Underwear Dictionary

Learn the terminology and definitions of different underwear types, styles, and materials.

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From A to Z, learn everything about underwear terminology and more

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Daddy

An older or more authoritative partner with a protective, co...

Nylon

Smooth, durable synthetic fiber that dries quickly and resis...

Clubwear

Umbrella term for bolder, fashion-forward underwear or gear ...

Kinky

Umbrella term for sexual interests outside the ‘vanilla’...

Jockthong

A mashup of a jockstrap front with a thong back strap. Maxim...

Moisture-wicking

Fabric or finish that moves sweat away from the skin to evap...

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Search through 102 dictionary entries

Aftercare

The check-in and comfort period following an intense scene or play session—emotional and physical care.

Example: “Aftercare made the experience safe and sweet.”

Antimicrobial

Fabric treated to resist odor-causing bacteria. Helpful but not a shower replacement.

Example: “Antimicrobial trunks stayed fresher longer.”

Bamboo

Viscose made from bamboo; soft and breathable with a natural sheen. Often marketed as eco-friendlier.

Example: “Bamboo fabric kept things airy in summer.”

Bear

A larger, often hairier gay man with a friendly or rugged vibe; a subculture and community in itself.

Example: “The bear crowd is welcoming and fun.”

Beefcake

Playful term for a muscular, gym-focused guy celebrated for his physique and pin-up vibes.

Example: “That calendar is twelve months of beefcake.”

Bikini briefs

Low-rise briefs with higher-cut sides and slimmer coverage than classic briefs. Flattering and minimal without going full-thong.

Example: “I prefer bikini briefs for everyday—snug but not bulky.”

BJ

Short for blowjob. Colloquial, often used jokingly or with a wink. Keep it consensual, respectful, and safe.

Example: “The chat got flirty—he hinted at a BJ.”

Bottom

The receptive sexual partner. A sexual role preference that can be fluid and context-dependent.

Example: “He identifies as a bottom, but says it depends on chemistry.”

Boxer Brief

Hybrid of boxers and briefs: thigh-hugging legs plus a supportive pouch. A modern default for many.

Example: “Boxer briefs fit well under jeans.”

Boxershorts

Traditional loose-fitting shorts made for breathability and comfort. Great for lounging, though less supportive for sport or active wear.

Example: “He sleeps in cotton boxershorts all year round.”

Breathable

Allows air to circulate, helping reduce heat and moisture buildup.

Example: “These breathable panels changed my commute.”

Briefs

Classic snug underwear with full back coverage and a supportive front. Reliable, timeless, comfy.

Example: “White briefs, black tee—iconic.”

Bulge

The visible shape or outline of the genitals through fabric. Fashion feature for some, modesty concern for others.

Example: “Those modal briefs enhance the bulge.”

Buns

Slang for buttocks; often used in a fun, flirty way.

Example: “Those buns fill out those trunks perfectly.”

C-String

A strapless underwear alternative: a molded front panel with an internal flexible frame that grips to stay in place. Minimal is an understatement.

Example: “The C-string stayed put under the sheer pants.”

C*cksicle

Playful, tongue-in-cheek euphemism for a blowjob. Campy and not exactly subtle.

Example: “He joked about offering a c*cksicle for dessert.”

Care label

The laundering instructions; ignore at your undies’ peril.

Example: “Cold wash, no tumble—save the elastane.”

Cheeky

A back cut that reveals part—not all—of the butt cheeks. A playful middle ground.

Example: “Cheeky briefs are flirty without being a thong.”

Chubby Chaser

A person attracted to bigger-bodied men, celebrating softness and cuddly comfort. Body-positive when used kindly; avoid using it to stereotype.

Example: “He proudly calls himself a chubby chaser—loves the cuddles.”

Clubwear

Umbrella term for bolder, fashion-forward underwear or gear intended for nightlife and dance floors.

Example: “The holographic trunks were pure clubwear.”

Codpiece

Historical (and sometimes modern) pouch panel that exaggerates or protects the groin; occasionally used in fashion/fetish wear.

Example: “The stage costume had a dramatic codpiece.”

Compression

Firm, elastic support that hugs muscles and reduces movement; common in performance gear.

