The Underwear Your Partner Wishes You Wore on Dates

A person modeling black underwear

The Essentials:

The Black Boxer Brief

When it comes to sexy men’s underwear, what comes to mind? If you’re like most, then “long blank stare” was probably your answer. Women have it easy: Solid colors? Patterns? Lace, fringe, sheer? Thongs, boy shorts, corsets? The list goes on forever.

While unrecommended Google searches will produce similar products for men, don’t waste your time. You’re more likely to get a surprised two-eyebrow raise than a sexy lip bite if you try to pull something like that off.

While overseeing menswear at Calvin Klein in 1990, designer John Varvatos changed men’s underwear as we know it: “We just cut off a pair of long johns and thought, this could be cool,” he told Hemispheres Magazine. The brand created a hugely successful ad campaign with Mark Wahlberg, and overnight the age old question, “boxers or briefs?” had become irrelevant.

While the case against tighty-whities needs no explanation, what’s the problem with boxers? They’re comfortable and come in unlimited patterns and colors. However they lack one key element of sexy underwear: They don't complement the body's shape. The comfortable ones look like pajamas. The shorter ones ride up all day and look like track shorts from the 1980 Olympics.

Luckily, the black boxer brief looks great on every man, regardless of his shape, color, or size. Fair skin or dark, skinny or overweight, the black mid-length boxer brief will have you looking masculine and sexy, and you don’t have to spend a ton. Opt for versions with minimal branding, unless you’re splurging for a designer brand costing $20 or more.

Original Penguin, 3 / $30

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Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.