A Manufacturer’s Guide to Types of Mens Underwear in 2025

Have you been looking for the best underwear for a while? Consider this: As each lock has its own specific keys, each underwear type has its own use case and purpose. You might think looking through a wide variety of underwear just for your perfect fit is not that substantial, but the truth is far from it. 

Underwear offers several benefits for men, ranging from comfort and hygiene to being a protective layer against chafing and irritation. 

Now, the ultimate question is, “why does underwear types matter?” We each have our own preferences and different temperamental places to live. Imagine if someone starts wearing high GSM (thick fabric) underwear in a tropical environment; it would be a disaster for him as there would be rashes, chafing, and even the possibility of microbial infestation. 

This article aims to thoroughly review men’s underwear and what makes them different from each other. So read till last to become an honorary expert on men’s underwear types!

The Unsung Hero of Men’s Fashion

The credit should be given where it is due; it should have been said by someone looking through the benefits and health solutions underwear offers, especially for men! Throughout the century, multiple manufacturers and even big clothing giants have only ever focused on external garments and thus completely ignored the most comfortable fit in our routine. 

• Many people will buy underwear and think it is now perfect for every occasion in their daily life. If there is someone who cares a little about his hygiene, then at most, he will buy new underwear once in a while. But honestly, both kinds are absolutely wrong! 
• The global undergarments market size was valued at 88.32 billion $ in 2022 and is expected to grow at 6.1% from 2023 to 2030. This consensus alone should tell you how essential underwears are right now!
• Underwears are the most essential garment for anyone in the world, it gives you a clean look and also serves as a barrier between you and your clothes. It’s a pretty understood fact that nobody likes the bodily stench or sweat stains on their pants. It’s just a horrible experience altogether. 

Different types of men underwear serve various purposes. If you go with thick GSM-based underwear, then most likely it will be best suited for a cold environment. If you go along the lines of thin fabric underwear, it will be best for high breathability and rash-free comfort. And to put this into perspective, everything that has been said is just the tip of the iceberg.

Classic Kinds of Male Underwears

Probably the most used underwear category worldwide; frankly, you can’t go wrong with classics. Many might think it is just material that affects the undergarment performance, but that is only a half-truth; underwear’s actual arrangement makes any fabric great and purposeful. 

If we were to denote every kind of orthodox underwear that has been around, then this article would never end. For your convenience, we have accumulated 5 of the most liked classic underwear types since centuries used in America.

(1) Briefs: 

Briefs or “Tighty Whities” are one of the absolute traditional underwear types. It is characterized by high leg opening and full back coverage for the buttocks. It is often considered best for daily wear and for people who like tight dressing because of its ability to not bunch up fabrics underneath. and some of its most impressive features are;

• Elastic waistband.
• Front pouch support feature.
• Not Breathable and Airy.
• It may be uncomfortable for some people due to the tight fit.

Either 100% cotton or cotton-elastane blends are used to make briefs for a bit of stretchability factor. Sometimes, nylon is also weaved in to provide a smoother feel and moisture-wicking features for sports-oriented briefs.

(2) Boxers:

 All-around elastic underwear that has been in trend since 1944. Boxers are designed to have a loose and airy feel. It is the best choice for people who want unrestrictive movement and snug fit. Some key features of boxers are listed below;

• Drawstring waistband
• Often made with woven fabrics
• They are not ideal for physical and athletic activities as they provide minimal support and lose stretchability with time.

Typical Fabric Material used is Cotton or poly-cotton blends for wrinkle resistance and durability. Some also use satin and silk blends for luxurious feel boxers.

(3) Boxer Briefs: 

Hybrid with no downsides, Boxer briefs are a combination of boxers and briefs. They combine the support of briefs with the stretchability and long-leg features of boxers. They are suitable for almost any activity. Many people prefer this not just for daily use but also for physical and outdoor activities.

• Provides support and coverage.
• Elastic waistband.
• Legs that extend a few inches down the thigh.
• It can be the best solution for many men worldwide if made with the right material.
• The extra fabric in the legs can look bulky under very tight pants.

Most if not all the times, blended fabrics are utilized in Boxer briefs.It is scarce, in fact, near impossible, to find pure fabric-based boxer briefs. The most used fabric blend is either cotton-spandex blend or modal-blend spandex.

