Boxers or briefs: the best men’s underwear

Written by Dan | 10/11/2021

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Ultimate Guide

Boxers vs briefs?

You may not think about it a lot, but you select your undergarments in the morning, and they have an impact on how you feel throughout the day. The two options available are boxers or briefs, so which one should you choose? Are you a briefs kind of guy or are you more comfortable in a fresh pair of loose fitting boxers? Which is the best men’s underwear in the UK? Let’s explore each option from top to bottom!

Briefs

Men’s briefs provide a variety of benefits as well as some drawbacks. Firstly, you’ll find briefs will keep everything feeling nice and snug against your body without any gaps or bunching up. It is like putting on a custom-made glove, making sure everything feels comfortable throughout the day. Briefs have less fabric but also give you all-around support in order to keep your bits and pieces in their proper place, whatever your body type.

Boxers may be more versatile across the board, but sporting briefs is definitely better for physical activity and exercise. This is because briefs offer more support for your crown jewels than boxers so there is less bounce. If you’re doing starjumps or plan on taking part in contact sports then it’s important to keep your goods secured. Let’s face it nobody has time for burpees at the gym when they’re going commando.

The only potential drawback to briefs or tight underwear is that they can be a little confining for everyday wear and they do not breathe very well. This means you could get hotter than usual, especially if your environment is hot, to begin with. Keep in mind that briefs also lack the ventilation of other options such as loose boxer shorts. This makes them a better option for cooler temperatures or climates. Tighty whities didn’t pick up their name by accident – they really do offer a snug fit.

Nothing shouts confidence like a snug pair of briefs! Emporio Armani underwear is among the most popular branded underwear out there. We’re used to seeing the chiselled sex appeal of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and more modelling these on billboards over the last decade. If you’ve been working out hard and getting a tan then these are the perfect choice to showcase it.

Two pairs of briefs with Emporio Armani written across the waistband

Boxers

Boxers are definitely the go-to underwear choice for many men out there. Firstly, boxers give you great ventilation and breathing room which makes them an excellent option in warmer climates or during the summer months. Also, boxers are ideal if you work in a profession where your clothes are tighter than normal. They offer more “give” than briefs and won’t show through your outer layer as briefs will!

The possible drawback to wearing boxers is that they can bunch up or slip down throughout the day. You’ll have to be careful not to pull them up too often or you might appear to be uncomfortable in your clothes. Also, since boxers are looser by design, they won’t offer the same support that briefs do. If you choose to wear boxers, just remember that they can ride up and down as you move around, so beware of the dreaded “builder’s bum”.

When it comes to fashion, boxers are definitely more versatile than briefs. No matter what type of body you have, boxers will look great and it is easier to find a pair that fits your style than briefs. You can buy boxer shorts with themes or designs on them that allow you to express yourself through fashion choices. Whether you like skulls, camouflage, tartan checks or more traditional solid colours, you’ll find an option that works for you!

How to wear boxers?

You can wear boxers with jeans, sports shorts or smart trousers. There are plenty of options to choose from based on the occasion at hand. All in all, it’s easy to understand why boxers have been a popular choice among men for years because these wardrobe basics truly offer the best of both worlds.

It’s hard to look past a reliable pair of Calvin Kleins when it comes to comfortable underwear. They won’t make anybody feel out of their comfort zone and they’ll still look as fashionable as any other brand, meaning you can reap the rewards of freedom without taking the risks. Their standard boxer fit sits just below the waist and high on the thigh, offering support as well as covering up those areas which a pair of briefs won’t. There is a reason Calvin Klein has been considered one of the makers of the world’s best men’s boxers for decades.

Three pairs of Calvin Klein boxer shorts in bright colours with embroidered waistbands

Luckily for you, choosing between briefs and boxers has almost no bearing on your health or hygiene. The choice is up to you alone depending on what lifestyle you lead. If you spend a lot of time in extremely hot climates, choose some relaxed fit boxers. If you spend most of your time somewhere cold, go with briefs. Either way, there is no right or wrong decision when it comes to what you wear on a daily basis!

Boxers vs briefs – which do women prefer?

