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Types of Underwear Explained

How to choose the right underwear

Find Your Perfect Pair

Underwear isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different styles are designed for different levels of comfort, coverage and how they sit and fit under your clothes.

From boxer shorts and trunks to briefs and thongs, understanding the differences makes it easier to build an underwear drawer that actually works for your day-to-day routine.

Shop:

Men's Underwear Styles

Find the right fit for you

Boxer Shorts

Longer Length, Reliable Fit.

Boxer shorts are one of the most popular men's underwear styles. They offer a closer fit with a longer leg, making them comfortable for everyday wear.

They’re often chosen for their breathability, supportive fit and freedom of movement throughout the day.

For more coverage with bamboo softness, start with Men's Bamboo Boxer Shorts.
If you prefer a classic, no-fuss look, Plain Bamboo Boxers keep it simple.

Trunks

Shorter leg, supportive fit.

Trunks are a shorter, more fitted alternative to boxer shorts. They sit higher on the leg and provide a close fit while still offering comfort and support.

Trunks are often preferred for everyday wear because they work well under most trousers and jeans.

For a close, supportive fit with bamboo softness, start with Men’s Bamboo Trunks

Available in plain, striped and Bright Bamboo Trunks options.

Briefs

Supportive fit, no leg.

Briefs are a classic, close-fitting style with no leg coverage. They sit securely on the waist and provide full support through the front while allowing complete freedom of movement.

Briefs are often chosen for everyday wear, sports and wearing under slimmer trousers, as they stay in place and don’t bunch under clothing. Commonly available with and without Y-front fly openings.

Shop:

Men's Underwear

Sports Underwear

Breathable, moisture wicking gym underwear.

Men’s sports underwear built for performance, comfort and all-day wear. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you cool, dry and supported during training, work or everyday use.

Bamboo underwear is an ideal option for sports and gym sessions due to being lightweight, stretchy and breathable.

Shop:

Men’s Bamboo Underwear

Choosing the Best Option

Find the best style for your needs

Boxers vs Trunks

Key differences.

Boxer shorts and trunks are similar, but the fit changes how they feel and perform throughout the day.

Boxer Shorts

  • Longer leg length
  • Keyhole fly opening
  • Greater coverage

Trunks

  • Shorter leg length
  • Closer, more supportive fit
  • Less fabric on the leg

If you prefer a longer leg length, go for boxers. If you want something more fitted, trunks tend to work better

Browse: Men's Boxer Shorts or Men's Bamboo Trunks

Trunks vs Briefs

Minimal vs covered fit.

Men's Briefs and trunks both offer a close fit, but differ in coverage and feel.

Briefs

  • No leg coverage
  • Lightweight, minimal feel
  • Close, supportive fit

Trunks

  • Short leg coverage
  • Similar support with more coverage
  • More versatile for everyday wear

Briefs suit those who prefer minimal fabric, working well for support during activities, while trunks offer a balance between support and comfort.

Shop: Men’s Trunks

Keyhole vs No-Keyhole Fit

Keyhole and non-keyhole underwear offer different levels of support, airflow and comfort.

Keyhole Underwear

  • Functional front opening for convenience
  • Roomier fit for better airflow and breathability
  • Usually feature longer leg for extra coverage
  • Ideal for everyday comfort

Non-Keyhole Underwear

  • Closed front for a cleaner design
  • Closer fit with more support
  • Stays in place with less movement
  • Better for slim fits and active wear

Choose keyhole for airflow and easy opening, or non-keyhole for a more secure, supportive fit.

Shop: Men's Underwear

Women's Underwear Styles

Fuller coverage, higher legs or no VPL

High Waist Briefs

Supportive fit, fuller coverage.

High waist briefs offer full coverage with a secure, supportive fit that sits higher on the waist for a smooth, flattering feel. Designed to stay in place, they provide all-day comfort without digging in or rolling down.

Many people choose high waist briefs for their combination of coverage, support and confidence — ideal for everyday wear they provide the most traditional fit.

For everyday comfort and fuller coverage, start with Women's Bamboo Underwear.
If you prefer a low-rise fit, Women's Bamboo Bikini Briefs are a good alternative.

Mid Briefs

Comfortable, fuller coverage.

Mid briefs are a classic underwear option, offering fuller coverage for a secure, comfortable fit. Designed to sit neatly on the hips, they’re easy to wear day-to-day.

Many people prefer mid briefs because they combine comfort, coverage and practicality.

For more coverage, start with Women's Bamboo Mid Briefs.
If you prefer a smooth, no VPL finish, Women's Bamboo Thongs are an ideal option.

Bikini Briefs

Lower rise, lighter fit.