(4) Trunks:

 While not as old as boxers and briefs, This underwear type is still one of the most used layouts worldwide and provides support and shape due to it being a lower-cut undergarments.  Some even call it a “Shorter version of Boxer briefs.” Trunks are best for everyday wear, especially for people who want something like boxer briefs but a little contemporary.

• Offers balanced support and movement freedom.
• Often considered as more stylish boxer briefs in the market.
• Its snug fit can trap heat, often causing discomfort.

Elastane based cotton and modal fabrics are the go-to choices for trunks manufacturing.

Sometimes, vendors also  introduce microfibers such as nylon and polyester for extra resilience and moisture-wicking abilities.

(5) Jock-strap: 

Another traditional high-impact underwear that has been around the world for decades or perhaps even centuries, it is composed of a supportive pouch in the front and elastic straps that go around the waist and leave most of the buttocks uncovered.

• Minimal coverage in the back.
• Supportive elastic bands connecting waistband to pouch.
• If the waistband strap is too tight, it can cause chafing and rashes after long hours of physical activity.

Although the pouch lining is often made of 100% cotton, the rest of the underwear is typically crafted from different fabric blends, such as cotton-elastic or polyester-elastic fabric.

Exploring Contemporary Underwear Options

You might think there are a lot of new types of male underwear in 2025, but that is not entirely right! Companies modify what already exists in the shape of traditional underwear. Some manufacturers might apply particular finishes, use a different fabric blend for underwear, and call it a new invention. 

Modern trends are basically all about personalization. In fact, many manufacturers provide custom underwear solutions as well. Some examples of these so-called contemporary underwear might broaden your vision and explain how other factors correspond to different feelings and purposes of underwear than just the designs of underwear.

>(1) Athletic Underwear:

 The rising demand for athleisure underwear might lead you to believe in an absolute breakthrough. However, this is more of a nuanced reality. The core format styles of these increasingly popular undergarments often remain the same. Still, the actual innovation lies in the advanced fabric materials and systematic features manufacturers now employ. 

For instance, a specialized in-weave poly-spandex with properties like ultra-smoothness and moisture-wicking, perhaps even incorporating technologies like GORE-TEX, can transform a traditional brief or boxer brief underwear into something marketed as high-performance sportswear, even if the fundamental outline remains the same.

>(2) Eco-Friendly Underwear:

 The same thing as before. Manufacturers are just sustainably sourcing fabric for just about any underwear. For instance, There has been a discovery about the bamboo fabric that is making leaps in the industry, and if you implement it within any underwear form, then viola! You got new eco-friendly underwear.

>(3) Seamless Underwear:

 Another fabrication of already existing underwear types, and the only reason it offers superior comfort and resilience is because of just one thing, and that is the one stitched fabric piece, so that means there is less skin chafing and rashes. And it generally provides more resilience.

>(4) Microfiber Boxer Briefs and Trunks:

 In addition to new fabrics, another common fabrication approach is to update older underwear styles using polyester and nylon-based microfibers. This choice of material is driven by its ability to provide a smoother feel and enhanced moisture retention, effectively modernizing classic designs through material innovation.

You may have noticed that there was technically no contemporary option for new underwear, so to speak! Each modernization confers just the feel and experience of already existing underwear. And this is what 2025 is all about. People want customizations from A-to-Z and today. 

We are certainly not saying that innovation is bad. It’s just that male types of underwear have gone from structural differences to material differential bases in today’s era. It’s still like older undergarments but better due to their raw material production choices.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Your Next Pair of Underwear

One should consider many factors when buying a new set of underwear. As previously stated, different styles of men’s underwear have different advantages and disadvantages, and you should first prioritize your needs, such as whether you prefer comfort over performance or vice versa. 

