Men’s Style Guide | Joining the Boxers vs. Briefs Debate… Sort Of

Since joining the menswear discussion, I (along with the rest of the Designer Swap team) have gotten a lot of questions from guys about rocking the ideal underwear. It turns out that underpants are items guys really want to read about. While that surprises me – no one is going to look at your underwear if they’re not happy with your outerwear – I can acknowledge the weirdness involved in trying to buy men’s underwear. It’s not as if there’s a La Senza or a Victoria’s Secret for men; that said, those stores generally have small sections dedicated to guys, but I am aware of how unlikely most men are to walk into a women’s lingerie store. So what you’re left with are boutiques you’re probably unaware of, and likely unwilling to go to, department stores, and chain stores with underwear sections.

Chain stores almost invariably sell baggy boxers with cheesy writing and images on them. Some stores are upping the ante lately and also selling boxer-briefs and undergarments in basic colours, but I question the quality and pricing on those. One exception is H&M – the David Beckham bodywear line has been getting great reviews.

If you’re a guy looking to get this underwear shopping stuff over with quickly and painlessly, I’d recommend hitting a department store. Department stores carry a variety of brands, so you can test the softness variation between Calvin Klein and Joe Boxer in one place. And there’s enough variety that I’m sure you’ll be able to find your ideal fit and colour. I’m actually kind of jealous of how easy this is for men. Check out Sears or Hudson’s Bay if you have an average salary or Holt Renfrew if you’re looking to spend more.

STYLE

I’ll be blunt: there is one acceptable style of undergarment for men over the age of 18, and it’s the boxer-brief. I really think the boxers vs. briefs debate is archaic at this point because the slim fit suits and jeans on the market today don’t cater to all that boxer fabric, and who wants to be shoving their underwear into their pants anyway? Boxers are also really unflattering – of you have chicken legs, boxers are going to make them look extra-tiny, and if you have thicker thighs you want to put something a little snugger on them. Does Kim Kardashian look better in a tight little number or a baggy outfit? Please.

Briefs are disturbing and recall old men showing way too much on the beach… or Walter White in a gas mask. Gross.

COLOUR & PATTERN

In terms of colour, basics are best: black, white, navy and grey are all safe bets. Patterns like stripes and checks are a good alternative to solid colours. I think bright colours and bold patterns are a matter of opinion when it comes to boxers(-briefs!), but I can definitely picture a girl being freaked out by an obnoxious shade…

Have any tips for men’s underwear? Let us know in the comments!

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