What Are the Different Types and Fits of Men's Underwear?

We pride ourselves on being underwear experts and put together a guide to help you find your perfect partner.

Underwear should comfortably feel like a second skin, so it's important to find the right fit and style for you - as no man should be constantly having to readjust.

Boxers

Designed for a generous fit, boxers are a very popular underwear type thanks to their relaxed shape. They're ideal if you wear loose trousers for the ultimate lazy Sunday comfort. But, avoid wearing anything too tight with boxers as the fabric can start to bunch, which will show through your clothing - and no one wants to have bunched-up underwear on display. 

If you're worried about boxers being a little outdated, our modern-fit boxer shorts are designed for a slimmer, more contemporary fit for long-lasting comfort and style.

Fun fact: this classic underwear style is so named because they resemble the shorts worn by boxers.

Boxer Briefs

Boxer briefs are a modern variation of boxer shorts, often made from a stretchier fabric, like micro modal or soft Pima cotton and have a fitted cut, providing support where it matters most. This underwear style is a go-to for many as the higher waist and upper thigh coverage makes them comfortable and flattering.

The beauty of Derek Rose boxer briefs is that they feature thermostatic properties within the micro modal fibres. This means they’ll react to any changes and temperature and help to regulate your body heat, making them ideal for day-to-day wear all year-round. With ultra-fine threads and a fabric lining on the inside of the waistband, you’re also guaranteed uninterrupted softness.

Briefs

Designed to feel like a second skin, briefs ensure luxurious all-day comfort. With the leg holes of briefs curving up toward the top of the thigh, there's no risk of bunching. While there is vastly less fabric than boxers or boxer briefs, you can still expect plenty of support.

Trunks

Trunks offer the best of boxers, boxer briefs and briefs all in one. Supportive and able to keep everything in place, a shorter leg for flexibility, no uncomfortable bunching, and sits lower on the hips. What more could you want in your underwear? Trunks are becoming increasingly fashionable and are often more body-hugging.

What to Look for When Buying Underwear

When it comes to buying the right type of underwear, here's what you should look out for:

Material

Pay close attention to what material your underwear is made from, as this can make or break how comfortable they are. Cotton is the most common fabric as it's lightweight, breathable, soft and will keep you comfortable no matter the weather. Silk is also a luxuriously lightweight material, and there's no finer experience than silk underwear. And, of course, micro modal is as breathable as cotton and as soft as silk, making it the perfect material for underwear whether you have an active or relaxed lifestyle.

Support and Fit

The support and fit of your underwear are down to personal preference. You may find boxers the most comfortable due to their roomy and relaxed fit, or you may lean more towards briefs' support and higher-leg design. 

Top tip: you'll also want to test the elasticity of the waistband and decide whether you prefer high-rise or low-rise underwear. 

Style

Ideally, you'll have plenty of different types of underwear to suit your lifestyle. From traditional boxers for relaxed days at home, boxer briefs for everyday activities such as going to the office, running errands or hitting the gym, to briefs for when you want to have a little more support. 

We know some of you are devoted fans of a particular fit and style that you know will never let you down. Underwear is a personal choice, so wear whichever style you feel is most comfortable.

Colours

Underwear comes in a variety of colours, from classic black, white and grey to bolder patterns and vibrant hues. You can't go wrong with any. If you’re wearing a neutral outfit and want to add an element of fun that only you know about, you can choose to wear bright coloured underwear or a bold pattern. If you're wearing white linen trousers for a beach dining experience, then a pair of matching white underwear will be best. Or, if you want to keep it simple and fuss-free, black or grey underwear will be your best friend.

Underwear is a personal choice and the type you wear can make a big difference in how you feel and move for the rest of the day, so hopefully our tips can help you choose the right style and fit for you.

Explore our range of men's underwear, fusing classic styles with sumptuous fabrics for the best underwear you'll ever experience.