• Fit and Support: Fit and support depend heavily on your daily use case. If you prefer free movement, you should go with boxer briefs. If you prioritize proper fit and support, your best bet is to go with either boxers or trunks.
• Waistband Styles: Although it might not seem much, a different waistband and its styles make a huge difference, as some people might prefer a drawstring waistband, and some prefer elastic waistband material. Consider this: A sports person might prefer a drawstring waistband over any other, so in that case, boxer briefs with a drawstring waistband would be best suited for him.
• Activity Level: Not all Underwear is suitable for every activity. If someone wants everyday wear, their best choice would have been boxers or trunks because of their balanced performance and comfort.
• Personal Preference is the most significant factor when choosing underwear. If you are not eco-conscious, then you would be absolutely fine with just about any underwear type as long as it serves its purpose. But those who want eco-friendly options might only go for 100% organic cotton or newly discovered bamboo fibre.
• Fabric Material: Fabric selection in underwear construction presents distinct advantages and disadvantages based on material properties. For example, cotton is best suited for applications prioritizing lightweight breathability and comfort against the skin, and polyester emerges as a preferred choice when the longevity and durability of the garment are the ultimate priorities.

To simplify this, a table below explains which underwear type is best for your use case.

Note: If you are still not convinced why choosing your underwear carefully matters then its highly advisable to checkout this blog.

 Click here: 5 Benefits of Wearing Custom Underwear

Styling Tips and Trends

The idea that underwear is merely functional garments is fading away rather quickly in the current era; even unseen layers offer opportunities for self-expression.

>(1) Color and Patterning Choice

If you want to fit in perfectly in this modern era, then getting the right types of underwear for men is not the only thing you should strive for. In Fact, modern trends require a modern outlook on your chic. You might want to have custom-coloured schemed and patterned underwear when you are showcasing it to everyone. There are many customizations you can go for, like printed designs and even custom color choices that would best suit your apparel.

• Beyond Basic Shades: Although classic black, white, and grey remain the most versatile colours, the modern trend is all about introducing personality through different colors. Over the years, there has been a rise in richer color tones such as burgundy, emerald greens, and even deep blues with earthier olive colors. These colours offer a richer alternative to basic black, white, and grey.
• Power of Prints: Patterns and designs have become a significant way to showcase personality and individual design. From geometric and striped designs to bolder and more artistic prints, there is virtually every design to match every individual presence. The trend is leaning towards high-quality designs that feel intentional and are not childish.

>(2) Current Chic Trend in Underwear

In today’s trend, a significant number of men put a huge emphasis on comfort, functionality, and sustainability. Numerous number of manufacturers have achieved the following by introducing new organically sourced materials or a new technique called “one garment stitching.” In addition, many people prefer underwear with custom finishes and coatings.

• Innovating Textile Material: Today, brands are innovating with fabrics such as organic Cotton, modal, and Tencel for their softness and breathability. These materials feel good on the skin and align with a more eco-preserving lifestyle.
• Performance and Functional Finishes: The preference for underwear with custom finishing and coatings speaks directly to the modern man’s active lifestyle and desire for long-lasting freshness. Certain finishes instil features such as anti-odour and microbial activity for longer wearing time without concerning yourself with hygiene and health issues. 

In a nutshell, this sophisticated approach in underwear manufacturing is the ultimate hallmark of contemporary chic in types of undergarments for men.

Conclusion

To shorten this whole article, in the diverse world of men’s undergarments, there are many men’s underwear types ranging from ones that are best for everyday wear like briefs or boxers to the ones that offer excellent manoeuvrability and secure fit, and each type is best suited for best possible scenarios. 

As a clothing manufacturer dedicated to quality undergarment production, we implore you to try different underwear types and fabric substance they are made from and see which is best for you.  And one last thing, you will only know how important underwear is in our daily life when you find the best one for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Are briefs and boxer briefs the same?

No, Briefs are classic legless underwear, whereas boxer briefs have legs that usually go down to mid-thigh. You can even say boxer briefs are like more extended versions of briefs for convenience.

2) Which underwear type is most comfortable?

Comfort is a personal matter, as some prefer the freedom of boxers while others prefer the snugness of briefs. However, the most comfortable underwear choices are Briefs, Trunks, and Boxers.

3) Does material really make a big difference in the feel of underwear?

Absolutely! It all depends on your intended use case. Cotton is often considered best for daily use due to its breathability, and lightweight fabrics such as nylon and polyester are often preferred for activewear undergarments due to their stretchiness and moisture-wicking abilities.