14 Types of Men's Underwear: What to Wear for Work, Sports, Dates, or at Home?

Underwear, the first garment chosen daily, is not just a basic necessity. It's a foundational layer affecting comfort, confidence, and the fit of outerwear. Ill-fitting underwear can cause irritations like chafing, adjustments, visible lines, or lack of support, impacting demeanor and focus. The evolution of men's underwear shows shifts in masculinity, personal expression, and appreciation for specialized apparel.

In addition to the typical popular underwear. The current men's underwear market presents a wide variety of styles, fabrics, and features, which can be overwhelming. This guide aims to clarify these options, offering direction on choosing the best underwear for different situations, such as work, sports, relaxation, or special occasions. This variety is for men seeking underwear tailored to their activities and personal style.

Some of the underwear types - K&G garment

The 14 Essential Men's Underwear Styles

Understanding the unique characteristics of each underwear type is the first step toward building a versatile and functional collection. The following breakdown details each style, its ideal applications, and the reasons behind its suitability.

A. The Everyday Heroes: Comfort & Discretion for Daily Life & Office

For daily wear, especially in professional settings, the priorities are sustained comfort, reliable support, and a discreet appearance under clothing. The trend towards slimmer-fitting trousers in contemporary menswear has further emphasized the need for underwear that offers a smooth profile without bulk.

1. Briefs

The quintessential form-fitting underwear, briefs provide excellent genital support with minimal leg coverage, as the leg openings curve upwards towards the top of the thigh. They typically feature an elastic waistband and elasticized leg holes to ensure they stay in place. Briefs are available in low, mid, and high-rise options to suit different body types and trouser styles. Briefs provide robust support and stay in place all day, offering a clean line under clothing and improved ventilation due to their reduced leg fabric.

This type of underwear is best for daily office wear, particularly under slim-fit or tailored trousers, as they prevent fabric bunching. They are also a good choice for men with larger thighs and for light to moderate workouts where support is key. Ideal fabrics include breathable cotton, cotton-spandex blends for stretch, soft modal, or moisture-wicking microfiber.

2. Boxer Shorts (Classic/Loose-fit)

Characterized by their loose, airy construction, classic boxer shorts resemble shorts and typically extend to the mid-thigh. They usually feature an elastic waistband, while the leg openings remain loose, offering maximum freedom of movement.

Classic boxer shorts are best for lounging at home, sleeping, or wearing under very loose-fitting trousers, offering unparalleled breathability and a relaxed fit ideal for comfort when support isn't a priority, and are ideally made of woven cotton (like poplin), soft jersey knits, or flannel for colder weather. However, their roominess can cause bunching under slimmer garments, and they offer minimal genital support.

3. Boxer Briefs

A highly popular hybrid, boxer briefs combine the longer leg coverage of boxer shorts with the snug, supportive fit of briefs. The legs typically end at the mid to upper thigh. Boxer Briefs offer a balanced solution: the support of briefs keeps everything secure, while the leg coverage helps prevent chafing and ensures a smooth line under clothing.

Boxer briefs are extremely versatile, well-suited for everyday office wear, most types of physical labor, moderate sports activities, and even date nights, performing well under a wide range of pant styles, and are ideally made from stretchy and supportive materials such as cotton-spandex blends, modal, microfiber, Tencel, and bamboo, which offer excellent comfort, breathability, and moisture management.

4. Trunks

Trunks are a more contemporary, shorter version of the boxer brief, distinguished by a square cut. They sit lower on the hips and have a shorter inseam, finishing higher on the thigh. Trunks provide good support with less fabric bulk than traditional boxer briefs, resulting in a modern, streamlined silhouette. They are less likely to be visible under shorter shorts.

Trunks underwear are best for daily office wear, especially under slim-fit trousers or shorter pants and shorts, and are a favored choice for fashion-conscious men and often preferred in warmer weather due to their reduced fabric, with ideal fabrics being lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton, modal, microfiber, and bamboo blends, frequently incorporating spandex for an optimal fit.

B. Performance Powerhouses: Engineered for Action & Sports

Athletic endeavors demand underwear that prioritizes function: superior support, effective moisture management, chafe prevention, and unrestricted freedom of movement. The design of sports underwear is a clear example of "form follows function," where fabric technology and construction are engineered to meet specific physiological and biomechanical needs.

5. Jockstraps

A specialized athletic supporter comprising a wide elastic waistband, a supportive front pouch for the genitals, and two elastic leg straps that extend from the pouch's base to the waistband on either side, leaving the buttocks exposed for maximum ventilation. Jockstraps keep the genitals secure to minimize movement and potential discomfort or injury. The open-rear design enhances breathability and reduces fabric bulk.

