The Comprehensive Guide to Men's Underwear: Essential Styles and What You Need to Know

(Tianhong Men’s Bamboo Underwear of All Types)

Fashion and trends are always evolving, and so is the world of men’s underwear. Today, underwear is not just about function—it's also a a symbol of self-expression and personal comfort. As guys increasingly focus on self-care and personal style, finding the right underwear has never been more important. Luckily, there’s now an abundance of options to suit every preference and need.

Different types of underwear cater to various needs and preferences, each offering its own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the different types and designs of underwear available, helping you understand the key factors to consider when choosing the right pair for you.

Key Styles of Men's Underwear

 

Boxer Shorts

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Men’s Boxer）

 

Advantages |  Loose fit, excellent breathability, and great freedom of movement.

Coverage |  Maximum.

Support |  Minimal.

Length | Mid-thigh or longer.

Best For |  Hot weather, wearing under loose clothing, lounging, or sleeping at home

Not Suitable For | Tight pants, high-intensity workouts

 

Boxer shorts, often just called "boxers", are a classic and popular choice. Named after the shorts worn by boxers due to their similar style, boxers are known for their loose fit, which allows for  great airflow and maximum freedom of movement. They typically come with a button fly and extend to mid-thigh or even longer.

 

Their relaxed fit makes boxers perfect for wearing under loose-fitting pants or for those laid-back days at home. However, if you pair them with tight pants, you might find the fabric bunching up or riding up, which can be uncomfortable and create visible lines. Plus, the loose design means less support, so boxers aren't the best choice for high-energy workouts.

 

For taller men, these issues can be more pronounced, so boxers tend to be better suited for those with slimmer legs and narrower hips.

 

Click to explore customized boxer options from Tianhong Textile

 

Brief

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Men’s Brief）

 

Advantages | Strong support, breathable, keeps everything in place

Coverage | Minimal

Support | Maximum

Length | Upper thigh

Best For | Hot climates, various occasions, any outfit, especially good for men with thicker thighs

Drawbacks | Limited coverage

 

Briefs are the shortest style of men’s underwear, with legs reaching just the upper thigh. Unlike boxers, briefs provide excellent support and comfort, hugging the groin and buttocks snugly while offering less leg coverage, leaving the upper thighs and sides exposed.

 

This makes briefs a great choice for men with thicker thighs, as they avoid the fabric bunching or rolling up that can be uncomfortable and create unsightly lines. Whatever you’re wearing, briefs offer a comfy fit and can highlight a flat stomach and defined thigh lines, adding a touch of confidence.

 

With their superior support, briefs are perfect for everyday wear and light activities. They come in low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise options, so you can pick the style that suits your body and personal taste best.

 

Click to explore customized brief options from Tianhong

 

Boxer Brief

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Filament Men’s Boxer Brief）

 

Advantages | Great support and full coverage

Coverage | Medium to high

Support | Moderate

Length | Mid-thigh

Best For | All body types (especially taller men), various occasions and outfits

Consideration | Choose a length that falls at the thickest part of your thigh

 

Boxer briefs are a modern favorite, combining the best features of both boxers and briefs. They provide the coverage of boxers with the support of briefs, and their more form-fitting design ensures everything stays in place without bunching or rolling up. With legs that fall between mid-thigh and upper thigh, boxer briefs offer excellent coverage and a flattering shape for the rear. They often come in a high-rise style, which can enhance the look of the buttocks.

 

These versatile underwear are suitable for all body types, particularly for taller or larger men with fuller hips. They’re ideal for any occasion—whether you're heading to work, going on a date, or hitting the gym—and pair well with both tight and loose clothing.

（Tianhong Textile Men’s Long Leg Boxer Brief）

 

Boxer briefs come in various lengths and styles, including longer-leg versions that are perfect for athletic activities. For the best fit, opt for a length that hits around the fullest part of your thighs to avoid rolling up and ensure maximum comfort.

 

Click to explore customized boxer brief options from Tianhong

 

Trunk

（Tianhong Textile Bamboo Viscose Men’s Trunk）

 

Advantages | Support and coverage with less fabric; form-fitting, breathable, prevents ride-up and bunching

Coverage |  Medium to low

Support |  Moderate

Length | Upper thigh

Best For | Slimmer men, various occasions, and outfits (especially shorts or slim pants)

Not Suitable For | Larger body types

 

Trunks are a shorter style of boxer briefs, offering a great balance of comfort and support. Their shorter leg length boosts breathability, making them ideal for summer or high-energy activities. With a low-rise waistband, they sit below the hips.

