Men's underwear trends have seen a major change over the last several years. Briefs are making a surprising comeback in the fashion world. Boxers dominated the market for decades, but now we're seeing a notable comeback of more fitted styles that boost comfort and confidence.
A 2025 survey showed that among men. They captured 21.9% of men's priorities, while trunks followed at 19.1% and boxer briefs at 16.9%. This comeback goes beyond fashion cycles. The trend connects deeply to the growing body positivity movement and men's desire for better support in their daily lives. Designers have reimagined fitted cuts like low-rise briefs to maximize support and ensure easy movement.
This piece looks at the progress of men's underwear styles and explores why briefs are popular again. We'll also see how advanced fabrics with anti-odor and thermoregulating properties are reshaping what men wear under their clothes. Your choice between briefs or boxers should align with your lifestyle and personal comfort needs.
The evolution of men's underwear styles
Men's underwear has a rich history spanning thousands of years. The progress from simple coverings to today's diverse styles reflects changes in practical needs, cultural values and social norms.
From function to fashion: a brief history
Men's underwear started as a purely practical garment. Ancient civilizations used basic loincloths about 7,000 years ago to protect themselves and maintain modesty. The centuries that followed brought "braies" - baggy, knee-length garments common in the Middle Ages. Renaissance fashion introduced the codpiece, which started as a practical covering but became a symbol of virility and social status.
The modern underwear era started in 1925 with boxer shorts that featured an elastic waistband inspired by boxing trunks. Briefs arrived just ten years later, creating a completely different look. Arthur Kneibler of Cooper's Inc. (later Jockey) created these snug-fitting "jockey shorts" in 1935, in the first three months alone.
The boxer vs. brief debate through the decades
The great boxer versus brief debate began in the 1940s. Advertising campaigns and medical authorities joined the discussion about which style was better. This divide continued as both styles attracted loyal followers. A famous 1985 Levi's commercial featuring Nick Kamen in white boxers sparked unexpected interest in boxers.
John Varvatos at Calvin Klein created boxer briefs in the early 1990s as a middle ground that combined the length of boxers with the support of briefs. This hybrid style quickly became popular by offering both comfort and style.
How cultural shifts shaped underwear choices
Cultural changes turned men's underwear from hidden necessities into fashion statements. Men's underwear consisted of simple, functional white pieces before the 1950s. Bold patterns and playful designs emerged by 1960.
Fashion writer Iain R. Webb noted that "the 1980s were the time when men's underwear stopped being merely functional and became fashionable and sexy". This change went beyond fabric and cut - it showed broader shifts in society's view of masculinity. Calvin Klein's 1992 campaign featuring Mark Wahlberg for boxer briefs changed underwear marketing forever.
Recent surveys show over style. Yet underwear continues to grow as a form of self-expression and identity.
Why briefs are making a comeback
Men's briefs are making a strong comeback in underwear collections thanks to better design, materials, and changing cultural attitudes. Boxers ruled the market for years, but briefs have now reclaimed their spot in men's wardrobes.
Support and comfort redefined
The old "tighty whities" are history. Modern briefs now give you maximum support with minimal coverage. They work great under slim-fit pants or shorts to create an efficient look. The snug fit stops unwanted movement and chafing, especially when you have an active lifestyle.
Premium briefs feature special paneling along the internal seam of the underwear cup. This smart design keeps everything in place by separating the edge of the thighs from the rest of the anatomy, which reduces chafing by a lot. Testers found they needed to adjust these briefs less often—if at all—compared to other styles.
Modern materials and better fit
Today's briefs employ advanced materials that make wearing them a much better experience. High-quality options blend breathable cotton with just enough elastane (4%) to give the perfect stretch without losing shape.
Micro modal fabric feels as soft as silk yet breathes like cotton, giving you the best of both worlds for daily comfort. Many manufacturers now treat their fabrics with antibacterial finishes to reduce odor. These smooth, lightweight materials create less friction against your skin and clothes compared to traditional cotton undies.
Body positivity and confidence boost
The brief comeback ties directly to the growing body positivity movement. Research shows now put comfort first when choosing underwear. Quality briefs with supportive designs and flattering cuts help men feel more confident.
More men say well-fitting briefs with contoured pouches not only support them better but also create an attractive silhouette. A tester summed up premium briefs perfectly: "You put them on, and you feel rich".
This fundamental change shows how underwear has grown from just a functional item into something that expresses personal style and confidence. Sometimes, less fabric really does mean more comfort.
How trends are changing what men wear
The men's underwear industry is going through a tech revolution that goes way beyond style priorities. New fabrics, celebrity influence, and changing attitudes about self-expression have altered the map of what men wear under their clothes.
The rise of smart and sustainable fabrics
The underwear market now uses advanced textiles that respond to wearers' needs. Smart fabrics pull sweat away from the body and keep men dry during physical activities. These high-performance materials also control body temperature to provide warmth in cold weather and coolness in heat.
Green practices have become a priority along with tech advances. Men now choose:
· Organic cotton uses half the water of conventional cotton
· TENCEL Lyocell, a biodegradable fabric with optimal skin feel
· Merino wool, which gives exceptional breathability and fights odor
Brands now use recycled fabrics and eco-friendly materials as consumers look for comfort and ethical products.