Jockstraps are best for high-impact sports like running, cycling, weightlifting, and any activity where maximum genital support and stability are crucial, and are ideally made from durable, moisture-wicking synthetic materials such as spandex, mesh, nylon, and polyester, which are preferred for their performance characteristics.

6. Compression Shorts (worn as underwear/base layer)

Compression shorts are tight, stretchy shorts that fit snugly against the body. They offer compression and support to the thigh and glute muscles. This technology aims to improve blood flow, lessen muscle movement that causes fatigue, reduce soreness after exercise, help prevent injuries by keeping muscles warm and supported, and effectively manage moisture.

Compression shorts are best for a broad range of sports, including running, lifting, cycling, and team sports, as they aim to enhance performance, provide muscle support, and aid in recovery. It can be worn as the primary undergarment or a base layer, with ideal fabrics being polyester-spandex blends, nylon-spandex blends, and other technical synthetic fabrics engineered for high elasticity, durability, and superior moisture-wicking capabilities.

7. Athletic Supporters (incorporating Cup Pockets)

This type includes undergarments specifically designed for robust genital support, often featuring an integrated pocket. While jockstraps are a common form, some specialized briefs or compression-style shorts may also include cup pockets. The primary function is to securely hold a protective cup in place, shielding the genitals from injury. The supporter garment itself also provides stability and keeps the cup positioned correctly.

Athletic supporters with cup pockets are best for contact sports like football, hockey, martial arts, and baseball (especially for catchers), where groin impact is a significant risk. The supporter component should be made of durable, moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics, while the protective cups should be made of tough polymers or carbon fiber materials.

C. Comfort Kings: Relaxation & Ease for Home & Sleep

For time spent at home or sleeping, the main criteria for underwear selection shift almost entirely to unrestricted comfort and appropriate thermal regulation. Support becomes a secondary consideration, with softness and a relaxed fit taking precedence.

8. Boxer Shorts (Classic/Loose-fit) - Revisited for Lounging

The classic boxer is mentioned again. Classic boxer shorts, defined by their loose, unrestrictive design, are best for lounging around the house, sleeping, particularly in warmer conditions, or for those preferring a non-constricting feel, as they offer maximum airflow and freedom of movement that contribute to a sense of ease and relaxation, and are ideally made of soft woven cotton, breathable jersey knits, cozy flannel for cooler nights, or even silk for a touch of luxury.

9. Long Underwear/Thermals 

These are form-fitting, legging-style undergarments designed to provide an additional layer of warmth in cold environments. They are typically made from thin yet insulating materials and are often worn as a base layer. Their close fit and insulating fabric properties effectively trap body heat, providing warmth without significant bulk.

Long underwear or thermals are best for sleeping in chilly rooms or during winter months, lounging comfortably at home when extra warmth is desired without the bulk of heavier clothing, and they also serve as an effective base layer for outdoor cold-weather activities. Ideal fabrics include merino wool, known for its warmth, softness; silk, which offers lightweight warmth; specialized synthetic blends like polyester, engineered for thermal retention and moisture management; and fleece-lined options for extra coziness.

D. Style Statements & Specialized Support: For Dates, Special Occasions & Figure Enhancement

This category explores underwear chosen not just for basic function but for its aesthetic contribution, its ability to create a particular silhouette under clothing, to provide unique types of support or enhancement, or to make a bold personal statement. Men are increasingly choosing underwear that actively contributes to their comfort, confidence, and personal style.

10. Bikini Briefs (Men's)

A low-rise style characterized by high-cut leg openings and slim sides. They offer minimal coverage, more than a thong but less than traditional briefs, and are designed to sit low on the hips. The cut is designed to be flattering, accentuating the male physique. The minimal fabric reduces the likelihood of visible underwear lines and offers a sleek, contemporary appearance.

Bikini Briefs are best for date nights or special occasions when a modern, somewhat "sexier" look is desired. They work well under low-rise pants to avoid the waistband showing, and are sometimes used for a sleek look at the beach or pool.  Ideal fabrics include soft, body-hugging materials like microfiber, modal, cotton blends with spandex, or silk blends to give a luxurious feel.

11. Thongs (Men's)

Men's thongs feature a supportive front pouch and a minimal strip of fabric at the rear that sits between the buttocks, connected by a thin waistband. They offer very little coverage. Thongs eliminate visible lines. Despite their minimal design, they can provide surprising support in the front. For some wearers, they enhance confidence and sex appeal.

