Boxers are loose men’s underwear named for their resemblance to the shorts worn by sports boxers. They are made of soft fabric and are available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Briefs are considered casual wear and have become an important part of skater punk and grunge styles. The popularity of boxers may have something to do with a popular urban legend that suggests tight underwear can lower sperm count.
Boxer briefs, or boxers, are common terms for men’s baggy underwear secured by elastic. Named for their resemblance to the shorts worn by sports boxers, shorts allow for freedom of movement and comfort. Boxers are available in a wide variety of patterns and colors, and are even worn partially exposed in some fashion trends.
In the late 1920s, elastic banded trunks were originally designed for use by boxers, moving away from traditional belted styles. During World War II, a shortage of buttons, snaps, and leather led to increased production of underpants, since they used none of these materials and were made of easily accessible fabric. The garment’s popularity grew, heralded for its comparative comfort and laid-back style.
Boxers are usually made of soft fabric, such as flannel, cotton, jersey, or silk. They are designed to sit comfortably on the lower hips and end at the mid-thigh. Most boxers have a front fly that may be open or have small buttons or snaps on it. Since the 1960s, patterned boxers have been available in almost every design imaginable, from martini glasses to moose.
The popularity of boxers may have something to do with a popular urban legend that suggests tight underwear can lower sperm count. Whether or not this is good science has never been determined, but it remains a popular concept. Some proponents of the theory suggest that increased temperature may decrease sperm production, and tight underwear may raise body temperature levels.
Briefs are considered casual wear by fashion insiders, and have become an important part of skater punk and grunge styles. For this trend, which is usually seen in teenagers, oversized pants are worn extremely low on the hips, allowing boxers to be exposed. In general, the more striking the pattern on the boxers, the more successful the outfit will be. However, many schools consider this trend indecent, and have prohibited young people from showing their underwear in any way.
Modern incarnations of boxer briefs include the popular boxer brief, which resembles the length of boxer shorts but is generally much tighter. Many pajama shorts are also called boxers. Running shorts for both genders can be referred to as boxer-style shorts.
Briefs vary in price depending on the manufacturer and material. For a simple pair of cotton boxers, expect to pay between $5-$10 US dollars (USD). A brand name boxer in silk or satin can be considerably more expensive, usually around $20-$30 USD. Men’s briefs are a great piece of clothing for men or women, looking to continue their extreme popularity well into the 21st century.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
