Nepedia
Back to Discover
Fluent Reader
📖

Boxer shorts

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Boxer shorts are a loose type of undergarment.

BoxerShorts-20070901
BoxerShorts-20070901

They are often called simply "boxers." The name comes from the athletes who fight in boxing matches. These athletes need to move their legs easily for footwork. Because of this, the shorts are designed to fit loosely. This style allows for much more movement than tight underwear. People enjoy them because they feel comfortable and free.

Most boxers use a specific way to work. They often have a fly in the front. This is an opening that can be closed with buttons or metal snaps. Some boxers use an "open fly" design instead. In this design, the fabric simply overlaps to cover the opening. Many boxers also feature a "balloon seat."

Boxer shorts
Boxer shorts

This is a large panel of loose fabric in the back. It helps the wearer when they bend forward. This design uses two seams on the outer edges of the back.

The history of these shorts began with a change in design. In 1925, Jacob Golomb started a company called Everlast. He designed trunks with an elastic waist for boxers. These were meant to replace older trunks that used leather belts.

Man sagging woven boxer shorts
Man sagging woven boxer shorts

These became known as boxer trunks. For many years, people chose between boxers and briefs. In 1985, briefs were much more popular in the U.S. In fact, four times as many briefs were sold as boxers.

There are many different styles and patterns to see. Some boxers are called "gripper boxers" because they have snaps.

Boxershorts-gripper
Boxershorts-gripper

Others are "yoke-front boxers" that use snaps or even cloth ties. Tie-side boxers were common during World War II. This was because rubber for elastic was needed for the military.

Boxershorts-yokefront
Boxershorts-yokefront

Boxers come in many fabrics like cotton, silk, or satin. You can find them in white or with patterns like plaid and stripes. Some people even wear boxers with fun novelty prints.

Boxer shorts have changed how people think about fashion. In 1985, a commercial helped make them popular with young men. A model named Nick Kamen wore white Sunspel boxers in the ad.

Since the 1990s, some men also wear "boxer briefs." These are a mix between tight briefs and loose boxers. Today, women also wear boxer shorts as loungewear. They may buy boxers made for men or for women. This shows how clothing styles can grow and change over time.

390 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:BoxerShorts-20070901.jpg
BoxerShorts-20070901.jpg
File:Man sagging woven boxer shorts.JPG
Man sagging woven boxer shorts.JPG
File:Boxer shorts.svg
Boxer shorts.svg
File:Boxershorts-gripper.svg
Boxershorts-gripper.svg
File:Boxershorts-yokefront.svg
Boxershorts-yokefront.svg
File:Edward Joseph Snowden - Arrival at Sheremetyevo International Airport 23.jpg
Edward Joseph Snowden - Arrival at...
More to explore

✨ What else?

Related topics you might enjoy

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.