Many people (ahem, often men) are prone to getting stuck in a comfort zone with their personal style, especially when it comes to something as inconspicuous as underwear. But! There are several men’s underwear types to play around with and I think it’s time to switch things up a bit!

We can all get into the habit of constantly wearing what we’re used to but you may be missing out on one of the classic mens underwear types that you’ve never given a chance to. Good, old-fashioned briefs may turn out to be your new best bud.

Or, maybe you’re feeling more daring and you’ll be interested to know if the answer to the question “ Are men wearing thongs now? ” is yes. Let those cheeks see the sun, boys. Nevertheless, there are many options to explore before you resort to going commando men.

How do you know which of the mens underwear types is for you? Well, that’s where I come in! We’re about to do a deep dive into what makes a pair of underwear great and how to decide which style suits your life best!

Before we get to discussing all the types of underwear for men, let’s talk about the factors that determine how awesome a pair of undies will be at protecting your jewels. A lot of these (like color and style) depend on personal preference but there are a few general rules (like sticking only to natural fabrics) that you’ll want to keep in mind, as well. 

Here’s how to find which of all the men’s underwear types is ideal for you:

Hemp fabric is the best fabric option for all types of underwear for men due to its strength and durability. It can provide you with the same support and compression offered by synthetic undies with the added bonus of breathability and natural moisture-wicking properties. Hemp takes less water and resources to produce than traditional cotton, making it an eco-friendly substitute as well. 

Cotton is often given the honor of being referred to as the best fabric for underwear. It’s lightweight and breathable so it easily conforms to the shape of your body. 

When it comes to organic cotton vs cotton though, you’ll want to make sure you’re shopping for the certified organic stuff. This is because traditional cotton continues to be grown and harvested using non-sustainable methods and underwear from fast fashion brands is likely to contain blends of synthetic materials and chemicals. 

Woolen undies certainly don’t sound like anyone’s first choice but I promise my goal is to prevent any itching sensations rather than cause them. Merino wool is super soft, breathable, and equipped with natural temperature regulation abilities. It’s great for everyday use but even more worthy to consider if you engage in any cold-weather sports or activities. 

Tencel is the name of the company that is the leader in making sustainable lyocell fabric. Lyocell is made from wood pulp from eucalyptus trees. Tencel is created using an eco-friendly process and the result is a soft fabric with anti-bacterial qualities. 

Modal fabric is made from beech tree wood pulp. These trees take a lot less water to cultivate than other resources so (provided that the source is certified) it’s a highly sustainable option. The result is a buttery soft and lightweight fabric that you’ll love having in close contact with your intimates. 

Color may seem like an insignificant detail (especially for underwear, a usually hidden garment) but it can have an effect on your mood and even help determine what your underwear says about you.

Black is by far the most popular choice for men’s underwear types and you can’t go wrong with it. The dark fabric helps to hide stains and dirt and is generally a flattering shade on everyone. It’s perfect to have as a staple for days when you’re feeling simple and ready to take on everyday tasks.

White is another simple, straightforward shade. It’s perfect for my dudes who wear a lot of light colors because it’s easier to conceal than darker shades. Tighty whiteys may have a questionable reputation but you can’t go wrong with a classic!

While nude shades tend to be marketed towards women, there’s a wide variety of men’s underwear styles with a range of nude colors to choose from. Finding a pair of undies that matches your skin tone is a fun way to keep things simple while still switching it up from the standard black and white. 

Purple is a funky choice for underwear but that’s what makes it so special. Purple is often associated with magic and the non-tangible because it is not a color found in nature. It’s a mysterious and enchanting shade/ Wearing this color is sure to give you some confidence, even if it’s just your little secret!

Green is a lovely shade to bring into your wardrobe (even if it’s just your underwear drawer) because it is widely associated with nature. Green can have soothing effects on you and even provide some energy due to its connection with freshness and life. It’s a must-have for any outdoor lovers!

If you’re not having fun with your underwear, you need to be! Sure, patterned boxer briefs may transport you right back to grade school but I think everyone could do with indulging their inner child a little more. Next time you don your smartest outfit try sneaking a silly pair of skivvies under it and see how you feel!

Why is there a hole in boxers? That would be the fly, my guy. And it is there purely as a residual detail from times when it needed to exist for the purpose of practically. I’m willing to bet that most men these days don’t even register whether their undies have a fly or not, let alone actually use the hole for its intended purpose. 

