Boxer shorts are underwear made usually for men. They were dubbed “boxer shorts” because they were patterned from those worn by professional boxers.

Boxer shorts first appeared in the 1930s, but they weren’t so popular since men back then were so accustomed to briefs. It was only two decades later those boxer shorts gained a following. It needed one Nick Kaman to wear them in a popular jeans-brand outdoor billboard advertisement in the 1980s. Even though up to now, boxers are still not as popular as briefs, there is a swelling preference for boxers today.

Boxer shorts have certain advantages compared to other underwear. The majority of surveys say that women prefer seeing boxer shorts on men. The opening in front of the boxer shorts allows convenience for men when nature calls. There are also more patterns, styles, and colors available on boxer shorts as compared to briefs. They can also be taken off more easily. Doctors also say that the cool temperature allowed by wearing boxer shorts permits the production of more sperm in men. Boxer shorts cover more area than briefs.

On the other hand, critics of boxer shorts claim there are certain disadvantages to wearing shorts as compared to other types of underwear. They feel that boxers don’t have the snug fit that briefs offer when you wear them, and that the penis may be exposed when you wear them without another layer of clothing. The genitals are not supported and tend to move around a lot, creating much discomfort when playing sports. The waistband can likewise irritate the skin (but this may also be true with briefs). Even with another layer of clothing, an erection is obvious when you wear boxers. Wearing certain kinds of pants over boxer shorts looks awkward. And lastly, the loose-fitting kind can move in awkward positions.