 

Trunks are well-suited for men with slimmer legs, as the leg length sits just above the widest part of the thigh. This design prevents uncomfortable bunching or riding up and works well under any type of pants, especially shorts. With their snug fit and supportive feel, trunks are perfect for nearly any activity or occasion you have in mind.

 

Click to explore customized trunk options from Tianhong

 

Jockstrap

Advantages | Provides full protection for the genital

Coverage | Minimal

Support | Maximum

Best For | Athletic activities

Not Suitable For | Daily wear

 

Jockstraps have been around for a long time, originally designed to protect the genitals of messengers and delivery workers while cycling.

 

They feature a wide elastic waistband, a supportive pouch (often with an impact-resistant cup), and two straps that wrap around the hips to connect with the waistband.

 

Jockstraps are excellent for high-intensity sports, offering full support and protection for the front. However, since the back is completely exposed, they’re not the best choice for everyday wear. If you want to use it daily, consider layering it with other underwear for added coverage.

 

Thong & G-string

（Tianhong Textile Men’s Thongs）

Advantages | Maximum breathability

Coverage | Minimal

Support | Low

Best For | Showcasing body shape

 

Thongs and G-strings offer the least coverage of all underwear types, with minimal support. They provide just enough coverage around the pouch, while the rest is made up of thin straps. These are ideal for those who want maximum breathability.

 

These styles are great for showcasing a man's physique. If you’re comfortable with showing off a bit of sensuality in the right setting, thongs and G-strings are a great choice.

 

How to Choose the Right Men's Underwear

 

Choosing the right men’s underwear involves more than just picking a style. Here are some key factors to consider:

 

Fabric

 

The fabric of your underwear plays a crucial role in its comfort, support, breathability, and durability. Ideal underwear fabrics should be comfortable, soft, skin-friendly, breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable. Here’s a look at some common fabrics to help find the best option for you:

 

Cotton

Cotton is a top choice for underwear thanks to its natural softness, breathability, and overall comfort. It’s durable and feels great against the skin. However, cotton doesn’t excel at wicking away moisture, which can be a downside for sports or intense activities. To improve elasticity and support, cotton is often blended with spandex or other synthetic fibers, helping your underwear stay in shape.

 

Bamboo

Bamboo fabric is gaining popularity among underwear brands for its eco-friendly nature and exceptional softness. It’s cooler, softer and 4.5 times more breathable than cotton with excellent moisture-wicking performance, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear where comfort is essential.

 

Modal

Modal is crafted from wood pulp and is celebrated for its remarkable softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking performance. Often blended with spandex, modal offers great elasticity and support, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit.

 

Lifestyle and Occasion

（Tianhong Textile Men’s Underwear）

 

When choosing underwear, it’s important to consider your activities and lifestyle. Different situations call for different features in your underwear, so make sure your choice fits the occasion.

 

For instance, if you spend most of your day in an office, go for underwear that offers comfort and good support. If you're active and frequently exercise, look for breathable, moisture-wicking sports underwear. For lounging or relaxing, loose and breathable underwear can make your downtime more enjoyable.

（Tianhong Textile Men’s Underwear）

 

Having a variety of underwear styles on hand can help meet various needs. Keep in mind your activity level, how much time you spend outdoors, and the local climate to find the perfect fit for you.

 

Design and Features

 

When picking out high-quality underwear, please note design details and features can make a big difference in comfort and durability. Here are some important things to look for:

 

Seams and Seam Placement

(Click Picture to Check Tianghong Textile’s Diverse Sewing Techniques for Underwear)

 

There are two main types of seams in underwear: traditional overlocked seams and flatlock seams.

Overlocked Seams: These seams overlap the fabric edges and stitch them together, creating an  inside flap. While functional, they can sometimes lead to irritation, chafing, and faster wear and tear.

Flatlock Seams: This method joins the fabric edges together without creating an inside flap, resulting in a thin, smooth, and soft seam. They are generally more comfortable against the skin and tend to last longer.

Go for underwear with flatlock seams, as they’re more comfortable and durable. Also, watch out for bulky or poorly placed seams, as they can cause irritation, especially if they run directly across the front of the pouch.

