by A Brief History of Men’s Undergarments in America
Men’s underwear has come a long way from its relatively simple beginnings. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the most commonly worn undergarment for men was lightweight linen shorts, usually falling just above the knee. Cotton began gaining prominence as an underwear fabric in the late 19th century due to its moisture-wicking properties. It wasn’t until the 1920s that underwear started being mass-produced and branded. Iconic companies like Jockey and Hanes emerged during this time, establishing the basic briefs and boxer shorts that are still worn today.
The Rise of Novelty and Designer Underwear
Beginning in the 1990s, U.S. Men’s Underwear experienced an explosion of new styles, designs, and fabrics. Novelty underwear printed with humorous graphics, slogans, or character licenses became popular for their conversation-starting potential. Designers also began experimenting with new cuts, fits, and materials. Boxer briefs that combined elements of briefs and boxers gained widespread acceptance for their blend of coverage and comfort. Silk and microfiber materials offered a luxurious yet breathable feel. High-end brands like Calvin Klein, 2(x)ist, andBN3TH launched flashier takes on basics like thongs, g-strings, and jockstraps. Today’s market offers more variety than ever before for self-expression through one’s undergarments.
The Growing Influence of European Styles
European sensibilities have increasingly shaped American underwear trends over the last 20 years. Pouch-enhanced designs aim to showcase masculine attributes in a more flattering way compared to traditional briefs. Thongs crafted from breathable cotton or modal gain acceptability for keeping things separated and ventilated. Trunk styles that provide moderate coverage while maintaining a physique-enhancing silhouette have risen in popularity. Direct-to-consumer brands like Andrew Christian, Buck Naked, and Jack Adams produce exceptionally colorful, stylized trunks appealing to men desiring fashion-forward underpinnings. The normalization of these bolder European-inspired looks indicates an evolving culture that embraces one’s sensuality without stigma.
Materials and Fabrics transform Underwear
Some of the most impactful changes in U.S. Men’s Underwear Market stem from material innovations. Moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics prevent overheating and swampiness in intimate areas. Modal and TENCEL lyocell utilize eucalyptus cellulose for a buttery, smooth feel on sensitive skin. Bamboo rayon and viscose from wood pulp blended with elastic promote temperature regulation. Microfiber fabrics utilizing polyester, nylon or spandex mimic silk’s luxe quality at affordable prices. Even merino wool underwear, commonly thought of as an athletic material, has gained traction for its temperature-modulating properties. These cutting-edge fabrics enable endless styling possibilities while keeping the customer cool, dry and comfy all day long.
The Rise of Performance Underwear
Alongside fashion-focused styles, performance-centered underwear has emerged as athleticism and wellness enter the mainstream. Moisture-wicking briefs and trunks give an advantage for any activity whether running, cycling, lifting or playing sports. Compression underwear utilizing contour-hugging, four-way stretch fabric purportedly improves blood flow and muscle recovery. Breathable hiking underwear serves backcountry excursions. Even underwear featuring built-in tech like supportive pouches or stimulators exist to enhance workouts or activities. Customizable, high-performance undies particularly appeal to men balancing an active lifestyle with self-care. Clean living through dynamic, technically-advanced undergarments seems to be the new normal.
Sustainability in Underwear Evolves
As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, underwear brands address sustainability. Bamboo, modal and TENCEL lyocell fabrics result from renewable wood sources. Recycled nylon, polyester and elastane utilize plastics diverted from landfills or oceans. Organic cotton grown without toxic pesticides improves soil health. Some brands plant a tree for every item purchased to offset carbon footprints. Package-free delivery options reduce excess material waste. Even second-hand or vintage underwear marketplaces extend product lifecycles. Whether driven by ethics or marketing, sustainability permeates all areas of men’s underwear production and sales. Today’s options allow men to feel and perform great while being lighter on the planet.
The Future of U.S. Men’s Underwear Market
The men’s underwear category continues to innovate to meet modern lifestyles. New styles emerge regularly Like breathable, stretchy hybrid boxer briefs constructed from bamboo rayon for warm-weather workouts. Seamless designs eliminate visible panty lines underneath slacks or shorts. Printed and solid color options, along with novelty patterns, remain top sellers. Technology advancements may integrate features such as posture correction, stimulation zones, or health monitoring. Direct-to-consumer brands fuel customization through made-to-measure offerings available via mobile apps or websites. Overall, choice remains key as men seek tailored solutions for personal expression, performance needs or sustainable principles. With openness toward self-care rising, the men’s underwear sector appears well-positioned for ongoing growth and creativity.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.
