Introduction
When it comes to fitness and fashion, choosing the right underwear is just as important as selecting the perfect gym gear. As a muscular man, you need more than just comfort and functionality—you want underwear that enhances your physique and keeps you feeling confident, whether you’re lifting at the gym or going about your daily routine.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the top styles of men’s underwear, helping you find the best fit for your lifestyle and body type.
Brands
Factors to Consider When Choosing Men’s Underwear
- Fabric The material of your underwear affects comfort and functionality. Common fabrics include cotton, which is breathable and soft, and microfiber, which offers moisture-wicking properties.
- Fit The fit of your underwear is crucial for comfort and support. Ensure that the waistband is snug but not too tight, and that the leg openings don’t restrict movement.
- Purpose Consider the activities you’ll be engaging in while wearing the underwear. For example, athletic activities may require more supportive and moisture-wicking options like boxer briefs or jockstraps.
Popular Brands in Men’s Underwear
When it comes to quality and style, several brands stand out in the men’s underwear market. Here are some top brands you can trust to elevate your underwear collection:
- Calvin Klein: Known for their iconic designs and superior craftsmanship, Calvin Klein offers a range of styles from briefs to trunks. Their classic designs never go out of style, combining comfort and a sleek aesthetic that’s perfect for both the gym and daily wear.
- Tommy Hilfiger: Blending classic and contemporary styles, Tommy Hilfiger underwear is praised for its comfort and durability. Their pieces provide all-day wearability without sacrificing style, making them a go-to for those who want performance and fashion in one.
- Nike: As a leader in performance wear, Nike’s underwear collection includes moisture-wicking and supportive options ideal for sports and active lifestyles. Their innovative designs keep you dry and comfortable, no matter the intensity of your workout.
- HOM: This brand offers a variety of stylish and comfortable options, from everyday wear to special occasion underwear. HOM is known for combining comfort with a modern flair, making it a great choice for those who want to feel good inside and out.
- David Archy: Focusing on innovation, David Archy provides ultimate comfort with high-quality fabrics and ergonomic designs. Their underwear is designed to enhance performance while offering a luxurious feel, ideal for those who demand both style and functionality.
Choosing the Right Underwear for Your Physique
No matter your body type, there’s a perfect pair of underwear out there for you. Here’s how to pick the best one based on your build and needs:
- If You Have a Muscular Build: Boxer briefs and trunks are ideal for showing off your physique while providing optimal support. They’ll hug your thighs and keep your muscles in place during strenuous activities.
- If You’re a Competitive Athlete: Jockstraps and compression shorts are your best options for the ultimate support, especially during high-impact sports and intense lifting sessions.
- If You Want Versatility: Briefs are timeless and work well for both everyday wear and gym sessions. Pair them with any workout gear for comfort and style.
Briefs
The Classic and Versatile Choice
Briefs are the classic underwear choice that never goes out of style. Known for their snug fit and minimal coverage, briefs provide excellent support while offering a streamlined, athletic look. They’re perfect for those who prefer a more traditional fit that keeps everything in place without the bulk of boxers.
Why Briefs Should Be in Your Rotation:
Helps Define Your Physique: The snug fit accentuates your build.
Minimal Design: Offers maximum support with minimal fabric.
Comfortable for Everyday Wear: Great for both the gym and lounging.
Boxer Briefs
The Perfect Combination of Comfort and Support
For most fitness enthusiasts, boxer briefs are the go-to choice. They offer a sleek, tailored fit that hugs your muscles, giving you support without restricting movement. Whether you’re squatting, deadlifting, or sprinting, boxer briefs provide the freedom you need while ensuring you stay comfortable during high-intensity workouts.
Why Boxer Briefs Are Ideal for Fitness Enthusiasts:
Flattering Shape: Enhances your muscular physique with a modern, athletic cut.
Supportive Fit: Keeps everything in place during rigorous exercises.
Breathable Fabric: Many boxer briefs are made from moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry.
Trunks
The Modern and Stylish Alternative
Trunks are a hybrid between boxer briefs and briefs, providing the best of both worlds. They have a slightly shorter leg length than boxer briefs, offering a modern, stylish look while still delivering support where it counts. Perfect for those who want a more fashionable take on classic underwear, trunks are versatile enough to wear with both gym attire and casual wear.
Why Trunks Are a Must-Have for Style-Savvy Men:
Perfect for Layering: Trunks work well under both gym gear and casual outfits.
Sleek and Stylish: The shorter leg gives a contemporary look.
Great for Active Lifestyles: Offers support and comfort during workouts.
Boxers
The Loose and Relaxed Option
For those who prioritize comfort over everything else, boxers offer a relaxed fit and ample breathability. Unlike boxer briefs or trunks, boxers provide a loose, airy feel that allows for maximum movement. While they might not offer the same level of support during intense workouts, boxers are perfect for lounging or casual wear. They’re especially ideal for those looking to unwind after a heavy training session, offering a break from the snug fit of performance underwear.
Why Boxers Are Great for Comfort and Relaxation:
- Loose Fit: Offers complete freedom of movement with a laid-back vibe.
- Breathable: Perfect for all-day wear, keeping you cool and comfortable.
- Casual and Easy: Ideal for days when you want comfort above all else.
