Men’s underwear has changed dramatically over the past decade. What was once limited to basic white briefs or loose cotton boxers has evolved into a highly engineered category featuring ergonomic pouch construction, moisture-wicking fabrics, anti-odor technology, and body-specific fits.
Today, understanding the different types of men’s underwear is essential, not just for style, but for comfort, performance, and overall well-being. Whether you’re exploring all types of underwear for men for personal use or researching men’s types of underwear from a product development perspective, this guide covers everything in detail. Let’s break down what are the different types of men’s underwear and which one is actually best.
Why Choosing the Right Type of Men’s Underwear Matters
Underwear sits against your skin all day. That alone makes it one of the most important clothing decisions you make, even if it’s invisible to others. The wrong type of men underwear can cause:
- Excess sweating
- Skin irritation
- Chafing
- Lack of support
- Fabric bunching under clothes
The right type of underwear for men, however, improves comfort, regulates temperature, supports movement, and even boosts confidence.
Which Type of Underwear Is Best for Men’s Health?
When it comes to health, breathability and support matter most. The best type of underwear for men’s health is typically:
- Supportive but not overly tight
- Made from breathable materials (cotton, modal, bamboo)
- Moisture-wicking in warm climates
- Designed with a contoured pouch to reduce friction
Excess heat and moisture can create bacterial growth, so breathable fabrics are key. For active men, performance blends may actually be the best type of underwear for men’s health because they reduce prolonged dampness.
What Are the Different Types of Men’s Underwear?
There are several types of men’s underwear names that dominate the global market. Each serves a specific purpose depending on body type, activity level, and personal preference.
1. Briefs
Briefs are one of the oldest and most recognizable types of underwear men wear. They provide full front coverage with no leg fabric, offering strong support and a clean silhouette under slim clothing.
Unlike loose styles, briefs hold everything in place, which is why many consider them the best type of men’s underwear for structured outfits like suits or tailored trousers.
Modern briefs now come in low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise variations. Fabric innovation has also transformed this classic mens type of underwear into softer, stretch-enhanced versions that feel far more comfortable than older cotton-only models.
They remain one of the most popular types of men’s underwear among men who prioritize support over coverage.
2. Boxers (Loose-Fit)
Boxers are the classic type of loose fitting men’s underwear. Traditionally made from woven cotton, they provide maximum airflow and freedom of movement. Because they are relaxed and non-restrictive, boxers are often preferred for lounging and sleeping. However, they offer minimal support, which may not be ideal for active days.
Modern versions of boxers now include stretch panels and slimmer cuts, making them more versatile than older baggy designs. When comparing different types of underwear for men, boxers stand out for breathability, but not for athletic stability.
3. Boxer Briefs
If there is one style dominating the underwear market today, it’s boxer briefs. This hybrid combines the support of briefs with the extended leg coverage of boxers. For many men, this is the best type of underwear men can choose for daily use.
Boxer briefs:
- Prevent thigh chafing
- Stay in place throughout the day
- Offer balanced compression
- Work under nearly all outfit types
4. Trunks
Trunks are a shorter, square-cut version of boxer briefs. They sit slightly higher on the thigh and often have a more fashion-forward silhouette. Because of their structured appearance, many consider trunks the sexiest type of men’s underwear. They pair well with slim jeans and tailored outfits.
In discussions about men’s different types of underwear, trunks are often categorized as a modern lifestyle choice rather than a performance necessity.
5. Jockstraps
Originally designed for athletes, jockstraps provide strong frontal support with exposed rear straps. While not common for daily wear, they remain functional for high-intensity sports and specific athletic needs.
6. Compression & Performance Underwear
Athletic innovation has created a whole category of performance-focused types of boxers underwear men’s collections.
These include:
- Compression boxer briefs
- Seamless gym underwear
- Anti-odor treated fabrics
- Quick-dry microfiber blends
Which Type of Men’s Underwear Is Best for Gym, Sports and Workouts?
The best type of men’s underwear for working out is compression or performance boxer briefs. These styles reduce friction, wick sweat away from the body, and provide muscle stabilization during movement. Cotton underwear, while comfortable, absorbs sweat and may feel heavy during workouts.
What Type of Men’s Underwear Is Best for Everyday Wear?
Boxer briefs are widely considered the best type of men’s underwear for everyday wear because they provide support without restricting movement. They are versatile, modern, and suitable for work, travel, and casual settings.
Briefs vs Boxers vs Boxer Briefs: Which Is Better?