Bikini briefs are a lighter, lower-rise underwear style designed to sit lower on the hips. They offer a balance of comfort and a more minimal fit compared with fuller, mid brief styles.

Bikini briefs are often chosen for everyday wear and work well under a wide range of clothing.

Browse:

Women's Bamboo Bikini Briefs

Thongs

Minimal coverage, no VPL.

Thongs are designed for minimal coverage and a smooth, no VPL finish under fitted clothing. Ideal for reducing visible lines under tighter outfits or activewear, thongs make the perfect underwear for gym workouts and nights out.

For a no VPL finish, start with Women's Bamboo Thongs.
If you're looking for a bit more coverage, Bamboo Bikini Briefs provide a low-rise, secure fit.

Choosing Underwear by Material

Right fabric, right feel

Bamboo Underwear

Bamboo underwear is known for its softness, breathability and natural antibacterial properties. The moisture-wicking fabric feels ultra-soft against skin and keeps you feeling fresher throughout the day.

A strong everyday option if comfort is your priority. Learn more in our Bamboo Underwear Guide.

Browse all Men’s Bamboo Underwear or Women’s Bamboo Underwear here.

 

Cotton Underwear

A classic choice — soft, breathable and reliable. An everyday underwear staple.

Cotton underwear is ideal for daily wear and easy rotation, offering a natural feel against the skin with good airflow and all-day comfort. It strikes a strong balance between durability and value, making it a go-to option for everyday use.

Shop:

Men’s Cotton Underwear

How to Build Your Underwear Rotation

Mix, match and save

Choosing by Use

The best underwear depends on how you wear it:

  • Everyday comfort: Boxer shorts, trunks, mid briefs
  • Tight or fitted outfits: Trunks, bikini briefs, thongs
  • Minimal coverage: Briefs or thongs
  • More coverage: Boxer shorts or mid briefs

Most people rotate between a few different styles rather than relying on just one.

How Many Pairs Do You Need?

Underwear is worn and washed constantly, so having enough pairs in rotation makes a noticeable difference.

A simple setup:

  • Daily wear: 7–10 pairs
  • Gym / active use: 3–5 pairs
  • Extra buffer: 2–3 pairs

This gives you enough coverage for a full week, plus extras when needed.

Most customers build this out with 2–3 multipacks rather than buying single pairs.

Stock Up and Save

Underwear works hard overtime, so a solid but reliable line-up goes a long way.

Keep things simple — rotate underwear regularly, ditch tired pairs, keep a mix of styles on hand and refresh with Spairs every few months.

Multipacks make this easy - helping you stay stocked up while reducing cost per pack.

Shop Men's Underwear Multipacks
Shop Women's Underwear Multipacks

Upgrading your socks rotation as well? Check out our Socks Types Guide.

Why Multipacks Work

Buying underwear in multipacks isn’t just convenient — it makes more sense long-term:

  • Lower cost per pair
  • Fewer repeat purchases
  • Easier to manage your drawer
  • Consistent fit across your rotation

Spairs focuses on multipacks to make everyday essentials simpler, more reliable and better value.

Explore our range of Men’s Socks and Women’s Socks to start building your rotation.

1. CHOOSE →

Start with your first pack

2. ADD →

Another pack (or two)

3. UNLOCK →

10% Multibuy saving

4. STOCK UP

More pairs, lower price

Not Sure What to Choose?

Browse our Socks And Essentials Hub for helpful guides on socks, underwear, materials and multipacks.

Underwear FAQs

For most people, trunks (men) and mid briefs (women) are the best everyday options. They offer a balance of comfort, support and coverage that works across different outfits.

Shop Stretch Fit Bamboo TrunksCotton Trunks and Women's Breathable Bamboo Briefs and explore different fits.

Boxer shorts have a longer leg and a keyhole fly, while trunks are shorter and more fitted. Trunks provide more support, while boxers prioritise comfort and coverage.

Shop Men's Bamboo Underwear and compare boxer and trunk fits.

A typical rotation includes 7–10 everyday pairs, plus extras for gym use and backup. Most people build this using 2–3 multipacks.

Don't forget comfort up-top. Shop all Women's Bamboo T-shirts and Men's Bamboo T-shirts and stock up with sensible 2 packs.

Trunks are generally more versatile, offering support with added coverage. Briefs are better if you prefer a minimal, no-leg design.

For tighter outfits, choose trunks, bikini briefs or thongs. These sit closer to the body and help reduce visible lines.

Explore Bamboo Trunks, Bamboo Bikini Briefs and No VPL Bamboo Thongs.

Yes - multipacks reduce the cost per pair, make it easier to maintain a full rotation and save you from frequent repeat purchases.

Browse the full ranges of Men's Underwear, Men's Bamboo Underwear and Women's Bamboo Underwear multipacks.