Influence of men's underwear models and celebrities
Celebrity endorsements have revolutionized the underwear world. Harry Styles' pose in "tighty whities" for his 2020 merchandise campaign turned their image "from nerd status to sex symbol". Calvin Klein's inclusive "Deal With It" campaign with stars like Lil Nas X and Justin Bieber boosted sales by celebrating different body types.
Celebrity choices can spark sudden market changes. Rihanna's Savage X Fenty men's lingerie line is launching. BTS's Jungkook's Calvin Klein campaign brought in over $13 million in media value in just 48 hours.
Underwear as a form of self-expression
Today's men see underwear as part of their identity rather than just functional items. One customer noted, "The underwear I choose reflects how I see myself, allowing me to express my personality in a way that's both intimate and powerful".
This change shows a broader cultural shift where underwear choices reflect personal values. Men look for brands that match their beliefs in sustainability, ethical production, and inclusivity. They also embrace styles that challenge traditional norms—from vibrant prints to daring cuts—to celebrate their uniqueness and define masculinity their way.
Choosing the right style for your lifestyle
The right underwear style depends on how different options work with your body type and daily activities. A perfect fit means more than just picking what everyone else wears - it comes down to your specific needs and comfort priorities.
Briefs, boxers, trunks, or thongs?
Each underwear style brings unique benefits to different body types and situations. Briefs give excellent support with minimal coverage, which makes them great for athletic activities and slim-fitting pants. Boxers give you a looser, more relaxed fit with better breathability—they work best if you want freedom of movement. Boxer briefs mix the best features of both styles and offer support with thigh coverage. Trunks are shorter versions of boxer briefs that give you support without extra fabric. Thongs work best if you want minimal coverage and no visible lines under tight clothing.
Matching underwear to activity and outfit
Your underwear choice should match your plans for the day. Active people need and get proper support. Working at the office might require boxer briefs or trunks that feel good during long sitting hours. Tight clothes look better with seamless options or thongs that don't show lines.
The underwear's rise matters too—low-rise pairs well with low-hanging pants, while mid-rise works with most trousers. Some couples like matching underwear sets for special occasions, and brands like Calvin Klein and Tailor & Circus offer various styles.
Tips to find the perfect fit
These key points will help you pick your next pair:
· The waistband should feel snug without digging into your skin
· Leg openings need to fit just right to avoid any irritation
· Breathable fabrics like cotton work best for everyday use, while performance materials suit active days
· Different brands size differently, so try various sizes
· Look for reviews from people who share your body type
Finding your go-to style might take some trial and error. Many brands let you return items if you don't like the fit. Your comfort should come first, whatever the current trends might be.
Conclusion
Without doubt, the age-old briefs versus boxers debate keeps changing with modern breakthroughs and new attitudes. Men's underwear has grown from basic functional items to become statements of personal style and comfort. Briefs have made a surprising comeback thanks to better technology and changing viewpoints about masculinity and body image.
These days, underwear choices go way beyond the traditional options we had decades ago. New briefs come with better support through special paneling and advanced fabrics that fight chafing and stay comfortable all day. Eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and TENCEL Lyocell give green-minded men choices that line up with their values.
The most important thing is finding underwear that fits your lifestyle. Your personal comfort should guide whether you pick briefs for their snug support during active days, relaxed boxers for lounging, or boxer briefs for the best of both worlds. Good underwear doesn't just feel right - it boosts your confidence too.
This change means more than just new fashion trends. Today's underwear renaissance shows how our culture has transformed to welcome self-expression and body positivity. Men can now pick styles that make them feel both comfortable and confident, whatever old-fashioned rules might say.
Next time you're underwear shopping, think over how different styles could work for different parts of your life. You might find that your ideal fit changes based on your daily activities or what you're wearing. The huge variety of men's underwear will give a perfect balance of comfort, function, and personal style.
FAQs
Q1. Are briefs making a comeback in men's underwear trends? Yes, briefs are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Recent surveys show briefs as the top choice among men, with improved designs offering better support, comfort, and confidence. Modern briefs use advanced materials and flattering cuts that align with the growing body positivity movement.
Q2. What are the advantages of wearing briefs over other styles? Briefs provide maximum support with minimal coverage, making them ideal for athletic activities and slim-fitting clothes. They offer better ventilation, prevent chafing, and keep everything in place. Modern briefs also feature special paneling and breathable fabrics for enhanced comfort.
Q3. How are technological advancements changing men's underwear? Smart fabrics with moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties are revolutionizing men's underwear. These high-performance materials keep wearers dry and comfortable in various conditions. Additionally, sustainable options like organic cotton and recycled fabrics are becoming more prevalent, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Q4. How do I choose the right underwear style for my lifestyle? Consider your daily activities and clothing choices. Briefs or trunks work well for athletic pursuits and slim-fitting clothes. Boxer briefs offer a balance of support and coverage for everyday wear. The fabric, fit, and rise of the underwear should match your comfort preferences and outfit needs.
Q5. Are there any trends in men's underwear beyond traditional styles? Yes, men's underwear is increasingly seen as a form of self-expression. Some men are exploring non-traditional options like thongs or bikini briefs for comfort and style. There's also a growing trend of men choosing underwear that aligns with their values, such as sustainable or ethically produced options.