Walk through the men's section of a major retailer today and you’ll see the same three things you saw in 1995. Boxers. Briefs. Maybe a boxer-brief if the brand is feeling spicy. But browse Instagram or TikTok for more than five minutes and you'll find a massive disconnect between what’s on the shelves and what people are actually wearing. It’s a quiet shift. Honestly, pictures of guys wearing panties aren’t just some niche corner of the internet anymore; they represent a total rethink of gendered textiles.
Men are tired of sandpaper-thick cotton.
People often assume this is purely about aesthetics or some radical political statement. It can be that, sure. But for a huge chunk of the population, it’s basically about the fact that silk, satin, and high-gauge lace feel better against the skin than heavy-duty jersey. Why should one half of the population have a monopoly on soft fabrics? That’s the question driving the trend. You’ve got guys from all walks of life—blue-collar workers, tech bros, athletes—who are realizing that the "rules" of underwear were written by marketing departments decades ago, not by people who prioritize comfort.
The Physical Reality of Modern Men's Underwear
Traditional men’s underwear is built like a utility vehicle. It’s designed to be durable, sweat-absorbent, and utterly utilitarian. That sounds fine on paper. However, the reality of wearing thick seams and heavy elastic all day is often less than ideal. Chafing is real. Bulkiness under slim-fit trousers is a genuine annoyance. When you look at pictures of guys wearing panties, you notice something immediately: the profile is lower. The fabric is thinner.
There’s a technical side to this. Most "women’s" panties use a much higher thread count or synthetic blends like modal and microfiber that offer four-way stretch. Standard men's briefs often only stretch in two directions. That’s a massive difference in how the garment moves with your body.
Some brands have tried to bridge the gap. Look at companies like MeUndies or Savage X Fenty. They started realizing that their "feminine" lines were being bought by men. Instead of fighting it, they leaned in. Rihanna’s brand, for instance, has featured male models in pieces that would have been strictly labeled as "lingerie" just ten years ago. It’s not a gimmick; it’s responding to a market that was already there, hiding in the search data.
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Why Social Media Is the Catalyst
Google Discover and Pinterest are currently flooded with this aesthetic. Why? Because the visual language of masculinity is expanding. In the past, if a guy liked "feminine" clothing, he kept it a secret. Now, the internet provides a community. You see a photo of a guy who looks like a typical gym-goer wearing lace hipsters, and suddenly, the "weirdness" evaporates. It becomes a choice. A style.
The photography styles vary wildly. Some focus on the "androgyny" of it all, playing with soft lighting and floral backgrounds. Others are much more "everyday." It’s just a guy in his bedroom, wearing a pair of satin bikinis while drinking coffee. This "normalized" imagery is what actually shifts culture. It moves the conversation away from "Why are you wearing that?" to "Where did you get those?"
We also have to talk about the "femboy" subculture, which has exploded on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). This group has been instrumental in de-stigmatizing the look. While that community leans heavily into a specific, often youthful aesthetic, its influence has bled into mainstream fashion. High-fashion designers like Ludovic de Saint Sernin have built entire brands around the idea that silk and sheer fabrics belong to everyone. When you see these pieces on a runway in Paris, it changes how the guy in Ohio views his own underwear drawer.
The Comfort vs. Construction Debate
There is a legitimate hurdle here: anatomy.
Standard panties aren’t usually designed with a "pouch." This is the main complaint you’ll hear in forums where men discuss these things. If the fabric doesn’t have enough stretch, it’s going to be uncomfortable or, worse, restrictive. This is why "men’s panties" as a specific category have started to emerge. These garments use the fabrics associated with women’s lingerie—lace, satin, sheer mesh—but include a bit of extra room up front.
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- Bikini Cuts: These are the most popular because they mimic the shape of a traditional brief but with a much thinner waistband and higher leg opening.
- Thongs: For men who hate visible underwear lines (VPL) under gym leggings or suit pants, these are becoming a go-to.
