How to Wear Boxers

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

So, you want to switch to boxers? There are many reasons this can be a good idea. And remember that underwear is the foundation of style. What you wear underneath really can matter. If you're trying to have a baby, boxers are a great idea. Anyone can wear boxers, just put dome on! If you want further information, read on from step number one below.

Things You Should Know

Pick a style you prefer in a comfortable fabric, from boxer briefs to boxer shorts or trunks. Pick a color you like, too!
Boxers can be great for sex appeal, or simply show off your personality. Follow underwear etiquette by changing often and throwing out old, damaged boxers.
Boxers also improve testicular health and may increase fertility. However, wear other underwear when you need the extra support, like while working out.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Picking the Right Boxers

1
Pick your style of boxers. You might want to try boxer briefs. This is a middle road compromise. These are basically briefs with legs.
- Boxers can seem more professional than briefs, but boxer briefs emulate some of the positives of boxers.
- Thus, they mirror the style of boxers while showing off your shape. Because they extend down your thigh, they will prevent chafing.^{[1]
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2
Wear boxers to hide your flaws. Men who are less body confident might prefer boxers because they can hide more imperfections.
- Let’s be blunt. If you’ve got a beer belly (or the start of one) or a sagging scrotum (hey, we’re all going to get old), boxers are probably the way to go. They hide more.
- Think of tight briefs as the equivalent of a Speedo swimming suit. No one really wants to see a man in poor physical shape in a Speedo. Frankly, some women don’t want to see a man of any age in a Speedo.^{[2]
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3
Choose the fabric. Boxers are great because they come in different fabrics, whereas briefs might be a bit more limited in choices.
- For example, you can choose silk boxers, cotton or synthetic blend. Silk will send signals of class, wealth, and professionalism.
- You may want to vary the fabric depending on whether you’re going to work, attending an event, or hanging out on the couch for the weekend.
4
Consider color. The great thing about boxers is that they come in different colors. Avoid white unless you want to spend more money because they won’t last as long.^{[3]
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- Remember that the sizing can be different for European versus American brands. Make sure you size the boxers right. If you wear boxers that are too big, they could bunch up and look unsightly.
- Boxers come in colored waistbands especially if you’re into the look where they show a little at the top of the jeans. Be aware that this look can seem unprofessional to some people.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Wearing Boxers for Sex Appeal

1
Attract your significant other by wearing boxers. Maybe you think that women (or men) will prefer you in briefs. After all, they’re tighter, right? This makes you think they will show a person what you’ve “got.”
- Wrong. Studies have shown that women, in particular, prefer boxers. There’s something to be said for a little mystery, and briefs can seem too casual and obvious.^{[4]
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- Think about it. How good is it really going to look if you take off a nice suit to reveal tighty-whities underneath? Not great. Boxers come in different patterns and colors, so they can seem more professional.
2
Use boxers to show your personality. Boxers are great because they can highlight a certain vibe you’re trying to create.
- Some men use boxers to show their creative streaks. Others choose humorous boxers that are a play on favorite TV shows. Boxers, thus, make a statement that briefs can not do.
- Yet, other men choose professional patterns that show their maturity and class. Which boxers you choose tells your significant other a lot about you. Let’s be honest. You can’t get many pictures or patterns on a pair of briefs.
3
Follow underwear etiquette. Yes, your underwear can tell a person a lot about you. There is such a thing as underwear manners.
- Old underwear should be tossed out. If underwear is graying, ripped, or otherwise gross, get rid of it. Some experts think you should throw away your underwear every month.^{[5]
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- Change your underwear every day and maybe even more if you work out a lot or are in an environment where you are sweating profusely.
- Have fun with your underwear. Switch it up. You don’t have to wear only briefs or boxers. You can mix and match on different days. Surprise your significant other!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Wearing Boxers to Increase Fertility

1
Wear boxers for medical benefits. Try boxers, not briefs, if you're looking to improve testicular health. Some studies have found that men who wear boxers are healthier. Men who don't want to compromise their fertility may increase their chances by switching to boxers.
- The research shows that boxers can positively affect sperm quality. The reason for this is because tight, constrictive underwear can increase the temperature of the testicles, which may lead to poorer quality sperm.
- Even better yet, wear boxers during the day, and then wear nothing at night. One study found doing so led to lower levels of damaged DNA in sperm.^{[6]
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2
Use boxers to increase fertility. If you want to really increase your fertility, though, you need to remember that it takes 10 to 11 weeks for sperm to be produced. ^{[7]
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- Thus, it’s not going to work if you change to boxer shorts the night before you want to get a woman pregnant. This needs to be a longer term strategy.^{[8]
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- Because the key is reducing heat around the testicles, you should also stay away from saunas and hot tubs. If you sit for long periods of time or play a lot of sports, try not to wear tight clothes.
3
Make sure you have enough support. Make sure you take into consideration the need for support. Boxers are not going to be a great idea when you are working out.
- Boxers are for those moments when support is not an issue. Consider: A date in which you take your significant other to dinner, wearing boxers under a suit at an event or everyday at work.
- Some people prefer to go commando. Not only will this provide you no support at all, but it will offend some people if they can tell through your clothes somehow. Only go commando when you’re sleeping at night.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I choose the right boxers?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer
Question

Which boxers will look best with my body type?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer

If you're on the thinner side or have wide hips, I would recommend boxer briefs. If you have a larger stomach or are more muscular, I would recommend regular boxers.
Question

Can boxers be worn with no underwear when playing sports?

Community Answer

Boxers are underwear, not shorts.