When was the last time you actually thought about your underwear? Most guys just grab whatever’s in the drawer and call it a day. But here’s the thing: good types of mens underwear are a crucial piece of inner garment that one should pick carefully. Think about it. You’re wearing them for 12+ hours straight, through workouts, long meetings, and everything in between.
Now this is one shocking statistic you may not have come across: 9 out of 10 men have the incorrect size or type of underwear. That is why you may be experiencing frequent readjusting, unpleasant bunching, or the irritating ride-up phenomenon.
Your underwear choice affects everything – your comfort, confidence, and ESPECIALLY your health. The wrong style can cause chafing during workouts. The wrong size can restrict blood flow. The wrong fabric can trap moisture and create problems you definitely don’t want.
But don’t worry – you’re not stuck with uncomfortable underwear forever. This guide by Innovate Apparel will help you find the perfect types of mens underwear that you can choose from based on your needs.
Why Choosing the Right Underwear Matters
The right types of mens underwear aren’t only to cover you up but help you in ways you never imagined. When your underwear fits properly, you feel confident walking into any room. No awkward pulling, shifting, or fearing to see lines visible through your garments.
Your skin health depends on breathable fabrics that prevent moisture buildup. Poor-quality underwear traps sweat, leading to irritation and bacterial growth. Nobody wants that.
Different activities need different support. Running requires moisture-wicking materials. Sleep calls for loose, comfortable fits. Work demands underwear that stays put all day without bunching under your dress pants.
The wrong types of mens underwear ruin your entire outfit. Tight underwear creates visible lines. Loose underwear bunches up and shows through fitted clothing. The best underwear for men disappears completely, you forget you’re wearing it while looking sharp in everything you put on top.
5 Main Men’s Underwear Types That You Should Know
Knowing the types of mens underwear enables you to select the appropriate style to suit your demands. Both kinds have their own unique advantages for bodies of different shapes and sizes, tasks, and preferences.
Boxer Shorts
Boxer shorts are loose-fitting and have an elastic waistband and run to mid-thigh length. They are perfect for bigger guys who require additional space and maximum air flow. Great for sleeping, home lounging, or even when it is hot outside. Cotton is most appropriate and breathable, whereas silk is much needed during special occasions. This does not fit tightly and is unsupportive; not recommended in tight pants or during active exercises.
Boxer Briefs
Boxer briefs are more to the popular side of the other types of mens underwear and incorporate the coverage of the boxer and the support of the brief. They are tight at the waist to mid-thigh, well fitting for any type of body. Ideal day-to-day wear, in the office, and a light workout. There are cotton blends that can be worn, and a synthetic material can be moisture-wicking on days that one is active. Great under-fitted clothes without visible lines or bunching issues.
Trunks
Trunks look like boxer briefs, but the legs are much shorter, reaching to upper thigh. They are perfect for muscular or shorter men who would want support without the excessive fabric. Ideal to be used at the gym or during swimming, or even under some tight-fitting trousers. Synthetic blends would be fine when participating in athletics, whereas cotton is suitable for daily use. The reduced length stops the riding up during movement.
Briefs
Traditional Y-front design and high-come-up legs, snug at the waist and the thighs. Briefs are the most supportive ones and can fit the slim to average body types. Such clothes are perfect for any formal event, at the office, or in those situations when you require a jerky line under the tight-fitting clothes. Cotton is breathable, whereas microfiber is seamless. Unsuitable for lounging or for having a casual wear taste.
Thongs
Minimal coverage with a thin waistband and back strap, thongs eliminate visible panty lines completely. Best for men comfortable with minimal fabric and those wearing very tight-fitting clothes. Ideal for special occasions or under fitted formal wear. Synthetic materials like microfiber work best for comfort and durability. Limited daily wear due to minimal coverage and potential hygiene concerns.
Pros and Cons Table for Types of Mens Underwear
Type | Pros | Cons |
Boxer Shorts | Maximum breathability, comfortable for sleeping, good for larger builds, prevents chafing between thighs | Can bunch under fitted clothes, no support during activities, not suitable for tight pants |
Boxer Briefs | Versatile for all occasions, good support, prevents chafing, works with most clothing, suitable for all body types | Can be too warm in hot weather, more expensive than basic styles |
Trunks | Great for workouts, prevents riding up, good for muscular thighs, modern stylish look | Limited coverage, not ideal for longer torsos, can show under low-rise pants |
Briefs | Maximum support, smooth under fitted clothes, classic and reliable, good for formal wear | Can feel restrictive, not fashionable to some, high-cut legs may not suit everyone |
Thongs | Eliminates visible lines completely, minimal fabric, good for very tight clothing | Limited coverage, potential hygiene issues, not suitable for daily wear, uncomfortable for many |
Dividing Mens Underwear Based on Various Factors
How to Choose Mens Underwear Based on Body Type
Your body shape determines which types of mens underwear work best for you. Slim builds need underwear that adds shape without extra bulk. Boxer briefs work great because they create a smooth silhouette under fitted clothes. Avoid baggy boxers that bunch up or create weird lumps.
Muscular thighs require extra room to prevent chafing. Look for specific types of mens underwear with longer legs or try trunks with stretchy materials. Avoid tight briefs underwear that cut into your legs or restrict movement during squats and lunges.
Dad bods and plus-size guys benefit from supportive styles that smooth everything out. Mid-rise boxer briefs prevent rolling and provide all-day comfort. Skip low-rise styles that dig in or create uncomfortable bulging above the waistband.
