Men’s Underwear Turns Stylish: From Shapewear to Luxury Street Cred

Men’s underwear is shedding its “basic essentials” label and stepping into the spotlight as a key piece of style, comfort, and innovation. The market is evolving rapidly, fueled by new fabrics, fresh designs, and changing consumer attitudes. From performance shapewear to eco-conscious materials, and from classic briefs making a comeback to bold, fashion-forward options, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for men’s underwear trends.

The Rise of Men’s Shapewear

Once considered a niche category, men’s shapewear is now going mainstream. Brands like Skims, Nike, Spanx, and Under Armour are pushing underwear with compression benefits designed not only for workouts but also for everyday wear. These garments provide support to improve posture, smooth silhouettes, and enhance physique—offering men a new way to boost confidence and comfort. The global shapewear market for men has already reached an estimated $125 billion worldwide in 2023 and continues to grow as more men discover the benefits of these functional underlayers (ft.com).

Sustainable Fabrics Lead the Way

Sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity in fashion, and men’s underwear is following suit. Modern consumers demand more than just comfort—they want eco-friendly materials that also perform. Fabrics like modal, bamboo, and recycled fibers are rising stars, prized for their softness, breathability, and natural odor resistance. Innovative companies such as Lenzing are driving the popularity of MicroModal, a premium, lightweight fabric made from sustainable wood pulp that feels incredibly soft against the skin (gminsights.com).

The Briefs Revival

While boxer briefs have dominated the market for years, 2025 is seeing a surprising comeback for men’s briefs. Searches for briefs spiked significantly during the 2024 holiday season and again in early 2025. This resurgence owes much to the briefs’ classic snug fit, clean lines, and retro appeal, which are now being reimagined with modern fabrics and stylish cuts. Meanwhile, trunks have seen a decline in popularity, making briefs the new go-to option for many men seeking a mix of comfort and support (accio.com).

Fashion Meets Underwear in Asia

Asia’s influence on men’s underwear is growing, with major global brands launching region-specific campaigns featuring top celebrities. Calvin Klein’s latest campaign in Asia stars K-drama sensation Rowoon alongside models Nana and Tu Tontawan, showcasing Icon Cotton Modal and Heritage Cotton lines designed with sleek, modern silhouettes and the brand’s signature Infinity Bond waistbands. These campaigns highlight how luxury and performance can merge to create underwear that is both functional and stylish—tailored for younger, fashion-conscious consumers across the continent (teenvogue.com).

Bold, Gender-Fluid Styles Gain Ground

As social norms around gender continue to evolve, men’s underwear styles are becoming bolder and more diverse. From velvet boxers to lace briefs and embellished designs, brands like Fleur du Mal and Savage X Fenty are breaking boundaries and encouraging men to express their individuality. This shift toward gender-fluid fashion is redefining underwear as not just an underlayer, but a statement piece that blends comfort with personal style (theguardian.com).

Why This Matters

Men’s underwear is no longer an afterthought. It’s a dynamic market where function meets fashion, and comfort meets confidence. Whether you’re looking for supportive shapewear, sustainable fabrics, or eye-catching designs, 2025 offers something fresh and exciting for every man. As more consumers demand style, performance, and sustainability in their undergarments, the underwear industry is set to continue evolving in bold new directions.