Underpants (often abbreviated to pants in Britain[1]) is a term that in British English refers to men's underwear worn on the lower body. The term is gender neutral in American English.[2]
Main article: Boxer shorts |
Boxer shorts, boxers, or trunks (Britain),[3] have an elasticated waistband that is at or near the wearer's waist, while the leg sections are fairly loose and extend to the mid-thigh. There is usually a fly, either with or without buttons. The waistbands of boxers are usually wider than those of the various types of briefs, and often bear the brand name of the manufacturer.
Main article: Boxer briefs |
Boxer briefs are similar in style to boxer shorts, but are form-fitting like classic briefs. Like briefs they often utilize a fly.
Sometimes boxer briefs are called trunks (Britain),[4] but see next section.
Main article: Boxer briefs |
Midway briefs are similar in style to boxer briefs, but are longer in the leg, at the longest being up to the knees.
Main article: Trunks (clothing) |
Trunk briefs, also known as simply trunks, are shorter than boxer briefs but still have leg sections, unlike briefs.[5]
Main article: Briefs |
Classic briefs have an elasticated waistband at or near the wearer's waist, and leg bands that end at or near the groin. Many briefs feature a fly. They also come in ultra-absorbent varieties.
Main article: Bikini |
Bikini briefs are a variation on briefs that have less coverage; though typically full coverage of the derrière. Conventionally, they have no fly.
Main article: Thong |
Thongs are like bikini briefs, except the backside is very narrow and goes between the buttocks.
Main article: Panties |
“Panties” is a general term for female underpants. The UK English equivalent is “knickers.”
Main article: Diapers |
Diapers are a type of underwear worn by young children and those suffering from incontinence. Unlike other briefs diapers allow the wearer to urinate or defecate without soiling their surroundings. These can be either reusable or disposable.
Main article: Undergarment § History |