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Boxer shorts

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Boxer shorts, often referred to simply as boxers, are a type of loose-fitting undergarment.

BoxerShorts-20070901
BoxerShorts-20070901

They are designed to provide comfort and ease of movement for the wearer. The term has been used in English since 1944 to describe all-around-elastic shorts. The name is derived from the athletes who participate in boxing matches. These athletes require unhindered leg movement, known as footwork, to perform well. Consequently, the loose design of the shorts mirrors the freedom of movement needed by these sportspeople.

Most boxer shorts utilize specific construction methods to ensure functionality. A common feature is the fly, which is an opening in the front of the garment. Manufacturers may close this fly using metal snaps or one or two buttons. However, many modern versions utilize an "open fly" design. In this style, the fabric is cut to overlap sufficiently to cover the opening without any fasteners.

Boxer shorts
Boxer shorts

Because the fabric used is rarely stretchy, designers include a "balloon seat." This is a generous panel of loosely fitting fabric in the center rear. It is designed to accommodate movements like bending forward. Most mass-produced versions use a panel seat with two seams running along the outer edges of the back.

There are several distinct styles of boxer shorts beyond the standard design. Gripper boxers feature an elastic waistband but include snaps on both the fly and the waistband.

Boxershorts-gripper
Boxershorts-gripper

These snaps allow the garment to open up completely. Another variation is the yoke-front boxer, which also features a wide waistband yoke that can be opened via snaps.

Boxershorts-yokefront
Boxershorts-yokefront

These come in two sub-types. Some use a short piece of elastic on each side to snug the yoke to the waist. Others are "tie-sides," which use narrow cloth tapes that the wearer knots to achieve an exact fit. Tie-side boxers were particularly common during World War II. This was due to a shortage of rubber, which was required for military use instead of elastic waistbands.

The history of these garments is marked by shifts in popularity and design. In 1925, Jacob Golomb, the founder of Everlast, designed elastic-waist trunks. These were intended to replace the leather-belted trunks previously worn by boxers. These became known as boxer trunks. For much of the 20th century, sales fluctuated between briefs and boxer shorts based on regional and generational preferences. In 1985, briefs were significantly more popular in the United States. At that time, four times as many briefs were sold compared to boxers. Many men who preferred boxers were older individuals accustomed to them from their time in the U.S. military.

Man sagging woven boxer shorts
Man sagging woven boxer shorts

Fashion trends significantly impacted the popularity of boxers in the mid-1980s. In 1985, English model and musician Nick Kamen appeared in a Levi's commercial. He stripped down to white Sunspel boxers in a 1950s-style launderette. This advertisement provided a fashion boost that helped boxers become popular among younger men. While older preferences leaned toward white boxers, younger consumers began wearing various colors and prints. Since the 1990s, a compromise style called "boxer briefs" has emerged. One American manufacturer reported that woven boxer shorts accounted for 15–20 percent of men's underwear sales. However, their popularity has been declining compared to boxer briefs since 2003.

Boxer shorts are manufactured using a wide variety of materials and patterns. Common fabrics include all cotton, cotton–polyester blends, jersey knits, satin, and silk. They are available in solid colors, such as pastels, or in diverse patterns. Traditional designs include geometrics, plaids, and vertical stripes. There are also many novelty patterns available. Beyond fashion, there is scientific discussion regarding the physiological effects of underwear. Some studies suggest that tight undergarments like briefs may raise the temperature of the testicles. Because sperm production requires a temperature slightly lower than the rest of the body, boxers may be more conducive to fertility. However, other sources, such as a 1998 study in the Journal of Urology, dispute this, suggesting underwear type has little effect on fertility.

In recent years, the use of boxer shorts has expanded to include women. In the 2020s, they have grown in popularity as loungewear or underwear for women.

Edward Joseph Snowden - Arrival at Sheremetyevo International Airport 23
Edward Joseph Snowden - Arrival at Sheremetyevo International Airport 23

Women may purchase boxers specifically marketed to them or men's styles. This expansion shows how a garment originally designed for the specific physical needs of athletes can evolve into a broad category of comfort clothing used by many different people across various cultures.

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🖼️ 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...
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