The concept of men's underwear began to take shape in the 1930s when the first briefs (Y-front or triangular-shaped) were launched in Chicago, USA. The brand behind this innovation, Jockey, remains a well-known name among Vietnamese men today. When Jockey debuted, their briefs were so popular that 30,000 pairs flew off the shelves within just three months.
In those early days, Jockey reigned supreme in the market, and underwear served primarily as a protective garment for the "family jewels." Fast forward to today, and the world of underwear has expanded significantly, with countless brands offering an array of styles and colors. A good pair of underwear should primarily be made of cotton, with a bit of elastic fiber added for comfort. Here are the essential styles to consider for different needs and outerwear:
Briefs
Commonly referred to as Y-fronts, briefs have remained largely unchanged since Jockey’s original design. However, modern briefs feature a lower waistband that suits low-rise jeans and khakis, contrasting with the higher waistbands of the past.
Manufacturing briefs is straightforward and requires fewer materials, making them the most affordable option among underwear types. Briefs are ideal for men with smaller frames or slender builds and pair well with skinny or slim jeans.
Boxers
Boxers are the most loose-fitting and comfortable type of underwear. Think of them as shorts for your nether regions. Typically featuring an elastic waistband, boxers are made from simple cotton fabric without elastic fibers, ensuring breathability.
These are perfect for those who prefer not to show their waistbands. However, they can bunch up uncomfortably under tight pants. If you lean towards looser clothing, boxers are a great choice, and they also double as sleepwear.
Boxer Briefs
As the name suggests, boxer briefs combine the best of both briefs and boxers. They have short legs like boxers but fit snugly like briefs. This versatile style suits most body types and works well for active individuals.
Boxer briefs require more elastic materials such as Lycra or elastane to maintain their snug fit. They can be paired with almost anything except shorts.
Trunks
Trunks are longer than briefs but shorter than boxer briefs, fitting snugly thanks to their higher elastic content. Essentially, they are a more mature and sophisticated shorter version of boxer briefs.
Choosing the Right Underwear
When it comes to selecting underwear, comfort should take precedence over style. The key is to feel "at ease" when wearing them; design preference is a personal choice.
If you frequently wear tight-fitting clothes, especially those made from thin fabrics, pay special attention to your underwear. No one wants their underwear lines to peek through, so lightweight, thin, and seamless options are ideal.
Once you hit your twenties, it’s best to steer clear of underwear with cartoon characters, superheroes, or other juvenile prints.
While fashionable waistbands may be tempting, avoid showcasing them excessively.
Products from famous brands often come with a hefty price tag, much of which is for the brand name itself. Focus instead on the quality of the fabric, durability, and elasticity of the waistband.
Limit underwear with high synthetic fiber content, as they can feel hot and stuffy. Cotton with a bit of stretch is perfect for comfort.
If you want to keep your underwear looking clean, white is not the best choice.
And remember: underwear should be washed daily!
It’s better to buy fewer pairs but replace them regularly, ensuring you’re never left with old, stretched-out options. Aim for a "shelf life" of about three months for each pair.
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