Johns are great for outdoor activities in the winter, such as skiing or hiking. They are made from thermal or moisture-wicking materials that help keep you warm while allowing sweat to evaporate.
- Best For: Men who live in colder climates or engage in winter sports. They’re perfect for layering under clothes in freezing temperatures.
8. Performance Underwear
Performance underwear is specifically designed for active individuals. It is made with moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex, which help to keep you dry by pulling moisture away from the skin. Many performance underwear options also offer compression to improve circulation and muscle recovery.
- Benefits: Performance underwear is great for high-impact activities. It provides support while keeping sweat at bay, and many designs are odor-resistant.
- Best For: Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone who leads an active lifestyle. Perfect for running, cycling, gym workouts, or sports.
9. Sheath Underwear
Sheath underwear is a newer style that features a dual-pouch design. This unique construction separates the genitals from the rest of the body, offering support and reducing chafing. The extra compartmentalization keeps everything in place and minimizes discomfort, especially during physical activities.
- Benefits: Sheath underwear provides extra support, breathability, and comfort. The separation of the genitals and buttocks can reduce sweat, chafing, and irritation, making it a great option for men who are on the move.
- Best For: Men who need added comfort and support, particularly during physical activity. Ideal for long days at work, running, or any active lifestyle.
10. Compression Shorts
Compression shorts are tight-fitting underwear designed to provide muscle support during physical activities. They are made from stretchy, form-fitting fabric that applies pressure to the muscles to improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
- Benefits: Compression shorts help reduce muscle soreness, improve performance, and speed up recovery after workouts. They also help minimize chafing and provide a snug, supportive fit.
- Best For: Athletes or anyone who participates in high-intensity sports. They’re ideal for running, cycling, weightlifting, and even for recovery after workouts.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Underwear for You
Selecting the right type of underwear depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and daily activities. Whether you prefer a supportive fit, a relaxed style, or something that’s built for performance, there is a perfect pair for you. Understanding the differences between briefs, boxers, trunks, and other styles can help you make an informed decision.
At Real Men Apparel Company, we offer a wide selection of high-quality underwear for every occasion. From everyday comfort to performance-oriented styles, our collection is designed to keep you comfortable, supported, and confident no matter what your day holds.