 

Waistband and Tag

 

The comfort and fit of the waistband are key to how your underwear feels and performs.

（Tianhong Textile Covered Waistband Men’s Underwear）

 

Waistband: Think about the waistband's width and design. If you need extra support, a wider waistband is a great choice. If you prefer something lighter, a narrower waistband might be more your style. Aim for a soft, wide covered waistband to ensure comfort and avoid tight bands that can irritate your skin.

（Tianhong Textile Tagless Label Design for Underwear）

 

Tag: For the best comfort, choose underwear with printed tagless designs rather than sewn-on tags. This simple detail can help prevent any irritation.

Fly

Choosing the right fly design often comes down to personal comfort, convenience, and style preferences. Each design offers its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks.

No Fly  vs. Open Fly

（Tianhong Textile No-fly and Open-fly Underwear）

 

No fly underwear offers a clean look with great support but can be less convenient, especially when you need to use the restroom.

Open fly underwear with a fly tends to be more breathable and user-friendly. It often features extra fabric in the front for moisture absorption and shaping. The comfort and support can vary depending on the specific fly design.

(Tianhong Mens Underwear with Vertical Fly)

Vertical Fly: This straightforward design is easy to construct and usually provides the simplest and quickest solution for bathroom needs.

Horizontal Fly: This modern design is ergonomically friendly and provides easy access while offering good support. However, if not well-executed, it can sometimes disrupt the support area in the front.

(Tianhong Mens Boxer with Button Fly)

 

Button Fly: Often seen on boxers, this vintage-style design adds an extra layer of security to prevent accidental openings. However, it might be a bit more cumbersome for bathroom trips and requires a bit more care due to the buttons.

 

Pouch

(Tianhong Men’s Boxer with 3D Pouch)

 

The design of the pouch significantly affects the comfort and support of underwear. Some people prefer a more supportive pouch to keep everything in place, while others like a looser fit. When choosing underwear, consider the size, shape, and whether the pouch has a contour or fly. Underwear with a well-designed pouch or contour can help avoid constant adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.

 

Leg openings

(Tianhong Men’s Bamboo Viscose Underwear)

 

The design of the leg openings influences how well the underwear fits and feels. Some men prefer a snug fit around the legs for extra support, while others opt for a looser design for better breathability. Think about the size and shape of the leg openings and any additional features like anti-roll or anti-chafe technology.

 

Body Type

(Tianhong Men’s Underwear Bamboo Viscose Boxer)

 

For those with a larger build, looser styles with wider waistbands and longer legs can provide better coverage and comfort. On the other hand, slimmer individuals might prefer more fitted designs and narrower waistbands.

Your level of physical activity is also key. If you’re very active, you’ll likely need underwear with extra support and breathability. Whether you’re athletic, slim, or somewhere in between, picking underwear that suits your body type will ensure optimal comfort and support.

 

Fit and Support

(Tianhong Textile High Support Mens Boxer Brief Underwear)

 

Support and fit are closely linked to the design, material, and construction. Briefs and boxer briefs generally offer excellent support but may feel snug. Boxers, while more relaxed, can sometimes bunch up under tight clothing.

The waistband type and the way the elastic is covered can also affect how well the underwear stays in place. Look for underwear that fits comfortably at the waist without digging in, provides support without squeezing, and has leg openings that stay put without riding up.

Check the sizing guide provided by the manufacturer and choose underwear based on your waist, hip, and thigh measurements to get the best fit and support.

 

Other Factors

(Tianhong Colorful Men’s Underwear with Bright Colors)

 

Personal style and preferences matters too. Whether you’re into classic looks, bold colors, patterns, or prefer a more subtle design, finding underwear that matches your style can add a bit of personality to your daily wear.

(Tianhong Men’s Bamboo Filament Boxer Brief )

 

Also, keep climate in mind. For warm weather, breathable and mesh designs can keep you comfortable even on the hottest days.

 

Conclusion

 

We hope this guide has helped you get a clearer picture of how to choose the right men’s underwear. When picking out the perfect pair, think about the style, fabric, occasion, lifestyle, body type, and design details. Don’t be afraid to try different options to find what works best for you.

At Tianhong, we’re committed to offering top-notch OEM and ODM underwear services tailored to meet market demands and unique needs. Our goal is to help you stand out in a crowded market.

For custom solutions and more information, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].