We all wear them, but where do we even begin? There are lots of different types of underwear, for both women and men. So many different styles and functions, the humble undergarment can be quite a minefield of choice. Below are just some of the types of underwear available for men, from the tinest of strings to full-body covering leotards.
Briefs
One of the most common types of male underwear, the briefs have been around for a long time. Covering front and back and usually made of cotton with an open fly made by overlapping fabric, they have been adapted and have evolved over time. But the staple of comfortable cotton coverage will outlast us all.
Boxers
Another of the most common types of male underwear, the loose-fitting boxers are another staple of a man’s underwear drawer. Completely covering front and back and extending down the upper legs, boxers are usually made of cotton with an open or button fly. Like with briefs, they have evolved over time and now come in all shapes, sizes and styles.
Boxer Briefs
The boxer brief is a crossover undergarment, bridging the gap between briefs and full boxers. Shorter than boxers and usually more figure-hugging, boxer briefs also often feature a pouch at the front for better comfort and a more bulging look.
Thong
Much like it’s counterpart designed for women, a man’s thong uses minimal material; a pouch at the front and a string through the buttocks. Some men will swear by them, citing their comfort and feeling, while others just swear at the thought of having a wedgie all day.
G-String
As if you couldn’t get male underwear with even less material than a thong, we have the G-string. The absolute minimum amount of material used, the only way to be more revealing would be to go nude.
Jock Strap
Common in America, it seems, the jock strap is a kind of backless brief. Featuring a pouch at the front but instead of one connecting string like a thong, a jock strap has two lengths of elastic going around the buttocks and joining at the waist. This creates a backless brief while still providing support to the front.
Tanga Brief
The tanga brief is full-backed, covering the buttocks. With a pouch at the front the tanga uses minimal material between, resulting in open sides with the waistband stetching around. Very close in style to the brief, just with less on the sides.
Elephant Pants
Available in the styles above – brief, boxer, thong etc – these pants have a sleeve which wraps around your cock. The sleeve can either be open allowing your member to stretch out, or closed making for a cleaner ejaculation. Because blatently that’s what you’re gonna do in these.
Ruched/Scrunched
Ruched pants are typically styled on briefs, but thongs are available as well. With a string of elastic sewn in, the material gathers and clings. Most styles have this on the back so the pant rides into your butt crack, but some have this on the front as well so they gather up around your cock.
Crotchless
I think you can pretty much guess this one. Usually applicable to briefs of some kind, crotchless underwear has a gaping hole where the pouch would normally keep your valuables snug and supported.
Backless
More than a Jock Strap, backless underwear provides a little more coverage and support, but the all-important ability to be cheeky when required. Easy access guaranteed.
Trunks
In the UK, trunks refers to figure-hugging boxers, usually cotton but with a fair amount of lycra. However, elsewhere it seems trunks refers to anything worn while in the water. Trunks come in many different styles, from boardshorts and mid-length shorts to briefs and thongs. Commonly with a lining on the inside to prevent transparency. There is little more delightful than stepping out of the ocean in a pair of wet trunks clinging to every contour.
Speedos
Deserving of a category all to themselves, the humble Speedo trunk has caused many heads to turn at the beach. Figure-hugging and bulge-producing, these trunks are a staple of the brave man the world over. And by design, the Speedo creates a more streamlined contour around the pelvis area, making them popular with professional swimmers.
Bikini
Not just for the ladies, the brave man also enjoys a more skimpy and feminine swimsuit. Often tied at the sides, the bikini has caused more head-turning at the beach than anything, and when accompanied with a bulge will certainly garner some lustful eyes.
Mankini
Perhaps made popular by a certain comedy film, the mankini is not for the faint-hearted. Cupping the nether regions and supported by straps that go over the shoulders, the mankini rides up the backside and creates a brave look from both the front and the rear.
Leggings
Extending the length of the leg, leggings were originally designed as a way of keeping warm in colder temperatures, but have since become outerwear thanks to the increase in popularity of yoga and similar, and the comfort and flexibility they provide. Plus, they make your ass look fantastic.
Pantyhose
Sheer, figure-hugging and boner-producing, pantyhose cling tight to the contours of the body and much like tights, can make for an interesting feeling on the body. And with a degree of opaqueness, can also add a certain sexual desire.
Leotard/Singlet/Romper
Much like a one-piece, leotards come in different styles and shapes and are popular with wrestlers and gym-goers. Covering the upper part of the body and wrapping tightly around, leotards have become more mainstream and not just for bodybuilders and ballet dancers. Short-sleeved, long-sleeved, covering the buttocks like a pair of briefs or riding up like a thong. See-through or not, leotards are as varied as those who enjoy wearing them.
Bodysuit
Covering your body from neck to toe (even the head sometimes), these stretchy, clingy suits will excentuate your bulges and make you slippery and stiff.
Suspended Briefs/Jock Strap
Similar to the mankini, suspended underwear is designed not for the beach, but as regular wear under your everyday clothes. Essentially a brief/box/thong/jock, but with elasticated straps that go over the shoulders, these provide extra support.
Lingerie
Stockings, suspenders, garters… lingerie encompasses a whole raft of underwear. Originally made for women, fashion houses are now seeing that sexy underwear is also popular with some men. Coming in a range of materials, lace is still the mainstay for the sexy revealing look. So whether to feel sexy, or to arouse a partner, there is always something to titillate and excite.
Fishnets
Coming in pants, shorts, leggings, bodysuits and stockings, fishnets are like mesh, but with much larger holes. They have lots of different designs and sizes, fishnets are considered quite slutty and they go well with shorts and hotpants. Popular with femboys and cross dressers.
Sissy
Nowadays, ladies underwear isn’t solely designed for women, and men can get their hands on sexy and frilly panties with a pouch at the front to provide a more comfortable experience. Popular with cross-dressers and femboys.
Sheer/See-Through
What better way to turn a partner on than to present yourself in sexy see-through underwear. Maybe as a tease, maybe as a personal thrill while going about your usual day, or maybe just to make your partner aroused and begging for more.
Mesh
Like with see-through underwear, mesh pants leave little to the imagination. However, while sheer, mesh is closer to lace of fishnets by providing gaps in the stitch to create the see-all effect.
Lace
Sexy, demure, erotic… lace is something that has captured the imagination for centuries now and shows no signs of relenting. A little bit see-though, a whole lot sexy, lace underwear is guaranteed to get the juices flowing.
Satin/Silk
Shiny, slippery, soft and sexy, silk has long been at the top of most wishlists when it comes to private bedroom attire. And the feeling of super-soft material sliding around your nether-regions will surely get you hard in an instant.
Novelty
A category that is as long as a piece of string. Often designed to make someone smile, navelty underwear has been bought as a funny gift for decades. It could be ears attached to a elephant trunk pant, or a bowtie attached to a suspended brief. The only limit here is your imagination.
So what’s your go-to underwear? What do you feel most comfortable in? What turns you on the most? With so much choice available the simple undergarment has come a long way since the humble brief, and continues to evolve with ever increasing styles, fits and materials.
Header Image: Pale Twink Bulging In Boxer Briefs
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