Example: “Light compression felt supportive on runs.”

Compression shorts

Tight performance shorts that reduce movement and provide muscle support; also worn as underwear.

Example: “He wore compression shorts to the gym.”

Contour pouch

A pouch with seams or darts that create space and lift for a natural profile.

Example: “The contour pouch prevented adjusting all day.”

Cotton

Natural fiber known for breathability and softness. Great for daily wear; may hold moisture during workouts.

Example: “Classic cotton briefs never fail.”

Cruise

To seek casual encounters by subtly signaling interest in public spaces (clubs, bars, certain venues). Consent and safety first; follow local laws and etiquette.

Example: “They used eye contact to cruise without saying a word.”

Cub

A younger, often stockier guy in the bear community—hairy or on the way, and proud of it.

Example: “He started as a cub and grew into his bear era.”

Daddy

An older or more authoritative partner with a protective, confident vibe; can be about age, energy, or both.

Example: “He’s not much older, but definitely has daddy energy.”

Daddy Chaser

Someone attracted to daddies—older, grounded, often more experienced men.

Example: “He admits he’s a daddy chaser; he likes a steady hand.”

Discreet

Someone who seeks privacy about their dating or sexual life—may be closeted, partnered, or simply private. Communication and boundaries are key.

Example: “He asked if I could keep things discreet.”

Dominant

A person who prefers a leading or controlling role in consensual kink or bedroom dynamics. Negotiation and aftercare matter.

Example: “He’s dominant but very attentive to consent.”

Drop

A new product release or limited run from a brand.

Example: “The neon drop sold out in hours.”

Enhancing pouch

A pouch designed to lift, center, or push forward for a fuller-looking profile.

Example: “The enhancing pouch gave a subtle boost.”

Flatlock seams

Low-profile seams joined edge-to-edge to reduce chafing and bulk.

Example: “Flatlock seams solved my thigh rub.”

Four-way stretch

Fabric that stretches in both directions, lengthwise and widthwise, for freedom of movement.

Example: “Four-way stretch hugged without constricting.”

Full cut boxer

Traditional roomy boxers with maximum airflow and a relaxed fit.

Example: “He lounges in full cut boxers at home.”

Functional fly

A front opening (vertical, horizontal, or Y-front) for quick access. Classic, practical, and still popular.

Example: “The Y-front fly is old-school but handy.”

G-string

A thong variant with a very thin string at the back and minimal waistband. Barely-there coverage.

Example: “Under the tight suit, a G-string prevented lines.”

Gusset

An extra panel sewn at stress points (often the crotch) to improve fit, shape, or durability.

Example: “The gusset gave more range of motion.”

Harness

Strappy bodywear that frames the chest or waist; fashion, fetish, or festival—your playground.

Example: “He wore a leather harness over a mesh tank.”

Haul

A batch purchase—show-and-tell friendly on socials.

Example: “He posted his birthday underwear haul.”

Hipster

A mid-to-low-rise brief with a wide waistband and straight leg opening—sits on the hips.

Example: “Hipsters pair well with fitted trousers.”

Inseam

The length of the leg from crotch to hem—shorter in trunks, longer in boxer briefs.

Example: “A 3-inch inseam showed off quads.”

J-strap

Minimal variant of a thong/jock that uses a single lower strap—ultra revealing and directional.

Example: “He tried a J-strap for fun.”

Jockbriefs

A hybrid: brief-style front with jockstrap-style leg straps in the back. Support in the front, party in the back.

Example: “That jockbrief gives lift while keeping the jock look.”

Jockstrap

Athletic-style underwear with a supportive front pouch and two rear straps that leave the butt exposed. Originally made for sports and impact support; now equally popular for fashion, fetish, and club looks.

Example: “He wore a classic white jockstrap under his shorts.”

Jockthong

A mashup of a jockstrap front with a thong back strap. Maximum support in front, minimal coverage behind.

Example: “He changed into a jockthong for the night out.”

Kinky

Umbrella term for sexual interests outside the ‘vanilla’ mainstream. Can include toys, power play, role play, and more—always consensual and informed.

Example: “They’re curious and a little kinky—open to trying new things.”

