The main difference between briefs, trunks and boxer briefs is leg length. Briefs have no leg and sit high on the thigh, trunks have a short leg that stops at the top of the thigh, and boxer briefs have a slightly longer leg that covers more of it. Choose briefs for freedom of movement, trunks for a clean everyday look, and boxer briefs if you want more coverage and less rubbing between the thighs.
All three cuts give you support. The right one depends on your body, your trousers and what your day looks like. Here's how to decide.
Briefs: minimal fabric, maximum freedom
Briefs are the classic cut: a waistband, a front pouch and leg openings that sit up at the hip crease. There's no fabric on the thigh at all.
- Best for: hot days, slim trousers, sport, and anyone who dislikes fabric on the legs.
- Feels like: light and unrestricted, with good support from the pouch.
- Watch out for: leg openings that pinch. If they do, you likely need a size up.
Our Men's Low Rise Briefs are made from a soft, stretchy fabric with a high leg cut and a contoured pouch, in sizes S to XXL.
Trunks: the clean, modern everyday cut
Trunks sit between briefs and boxer briefs. They have a short leg that ends at the top of the thigh, giving a square, tailored shape that looks neat under jeans and chinos.
- Best for: everyday wear, office days and slim-fit trousers.
- Feels like: secure and smooth, with a little more coverage than briefs.
- Watch out for: legs that roll up. A good trunk stays flat when you walk and sit.
Our Silky Trunks are made from smooth ice silk with a stretchy waistband that doesn't bind, leg openings designed not to ride up and a U-shaped pouch. The Ice Silk Trunks use soft modal with flat seams, mesh panels and a 3D contour pouch.
Boxer briefs: more coverage, less rubbing
Boxer briefs have the longest leg of the three. The extra fabric covers more of the thigh, which helps stop skin rubbing against skin when you walk a lot.
- Best for: long days on your feet, athletic thighs and anyone who wants more coverage.
- Feels like: supportive and secure, like a second layer.
- Watch out for: heat. In summer, choose a breathable fabric such as mesh.
A note on names: many brands use "trunks" and "boxer briefs" loosely, and some shorter boxer briefs are really trunks. Always look at the product photos to see where the leg ends.
Side-by-side comparison
| Briefs | Trunks | Boxer briefs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg length | None | Short | Short to medium |
| Coverage | Low | Medium | High |
| Freedom of movement | Highest | High | Good |
| Under slim trousers | Very good | Very good | Good |
| Thigh rubbing | No protection | Some | Most |
| Great for | Heat, sport, minimal feel | Everyday, office | Long days, active thighs |
How to choose: four quick questions
- Do your thighs touch when you walk? Go for boxer briefs or trunks.
- Do you wear slim or tapered trousers? Trunks and briefs give the smoothest line.
- Do you get warm easily? Briefs, or any cut in mesh or ice silk.
- Want one style for everything? Trunks are the most versatile middle ground.
Many men keep a mix: briefs for the gym, trunks for work, boxer briefs for travel days. Fabric matters as much as cut, so read Mesh vs Cotton vs Modal before you stock up, and check our men's underwear size guide to get the fit right.
Why the pouch matters in every cut
Whichever cut you pick, the pouch decides how comfortable it feels. A shaped pouch holds everything in place without squeezing, so you don't need to adjust through the day.
- 3D pouch: our Breathable Boxer Trunks use a 3D pouch that lifts away from the thighs, in an extra-soft stretch fabric.
- Roomy mesh pouch: our Mesh Boxer Briefs combine all-over mesh, a roomy pouch and a low-rise, short-leg cut, in 12 colours.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between trunks and boxer briefs?
Leg length. Trunks have a short leg that ends at the top of the thigh; boxer briefs usually have a longer leg that covers more of it. The names overlap between brands, so check the photos.
Which is more comfortable, briefs or boxer briefs?
It depends on you. Briefs feel lighter and cooler; boxer briefs feel more covered and reduce thigh rubbing. Many men wear both for different days.
What underwear is best under slim-fit trousers?
Trunks or briefs. They have little or no leg fabric, so there are no lines or bunching on the thigh.
Do I wear the same size in briefs and trunks?
Usually yes, because size is based on your waist. Still check each product's size information, as some styles run small.
Find your cut
Ready to try a new style? Browse our boxer briefs and trunks or our men's briefs, and mix cuts until you find your favourite. Every order ships in discreet packaging.
