Bikinis, thongs, hipsters, and boyshorts are the closest mainstream matches for panty-style men’s underwear, and most brands sell them in sizes S–3XL.
No U.S. product is called a “panty for men.” Instead, familiar silhouettes — bikini, thong, hipster, boyshort — are sold in the women’s section using patterns many men already buy in men’s styles. The decision comes down to which name to search, which fabric, and which size.
What Styles Actually Exist
Four cuts are the closest mainstream equivalents: bikini, thong, hipster, and boyshort. Men’s-silhouette styles — briefs, trunks, boxer briefs — can also work if the fabric is soft and the rise is low.
Calvin Klein’s U.S. women’s category lists bikinis, thongs, hipsters, and boyshorts; its men’s guide lists boxer briefs, boxers, trunks, briefs, and jock straps. The overlap between those lists is the practical map.
- Bikini: high-cut leg, minimal side coverage, the most direct panty equivalent.
- Thong: minimal back coverage, no visible lines.
- Hipster: sits lower on the hip, wider waistband, moderate rear coverage.
- Boyshort: short-leg cut, fuller coverage, closest to a trunk.
- Brief: men’s-side option with the same snug, minimal-cut feel.
For the lingerie look, search bikini, thong, hipster, or boyshort. For everyday comfort in a softer, lighter feel, a men’s brief or trunk in modal or microfiber gets you most of the way.
How To Pick Your First Pair
Start with coverage, then fabric, then size — getting coverage wrong makes people give up after one wear.
Calvin Klein’s guide positions boxer briefs as longest with added coverage and support, boxers as loosest, trunks as low- or regular-rise, briefs as streamlined, and jock straps as minimal and backless. For a panty-style fit, choose the streamlined end, or the bikini/hipster cuts.
Cotton is the everyday baseline. Modal, microfiber, and micromodal are softer and hold shape longer, which matters when a cut sits close to the body. FALKE describes women’s underwear as using fine fabrics, feminine details, and elastic materials for comfort — a large part of why these cuts feel different from standard men’s cotton. Moisture-wicking suits active wear; silk is for sleep and luxury, not daily wear.
Size third, never by assumption. Check the brand’s size guide before ordering. Calvin Klein’s U.S. page shows bottoms in S–3XL, but how a bikini or hipster maps onto waist measurement varies between brands, and the cut changes how much stretch you need.
Fit, Fabric, And Coverage At A Glance
| Style | Coverage & Fit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bikini | High-cut leg, minimal sides, snug | Closest panty equivalent |
| Thong | Minimal rear coverage, no lines | Fitted clothing |
| Hipster | Low on hip, wider band, moderate rear | Everyday wear |
| Boyshort | Short leg, fuller coverage | Trunk-style feel |
| Brief | Streamlined, snug, minimal cut | Daily support |
| Trunk | Low-rise or regular-rise, short leg | Tight clothing and activity |
| Boxer | Loose, relaxed, less supportive | Lounging and sleep |
“Panty” is not a standardized men’s product term. Retailer terminology shifts between countries and brands. MEY’s men’s page and FALKE’s men’s collection stick to boxer briefs, briefs, and undershirts — no panty category — while the women’s collections carry the bikini, thong, hipster, and boyshort names. Size ranges, availability, and even the word for a given cut differ across U.S., UK, and Australian storefronts, so treat any brand’s naming as a starting point, not a rule.
To skip the trial-and-error, our tested feminine panties for men roundup walks through the options that actually fit.
The Mistakes That Cost You A Pair
Most first-purchase disappointments come from four avoidable errors.
Buying loose boxers when you wanted a supportive or lingerie-like fit is most common; brand guides position boxers as relaxed and less supportive — the opposite of a bikini or thong. Wearing boxers under tight clothing is a second miss — briefs and boxer briefs hold shape better under fitted pants. Skipping the size guide is third. Assuming the term means one thing everywhere is fourth.
Fabric and activity should line up: moisture-wicking fabrics for active use, cotton and silk for comfort and sleep. Boxers suit lounging and sleeping; briefs and boxer briefs suit support and movement. The official Calvin Klein men’s underwear guide spells out the coverage and support differences behind each silhouette.
Common Questions
Is there a standard men’s product under this name?
No. Major retailers don’t sell a single standardized item under that label. Brands use familiar silhouette names — bikini, thong, hipster, boyshort, brief, trunk — and the exact word varies between companies and countries. Search by silhouette name and check the product description for the actual cut.
Which cut gives the most coverage?
Boyshort gives the most rear coverage among the four closest equivalents, with a short leg and fuller back. Hipster is in the middle, with moderate coverage and lower hip placement. Bikini and thong offer the least — high-cut legs and minimal back coverage respectively. If coverage is the priority, boyshort or a men’s trunk is the safer first pick.
Can these be worn for workouts?
Supportive cuts handle activity better than loose ones. Briefs and boxer briefs are positioned for support and active wear; boxers are presented as better for lounging and sleeping. Fabric matters as much: moisture-wicking materials are marketed for active use, while cotton and silk are positioned for everyday comfort and sleep. Pair a supportive cut with a wicking fabric for the best result.
Sources
- Calvin Klein. “Men’s Underwear Guide” Defines men’s silhouettes, coverage, and fit differences.
- Calvin Klein. “Underwear” Lists bikini, thong, hipster, and boyshort silhouettes and the S–3XL size range.
- FALKE. “FALKE Daily Underwear” Notes fine fabrics and elastic materials used in women’s underwear construction.
- MEY. “Men” Confirms men’s collections carry boxer briefs, briefs, and undershirts, not panty styles.