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What are Boxer Shorts?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Boxer shorts, or boxers, are common terms for loose-fitting men’s underwear secured by elastic. So named because their resemblance to the shorts worn by athletic boxers, boxer shorts allow freedom of movement and comfortability. 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, shortages in buttons, snaps, and leather lead to a greater production of boxer shorts, as they used none of these materials and were made out of easily accessible fabric. The garment’s popularity grew, advertised for its comparative comfort and relaxed style.

Boxer shorts are loose-fitting men's underwear.
Boxer shorts are loose-fitting men's underwear.

Boxers are generally 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. Since the 1960s, patterned boxers have been available in nearly every design imaginably, from martini glasses to moose.

Wearing tight underwear and pants may lead to a low sperm count.
Wearing tight underwear and pants may lead to a low sperm count.

The popularity of the boxers may have something to do with a popular urban legend suggesting that tight underwear can lead to reduced sperm count. Whether this is good science or not has never really been determined, but it remains a popular concept. Some proponents of the theory suggest that increased temperatures can lower sperm production, and snugger underwear can raise body temperature levels.

Boxer shorts are named for the type of garments worn by prizefighters.
Boxer shorts are named for the type of garments worn by prizefighters.

Boxer shorts are considered casual wear by fashion experts, and have become an important part of skater punk and grunge fashion styles. For this trend, usually seen on teenage boys, oversized pants are worn extremely low on the hips, allowing the boxers to be exposed. Generally, the more flashy the print of the boxers, the more successful the outfit. Many schools consider this trend indecent, however, and have banned youths from displaying their underwear in any way.

It has been suggested that increased temperatures can lower sperm production.
It has been suggested that increased temperatures can lower sperm production.

Modern incarnations of the boxer shorts include the popular boxer brief, which resembles the shorts in length but is usually much tighter. Many women’s short pajama bottoms are also called boxers. Running shorts for both genders may be referred to as boxer-style shorts.

Boxer shorts range 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 name brand boxer in silk or satin can be considerably more expensive, usually around $20-$30 USD. Men’s boxer shorts make great lounge wear for men or women, and look to continue their extreme popularity throughout the 21st century.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a BeautyAnswered writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a BeautyAnswered writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon948397

I wear boxer briefs and shorts both and both of them are comfortable. It is matter how you feel in both. Sunspel boxer shorts are amazing and their fit is also good. I have tried a lot of brands, from Calvin Klein to Tommy, but Suspel is just what I believe is made for me. I always bought it online from Boutique 1 online store. The price is no more than AED 170.

Ruggercat68

I think novelty boxer shorts replaced neckties as the "go to" present from wives to husbands. I don't wear boxer shorts all the time, but I think they do feel better under business or formal wear. When the Joe Boxer shorts came out, my wife bought me several pairs as a gag gift. I actually thought they were very comfortable. I'm not crazy about silk boxer shorts myself, but I can see why some men would wear them.

AnswerMan

I realize nobody asked, but I prefer boxer briefs to boxer shorts. When I was growing up, boys' underwear was usually in the style we called "tighty whiteys". Only grown-up men wore boxers. One reason was that the boxers were usually worn with a supportive jockstrap. Wearing boxers without a jockstrap could lead to some painful pulls and strains. I never saw the point in wearing such unsupportive underwear.

Boxer briefs, on the other hand, offer the non-restrictive feel of boxer shorts, but still have some supportive qualities. If I had to answer the door wearing boxer briefs, I wouldn't feel as exposed as I do in men's boxer shorts. Boxer briefs look more like athletic wear than boxer shorts do.

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    • Boxer shorts are loose-fitting men's underwear.
      By: Jiri Hera
      Boxer shorts are loose-fitting men's underwear.
    • Wearing tight underwear and pants may lead to a low sperm count.
      By: auremar
      Wearing tight underwear and pants may lead to a low sperm count.
    • Boxer shorts are named for the type of garments worn by prizefighters.
      By: Tadija Savic
      Boxer shorts are named for the type of garments worn by prizefighters.
    • It has been suggested that increased temperatures can lower sperm production.
      By: drubig-photo
      It has been suggested that increased temperatures can lower sperm production.