Wise man once said: “It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.”
The days of men’s underwear being a simple, straightforward choice have long gone. The range of men’s underwear might not be as vast as compared to women’s innerwear, but with literally hundreds of styles to choose from, each with its specific attributes, fabrics and designs it seems that men are closing on the gap, rather quickly. So let’s look at the different types of men’s underwear for different occasions and moods.

1.    Briefs
Perfect For:  Everyday Wear, Casuals, Formal Wear, Moderate Sports
Most guys own a pair of briefs, which are the standard go-to underwear that comes in different rises, and a variety of designs, colours and variations.  They provide full coverage to the backside and package, while leaving the side of the leg and upper thigh exposed. Additionally, they provide excellent support and are less prone to bunching and rising than the other styles.
They come in three different rises: low, medium and high. Subscribe Now

1. Low Rise Brief
   1. Low-rise briefs sit below the natural waistline on the hips, around 2-3 inches below the navel. It has just enough fabric to cover you up, and not much more, while the elasticity of the waistband ensures that the low-wear style can be maintained easily.
   2. Wear With: Low waist jeans, workout pants and shorts.
2. Mid-Rise Brief
   1. In mid-rise briefs, the waistband sits on the natural waistline.
   2. Wear With: Regular cut jeans, dress pants and board shorts.
3. High-Rise Brief 
   1. The waistband of a high-rise brief sits right below the belly button and provides a somewhat traditional fit.  It streamlines the waist and smoothens the stomach.
   2. Wear With: High waist pants.

Pros: Best for everyday wear, Ideal for skinny jeans, Works under most pants, No bunching up and rising of the material, Most comfortable while sitting, Variety of designs and colour || Cons: Look old-fashioned, Can accentuate portly figures

2.    Boxers
Perfect For:  Everyday Wear, Casuals, Relaxing, Sleeping
Boxers are loose-fitting underwear with more breathability than any other undergarment.  They have no support, a front fly and extend a few inches above the knee. These are ideal to be worn under the trousers or while relaxing.
Pros: Loose and airy, Comfortable, Hard-wearing, Good for sleeping || Cons: Tendency to bunch up underneath clothing, Can’t wear with skinny jeans or trim cut pants, Not supportive for physical activities
Wear With:  Baggy pants, pyjamas and shorts.

3.    Boxer Briefs
Perfect For:  Everyday Wear, Casuals, Moderate Sports
A slight variation from the actual boxer underwear, a boxer brief represents the best of both types of underwear. They are cut like a tapered boxer and cover about 1/3 to half of your thigh. It combines the looks of biker shorts, the fitting and support of a standard brief and the appearance of a boxer. They provide full coverage, maintain their comfortable fit all day long and look good even if you are not in your best shape.
Pros: Best of both worlds, Is comfortable with most kinds of pants, Compression boxer briefs are perfect for workouts, Little to no bunching || Cons: Less comfortable than briefs for sitting
Wear With:  Workout clothes, gym shorts, jeans and most pants.

4.    Trunks
Perfect For:  Everyday Wear, Casuals, With Formal Wear, Gym, Moderate Sports
Trunks are a form of boxer shorts but with a tighter fit, smaller inseam and a square cut appearance. It is slightly shorter than the boxer brief and fits more tightly. If you want to try something other than briefs but don’t want to compromise on the support and coverage, you should try these.
Pros: It can be worn with almost anything, Full support and coverage, No bunching || Cons: Can accentuate portly figures

Wear With: Just about anything! Subscribe Now

5.    Jockstraps
Perfect For:  Gym, Rigorous Sports
Jockstraps offer complete frontal support and protection while offering minimal coverage.  The front cup is like a miniature panel that is kept secured with small band-like extensions that fall to the sides of the glutes which are attached to the centre of the waistband. 
Besides those who want to spice-up the foreplay, the Jockstrap is often chosen by hikers and campers to avoid friction. These also reduce sweating and aid more ventilation.
Pros: Best for rigorous sports, Reduces sweating, Aids more ventilation, Decreases friction || Cons: Can be made out from under thinner fabrics
Wear With:  Uniforms, tight pants, gym wear and bike shorts.

6.    Thongs & G-Strings
Perfect For: Relaxing, Foreplay, Beach
The thong offers a confined space in the front connected by thin fabric strips, leaving the glutes exposed.
G-strings are pretty much as bare minimum as underwear comes - a thin piece of fabric connecting a pouch to the waistband in the back leaving the buttocks fully exposed.  The waistband is worn nearly five inches below the navel. They are perfect for men who have a hidden stripper lurking inside and those wearing extra tight pants without having to worry about underwear lines.
Pros: Make a statement, It’s sexy and you know it || Cons: Rear string can be uncomfortable, Difficult to find
Wear With:  Just about anything. Or nothing.

At the end of the day, comfort and style are relative you can choose from numerous underwear styles, materials, colours and brands according to your own preference. TheMard has now started a subscription service for innerwear, Subscribe TheMardBox ! It will make your life easier.