Throughout history, fashion has differed greatly between the privileged and the working class. The specific topic of men’s underwear is no different, but boxer shorts eventually came on the scene as a comfortable and convenient option no matter your socioeconomic status. One hundred years later, these men’s undergarments are being worn by women and paired with designer heels and blazers. How did we get here?
Dating back to the 16th century, the term drawers has referred to underwear - from the Old English to draw or to pull - the action of pulling up your underwear to your body over the two legs (hence the reference to pants, shorts, and socks as a pair). The underwear was laced or buttoned to be secured on the waist. The most common purpose of undergarments was to protect delicate skin from the rougher fabrics of outerwear as well as for modesty, but knee-length drawers and long johns provided comfort and warmth as well.
Taking an informal poll of men in my life, I found that boxer “supporters” tend to go for personality and durability. They shop economically, buying plaids, flamingos, and fun prints in packs of 3 or 5. I know a few picky men who prefer primo cotton or at least the Brooks Brothers genre. But men are no longer the only customers for boxers. Boxers (not briefs) are experiencing a resurgence in the women’s market, especially for summer as they are comfortable and cool. You can see this trend across social media and in stores high- and lowbrow. Whereas men might hide whimsical patterns under their clothes, women tend to look for boxers in the classic menswear blue and white stripes, checks, and solids.
IMO, classic boxer shorts are ideal as outerwear. Somehow they don’t feel as underwear-y on women, especially when worn with a big long sleeve shirt or jacket and sneakers with socks or slingback Prada shoes. Boxer style is perfect if you are heading to the beach or on a quick coffee shop run, but we've also seen them on the runways and at special events. As for all clothing, comfort and function make the difference.
In terms of where to acquire your boxers, I am obviously partial to ours at A Shirt Story. In addition to the extra stylish touch of crystal buttons, we use discarded and discontinued shirting cotton to reduce textile waste. Not only that, but we produce our boxers in small batches to avoid overproducing. And, because they are intended for streetwear, there is a faux fly so no worry of exposure!
Speaking of exposure, I bet you didn't expect to see museum-quality jock straps when you opened my newsletter...I kind of surprised myself honestly.
Xxxsasha