When comparing briefs vs boxers vs boxer briefs, the real difference comes down to support, coverage, breathability, and daily activity level. Briefs are designed for maximum support with no excess leg fabric, making them ideal for men who wear slim-fit trousers, suits, or need structured support throughout the day.
They keep everything secure and minimize fabric bunching, which is why many consider them the best type of underwear for men who prioritize stability and a streamlined silhouette. Boxers, on the other hand, are a type of loose fitting men’s underwear that focus on airflow and unrestricted movement.
They are excellent for lounging, sleeping, or hot climates, but they provide minimal support, which may not be ideal for active routines. Boxer briefs combine the strengths of both styles, offering the supportive fit of briefs with the thigh coverage of boxers. This added length helps prevent chafing and makes them suitable for work, travel, and light athletic use.
For many men, boxer briefs represent the best overall balance of comfort, support, and versatility, which is why they remain the most popular type of men’s underwear globally. Ultimately, there is no single winner among the different types of men’s underwear; the best type of underwear for men depends on body type, outfit choice, and lifestyle needs.
Fabric Guide: Choosing the Right Material
Understanding fabric is critical when evaluating different types of underwear men‘s collections because material directly affects breathability, moisture control, durability, stretch, and overall skin comfort. While style determines fit and coverage, fabric determines how the underwear actually feels and performs throughout the day. Whether you’re comparing different types of men’s underwear for daily wear, athletic use, or premium retail lines, material composition often makes the biggest difference in customer satisfaction and long-term wearability.
Cotton
Cotton remains one of the most widely used fabrics across all types of men’s underwear due to its natural fibers and reliable breathability. It allows air circulation, helping regulate temperature in moderate climates. High-quality combed or ring-spun cotton feels softer against the skin and reduces irritation compared to standard cotton.
However, cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away. During intense physical activity or in humid environments, it can retain sweat, which may lead to discomfort over extended periods. For everyday office wear, lounging, or low-activity routines, cotton underwear remains a dependable and affordable option. Stretch-cotton blends that incorporate elastane improve flexibility and shape retention, making them more suitable for modern fitted silhouettes.
Modal
Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from beech tree pulp and is increasingly used in premium types of men’s underwear collections. It is known for its exceptional softness, often described as smoother than cotton and lighter against the skin. The fiber structure allows modals to resist shrinking and maintain color vibrancy even after repeated washing.
One of modal’s strongest advantages is moisture management. It absorbs moisture efficiently while still feeling dry to the touch, making it suitable for extended wear. It also drapes well and adapts to body contours, which enhances the comfort of boxer briefs and trunks. Because of its durability and luxurious texture, modal is frequently considered the most comfortable type of men’s underwear for all-day wear, especially in mid-range to premium product lines.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric, typically processed into bamboo viscose or rayon, has gained popularity in modern types of underwear for men due to its eco-conscious appeal and skin-friendly properties. The fibers are naturally breathable and possess antibacterial characteristics, which can help minimize odor development.
Bamboo-based underwear is particularly suitable for men with sensitive skin because of its smooth texture and reduced likelihood of irritation. It also offers strong moisture absorption capabilities, making it useful in warm climates. Additionally, bamboo fabric tends to regulate temperature effectively, keeping the body cooler in summer and warmer in mild cold conditions. For brands focused on sustainability and comfort-driven design, bamboo has become a competitive alternative to traditional cotton.
Microfiber / Polyester Blends
Microfiber and polyester blends dominate performance-focused and athletic underwear categories. These synthetic materials are engineered to wick moisture away from the body, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly. This property makes them highly effective for gym sessions, sports, and physically demanding routines.
Unlike natural fibers, microfiber is lightweight fabric, quick-drying, and resistant to wrinkles. Many also include elastane or spandex to enhance stretch and compression. This combination improves muscle support and reduces friction during movement. Advanced versions may feature mesh ventilation panels or anti-odor treatments to enhance hygiene during prolonged activity.
Final Thoughts
The market today offers all types of men’s underwear, from classic briefs to advanced compression styles. Each different type of men’s underwear serves a purpose, whether it’s support, breathability, athletic performance, or aesthetic appeal.
If you’re exploring different types of mens underwear for personal comfort or researching different types of underwear men’s collections for manufacturing and retail, knowing the functional differences between styles is essential.
Looking to develop premium-quality men’s underwear with the perfect fit, fabric, and finish? Partner with Tack Apparel, trusted clothing manufacturers in the USA, to bring your custom underwear collection to life with precision manufacturing and scalable production.
