Men’s Underwear Styles Explained: Briefs, Trunks, Thongs, Jockstraps & More
Men’s underwear has come a long way from choosing between boxers and briefs.
Today, there are more styles, fabrics, cuts, and fits than ever before, and honestly, that’s a good thing. The right pair of underwear can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel, how your clothes fit, and even how confident you feel wearing them.
But with so many options, figuring out which style is right for you can get confusing. What exactly is the difference between briefs and trunks? Are thongs actually comfortable? Can you wear a jockstrap as everyday underwear? And what should you choose if you want something that feels just as good as it looks?
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of men’s underwear and what you should know about each one.
1. Briefs
Briefs are one of the most recognizable styles of men’s underwear. They provide full coverage in the front and back while leaving most of the upper thigh exposed.
Unlike boxers or boxer briefs, briefs don’t have fabric extending down the legs. That can make them a great option if you don’t like underwear bunching underneath your pants or shorts.
Why Guys Choose Briefs
Briefs offer a combination of support, coverage, and freedom of movement. Depending on the cut, they can also create a clean, flattering shape without having a lot of extra fabric.
They work especially well underneath slim-fitting pants because there’s less material around the thighs to bunch or roll up.
And briefs definitely don't have to mean boring. Modern men's briefs come in everything from classic full-coverage designs to lower-rise, more revealing cuts that put a completely different spin on the traditional brief. If that sounds like your style, you can explore our Men's Briefs Collection to find a fit that works for you.
Best for: Everyday wear, fitted pants, and guys who want support without fabric extending down the legs.
2. Boxer Briefs
Boxer briefs combine two classic underwear styles: the coverage of boxers with the closer fit and support of briefs.
They usually extend several inches down the thigh and fit closely against the body. For a lot of men, boxer briefs have become the default everyday underwear because they're easy to wear and work underneath most clothing.
Why Guys Choose Boxer Briefs
The longer legs provide additional coverage and can help reduce friction between the thighs. They're also a solid option if you prefer underwear that feels secure without being particularly revealing.
One thing to watch for is the leg fit. Boxer briefs that are too loose can bunch underneath your clothes, while pairs that are too tight may ride up during the day.
Best for: Everyday wear, additional thigh coverage, and guys who prefer a more traditional fit.
3. Trunks
Trunks are basically the shorter, more fitted cousin of boxer briefs.
They still provide coverage around the upper thigh, but the legs are usually much shorter. The result is a square-cut silhouette that sits somewhere between briefs and boxer briefs.
Briefs vs. Trunks: What's the Difference?
The biggest difference is the leg.
Briefs expose the upper thigh completely, while trunks have a short section of fabric covering it. Boxer briefs extend farther down the leg than trunks.
Trunks can be especially flattering because the shorter cut visually lengthens the legs while still providing more coverage than traditional briefs.
Best for: Guys who like boxer briefs but want shorter legs, fitted clothing, and a clean, modern silhouette.
4. Men’s Thongs
Yes, men's thongs. If you've never tried one, they may be very different from what you're imagining.
A men's thong typically has a supportive pouch in the front, minimal fabric around the hips, and a narrow strip of material in the back.
The main purpose of the design is simple: provide support where you need it while eliminating most of the fabric everywhere else.
Are Men’s Thongs Comfortable?
They absolutely can be, but fit and fabric matter.
A properly fitting thong shouldn't constantly feel like something you're trying to adjust. Soft, stretchy materials and a well-designed pouch can make a huge difference.
There's also usually a short adjustment period if you've spent your entire life wearing briefs or boxer briefs. The first time you put on a thong, you're obviously going to notice that the back feels different. After wearing the right one for a while, many guys barely notice it.
Thongs also have a practical benefit: there's very little material to bunch underneath your clothes.
And then there's confidence.
Sometimes underwear doesn't need to be purely practical. You can wear something simply because you like the way you look in it. A thong can be bold, flattering, comfortable, and fun to wear, even if nobody else knows you have it on.
If you're ready to try one for yourself, explore our Men's Thongs Collection to compare different cuts, fabrics, and styles.
Best for: Minimal coverage, fitted clothing, avoiding underwear lines, and guys who want something a little bolder.
5. Jockstraps
The jockstrap originally had a very practical purpose.
Traditional jockstraps were designed to provide support during physical activity. They typically feature a supportive front pouch, an elastic waistband, and two straps that run underneath the buttocks while leaving the back mostly exposed.
