Brief Styling Guide
When Bill Clinton infamously responded to the age-old question of “Boxers or briefs?” on a 1992 MTV Q&A session in favor of the latter, who would’ve thought the future president would be so ahead of his time? That’s right, fast-forward twenty-five years and briefs are back in style.
With boxer briefs long having a foothold on the men’s underwear market, why are more guys now choosing to wear briefs? We’ve all seen, we know what they look like, but how do we draw the line between fashionable briefs and the less trendy image of “whitey tighties”? This styling guide will help make the distinction between the two and give a bit more background on choosing stylish briefs for men.
A Brief History
Initially inspired by old-school bathing suits, y-shaped snug-fit briefs first became popular in the 1930s. For the next fifty years, briefs dominated the men’s underwear market. The increased support and fixed-position made the garment a go-to for men across the US. Little changed for several decades in terms of style; in the 1980s, fashion briefs with bright colors and flashy prints rose in popularity.
Still, the general style of briefs for men remained unstoppable until the reintroduction of boxers and proliferation of boxer briefs in the 1990s. With Calvin Klein ads popularizing boxer briefs and hip-hop culture breathing new life into boxers, briefs became relegated to the underwear choice of a clientele perceived as out of touch and old-fashioned.
Don’t Call It a Comeback
Since when are briefs back in style? And why do guys wear briefs? The prevailing thought ties the increase in fashionable briefs to a change in the relationship between masculinity, body image and men’s fashion. When boxer briefs first took off, the idea was to have a tighter undergarment that conformed to the skin as men were becoming more comfortable with sexualizing themselves.
The current brief product takes this concept a step further. Briefs for men provide a flattering silhouette that’s ideal for demonstrating physical physique. For a culture that has become more fitness-oriented and, to an extent, gym-obsessed, modern briefs with hip cuts are becoming increasingly popular. They have a more angular, narrow cut than the classic round-edge briefs. This allows guys to show off more muscle in their hips and upper thighs by showing more skin.
Besides body image, men are simply more conscious of fashion these days. And fashion no longer must come with a strictly masculine feel. Whether it be floral prints, mesh accented shirts or long-drift cardigans, men’s popular fashion is shedding notions of what is feminine, masculine and acceptable. Men’s casual attire is carrying a more sexual edge, perhaps due to a rise in male objectification, so it makes sense for a more revealing underwear in men’s fashion briefs to rise in popularity.
We now know it’s become fashionable and that men’s body images are changing, making briefs for men a natural choice. There still might be one thing in the back of your mind holding briefs up, so let’s address the elephant in the room.
Briefs took a hit in part due to the misconception that they lead to infertility in men. However, several medical studies since these claims have become prevalent show that this is simply not true. Other factors like bunching caused by choosing an incorrect fit can lead to increased temperatures in the region, a problem that can equally affect all types of undergarment. So, in short, you’ll be safe in your briefs.
Benefits of Going Back to Briefs
Why do guys wear briefs? The benefits are plentiful. Sure, we’ve covered that they’re great for showing off musculature. Beyond that, the snug-fit style makes leg movement a breeze. They’re great for long working hours and getting proper circulation. The support and design prevents the groin from rubbing up against the thighs, reducing the possibility of chafing. They’re versatile for all occasions. They can be worn on trips, at work, for date nights, for outdoor adventures and virtually anywhere. The fact that they’re fashionable again makes them a near perfect underwear choice.
Types of Briefs
Briefs are no longer a one-trick pony undergarment, with the classic white brief featuring a striped elastic waistband. Why guys are starting to wear briefs is in part due to their versatility. There are high-rise, mid-rise and low-rise briefs to choose from. In terms of materials, besides the common cotton and synthetics are lace and sheer briefs for greater sex appeal. Let’s talk a little about what options are out there.
High-rise briefs are a more traditional style that rests just below the belly button and slightly above the natural waistline. When accompanied with high waisted pants or jeans, the high-rise brief securely hugs the groin and lifts it up for support.
A mid-cut brief does much of the same but sits just below the abdominal region. This allows much of the same support and comfort. However, it’s good for those that may not want their waistband exposed about the pants line.
