Boxer briefs

A pair of boxer briefs

Boxer briefs (or tight boxers) are a type of men's undergarment which are long in the leg, like boxer shorts but tighter-fitting, like briefs; a hybrid between the two main types of male underwear in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States. Depending on the manufacturer, boxer briefs may also be spelled as one word: boxerbriefs. They are sometimes called "trunks" in Australia^{[citation needed]}

History

Boxer briefs were first sold around 1990^{[citation needed]}. Prior to this time, only a few underwear manufacturers made boxer briefs, but they were actually called mid-length briefs or thigh-length briefs.

Underwear preference

While some may find regular briefs too restrictive, others may find boxer shorts too loose. A pouch or "over sized" pouch may be built in to add space and position the testicles forward and give the penis more room. Boxer briefs are commonly used in athletics instead of, or in addition to a jockstrap, but are common for everyday usage as well.

The boxer brief design provides form-fitting coverage for the midsection from the waist to the thighs and are worn on the waist. They are usually made of a soft, flannel-type material or knit, often a combination of cotton and spandex. Boxer brief designs can have either a keyhole fly, button (snap) front, pouch, or no fly at all. The waistband is usually a separate band of elastic, often in a contrasting colour to the flannel material, and often has the name of the manufacturer (e.g. "Calvin Klein") printed on it repeatedly. There may also be additional elastic sewn in around the end of the legs, to stop them from riding up. Some boxer briefs have stitching on the rear to outline the buttocks and avoid a central seam.

Specialist underwear designer collections have boxer briefs that are available in a variety of designs ranging from simple one colour ranges with contrast side stripes and binding to vibrantly coloured and highly patterned examples.^[1]

Trunks

Main article: Trunks (clothing)

The trunk is a type of boxer-brief that is slightly shorter in the leg and can also be used as swimwear. They can also be used under boardshorts. Unlike briefs, boxer briefs do not usually have the tight elastic around the legs. They rely more on the overall elasticity of the fabric for support, making the leg openings more comfortable.

Image gallery

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  Several pairs of boxer briefs compared with looser boxer shorts.

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  A man wearing a pair of Floque boxer briefs.

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  Man wearing a pair of grey trunks.

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  Rear stitching on these boxer briefs avoids a central seam and outlines the buttocks.

References

1. ^ http://undiesandovers.co.uk/mens-boxers

External links

• Seth Stevenson, In Praise of Boxer Briefs: An Underpants Manifesto, Slate