Boxers or Briefs?

This week we take a little pause from our corsetry / shapewear series to ponder the age-old question: boxers or briefs?

Essentially it all comes down to personal preference ... but what are the pros and cons for each?

Traditionally, guys probably follow in the footsteps of their fathers when choosing what their underwear of choice is going to be and, as old habits do die hard, follow with the same throughout their entire lives. Today’s options, however,  for fashion, functionality and comfort, perhaps require a little more thought and consideration as to what underwear will really be best.

A tiny minority of guys will opt for the thong, and some prefer the commando sensation; the majority will choose between briefs, boxers, or trunks (tight boxers).

Briefs are the most common choice for men of all ages, and are generally considered to be the least fashionable. Plain and no-nonsense, many consider briefs to be old-fashioned – yet they continue to be the most popular option for most guys. Many consider them to be more comfortable than boxers, and they do offer significant support to the genital area. Briefs are more comfortable for active wear and also for sitting for long periods, like for office work. A lot of men find, however, that briefs can be too tight and restrictive and even feel that circulation in the area can be impinged upon.

Loose boxer shorts have also been a mainstay of men’s underwear for many decades. They do look more aesthetically pleasing than briefs, and are great for comfort when sleeping if the guy doesn't wish to sleep naked. Very little to no support is offered, however; not a great idea for wear during sporting activities, and they don’t offer a smooth line under clothing for long periods of seated wear. The other drawback of loose boxers is the inevitable wedgie...

Tight boxers, or trunks, are a more modern option. Stylish and very comfortable, they are the best of both worlds between briefs and loose boxers: support, comfort, style are all there. More expensive due to their current popularity, a lot of guys find the investment worth the price.

What do women prefer? There is an old saying that runs along the lines that women prefer men in boxers, and that guys who wear briefs (especially white Y-fronts!) are mama’s boys. Not at all true. Just like guys have their own preference, so do the women who love them. All that really matters to women is that the items are clean, changed regularly, and totally without stains! But there are a couple of guidelines... Briefs are a guy’s best friend if he’s wearing well-cut trousers – nobody wants to see crumpled butt or boxer-bulge through those stylish pants.

It’s a myth that boxers are better for male fertility; as long as briefs are not uncomfortably tight, all is well whatever the style of underwear he chooses.

So what’s a guy to do? Best advice: try each and decide what works best. And perhaps go for what really is the best of all options-the boxer brief. Enjoy the experiment!