by Brief History of Men’s Undergarments
In the early 19th century, men’s underwear consisted primarily of long underwear or union suits made of wool or flannel. These long johns kept the body warm but were bulky and uncomfortable. They were mostly worn by farmers and laborers. Upper-class urban men began to favor looser-fitting pieces like drawers and short pants made of lighter fabrics like linen or cotton. The rise of ready-to-wear clothing in the late 1800s made underwear more freely available and affordable to the masses.
The Rise of the Boxer Short
In the 1930s, Jockey International introduced the first mass-produced men’s briefs made of nylon. Known for their support and breathability, briefs quickly became the dominant style through mid-century. However, some men still preferred the roomier boxers. This loose-fitting short pajama-inspired design originated in the 1890s but didn’t gain mainstream popularity until the post-WWII period. As men’s casualwear embraced comfort over formality, boxers proliferated. By the 1970s, they surpassed briefs as America’s top-selling underwear cut.
The Athleisure Boom and Modern Trends
The Evolution of U.S. Men’s Underwear Styles in America .Comfort-focused sports-inspired brands like Champion gained popularity starting in the 1980s. Their moisture-wicking fabrics and elastic waistbands suited the active lifestyles of many Baby Boomers. Workout gear transcended the gym as everyday casualwear, fueling the rise of “athleisure.” Companies like Calvin Klein and Hanes incorporated performance fabrics into their mainstream men’s underwear lines. Today, the average American man owns about 10 pairs of undies, with briefs, boxer briefs, and boxers remaining the dominant silhouettes. Several newer styles have also emerged to meet evolving consumer preferences.
The Rise of the Hybrid Brief
In the 1990s, companies introduced hybrid boxer briefs to appeal to men seeking a compromise between support and freedom of movement. Tight-fitting in the leg but loose through the hip and thigh like boxers, the “boy brief” quickly won fans for its flattering fit and comfortable blend of coverage. Top brands like Calvin Klein, 2(x)ist, and SAXX popularized premium microfiber and performance fabrics in their boxer brief lines. Their price points are higher but appeal to image-conscious younger consumers and athletes alike. Today, boxer briefs are the fastest-growing segment in the $7 billion U.S. men’s underwear market.
The Wellness Movement’s Impact
In the past decade, the wellness movement has prompted new product innovations. To boost support and blood flow, brands offer compression options with graduated compression zones. More expensive high-tech fabrics tout temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and natural anti-odor properties. Organic cotton blends address sustainability concerns. Large retailers like Target and Kohl’s now allocate more shelf space to performance basics. Direct-to-consumer startups appeal to wellness-focused Gen Z and Millennials with transparent manufacturing and styling and fit recommendations based on body type. The U.S. Men’s Underwear Market is poised for continued evolution as health, comfort and individual expression take priority over convention.
Niche Styles Gain Ground
Less conventional silhouettes also find growing affinity groups. Thongs grant freedom of movement for athletically inclined men. Built-in pouches address body image issues. Gender-neutral options satisfy non-binary consumers. To appeal to these lifestyle niches, inclusive sizing from XXSmall to XXXLarge allows self-expression through fit. Bold prints and designer collaborations court fashion-forward customers. Although a small slice of total sales, niche styles signal wider acceptance of self-expression through underwear choices. Mainstream brands take note with new lines aimed at previously underserved demographics.
The Future of U.S. Men’s Underwear Market
Technological advances will continue nudging the industry. Performance fabrics integrated with silver-based odor resistance already appear. Cutting-edge brands incorporate phase-change materials and other innovations tested in pro sports. Subscription services offer curated monthly deliveries of basics personalized for fit and activities. Digital community’s crowd-source new designs and feedback. Augmented reality provides virtual try-ons to prevent returns. While nostalgia ensures classics like briefs and boxers hold steady, the emerging generation’s wellness focus and desire for individualized, convenient solutions set the stage for continued disruption. How men choose to dress—or undress—themselves says much about the evolving culture and priorities of the times.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