The low-rise brief was first introduced in the 1990s when low-rise jeans and pants first showed up on the scene. The undergarment sits below the waistline, but still provides a degree of support to prevent sagging.
For a more modern look that redefines concepts of masculinity, lace briefs bring a whole new look and feel to briefs for men. Lace briefs bring a great deal of comfort while letting guys show off a different, more non-traditional style. Sheer briefs take this sex appeal to another level by using a see-through style to give a teasing glimpse of your skin.
Are briefs back in style? Absolutely. With all types of cuts and materials that appeal to a variety of demographics, briefs have made their comeback known and look to be here to stay. No longer thought of as either boring or reserved for a more feminine styling, stylish briefs for men can make any guy feel good about himself and how his body looks.
FAQs
Underwear should sit against your skin on the legs and hold your package comfortably in the front. The waistband should sit at, or just below, your waistline where you normally wear your clothing – it's different for everyone, so find the most comfortable spot.
What are the 3 types of briefs? ›
Four types of briefs: Discover your perfect brief style
- 1 – Rio briefs. Rio briefs are your 'standard' underwear. ...
- 2 - Full briefs. High-waisted briefs streamline your tummy and waist. ...
- 3 - Shorts and hot pants. Shorts have more leg coverage and offer full coverage at the back. ...
- 4 - Thongs.
This is the classic style of men's underwear and fits from their waist to the top of their thigh.
Are tighty whities making a comeback? ›
Britain's favourite pants have been revealed - and 'Tighty-Whities' have made a comeback. Britain's favourite pants have been revealed - as none other than the previously maligned 'Tighty-Whities'.
Should briefs be tight or loose? ›
Underwear, especially briefs, bikinis, and thongs, should fit snugly, but it shouldn't leave imprints in the skin.
Do most men wear briefs? ›
Most guys wear boxers, but there is a significant fraction of the population that prefers briefs.
When did briefs go out of style? ›
During the 1990s to early 2000s, the popularity of men's briefs declined in the U.S. and other places, and boxer shorts became widely portrayed as the casual and masculine choice.
How many pairs of briefs should I own? ›
On average, you should own between 20 and 25 pairs of underwear. The amount of underwear you should have depends on how often you do laundry, your activity level, outfit choices, and personal preference. Having roughly 20 to 25 pairs ensures most people that they will never run out of underwear.
Why wear boxers instead of briefs? ›
Boxers vs briefs: what's the difference? Boxers are loose-fitting and provide less support than briefs. Boxers provide more coverage of your leg (up to half of your thigh), but, due to their loose fit, are more breathable than all other men's undergarments.
Why do people wear full briefs? ›
If coverage is your priority, full briefs are the choice for you. Featuring both a high waist that comes up and over the hips and a low cut on the legs that reaches the very top of the thighs, full briefs are flattering on tummies as they create a smooth silhouette under any outfit.
Here are the general steps you should take to write a brief:
- Explain the goals and motivations. You should start your brief by writing about the project background and brand. ...
- Highlight specific objectives and challenges. ...
- Describe your target audience. ...
- Examine competitors. ...
- Ask for feedback.
'Hipster' is a smooth blend of two underwear styles: bikinis and boyshorts . They do not cover the navel and usually lie a few inches below the navel. The optimum coverage that hipsters allow and the figure-flattering fit has gained it quite a good popularity among women.
Are more guys wearing briefs again? ›
Are briefs back in style? Absolutely. With all types of cuts and materials that appeal to a variety of demographics, briefs have made their comeback known and look to be here to stay.
What percent of men wear tighty whities? ›
Today, 20 percent of males 45-59 years old still prefer tighty-whities over boxer briefs or boxer shorts. Compared to 5 percent of men ages 18-29 year olds who prefer them.
Do people still wear briefs? ›
Briefs have been one of the most popular men's underwear types since the 1930s and have seen something of a resurgence in recent years. Briefs are close-fitting pants, offering plenty of support where you need it most - they keep a firm grip on the front pouch.
Is it healthy to wear no undies? ›
Wearing underwear keeps that moisture close to your genitals. This allows bacteria and yeast to grow, which can cause infection and other problems. If you are prone to yeast infections, vagin*l infections or vagin*l irritation, going commando at bedtime could be a great—and healthy—choice.