Thongs are most suitable for intimate moments or when wearing very tight pants to avoid visible underwear lines. Some men also choose them for a minimal feel. Ideal fabrics are lightweight, stretchy, and often sensual materials like microfiber, mesh, lace, silk, or soft cotton-spandex blends.

12. G-Strings (Men's)

An even more minimalist version of the thong. A G-string typically consists of a very small front pouch and an extremely thin "string" (often just an elastic cord) that runs between the buttocks and connects to the waistband. G-strings offer the least possible coverage, ensuring complete invisibility under any clothing. They are often chosen for their provocative aesthetic and the unique sensation they provide.

G-strings are best for the most daring special occasions, or for individuals who prefer the absolute minimum in coverage for personal reasons, or under specific types of revealing attire, with ideal fabrics being similar to thongs, such as lace, mesh, sheer synthetics, or minimal elastic constructions.

13. Pouch Underwear (Enhancing/Supportive)

This type refers to various underwear styles that incorporate a specially designed front pouch. Pouch underwear is designed for anatomical correctness, lift, enhancement, or separation for increased comfort and airflow. The pouch supports and separates the genitals from the thighs to reduce friction and improve breathability, and can be padded for visual enhancement and added confidence.

Pouch underwear is best for everyday wear for men seeking superior comfort, support, and a reduction in issues like chafing, sticking, or squashing, and is also popular for special occasions to achieve a more flattering silhouette, with ideal fabrics being soft, breathable, and stretchy materials that conform to the pouch design, such as modal, bamboo, high-quality cotton blends, and microfiber, usually with spandex.

Source: Rmac store 

14. Midway Briefs / Longer Leg Boxer Briefs

These are essentially boxer briefs with an extended leg length. They typically reach further down the mid-thigh, sometimes to just above the knee, offering more coverage over the thighs than standard boxer briefs. The extended leg creates a physical barrier against skin-on-skin friction, a common source of discomfort. The snug fit, characteristic of boxer briefs, still provides necessary support.

Midway Briefs are best for effectively preventing thigh chafing during prolonged activity or for men with larger thighs, and they can also provide an extra layer of warmth as a base layer in cooler weather, or for those who simply prefer more leg coverage under certain types of garments, making them a good option for various sports. Ideal fabrics are cotton-spandex blends, modal, microfiber, and other performance fabrics that offer a combination of stretch, support, and moisture management.

Men's Underwear compilations: Styles, Situations & K&G Solutions

The K&G Perspective: Your Partner in Perfect Underwear

Quality and Versatility as Standard

K&G Garment is a garment manufacturer, providing high-quality, comfortable, and customizable underwear to global brands and wholesalers. The "Key is goodwill" philosophy emphasizes customer trust through quality and service. With robust OEM/ODM capabilities, we produce various men's underwear using premium materials like cotton, bamboo, and polyamide, along with custom branding. This allows us to make nearly all underwear styles discussed in the guide. 

Material & Technology Focus

K&G Garment prioritizes quality materials, with our Aristino brand featuring high-grade cotton (including organic), bamboo, polyamide, modal, and spandex blends for comfort, durability, and performance.

We utilize seamless construction, as seen in our ARISTINO Men's Seamless Boxer and ARISTINO Men's Briefs Seamless, which enhances comfort by removing chafing seams, improves fit, and increases durability. This advanced stitching ensures each pair retains its shape and integrity. K&G Garment also adheres to global manufacturing standards and eco-conscious production practices.

Meeting Diverse Needs

K&G Garment, via OEM/ODM services and our Aristino brand, effectively meets the diverse underwear needs of modern men. Our strategic use of varied, high-quality materials, including natural and synthetic fibers enhanced with spandex, allows us to produce underwear for office, sports, home, and special occasions. This positions K&G Garment as a provider of tailored solutions for different lifestyles through material science and design.

Conclusion

The journey through the world of men's underwear reveals a crucial truth: the right choice of style and fabric for any given occasion significantly influences physical comfort, confidence, and overall performance. With the insights from this article, men can now approach their underwear drawer, making informed decisions that align with their activities, their outerwear, and their personal preferences. The era of a one-style-fits-all approach to men's underwear is clearly in the past. Today, building a versatile underwear wardrobe is about recognizing that the foundation of any good outfit starts with what lies beneath. K&G Garment, with its commitment to quality, diverse material selection, and advanced manufacturing techniques like the stylish offerings of its Aristino brand, stands ready to meet these varied needs