Pairing Boxers with Activewear
While boxers may not be the go-to choice for high-intensity workouts, they pair well with lighter activities such as yoga, stretching, or casual gym sessions. If you’re not lifting heavy or engaging in intense cardio, boxers can offer a relaxing fit without sacrificing comfort.
Compression Shorts: For Muscle Recovery and Performance
While not traditionally thought of as “underwear,” compression shorts have become a favorite for fitness enthusiasts. These shorts fit tightly to the body and are designed to increase blood flow, reduce muscle fatigue, and speed up recovery. If you’re a serious athlete or bodybuilder, compression shorts can be a game-changer, whether you’re training or recovering.
Why Compression Shorts Are Essential for Serious Athletes:
- Enhances Performance: Helps improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness.
- Speedy Recovery: Reduces recovery time by supporting muscle groups.
- Perfect for High-Intensity Workouts: Provides extra compression for stability during dynamic movements.
Jockstraps: Designed for Maximum Performance
When you need ultimate support during your most intense workouts, a jockstrap is your best bet. Originally created for athletes, the jockstrap offers exceptional protection and stability, especially during heavy lifting or intense cardio. The open-back design allows for better airflow, making it a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts who want both support and breathability.
Why Jockstraps Are the Choice of Fitness Pros:
- High Impact Support: Ideal for intense workouts and sports.
- Breathable: Open-back design ensures ventilation during workouts.
- Perfect for Lifting: Prevents discomfort during heavy squats and deadlifts.
Wrestling Singlet
There is a niche yet devoted segment of guys that like to wear a wrestling singlet or bodysuit (aka jumpsuit).
Read more about the singlet in a separate blog article.
The Underwear Expert
In this section there is an affiliate link, through which I may earn a commission. All support is welcome as the blog is devoted to its readership.
The Underwear Expert started as a subscription club for men’s underwear.
Setting up a subscription is easy. The website asks about your underwear preference, waist size and your preference in colors or patterns on the underwear. With this information, the website will offer the customer its recommendations.
Now, in addition to underwear, the website offers other products to its audience. The owner is Michael Kleinmann, who has many years of experience in the underwear industry.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Men’s Underwear
The fabric of your underwear plays a crucial role in determining its comfort, durability, and overall feel. Cotton is a popular choice for its breathability, softness, and moisture-wicking properties. Modal offers a silky smooth feel and excellent moisture absorption. Spandex or elastane provides stretch and a snug fit, while bamboo is a sustainable and hypoallergenic option.
Men’s Underwear for Different Occasions
Different occasions call for different underwear styles.
For the workplace, briefs or boxer briefs offer comfort and support for long hours of sitting or standing. Athletic boxer briefs are ideal for sports and workouts, providing maximum support and moisture-wicking fabrics. Trunks strike a balance between style and comfort for special events or date nights, while silk or satin boxer shorts add a touch of elegance for formal occasions.
Best Fabrics for Men’s Underwear
The Underwear Expert has a post on the fibers and fabrics used for men’s underwear.
Men’s Underwear for Workouts
There is another blog post on the brands and fabrics for underwear for workouts.
Male Models of Underwear
It is common to have male fitness dudes have photo sessions wearing mens underwear brands. Below are descriptions of a few.
Raul Uscanga, México
Raul Uscanga is a bodybuilder and male model who lives in México. In the photographs by Rik Ibarrola, Raul wears Calvin Klein trunks.
Ortwin J. Guerra
Ortwin is a male model who lives in Colombia. He did some modeling work for Washington, DC-based Jimmy Trendy.
Ramiro, Argentina
Ramiro is a male model, student pilot, and CrossFit enthusiast who lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a vegetarian and works at an Argentine organic chocolate company.
One of his favorite brands is Lacoste.
Randhy, Argentina
Randhy is a male fitness model who is from Venezuela. He lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Photos of Randhy
Nico Zetta, Argentina
Nico Zetta is a fitness model (and medical doctor) who lives in Argentina.
Photos of Nico
Mano Martinez
Other Photos
The Glute God, Wayne Bernard
Wayne Bernard, aka the glute god, a fitness influencer who lives in Florida is known for his leg workouts and clothing that suits all those muscles.
His merch, https://glutegod.com/.
Era Supply Co. and Jordan Morello
Another workout clothing brand is Shortys Apparel. Jordan Morello, an online fitness coach and social media personality, owned the U.S.-based brand. Jordan rebranded Shortys to Era Supply Co.
Read more about Jordan and his brand in a separate blog post.
Final Thoughts: Underwear That Works as Hard as You Do
Choosing the right underwear is about more than just comfort—it’s about making a statement. The right pair can enhance your physique, boost your confidence, and support you during even the toughest workouts. Whether you’re looking for sleek and stylish trunks, supportive boxer briefs, high-performance jockstraps, or relaxed boxers, your choice of underwear will play a key role in how you feel and perform throughout the day.
Remember, when it comes to fitness, every detail counts—so invest in underwear that works as hard as you do. Your body will thank you.
The Menswear Newsletter 
I like to wear mens thong underwear and I wear it on a regular basis. I love the fact that it consists of high cuts that allow me to move my legs easily in all possible directions without any discomfort. It is really comfortable for me to wear tight outfits.
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