Underpants

Underpants are a man's undergarment covering the body from the waist or hips to the top of the thighs or knees. The equivalent woman's garment are panties or knickers.

Types of underpants

Boxer shorts

Boxer shorts, boxers, or trunks have an elasticated waistband that is at or near the wearer's waist, while the leg sections are fairly loose and extend to the mid-thigh. There is usually a fly, either with or without buttons. The waistbands of boxer shorts are usually wider than those of briefs, and often bear the brand name of the manufacturer.

Boxer briefs

Boxer briefs are similar in style to boxer shorts, but are generally shorter and form-fitting like briefs.

Sometimes boxer briefs are called trunks, but see next section.

Midway briefs

Midway briefs are similar in style to boxer shorts, but are generally longer in leg than boxer briefs which is up to knees.

Trunks

Trunks are shorter than boxer briefs but longer than briefs.

Briefs

Briefs have an elasticated waistband at or near the wearer's waist, and leg sections that end at or near the groin. They also come in ultra-absorbent varieties.