The Key Types Of Men’s Underwear (And Where To Buy Them)

Your underwear shouldn’t be an afterthought. Yes, it remains hidden under your clothing most of the time, but that in itself makes it the foundation of every outfit. Decent underwear will make you feel good, and when you feel good, it shows. You might even feel more confident and carry yourself in a self-assured manner. Or, at the very least, your undercarriage will be more comfortable.

If you’ve been settling for the same style of boxers or briefs since you were old enough to dress yourself, this guide is for you. It’s an introduction to the various types of men’s underwear available – from long johns to Y-fronts – with pointers on why you might want to pick one over the other.

We’ve also rounded up some of the brands that, in our opinion, are making the best versions around. So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about menswear’s most overlooked clothing category.

Key Types Of Men’s Underwear

Boxer Shorts

Hanro

Relaxed and breathable, with plenty of room for your fellas to hang free, boxers are cut like regular shorts but shorter and made of lighter cotton. They’re laid-back and comfortable—ideal for lounging and sleeping, but less than perfect if you like your legwear on the slim side.

Best for: Men who prioritise breathability and freedom of movement. They are also great for those with larger thighs or who prefer a looser fit around the leg.

Keep in mind: Boxers can bunch up under skinny or tailored trousers, leading to discomfort and an unflattering silhouette. They are best reserved for casual days, wearing under wider-cut legwear or relaxing at home.

Briefs

Hanro

These are your classic ‘Y-fronts’—the most traditional men’s underwear style. The legs are cut high, leaving most of the thigh exposed and just covering the most personal parts of your anatomy. They’re perfect for guys after a snug but unrestricted fit and ideal for sports, too.

Best for: Men with slimmer builds or muscular thighs who want maximum support without excess fabric. Ideal for athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle.

Keep in mind: They’re not the most forgiving or discreet style—less coverage means they’re more visible under thin or tight trousers. Also, not everyone’s cup of tea aesthetically.

Boxer-Briefs

Sunspel

It probably won’t shock you to learn that boxer-briefs sit somewhere between these two underwear extremes. They’re snug and supportive but stretch further down the thigh for greater coverage. They’re ideal for wearing under slim or tailored trousers, or any trousers for that matter, making them a solid choice for everyday wear.

Best for: Most men. Seriously. They suit a wide range of body types and strike the perfect balance between comfort, support and versatility.

Keep in mind: Quality matters—cheaper pairs can ride up or lose shape quickly. Look for pairs made from soft, breathable fabrics with a bit of stretch for all-day comfort.

Trunks

CDLP

Think boxer-briefs with a slightly shorter leg. But not so short that they veer back into straight-up brief territory. This modern option suits most body types and, again, it’s great for wearing slim trousers without worrying about excess fabric bunching up and making you uncomfortable.

Best for: Guys with athletic builds or average proportions who want something streamlined and contemporary. They’re particularly good for showing off a strong thigh without the full exposure of briefs.

Keep in mind: Not ideal if you’ve got thicker thighs—there’s a risk of the legs riding up throughout the day. And like boxer-briefs, fabric quality is key to comfort.

Long Johns

CDLP

You don’t see them much these days, but they’re still out there in the world’s coldest corners, doing the hard work of keeping legs warm. It’s a style of full-length underwear, meaning they extend right the way down to the ankles.

They’re typically snug fitting and might feature an easy-access opening in the front for when you need to answer nature’s call without taking your snow gear all the way off.

Best for: Anyone living in or visiting very cold climates. They’re a base layer essential for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or even just surviving a freezing winter commute.

Keep in mind: While functional, they can feel bulky under slim trousers and aren’t exactly a date-night option. Prioritise soft, breathable materials like merino wool or performance fabrics to avoid overheating or irritation.

The Best Brands For Men’s Underwear

Sunspel

It’s not exactly clear which brand of underwear James Bond wore. What we do know is that they were Sea Island cotton boxers, most likely from an esteemed British brand such as Sunspel. This English label has been in the game of premium underwear since 1860, and over that time it has gotten pretty good at crafting some of the best boxers, briefs, trunks and T-shirts in the game.

Are they cheap? Far from it, but if you’ve got the cash to spare then why not treat yourself to the very best?

Shop now at Sunspel

CDLP

The Swedes have a knack for refining design—be it a coffee table or a pair of boxer briefs. That’s exactly what CDLP has done with its premium range of sustainably made underwear.

Much of it is made from lyocell—a silky, breathable material made from wood pulp—offering a smooth handle and a subtle sheen.

As far as comfort goes, they’re some of the best in the game.

Shop now at CDLP

Calvin Klein

Need we say more? At this point, we feel it’s safe to call CK the king of underwear. That branded waistband is a fixture around the globe and has graced the hips of everyone from supermodels to stars of stage and screen.

As you might expect for a brand of this size, the range is dizzying, covering everything from long johns to thongs. There are also various clothing collections and even tailoring, but boxers and briefs are probably the brand’s most successful export.

Shop now at END.

Zimmerli

The Rolls-Royce of underwear. How does that sound? Because that’s essentially what Swiss brand Zimmerli is. This is underwear at its absolute pinnacle, suited to those who have to have the best of the best – whether that’s a car, a watch or a pair of boxer shorts.

The brand has been doing its thing since 1871 and regularly uses some of the finest fabrics known to man in its products. No expense spared.

Shop now at Zimmerli

Derek Rose

Another British heritage label putting its stamp on underwear is Derek Rose. The London-based brand approaches underwear with the same mindset it applies to its pyjamas and robes—soft fabrics, immaculate fits, and a level of refinement few others can match.

Its trunks and briefs, for example, are cut from micro modal and Pima cotton, offering a buttery soft second-skin feel that works just as well under tailoring as it does on lazy Sunday mornings cabbaged on the sofa in front of Netflix.

Shop now at Derek Rose

Hanro

Like Zimmerli, Hanro is another Swiss brand that has been honing its craft since the late 1800s. It’s high-end stuff with minimalist styling, subtle branding and premium materials.

The prices are high, but so is the quality and craftsmanship you get for your money.

Shop now at Hanro

Hanes

Of course, underwear needn’t cost the earth. Plenty of brands out there make comfortable underwear that doesn’t make a song and dance about it. Hanes is one of the biggest, making a huge range of simple, fuss-free options that won’t leave you looking at your receipt in disbelief.

If you’re the kind of guy who likes his underwear plain, simple and sold by the pack, this is the brand for you.

Shop now at Hanes

Uniqlo

Likewise, Japanese retailer Uniqlo makes some great boxers, briefs and more at wallet-friendly prices. The AIRism range uses breathable technical fabrics that wick moisture and keep you cool.

Simple, subtle and excellent value. Ideal for stocking up without overthinking it.

Shop now at Uniqlo