- High-Waist: Often used for the aesthetic of a retro look, providing more "hold" around the midsection.
The crossover is fascinating. Some men prefer the "pure" women's version because they want that specific low-profile fit. Others need the specialized construction. It’s a spectrum of needs.
Breaking the Psychological Barrier
Let’s be honest. For a lot of guys, the hurdle isn't the fabric; it's the stigma. We’ve been conditioned to think that wearing something "pretty" or "soft" diminishes masculinity. That’s a heavy weight to carry. But as more pictures of guys wearing panties circulate, that psychological barrier starts to crumble.
I’ve spoken to men who say that wearing lace or satin makes them feel "more" masculine because it takes a certain level of confidence to reject societal norms. It’s a form of rebellion that nobody sees but you. It’s a private autonomy.
Sociologist Dr. Eric Anderson, who has written extensively on "inclusive masculinity," argues that as homohysteria (the fear of being thought gay) decreases in society, men feel more free to adopt previously "feminine" behaviors or clothing. This isn't necessarily about sexual orientation. It's about personal expression. A straight man wearing satin panties is no longer the "contradiction" it was in the 1980s.
The Economic Impact of the "Un-Gendered" Drawer
The fashion industry is notoriously slow to change, but the money is starting to move. The global lingerie market is worth over $80 billion. For years, the men’s side (roughly $12 billion) was an afterthought. Brands are now realizing they can capture a huge segment of that $80 billion by simply marketing to men.
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Think about it. If you’re a brand, why would you limit your customer base by 50%?
We’re seeing a rise in "unisex" or "gender-fluid" underwear lines. These aren't just baggy boxers. They are intricate, well-designed pieces that prioritize the feel of the fabric over the label on the box. Tom Ford and Gucci have experimented with this, but the real movement is happening in the mid-market. Brands like TomboyX or Carmen Liu (though primarily focused on trans women) have opened the door for cisgender men to explore different silhouettes.
What to Look for if You're Curious
If you’ve seen the pictures and you’re thinking about making the switch, or just trying a pair for the gym or lounging, there are a few practical things to keep in mind. You can't just buy the same size you wear in boxers.
- Size Up: Generally, women's sizing is smaller and doesn't account for a male frame. If you're a Medium in Hanes, you might be a Large or XL in a satin bikini.
- Check the Gusset: The "gusset" is the crotch area. Look for a wider gusset. If it's too narrow, things are going to... fall out. Not ideal for a trip to the grocery store.
- Fabric Matters: If you’re active, go for a microfiber or a "sport" lace. Pure silk is amazing for sleeping but has zero stretch, which can be a nightmare for daily wear.
- Start Subtle: A "cheeky" brief or a seamless bikini in a neutral color is the easiest way to test the waters without feeling like you're wearing a costume.
The Future of the Trend
Where is this going? Probably toward a world where we don't even have "men's" and "women's" sections in the underwear aisle. It sounds wild, but we’re already seeing it in fragrance and skincare. Underwear is the final frontier because it’s so closely tied to our private identity.
The proliferation of pictures of guys wearing panties is just the beginning of a larger normalization. It’s not about "becoming feminine." It’s about the democratization of comfort. It’s about acknowledging that a piece of fabric doesn’t have a gender, and that everyone deserves to feel good in what’s closest to their skin.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to explore this further, don't just jump into the deep end. Start by researching "men’s pouch panties" to see how the construction differs from traditional options. This gives you the aesthetic and the fabric without the fit issues of standard retail options.
Read reviews on sites like The Underwear Expert or check out subreddits dedicated to male lingerie to find brands that are verified for quality and fit. Look for "modal" or "bamboo" fabrics first; they offer the softness of silk with the breathability and stretch of cotton, making them the perfect "gateway" to more adventurous styles. Finally, remember that fashion is personal. If it feels good and you like how it looks, the "rules" don't actually exist. They’re just suggestions you’re free to ignore.