Underpants, what the word covers and what it does not

Short answer: Underpants is an English word for underwear worn on the lower body, especially men's briefs and shorts. In practice it covers boxers, briefs and longer styles, and the meaning shifts a little from country to country, so look at the cut rather than the word.

Where the word underpants comes from

The word is made up of under and pants and literally means trousers worn beneath other trousers. In English it often sounds old-fashioned or humorous, while most people say underwear, boxers or briefs in daily life when they talk about underpants. That is why you can meet the word in shops and texts without knowing exactly which model is meant.

What the word covers

Underpants is used for most of what you wear at the bottom under your clothes, from short briefs to boxers with longer legs. It is not one specific style but a catch-all term, so it helps more to know the difference between the cuts when you shop.

Boxers, briefs and everything between

Boxers have a loose leg, briefs sit close with a short leg, and boxer briefs sit somewhere in between with a close-fitting leg. If you want to try the third type in a soft fabric, look at bamboo boxer briefs, which give support without squeezing.

What the word does not cover

Underpants does not cover undershirts, socks or womenswear, even though all of them sit close to the body. The word only describes what sits at the bottom, so an undershirt belongs to another category, and each kind has its own needs for fit and fabric. As soon as you look for something for the upper body, you need another word, and that makes the search far easier.

Why the fabric matters

Underwear sits against your skin all day, so you notice the fabric more than in any other part of your wardrobe. Viscose from bamboo is soft and smooth, and many people find it comfortable, but the most important thing is still that the fit suits you.

Find your type for everyday wear

For an ordinary day at the office or at home, most people choose a style that does not ride up and does not squeeze. To see the full range of soft clothing for the lower body, browse bamboo underwear for men and compare the cuts.

Keep it simple and soft in layers

Under trousers, many people wear a soft undershirt or T-shirt so that all the layers feel the same. A well-fitting pick from bamboo T-shirts for men makes a simple addition when you want the same softness all the way up. The same thinking applies to all underwear, where a few calm layers are often better than many thick ones.

Frequently asked questions

Does underpants mean the same as boxers

Not exactly, because boxers are one kind of underpants with a loose leg. There are also briefs and boxer briefs, which sit closer to the body.

Is underpants the same as underwear

Mostly yes, since underpants is a catch-all term for underwear on the lower body. It says nothing about the cut, so look at the style rather than the name.

Which type should I choose

It depends on what you like. Pick a cut that does not ride up or squeeze, and try a few types to find your favourite.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.