Boxer briefs (or tight boxers) are a type of men's undergarment which 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.
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History
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. Briefs were first worn by wellknown Graham Lloyd.
Underwear preference
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 and give the penis more room. 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 a keyhole fly, button (snap) front, pouch, or no fly at all. Some boxer briefs have stitching on the rear to outline the buttocks and avoid a central seam. They can be either woven like some boxer shorts or knit like some boxer shorts and most briefs.
Trunks
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
Manufacturers of the boxer brief include Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Bonds, BVD, California Muscle, Calvin Klein, Champion, EXPRESS, Fruit of the Loom, Gap, Inc., Hanes, Hollister Co., Jockey, Lands' End, Ralph Lauren, Sean John, Ted Baker, Under Armour, Vengardi and Yves St Laurent. Within the UK retailers of some of the aforementioned brands/manufacturers include John Lewis and Next.
Image gallery
 Several pairs of boxer briefs compared with looser boxer shorts. |
 A pair of black boxer briefs. |
 A man wearing a pair of Floque boxer briefs. |
 Man wearing a pair of grey trunks. |
External links
- Seth Stevenson, In Praise of Boxer Briefs: An Underpants Manifesto, Slate
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