Men’s underwear has certainly evolved from the days of long johns and tightie-whities—with so many styles from which to choose, shopping is anything but brief.
We’ve assembled examples of some of the most popular trends in men’s intimate apparel to help you slip into the pair that’s right for you.
Check out Queerty’s guide to underwear style
The Modified Jockstrap
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
What Is It? A pair of briefs with an easy access hole in the back
Who’s It For? Guys not even pretending to play sports who just want to tell everyone the locker room, “I’m available.”
Photo: Addicted
The Mankini
What Is It? An itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, leaving-very-little-to-the-imagination man’s bikini
Who’s It For? The guy not quite up to free-ballin’ it who nevertheless hates all that fabric around his manhood
Photo: The Underwear Expert
The “Cock Sock”
What Is It? A bulge-enhancing brief, often with a built-in cock ring
Who’s It For? Anyone who wants to fly their phallic flag at half-mast at all times
The Bachelor Padding
What Is It? A butt-enhancing brief/boxer-brief
Who’s It For? Those who may not be particularly gifted in the gluteus region, but still want guys to think baby’s got back.
Photo: D. Hedral
The Fashion Brief
What Is It? An avant-garde take on the traditional brief
Who’s It For? Anyone who fancies themselves a fashionisto—no matter what everyone else on the planet thinks.
Photo: Allen Zaki/Petit Q
The Mesh G-String
What Is It? A pouch held together (barely) by two bits of string
Who’s It For? Strippers. (C’mon, you’re not fooling anyone.)
Photo: Pablo Chester/Malebasics
unclemike
I’m just fine with my boxer briefs, thanks. Those all look awkward and uncomfortable.
VADude
Could Queerty have selected a style of underwear that a mainstream masculine dude would actually wear? How about some boxers or boxer briefs? Queerty picked out the most girly or freakish underwear that the average guy would never be caught dead in. And tighty whities have been out of style for over two decades now.