Lace

Delicate, patterned fabric used for a feminine or luxe look. Comfortable stretch versions exist for daily wear.

Example: “Lace briefs can be both soft and strong.”

Leather

Durable, non-stretch animal hide used in fetish or fashion gear; usually not for daily wear.

Example: “He paired leather shorts with a harness.”

Long John’s

Long thermal underwear for cold weather, often ribbed or waffle-knit. Cozy meets practical.

Example: “He broke out the long john’s in December.”

Low-rise briefs

Briefs that sit below the natural waist, perfect for low-slung trousers or a more revealing look.

Example: “Those low-rise briefs show off the V-lines.”

Mankini

A comedic, body-baring sling one-piece popularized by Borat. Technically swimwear; functionally a conversation starter.

Example: “He wore a neon mankini to the theme party.”

Mesh

Open-knit construction that increases airflow; can be sheer or athletic.

Example: “The mesh panel added ventilation.”

Mesh underwear

Underwear made with open-weave or sheer mesh for breathability and a teasing, see-through look.

Example: “The mesh shows just enough without fully revealing.”

Microbrief

Extremely minimal brief with narrow sides and a slim front, stopping short of a thong.

Example: “The microbrief maximizes tan lines.”

Microfiber

Very fine synthetic fibers (often nylon/polyester blends) that feel smooth, lightweight, and quick-drying.

Example: “Microfiber briefs vanish under suits.”

Mid-rise briefs

Briefs that sit at the natural waist—balanced coverage and everyday comfort.

Example: “Mid-rise is his daily go-to cut.”

Modal

Semi-synthetic rayon fiber made from beech. Silky, breathable, and less prone to shrinking than cotton.

Example: “Modal trunks feel cool and drapey.”

Moisture-wicking

Fabric or finish that moves sweat away from the skin to evaporate faster—ideal for workouts.

Example: “Wicking briefs kept me dry during cardio.”

No-fly

Underwear without an opening in front, providing a smoother look and fewer seams.

Example: “He prefers no-fly for the clean silhouette.”

NSA

No-Strings-Attached: encounters without romantic expectations. Honesty and mutual agreement are essential.

Example: “They agreed on NSA to keep it simple.”

Nylon

Smooth, durable synthetic fiber that dries quickly and resists abrasion.

Example: “Nylon mesh is great for sports briefs.”

Otter

A slimmer or younger guy in the bear world, usually with some hair but less bulk than a bear.

Example: “He’s an otter—lean, hairy, handsome.”

Polyester

Synthetic fiber prized for durability and moisture-wicking tech in activewear.

Example: “Polyester blends keep sweat off the skin.”

Poser brief

A small, showy brief designed to highlight physique—common in bodybuilding and pageants.

Example: “The poser brief is built for the stage.”

Pouch

The front section designed to cradle and support. Pouch styles vary: flat, anatomical, contour, or enhancing.

Example: “An anatomical pouch reduced squish and improved comfort.”

Power bottom

A bottom who energetically drives the action and knows exactly what they want. Confidence, meet stamina.

Example: “He’s a power bottom—takes the lead from below.”

Poz

Short for HIV-positive. Used by some folks to share their status openly. Respect with sensitivity; support U=U (undetectable = untransmittable).

Example: “He’s poz and open about it—education matters.”

Pup

Kink community role-playing a playful, obedient persona—often with gear like hoods and tails. Consent and boundaries are essential.

Example: “He pup-played at the themed party.”

Rise

How high the waistband sits (low, mid, high). Affects look, comfort, and compatibility with pants.

Example: “A low rise worked with his hip-huggers.”

Safeword

A pre-agreed word or signal to pause or stop play instantly—vital for consent and safety.

Example: “They used color-coded safewords.”

Satin

Glossy weave that feels slick and luxurious—often used for special-occasion underwear.

Example: “Satin briefs looked glam under the robe.”

Seamless

Constructed without prominent seams to reduce chafing and create a second-skin feel.

Example: “Seamless trunks disappear under dress pants.”

Singlet

One-piece elastic garment associated with wrestling; also nightlife/fetish wear. Accentuates shoulders and thighs.

Example: “He danced all night in a black singlet.”