Are boxers or briefs better for your balls? ›
The Answer is Clear — Boxers Beat Briefs
This helps ensure optimal sperm production and overall sperm health. So when you wear tight briefs that keep your testicl*s close to your body, you risk elevating the temperature of your testicl*s and hindering healthy sperm production.
Do you wear briefs under trunks? ›
If it is a one piece, you don't need to wear a bra or panties. If it is swim trunks, swim shorts or swim briefs, you usually shouldn't wear underwear underneath those either. Many people may want to know why you shouldn't wear any underwear under swimsuits.
Is there a benefit to not wearing briefs men? ›
It reduces the chances of irritation and injury
This can cause irritation and even injury, which may lead to infections if they happen often or are left untreated. Wearing a loose, comfortable pair of jeans or shorts without underwear can actually reduce chafing to your genitals.
Should men wear briefs at night? ›
It's recommended to avoid wearing tight underwear at night, and going to bed naked is the best approach to assure restful sleep. If you are still concerned about your privacy and can't go naked, consider wearing lightweight cotton breathable boxers to bed rather than tight underwear.
Does the style work for men? Well, the answer to all of the above is: Yes! While thong underwear has been a popular choice among women for quite a while now, the style continues to grow in popularity among men, as well.
When should you throw away briefs? ›
There's no exact science that says you have to get rid of your underwear in a certain timeframe, but most experts and underwear makers recommend disposing of them after about a year.
Why do men's briefs have a flap? ›
In a nutshell, no matter what the design of a pocket in underwear is, they all serve the same purpose of giving you easy access to pee. It's basically an upfront pocket that has been left open to avoid discomfort. Our genital parts are delicate, both comfort and hygiene is essential for them.
How often should you change briefs? ›
Aim to change your underwear everyday,even more than once if you want! A research carried out shows most people preferred to change their underwear on a daily basis. However ,if you carry out any strenuous activities during the day it makes sense to change your underwear more frequently.
Are briefs tighter than boxer briefs? ›
BOXER - traditionally the term 'boxer' was referred to a loose fitting, woven fabric boxer short with plenty of air between body and fabric. Boxer is used more generally now and loose-fits as boxer shorts. BRIEFS - as the name suggests are tighter and tinier…
How should mens briefs fit? ›
HOW SHOULD MEN'S UNDERWEAR FIT? Men's underwear should fit snug - not tight - around the waist and thighs while providing breathing room in the crotch; in other words, you should feel comfortable, but not feel cramped. Underwear that's too tight can lead to chafing, rashes, skin irritation, and general discomfort.
How many bras should you own? ›
As a general rule of thumb, it's important to have a healthy rotation of bras at the ready so that you're never left blindsided — and bare chested. All things considered, we'd suggest owning 11 bras in total in a couple of distinctive styles that range from everyday to on-occasion.
Are briefs becoming more popular? ›
More men are taking an interest in their personal hygiene and in underwear as a fashion product, especially in the gay community. And the most popular style of choice among men? Brief underwear! Men everywhere are embracing the sleek, sexy fit of brief underwear.
Is it OK to wear briefs under boxers? ›
Boxers are designed to be worn without underwear (or at least as a single layer), so they're designed to give your body the freedom to move without restriction. If you wear underwear under them, however, your boxer shorts will not be able to do their job correctly—and that's where things get tricky.
Should boys wear briefs or boxers? ›
In terms of support, briefs are the clear winner. They provide freedom of motion while also offering support. On the other hand, boxer briefs are also comfortable and you can wear them when you are having an active day. In terms of functionality, briefs can cause chafing when you move around too much.
To put it bluntly: Yes, it's completely okay to sleep in underwear. Unless your underwear of choice is made out of hazardous and/or uncomfortable materials, you should suffer no issues by choosing to sleep in underwear. The key to sleeping in underwear is choosing a fabric that is breathable and comfortable.
Do briefs affect size? ›
Numerous studies and researches have been conducted regarding this question. The conclusions overwhelmingly say that wearing underwear does not affect the size of your 'package'. However, wearing a wrong fit and incorrect size leads to several issues.
