Data shows that the market size of men’s underwear is constantly increasing. In 2024, the global market size of men’s underwear will exceed 78 billion US dollars. Brands, retailers and buyers face many challenges. Consumers’ demand for products is becoming increasingly segmented, from daily basic models to sports functional models to sexy models. A single category can no longer meet the diversified market demand. It is understood that many merchants have accumulated inventory due to product positioning errors. As a manufacturer focusing on B-end customized men’s underwear, with 20 years of industry experience, we are very clear about the business logic that choosing the right category is equal to winning the market. Different styles of men’s underwear correspond to differentiated user needs and consumption scenarios.
This blog will provide you with an ultimate guide, introducing you to 8 different men’s underwear, and deeply analyzing their design logic, target customer groups, etc.
What types of men’s underwear are there?
There are so many styles of men’s underwear, which must be very distressing for you. Next, we will introduce 8 types of men’s underwear to you, so that you can understand the differences between different underwear and clearly understand the consumption scenarios corresponding to different styles, laying the foundation for your subsequent construction of differentiated products.
Boxer Briefs
The most classic underwear is the boxer briefs, a men’s underwear that combines the characteristics of Boxer and Briefs. Originated in 1982, Calvin Klein launched a boxer brief called Boxer Brief, and this innovative design quickly became one of the popular styles.
Boxer Briefs usually adopt a boxer design, with the waist below the navel and longer trouser legs, which can well cover the thigh roots. This design not only provides enough space for movement and comfort, but also reduces the pressure on the thigh roots, allowing the wearer to stay comfortable during long activities.
Boxer Briefs are more fitted in terms of leg length and waist design, providing better support and wrapping. This design makes Boxer Briefs suitable for both daily wear and light exercise.
The target population and scenarios are relatively broad, including urban white-collar workers and daily multi-scenario.
Briefs
Briefs are a short, tight-fitting style of underwear. Briefs are usually in a “Y” shape or inverted triangle design, with no leg section and short crotch that sits at the base of the thigh. This cut can highlight the wearer’s thigh muscles well, but due to the tight design, some wearers may feel tightness in the inner thigh area, especially in the inner thigh area. Wearing for a long time may cause slight scratches on the inner thigh.
Target group: Basic needs, sports base
Boxer
Boxer are also known as boxer shorts. Boxer briefs are widely popular for their loose design and breathability.
The design of boxing shorts is inspired by the actual combat needs of boxers. Its loose cut, elastic waist and breathable fabric are designed to adapt to high-intensity sports. The designer combines the tough lines of traditional boxing shorts with feminine details, such as side drawstrings and retro button plackets, which not only retains the sense of sportiness but also adds a touch of playfulness. At the same time, it also has strong matching plasticity and can be matched with a variety of clothing such as suit jackets, short vests, Martin boots, etc. to form different styles.
Whether it is boxing shorts as sports equipment or boxing briefs as daily underwear, they have won the favor of consumers with their unique design and practicality.
Target group: home leisure, elderly group
JockStrap
The most notable feature of JockStrap underwear is the double-strap design on the back hip, which not only provides adequate support but also increases the stability of wearing. The pouch part usually adopts an openable upper opening design, which is spacious and elastic, providing good comfort and freedom for the wearer.
Jockstrap underwear is very suitable for sports. Originated in the 19th century, it was invented by Bennett for cycling to help them protect sensitive parts when riding on rough roads. With the popularity of cycling, JockStrap soon became the standard for professional cyclists and gradually expanded to other sports.
Target group: Athletes, high-intensity sports
Thong
T-backs are cut in a T-shape, covering the genital area in the front, with only a thin strip of fabric covering the anal area in the back, passing between the legs and connecting to the front, shaped like a “丁”. This design feature allows the edge of the underwear to fit the body more closely, forming a seamless state, and avoiding leaving marks under tight clothing.
Target audience: LGBTQ, fashionable men
Long Underwear
Long Underwear, also commonly known as autumn johns or thermal underwear, is an indispensable warming equipment for men in cold winter or cold regions. The close-fitting design can closely fit the body curve, reduce air flow, and thus improve the thermal insulation performance. It is recommended to choose the appropriate material according to personal needs and climate conditions.
Target group: Ski enthusiasts, outdoor workers
Trunks
Trunks are usually designed with boxer briefs, but they are cut to fit closer and tighter than regular boxer briefs. This design allows the briefs to better fit the body curves, reducing friction and discomfort during exercise. Compared to other types of briefs, such as briefs or boxer briefs, Trunks are moderately long, neither too short to be revealing nor too long to affect the wearing experience.
Target group: young trendsetters, affordable luxury brands
Sexy Underwear
Men’s sexy underwear is a specially designed pair of underwear, usually with some special designs, see-through or lace styles, which can vaguely reveal the skin, adding mystery and sexiness. Men’s sexy underwear is more suitable for wearing in private occasions, such as spending sweet time with your partner, which can add interest and romance.
Target group: Sex market, couple gifts
Boxers and briefs account for the largest share, accounting for half of the market. These two types of underwear are the most common and suitable for a variety of daily scenarios, so they are also the most popular among customers. We can upgrade the fabric on the original basis, using lighter and more comfortable fabrics to improve the user’s comfort, thereby increasing the repurchase rate.
Conclusion
With the development of society, people’s needs are constantly rising. Consumers are no longer limited to basic styles, and have the need to wear clothes in multiple scenarios. This article introduces 8 different men’s underwear to let everyone understand the design logic and target customer groups of different styles, revealing a key fact: accurately matching consumer needs is the core of buyers to build competitiveness.