That said, there are some reasons why you might prefer having underwear with a fly:

• More Support: These days, underwear with a fly tends to have a little bit of extra fabric at the front. This can help with absorbing sweat or any other forms of, um, leakage you would prefer to keep private. 

• Shaping: The added fabric at the fly has the extra benefit of adding a little bulk to your bulge and helps keep things from looking too squished down there

• Easy Access: Of course, the main feature of a fly is being able to whip your little buddy out to relieve yourself without the hassle of pulling your pants down. If that’s the type of convenience you need in your life then fly on!

Ensuring that your underwear, no matter which of the men’s underwear types it is, fits you comfortably is super important. An uncomfortable fit can lead to an increased frequency of wondering “why do my balls smell?” and to the development of unpleasant conditions like jock itch. 

So, how should underwear fit? Your waistband should remain at the waist without any digging into the skin. The front and back should both fit securely and provide support to your package without any unwanted compression. The leg openings should stay put (although boxer briefs that don’t ride up can be tricky to find). The most important part is that the underwear moves with you and causes no discomfort. 

There are men’s underwear types to fit every occasion. I recommend having one of each style or at least multiples of a few different cuts to account for the variety of uses they’re good for. It’s important to consider your lifestyle, like the amount of exercise you do, the amount of time you spend outside, and what the weather is like where you live. These factors can help you determine which cut of underwear would suit you best. 

We’ve got the idea of how to find the perfect pair of undies so now we need to look at the styles we have to apply the criteria to. Here are the different men’s underwear types:

Best For | The guy who wants full support and full coverage

Coverage | Medium to high

Length | Mid-thigh

Occasion | Whenever wherever

Men’s boxer briefs are the go-to style amongst men these days. They’re the most supportive and full coverage style of men’s underwear because they’ve got the length of boxers and the tight fit of briefs. The best of both worlds! 

Boxer briefs are such a popular choice because they’re designed to move with you while keeping all the moving bits in place. This makes them a great choice for any occasion! They’re perfect for busy days where you’re hopping from work to running errands to social events and even to the gym!

Best For | The guy who wants full support but less coverage than boxer briefs

Coverage | Medium to low

Length | Upper thigh

Occasion | Active days or whenever you want to show off your thighs

Trunks underwear is easily the sleekest, most modern style of underwear on this list. They’re similar to boxer briefs but the leg openings come up much higher on the thigh. Trunks are still compressive and supportive like boxer briefs (and even more so!) but with a lot less fabric. 

Trunks are a perfect choice for the modern man (whatever that means to you). They’re sleek and highlight all your angles and curves. The medium coverage and small amount of fabric also make them the best choice to wear under most outfits. If you favor tighter clothes, trunks are a great option because they are less likely to form visible lines than any other style of mens underwear.

Best For | The guy who prefers low support and lots of airflow

Coverage | Maximum

Length | Mid-thigh or longer

Occasion | Under looser fitting clothes or for lounging/sleeping at home

Men’s boxers are the least restrictive type of underwear in all the land. They offer full coverage but minimal support. They’re great for casual days and probably not the best pick for any high-impact workout. They’re perfect for wearing with long, loose shorts on hot days to prevent the dreaded sensation of swamp crotch. 

Boxers are a great choice for sleepwear or just hanging around your house paired with a cozy t-shirt. These guys are loosey-goosey so be careful about wearing them around people who would prefer not seeing your junk on full display!

Best For | The guy who wants strong support, comfort, and security with the least amount of fabric

Coverage | Low

Length | Cut at top of thigh

Occasion | Under shorter shorts or during high-impact workouts

Men’s briefs are the OG of all men’s underwear types. Are men’s briefs back in style? There’s no particular evidence that briefs are more popular than any other style of underwear, but men do seem to be willing to experiment more with “outdated” syles. 

Briefs have a simple, minimalist design that’s intended to keep everything in place. They’re perfect for individuals who favor shorter pants and ideal for those who live in hot climates since they’re designed to keep it nice and airy “down there.” 

Now that you’re well-versed in all the different types of underwear for men, you’re ready to give your underwear drawer a (probably much-needed) update! Say goodbye to the five-year-old pair of boxers with the holes in them and say hello to variety, color, and a different style of undies for each occasion!

Have you tried all of the men’s underwear types? Which are you most excited to experiment with? Share your thoughts in the comments!