What is a Brazilian brief? ›
Brazilian briefs cover your hip and groin, whilst leaving your belly and the lower part of the buttocks exposed. Brazilian briefs and regular briefs offer an equal amount of coverage in the front. The difference between Brazilian briefs and regular briefs is the amount of coverage in the back.
What should a good brief include? ›
Elements in a creative brief.
- Why are we doing this? ...
- Who is our target audience? ...
- Who are our competitors? ...
- What do you want us to deliver? ...
- What's the big idea? ...
- How do we want it to look? ...
- What is our core business objective? ...
- Who are the stakeholders?
A good brief offers clarity in three key components: challenges, objectives and budget. More information is always better, but these are the bare minimum. For agencies to understand the market challenges, clients should provide sufficient visibility into the overall brand and marketing strategy.
What makes a great creative brief? ›
A creative brief usually includes: A brand or project statement. Key objectives/challenges. Target audience.
What is a cheeky brief? ›
As the name suggests, cheeky underwear features a narrower band of fabric across your backside than a typical bikini cut while providing more coverage than a thong. This style goes great lengths to accentuate the bum and the main feature to create a playful look that doesn't compromise on support.
What is the difference between brief and Hiphugger? ›
Hipsters sit lower on your hips, while briefs offer complete coverage and a higher waistband. If you want to stock your underwear drawer with both, we've got you covered.
Are you supposed to wear anything under boxer briefs? ›
Boxers are designed to be worn without underwear (or at least as a single layer), so they're designed to give your body the freedom to move without restriction. If you wear underwear under them, however, your boxer shorts will not be able to do their job correctly—and that's where things get tricky.
What is the reason to wear briefs? ›
In addition to providing ample support and making it much easier to conceal unwanted visitors from view, briefs are also excellent pants to wear as the weather heats up. They are also great for anyone who experiences bunching and chafing in their longer underwear.
While it's normal for boxer briefs to ride up at some point throughout the day, that doesn't mean it's not annoying whenever it happens. As previously mentioned, excessive riding up or bunching of boxer briefs can lead to chafing in between your thighs.
Why do guys wear boxers instead of briefs? ›
Boxers vs briefs: what's the difference? Boxers are loose-fitting and provide less support than briefs. Boxers provide more coverage of your leg (up to half of your thigh), but, due to their loose fit, are more breathable than all other men's undergarments.
Why do most guys wear boxer briefs? ›
Boxer briefs offer the perfect balance between protection and freedom for your boys. Unlike briefs, boxer briefs keep your inner thighs covered, without getting too close. As a result, your goods stay in place, never exposed, and you rarely, if ever, get chafing.
Is it better for guys to wear boxers or briefs? ›
So as far as the health and quality of your little swimmers is concerned, it really doesn't matter if you prefer to wear boxer shorts or briefs. However, Malik points out that wearing briefs can in some cases lead to other health or hygiene issues such as jock itch.
What happens if you don't wear briefs? ›
Skipping underwear can: allow your sweat to evaporate. keep the odors to a minimum. reduce chafing made worse by moisture.
Should boys wear trunks or briefs? ›
In terms of support, briefs are the clear winner. They provide freedom of motion while also offering support. On the other hand, boxer briefs are also comfortable and you can wear them when you are having an active day. In terms of functionality, briefs can cause chafing when you move around too much.
When should men wear briefs? ›
Briefs are better designed for men with thin, fit and muscular body types. Trunks look great on men who are thin, fit, muscular and have wide hips. Boxer-briefs are designed to complement all body types. And boxers are better for men with fit, muscular and large waist body type.
What happens if you don't wear briefs men? ›
Without underwear, you don't have any protection between the outer layer of your skin and the “harsh reality of the fabric and seams of your pants,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. This can cause painful skin irritation.
Do men wear briefs to bed? ›
It's recommended to avoid wearing tight underwear at night, and going to bed naked is the best approach to assure restful sleep. If you are still concerned about your privacy and can't go naked, consider wearing lightweight cotton breathable boxers to bed rather than tight underwear.
Is it good to wear briefs at night? ›
To put it bluntly: Yes, it's completely okay to sleep in underwear. Unless your underwear of choice is made out of hazardous and/or uncomfortable materials, you should suffer no issues by choosing to sleep in underwear. The key to sleeping in underwear is choosing a fabric that is breathable and comfortable.