Spandex/Elastane

Stretch fiber blended into fabrics to provide elasticity and shape retention.

Example: “A bit of elastane keeps the fit snug.”

Sports brief

Breathable, moisture-wicking brief designed for activity, with secure support and flat seams.

Example: “He prefers a sports brief for running.”

Strapless thong

Thong with an internal flexible frame at the back instead of straps; similar spirit to the C-string.

Example: “A strapless thong kept the sides invisible.”

String

Ultra-minimal underwear that may be essentially a pouch and a string waistband/back. About as skimpy as it gets without going commando.

Example: “The lace string left almost nothing to the imagination.”

Submissive

A person who enjoys yielding control in consensual play. Negotiation, safewords, and trust are non-negotiable.

Example: “As a submissive, he values clear rules and aftercare.”

Swimmer brief

Streamlined brief used for swim, often with lining and drawstring; similar to “speedo.”

Example: “The swimmer brief cut through the water.”

Switch

Someone comfortable switching between dominant and submissive roles depending on partner and mood.

Example: “She’s a switch—flexible and communicative.”

T-back

Back design where straps form a T-shape—common in thongs and jocks.

Example: “That T-back frames the glutes.”

Tagless

Printed labels instead of sewn tags to avoid itching and irritation.

Example: “Tagless labels save my skin.”

Tanga briefs

A skimpier cut that narrows at the sides and back, sitting between a bikini brief and a thong. Offers freedom of movement with a teasing reveal.

Example: “The tanga cut shows a hint of cheek without being a full thong.”

Tapered boxer

Loose boxer with a slightly tailored leg to reduce bunching. More structure, less billow.

Example: “The tapered leg keeps them from riding up.”

Thong

Underwear with a pouch in front and a narrow strap (string) at the back that sits between the butt cheeks. Chosen for minimal lines and maximum sass.

Example: “Thongs avoid bunching under slim trousers.”

Top

The insertive partner or the one taking the active penetrating role. Like all roles, it can be fluid.

Example: “He usually tops but stays versatile.”

Trunk

Shorter-legged cousin of the boxer brief—sporty, sleek, and great for quads.

Example: “He switched to trunks for a cleaner line.”

Try-on

A quick model or mirror video showcasing fit, fabric, and bounce factor.

Example: “He filmed a try-on of summer trunks.”

Twink

A youthful-leaning, slim or smooth guy—stereotypical label sometimes; use respectfully.

Example: “He joked that he’s aging out of twink status.”

Untitled

Placeholder entry from a previous import. Consider removing, renaming, or replacing with a real term.

Example: (No example—this is a reminder to tidy the dictionary.)

Vanilla

Sexual interests that are more traditional or mainstream. Not boring—just classic.

Example: “They keep it vanilla and very affectionate.”

Velvet

Plush pile fabric with rich texture—more for fashion and costume than sweat sessions.

Example: “Velvet trunks screamed holiday party.”

Versatile

Someone who enjoys both top and bottom roles. Many people are “verse” depending on mood, chemistry, and partner.

Example: “He’s versatile—goes with the flow.”

VPL

Acronym for Visible Penis Line. The outline or contour that shows through thin or tight clothing. Loved by some, avoided by others—your call.

Example: “Those gym leggings are giving major VPL.”

Waistband

The elastic band at the top—can be soft-brushed, logo-heavy, or concealed. Key to comfort.

Example: “A softer waistband stopped pinching.”

Wolf

Hairy and masculine-leaning, somewhere between otter and bear in vibe.

Example: “That salt-and-pepper wolf look? Yes please.”

Woof

Gay slang of approval for a rugged, masculine guy—think beard, boots, broad shoulders. Often used as a playful compliment or reaction to thirst-trap photos.

Example: “That lumberjack selfie? Woof.”

Y-back (jock)

Classic jockstrap rear where the leg straps meet the waistband in a Y shape.

Example: “The Y-back keeps straps in place.”

Y-front

A fly construction shaped like a “Y”, common in classic briefs.

Example: “Grandad swears by Y-front briefs.”

Yestergay

Humorous term for someone who identified as gay previously and now says they’re straight. Labels can evolve; respect people’s journeys.

Example: “He joked he’s yestergay—just dating differently now.”