Underwear shopping is no easy task. With so many different styles out there, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. How well we know our underwear, luckily we’re experts in all things men’s underwear and we’re here to provide some much-needed insight into the lesser-known styles for men.

Keep reading to discover the differences between some of our favorite styles of men’s underwear, including tangas, g-strings, bikinis, and more.

The more daring classic: Bikini

A bikini is one of the classic men’s (and women’s) underwear styles

A bikini is typically slimmer on the sides than a brief and offers slightly less coverage in the rear.

A bikini is one of the classic men’s (and women’s) underwear styles. A bikini is typically slimmer on the sides than a brief, and offers slightly less coverage in the rear. That said, there is still plenty of fabric here so even if “barely-there” underwear isn’t your thing, you should be totally fine rocking a bikini.

Men’s bikinis have a supportive pouch in the front, a plush waistband, and an almost fully covered rear, revealing just a hint of cheek. Men’s bikini underwear styles come in a wide range of colors and fabrics, including lace, mesh, and nylon.

Here are our best ones.

The undiscovered gem: Tanga 

Few people realize what the tanga is and we’re here to not only explain it to you but also let you in on a few key secrets. First, think of the tanga like a cross between a thong and a bikini. The tanga offers more rear coverage than a thong but less than a bikini. So if you’re looking for a cheeky but modest fit, this is the style for you. In the rear, you’ll have roughly half your buttocks exposed while wearing a tanga owing to the narrower cut.

Most tangas also have plush waistbands, compared to the thin straps of g-strings, and full coverage in the front. Overall, tangas provide moderate coverage, which allows them to be both sexy and comfortable. Whether you love the in-between fit of tangas or are using them to transition from bikinis to thongs, we recommend giving the tanga style a try.

Tanga like a cross between a thong and a bikini

The tanga offers more rear coverage than a thong but less than a bikini.


The best seller: Thong

Thongs are a staple in most underwear drawers for a reason. They provide plenty of support via a triangular pouch in the front, but also plenty of freedom owing to the minimal fabric in the rear. Although some people claim thongs are uncomfortable, we believe that if you’re uncomfortable wearing a thong, it’s either the fabric or the fit.

men's thong

The key is to find a thong that is snug, but not too tight. In addition, look for thongs made out of cotton or microfibre, such as those offered at Malebasics, which not only feel soft against the skin but will wick moisture and prevent chafing. Once you find one that’s right for you, we guarantee it will be hard to go back to boxers and briefs.

The skimpiest one: G-String

Many people confuse g-strings and thongs, believing them to be one and the same. While there are similarities, there are also major differences that make both of them must-haves in your underwear drawer.

G-strings are as skimpy as it gets Make you feel like you’re not wearing any underwear at all, a g-string is the way to go for minimum coverage, maximum enhancing.

The biggest difference? The amount of fabric. G-strings are as skimpy as it gets when it comes to underwear, so if you want a pair of underwear that will, for the most part, make you feel like you’re not wearing any underwear at all, a g-string is the way to go. When it comes to men’s underwear, g-strings generally have a triangular, supportive pouch in the front, and then the rest is all strings and straps.

This is in contrast to a thong, which generally has a thicker band, and a small triangle of coverage in the rear. Ultimately, if you’re wearing something tight and want to completely eliminate underwear lines, or if you’re looking for something sexy to wear in the bedroom, a g-string is the way to go. So this is how well we know our underwear.