Boxer briefs

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Boxer briefs (or tight boxers) are a type of men's underwear

Boxer briefs
Boxer briefs

They are long in the leg, like boxer shorts, but tighter-fitting, like briefs, a compromise between the two main types of male underwear in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Depending on the manufacturer, boxer briefs may also be spelled as one word: boxerbriefs.

Boxer briefs were first sold around 1990[citation needed]. Prior to this time, only a few underwear manufacturers made boxer briefs, but they were actually called mid-length briefs or thigh-length briefs.

Though marketed as a new design, these are actually quite similar to the bottom half of the two-part union suits or thermals worn in the 1910s.

The underwear preference among American, Australian, British, Canadian and French teenagers today is leaning toward boxer briefs, probably because of their proximity to both briefs and boxer shorts.[citation needed] While some may find regular briefs too restrictive, others may find boxer shorts too loose. A pouch or 'over sized' pouch may be built in to add space and position the testicles forward. Boxer briefs are commonly used in athletics instead of, or in addition to a jockstrap, but are common for everyday usage as well. The boxer brief design provides form-fitting coverage for the midsection from the waist to the thighs and are worn on the waist. Boxer brief designs can have either an access flap, button (snap) front, pouch, or no fly at all. They can be either woven like some boxer shorts or knit like some boxer shorts and most briefs.

The trunk is a type of boxer-brief that is slightly shorter in the leg and can also be used as swimwear. They can also be used under boardshorts. They are slightly revealing with the distinct outline of the penis underneath. Boxers are too loose, and most briefs (with exception of designer briefs) are also too loose for this effect. Unlike briefs, boxer briefs do not usually have the tight elastic around the legs. They rely more on the overall elasticity of the fabric for support, making the leg openings more comfortable.

Manufacturers of the boxer brief include Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Jockey, Structure, Bonds, Yves St Laurent, Under Armour, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, Ralph Lauren, Baskit, Champion, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, BVD, Hollister Co. and California Muscle. Within the UK retailers of some of the aforementioned brands/manufacturers include KJ Beckett, Figleaves, Next and John Lewis.

[edit] Image Gallery

Several pairs of boxer briefs compared with looser boxer shorts.

A pair of black boxer briefs.

A man wearing a pair of Ben Sherman boxer briefs.

A teenager wearing a pair of blue Hanes boxer briefs.

A pair of blue boxer briefs.

An advertisment for Calvin Klein boxer briefs dispayed at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Hong Kong.

[edit] External links