Types of Men's Underwear: Boxer Shorts, Trunks & Briefs Compared

October 28, 2026

Quick answer: The best men’s underwear depends mainly on whether you prefer a loose or close-fitting cut and how much fabric you want around your thighs. Traditional boxer shorts provide more room, boxer briefs and trunks fit closer to the body, and briefs have no legs. Long johns add an extra layer in cold weather.

What types of men’s underwear are there?

Men’s underwear mainly differs in fit, leg length and support. The table below compares five common types and their main characteristics.

Underwear type	Fit	Typical feature
Traditional boxer shorts	Loose, longer legs	Plenty of room and freedom of movement
Boxer briefs / retro shorts	Close-fitting, medium to longer legs	More support and thigh coverage
Trunks	Close-fitting, short legs	Compact fit with less leg fabric
Briefs	Close-fitting, no legs	Support without fabric around the thighs
Long johns	Usually close-fitting, ankle-length	Extra layer in cold weather

Names are not always used consistently across brands. Boxer briefs, retro shorts and trunks may overlap in fit and leg length depending on the manufacturer.

What makes each type of men’s underwear different?

Traditional boxer shorts: more room around the thighs

Traditional boxer shorts have a loose cut rather than fitting tightly against the legs. They allow plenty of freedom of movement and can appeal to men who want less pressure around their thighs.

Under very slim trousers, the extra fabric may bunch up or form folds.

If you prefer a relaxed fit and natural materials, take a look at Cotton Majesty loose boxer shorts. Their generous comfort fit combines 100% cotton with a soft feel against the skin.

Close-up of the stitching and cotton fabric texture of black loose-fit men’s boxer shorts

Boxer briefs and retro shorts: close-fitting with longer legs

Boxer briefs combine a close fit similar to briefs with the leg coverage of boxer shorts. They provide more support and cover more of the thighs than briefs or short trunks.

With these styles, the leg openings should not dig into the thighs, and the fabric should have enough stretch to move comfortably.

Explore our fitted men’s boxer shorts. Made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, they offer a soft, flexible, close-fitting feel for men who prefer comfort with extra support.

Trunks: the shorter fitted option

Trunks are similar to boxer briefs but typically have shorter legs. They sit close to the body while covering less of the thigh.

Men who want less fabric around their legs may prefer this style. If you have muscular or larger thighs, make sure the short leg openings do not feel tight or ride up. Our guide to why boxer shorts ride up explains common causes and solutions.

Briefs: the classic leg-free style

Briefs are close-fitting and have no leg sections. This means there is no extra fabric at the thigh that can roll up or bunch.

They offer support with relatively little fabric. Whether that feels better than underwear with legs comes down to personal preference.

You can also explore Cotton Majesty men’s briefs. Made from 100% cotton, they offer a soft, comfortable option for men who prefer underwear without leg coverage.

Long johns: an extra layer for cold weather

Long johns are different from shorter underwear mainly because of their length. They typically reach the ankles and provide an additional layer in cold weather. Suitable temperatures and activities depend on the material and construction. Explore the Cotton Majesty 100% cotton thermal set, a comfortable, breathable base layer for cold winter days.

Black men’s long cotton thermal underwear with a close-fitting cut

What should you look for when choosing men’s underwear?

Besides the overall cut, a few details can make a big difference to everyday comfort.

Waistband and leg openings: The waistband should stay in place without digging in. Styles with legs need enough room around the thighs.
Size and fit: Underwear that is too small can create pressure, while a loose size may bunch or slip. Use the size chart.
Fabric: Cotton feels soft and natural and absorbs moisture. Modal is also known for its softness, while elastane adds flexibility to fitted styles.

For a closer look at cotton, merino wool and other fibres, read our guide: What Is the Best Material for Men’s Boxer Shorts?

Frequently asked questions about men’s underwear

Does the same size fit every type of men’s underwear?

Not necessarily. Even with the same size label, waistband height, leg opening and overall cut can vary. Check the size chart for each brand, particularly when switching between loose and fitted styles.

What do low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise mean?

These terms refer to where the waistband sits. Low-rise sits lower on the hips, mid-rise sits at a medium height, and high-rise has a higher waistband. The most comfortable option depends on your body shape and preference.

Is there special men’s underwear for light incontinence?

Yes. Some protective underwear for men with light bladder leakage includes a built-in absorbent area. Many products are washable and reusable, and look similar to regular underwear from the outside.

Which types of men’s underwear are most commonly worn?

Among the most popular styles are close-fitting boxer briefs and trunks, followed by classic loose boxer shorts and briefs. According to a 2024 German survey, 31% of the men surveyed most often wear fitted shorts, 22% wear loose shorts and 20% wear briefs. Which style is most comfortable still depends on personal preference and fit.

Which type of men’s underwear is best for sport?

For exercise, close-fitting boxer briefs or briefs can provide support and reduce unwanted movement. During intense activity, breathable, quick-drying fabrics such as polyester or polyamide, together with flat seams, can help manage moisture and friction.