But jockstraps have evolved far beyond the gym.
Modern jockstraps are available in softer fabrics, different pouch designs, bold colors, prints, and fashion-focused cuts. For plenty of guys, they're simply another style of everyday underwear.
Can You Wear a Jockstrap Every Day?
Absolutely.
You don't need to be working out or playing a sport to wear one. A comfortable jockstrap can provide front support while giving you significantly more airflow and freedom in the back.
They're also a good middle ground for someone interested in trying more revealing underwear but who isn't quite ready for a thong. You still get the familiar waistband and supportive pouch, but with a much more open design.
If you want to see how modern designs take the jockstrap beyond traditional athletic wear, browse our Men's Jockstrap Collection You can also check out the Whisper Jockstrap for a softer, smooth-fitting take on the classic style.
Best for: Support, airflow, workouts, everyday wear, and anyone looking for something more daring than traditional briefs.
6. Bikini Briefs
Men's bikini briefs are similar to traditional briefs but usually have a lower rise, higher-cut leg openings, and less fabric around the hips.
Think of them as a more minimal version of the classic brief.
The reduced coverage gives the legs more room to move and creates a more streamlined silhouette. Depending on the design, bikini briefs can range from relatively conservative to very revealing.
They're a great option for someone who wants less coverage but doesn't necessarily want to jump all the way to a thong or jockstrap.
Best for: Minimal-to-moderate coverage, showing more leg, fitted clothing, and guys who prefer a lower-rise fit.
7. G-Strings
Although people sometimes use "thong" and "G-string" interchangeably, they aren't always the same thing.
A traditional thong usually has a narrow strip of fabric running down the back. A G-string takes minimal coverage even further, often using a very thin string or elastic strap instead.
Men's G-strings still typically include a front pouch for support, but nearly everything else is stripped down to the essentials.
This is one of the most minimal men's underwear styles available.
Best for: Extremely minimal coverage and guys who prefer a barely-there feel.
So, Which Type of Men's Underwear Is Best?
There isn't one.
And that's probably the most important thing to understand about men's underwear.
The "best" underwear depends on what you're doing, what you're wearing over it, your body, and simply what makes you feel good.
You might prefer boxer briefs during a long workday, briefs underneath fitted pants, a jockstrap at the gym, and a thong when you're going out.
You also don't need a certain body type to wear a certain style.
Thongs aren't reserved for guys with six-pack abs. Jockstraps aren't only for athletes. Bikini briefs aren't only for models.
If you like the way something fits and you feel good wearing it, it's for you.
How to Choose the Right Men's Underwear
When you're deciding between underwear styles, think about four things: support, coverage, fabric, and fit.
Support
If you prefer everything to stay securely in place, look for underwear with a well-constructed front pouch. Briefs, boxer briefs, jockstraps, and many men's thongs can all provide excellent support when they're designed properly.
Coverage
This mostly comes down to personal preference.
Want maximum coverage? Boxer briefs are probably your territory.
Want something in the middle? Try briefs, trunks, or bikini briefs.
Want minimal coverage? That's where thongs, jockstraps, and G-strings come in.
Fabric
Don't overlook fabric.
Cotton can feel familiar and breathable, while materials such as nylon, polyamide, spandex, and other performance blends can create a softer, smoother feel with significantly more stretch.
The fabric can completely change how the same underwear style feels on your body.
Fit
Underwear should feel secure without feeling restrictive.
If your waistband is digging into your skin, the pouch feels compressed, or you're constantly adjusting everything throughout the day, something isn't fitting correctly.
At the same time, underwear that's too loose won't provide the support it was designed to offer.
When you're between sizes, always check the brand's sizing guide instead of assuming your usual size will fit exactly the same across every brand.
Don't Be Afraid to Try Something Different
A lot of guys find one underwear style they like and wear basically the same thing for years.
There's nothing wrong with that.
But underwear is one of the easiest places to experiment with your style because you get to decide who sees it.
Try a different cut. Try a color you wouldn't normally choose. Try a jockstrap. Try a thong. Try something that makes you look in the mirror and think, Okay, I actually look good in this.
Because underwear shouldn't just be something you put on because you have to.
The right pair should be comfortable enough to wear all day and make you feel confident enough that you actually enjoy putting it on.
That's exactly what we believe at Oh Bobby Behave: feeling sexy and feeling comfortable don't have to be two different things.
You can have both.
Ready to find your next favorite pair? Explore our men’s underwear collection and find the style that feels right for you.