Tall men need longer styles to prevent riding up. Regular types of mens underwear, such as boxer briefs, often become uncomfortable wedgies. Short guys should avoid long boxer briefs that bunch up – stick with trunks or classic briefs for the cleanest fit under any outfit.
How to Choose Mens Underwear Based on Lifestyle
Your daily routine should guide your underwear choices. Office workers need types of mens underwear that stay comfortable during long sitting periods. Boxer briefs with moisture-wicking fabric prevent sweat buildup during stressful meetings. Choose seamless styles that won’t show through dress shirts or fitted pants.
Athletes and gym-goers require maximum support and breathability. Compression boxer briefs reduce chafing during running and weightlifting. Synthetic blends dry faster than cotton. Look for flat seams that won’t rub against your skin during intense workouts.
Hot weather and tropical climates demand lightweight, breathable materials. Bamboo and moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics keep you cooler than cotton. Boxer briefs prevent thigh chafing while providing airflow. Avoid dark colors that absorb heat.
Sleeping and lounging call for loose, comfortable fits. Cotton boxers or loose boxer briefs let your skin breathe overnight. Traveling and long days require the best underwear for men that maintains comfort for 12+ hours without adjustment or irritation.
Best Fabric for Different Types of Mens Underwear
Fabric | Pros | Cons | Best For |
Cotton | Breathable, durable | Can retain sweat | Everyday use |
Modal | Silky, moisture-wicking | Less structure | Premium feel |
Bamboo | Anti-bacterial, soft | Pricey | Sensitive skin |
Microfiber | Flexible, dries fast | Less natural | Gym |
Mesh | Ultra-breathable | Less support | Summer/lounging |
Which Colour to Go For?
When deciding on the types of mens underwear, color choice is more important than it seems to be. Traditional colors that never go out of fashion are black, white, navy, and gray, and they make any look. The stains are better concealed by these colors and are professional when worn under dress shirts or light colored trousers.
The bright colors, such as red, green, or a juicy blue, will help you become more confident and more colorful in your everyday life. As long as they cannot be seen through clothes. Lighter skin tones can manage pastels and earth tones, whereas darker skin tones appear superb in jewel colors.
Pattern undies bring some fun to your wardrobe, but are easy on work days. Use the wild prints only during the weekend or summer casual clothes. Solid colors remain the safest choice for business meetings or formal events.
Fashion tip: White briefs underwear under white shirts prevents visible lines. Black hues are more suitable under tight clothes or light garments. Not sure which colours you should wear? Use neutral types of mens underwear that suit you.
How to Check the Right Size of Your Underwear?
When most guys think they are sized correctly, they are not. Some of the indicators that you need more comfortable types of mens underwear are when you keep getting wedgies, defining movements appear through your pants, or when you keep adjusting yourself all the time. When your underwear causes red marks on your body or when it is too loose, then you are certainly not wearing the right size.
The process of measuring yourself does not take more than two minutes. Use a soft measuring tape around your waist where you normally wear your underwear – usually just below your belly button. Don’t suck in your stomach or pull the tape too tight. Write down the measurement in inches.
The majority of the brand’s underwear sizes are based on waist. Small normally covers 28-30 inches, medium 32-34 inches, large 36,38 inches, and extra-large 40-42 inches. Brands also have different sizes, so before purchasing, you should always look at their particular chart.
The best types of mens underwear are the ones that feel tight but not tighter. You are supposed to move freely without being impaired. In case you need to choose between two sizes, it is better to choose the larger one to feel more comfortable when working long days.
Innovate Apparel Picks – Your Ultimate Choice
Finding the perfect types of mens underwear doesn’t have to be complicated. At Innovate Apparel, we’ve designed our collection based on real feedback from guys who need underwear that actually works. Our boxer briefs combine the support of briefs with the coverage of boxers, giving you the best of both worlds.
We work with high-quality breathable, stretchy, and washable fabrics. No more loose waists that disintegrate within a couple of months. Our tagless design eliminates irritation, while flat seams prevent chafing during workouts or long days at the office.
Innovate Apparel has created the best types of mens underwear that refuse to compromise on comfort or quality. Your underwear should work as hard as you do, and now it can.
FAQs About Types of Mens Underwear
Boxer vs brief: what's better?
Neither of the types of mens underwear is universally better. Briefs provide more support and work well under fitted clothing. Boxers offer more breathability and freedom of movement. Boxer briefs combine both benefits, making them the most popular choice for daily wear.
What underwear is best for sweating?
Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics or bamboo blends work best for sweating. Avoid 100% cotton as it traps moisture. Look for boxer briefs with mesh panels or compression styles that reduce chafing during workouts.
Should men sleep in underwear?
It’s personal preference. Sleeping without underwear allows better airflow and temperature regulation. If you prefer wearing underwear to bed, choose loose-fitting cotton boxers that don’t restrict circulation or trap heat.
Are thongs healthy?
Men’s thongs can be healthy when made from breathable materials and properly fitted. However, they may increase risk of bacterial infections due to limited coverage. They’re best for special occasions rather than daily wear.
How often should you replace underwear?
Replace underwear every 6-12 months or when elastic loses stretch, fabric becomes thin, or stains won’t wash out. Active men who work out daily may need to replace almost all types of mens underwear more frequently due to increased wear and washing.