What item of clothing do you wear every day, and most likely every night? Chances are you wear underwear more often than any other item of clothing. It’s something you should be putting some thought into if comfort and durability matter to you (and please don’t tell me you’re going commando men —that’s not the way to go!)

When it comes to men’s underwear, there are so many different styles to choose from these days. Fitted, loose, long, or short—there’s a perfect fit for everyone. But of all the options, two styles reign as the most popular: boxers vs briefs .

Boxers are well-loved for their spaciousness and the way they fit like a pair of comfy shorts. If you’re undecided when choosing boxers or briefs, consider your daily routine and your personal preference for fit.

Boxers are a great choice for those who don’t mind feeling footloose and fancy-free, if you know what I mean. You’re not going to get a massive amount of support from boxers, but they do serve as a nice protective layer between your package and your pants.

If you’re prone to going commando because you love the sense of freedom on your lower half, boxers are the right choice for you. You won’t have to sacrifice breathing room or comfort by donning boxers, plus you’ll protect yourself from chafing and uncomfortable sweating or wet spots. Not to mention, you’ll be staying loads more hygienic than if you kept free-balling it.

There are a couple of reasons that men may prefer to wear briefs. When it comes to briefs vs boxers, briefs have a tighter fit. This leaves you feeling more secure throughout the day. You don’t have to worry about the distracting sensation that you’re practically commando, as you might when wearing boxers.

Briefs also have less fabric overall. Where boxers fit more like a pair of shorts, briefs are the opposite. They cut high to the thigh so that both the front and back coverage are more triangle-shaped. So between briefs or boxers, briefs are a great choice if you get frustrated by the extra fabric on boxers.

So now you know the difference between briefs vs boxers. Largely, the choice will come down to your own personal preferences for fit.

For a lot of men, each style plays a role in their closet. Some prefer to wear briefs when they’re looking for more security and boxers when they’re just lounging. Regardless, here are the main factors to consider when choosing briefs or boxers:

Go with boxers if:

• You like a looser, more relaxed fit
• You prefer the short-like style for your underwear
• You’re prone to going commando

Go with briefs if:

• You crave protection and security
• You like a tighter all-around fit
• You prefer the sleek triangle-shaped fit for your underwear

If you’re not satisfied by either end of the spectrum, don’t fret! There are a couple of other options if boxers or briefs sound too extreme to you. If you like the idea of boxers but they just sound too bulky, you’ll love our mens trunk underwear . They’re shorter in the leg than any other short-style fit and provide a great balance between comfort and security.

If trunks are a little too short for you, I’ve got you covered. Take a look at our mens boxer briefs . Just as the name implies, they’re the perfect marriage between these two distinct styles. Boxer briefs have the long fit of classic boxers, but run tight and fitted through the leg so you’ll feel protected all day (and night!) long.