It depends! Some women prefer men in boxers because they don’t show through clothing. Others like briefs because they keep everything in its proper place. This is very much a personal preference, so you’ll have to experiment yourself to see what kind of underwear your significant other prefers on you!

Remember, if you are feeling uncomfortable or unhappy with the way your undergarments fit, you should look into investing in better-fitting underwear! There has been a lot of recent innovation in this area, and you can find underwear that fit better than ever before.

Make sure your next purchase is something you feel comfortable and confident wearing! Sex appeal comes from the inside, but the right pair of pants adds extra appeal all of its own.

What are boxer briefs?

Wait, there’s a third option? Boxer briefs essentially combine the comfort of boxers with the clean lines of briefs – hence why they’re also sometimes referred to as hybrid underwear. While some may call them “tighty whities”, boxer briefs are durable and long-lasting.

Boxer briefs or trunks tend to look better on most guys than normal underwear because their smooth lines match the clean edges of your pants or shorts. Unlike briefs that can be tighter around the waistline, boxer briefs offer a looser fit while contouring to the upper thigh. Durable and designed for maximum comfort, boxer briefs can be the best of both worlds.

Underwear is an essential part of your wardrobe that you can’t afford to neglect. After all, it’s what people see first when they meet you! Picking out the best men’s underwear can be difficult because there are so many options available – such as boxers vs briefs, loose fit vs tight, longer leg vs lean shorts.

Whichever underwear type you choose, there is a wide variety of men’s designer underwear available on the Mainline Menswear website in every style and fabric to meet your needs.

Three pairs of Nike boxer briefs with elastic waistbands

What materials are available?

The material used to make your underwear is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make when deciding how to choose men’s underwear. While many people would assume that fabric makes little difference, there are plenty of differing opinions on the matter!

There are four main fabrics that you’ll find in men’s underwear: cotton, nylon, spandex and polyester.

Organic cotton is an extremely popular fabric because it feels natural against the skin, breathes well and absorbs sweat without making the wearer feel uncomfortable. It’s also less likely to wear out than other fabrics (though not entirely impossible!) and provides a breathable fabric cover.

Nylon and spandex are often mixed together to provide the stretchiness necessary for a better fit. They’re also designed to reduce chafing and sweating, while still providing some breathability. Polyester is known for its moisture wicking abilities, which means it absorbs moisture like cotton but dries much more quickly – great if you happen to sweat a lot.

Underwear has come a long way, and there are now technical fabrics available that can provide extra support without feeling too tight or restricting – including stretch tricot, modal, micro modal and more!

Overall, it’s important to remember that the material you choose is highly dependent on your personal preferences. If you’re still getting used to wearing briefs, choose cotton as a great all-rounder that can help you get used to the feel of the fabric.

Where do I buy men’s underwear?

You can buy boxers and briefs at most clothing stores or online! Our Mainline Menswear website features many different brands, styles and colours in order to suit your preferences. Boxer briefs and briefs can both be found in a variety of styles, fabrics and colours – whichever underwear type you choose, we’ve got it covered!

Mainline Menswear stock men’s underwear from the biggest brand names. Whether you’re looking to top up your wardrobe staples, treat yourself to something new, or buy a gift for the man in your life, you’ll find just the right thing with Mainline.

The final verdict?

So what is the best men’s underwear in the UK? Everybody has their own preferences! Some men like the tight feel of briefs, while others prefer the looser feel of boxer shorts. After all, it’s your choice what you wear on a daily basis – but keep in mind that these are not necessarily rules. If you want to try something new, why not give boxer briefs a shot? With the durability of boxers combined with the clean lines of briefs, there’s no reason that you won’t be comfortable!

It’s also important to remember that it generally takes around 20 days for your body to get used to wearing something new. If you’re trying out boxer briefs for the first time and they feel too tight, don’t give up – you’ll likely get used to it within a few days. You can even try wearing them around the house for a few hours at a time until your body adjusts!

If you’re still unsure about choosing between boxers and briefs, try them both and see which you prefer! While boxer briefs may be a newer addition to the men’s underwear scene, they have quickly become popular for their versatility and clean lines. In any case, get yourself measured and get ready to make your mark with the most comfortable men’s underwear available!

 

Discover the full range of men’s underwear at Mainline Menswear

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