Guys, Your ‘Sexy’ Underwear Choice: It’s Okay to Do It For You (And Them)
Men’s Underwear “Sexualization”: Self-Expression or Pleasing Others?
For decades, men’s underwear was confined to a narrow box—neutral colors, shapeless cuts, and a sole focus on utility. It was something hidden, unspoken, and purely functional, as if masculinity demanded invisibility beneath the surface. But today, that box is crumbling. Bold patterns, tailored fits, and designs that embrace sensuality have moved from the fringes to the mainstream, sparking a quiet debate: When a man chooses “sexy” underwear, is he doing it for himself, or for someone else?
Let’s cut through the noise first: “Sexy” in men’s underwear isn’t a one-size-fits-all label. It doesn’t have to mean flashy or revealing—it can be a soft modal brief with a subtle contour, a pair of trunks in a rich, deep hue that flatters the body, or even just a well-fitted style that feels intentional rather than afterthought. At Amamble, we’ve spent years listening to men of all ages and lifestyles, and one truth stands out: This shift toward intentional, sensual underwear is less about performance and more about presence.
Critics might argue that any departure from plain white boxer briefs is a bid for approval—that men are dressing to impress partners or conform to new societal standards of male attractiveness. There’s no denying that relationships play a role; a special occasion or a desire to feel desirable for someone you care about is a natural, human impulse. But reducing the choice to “pleasing others” oversimplifies a much deeper shift in how men relate to their own bodies.
Modern masculinity is shedding its rigid edges. The idea that men must be stoic, unconcerned with personal style, or disconnected from their sensuality is fading—and underwear is at the forefront of this change. A 2025 survey found that 64% of men feel more confident wearing underwear they love, describing it as a “hidden confidence boost” that carries through their entire day . This isn’t about being seen; it’s about feeling aligned with yourself when no one else is watching. It’s the quiet difference between wearing something that chafes and feels like a chore, versus something that hugs your body just right, a small daily reminder that your comfort and pleasure matter.
Historically, men’s underwear has mirrored societal views of masculinity. In the 1950s, as traditional gender roles tightened, underwear leaned into modesty and utility—plain, white, and invisible . By the 1960s, as cultural norms loosened, color and form entered the mix, reflecting a newfound freedom for men to express parts of themselves previously suppressed. Today, the trend toward sensual, well-designed underwear is an extension of that evolution: it’s about rejecting the idea that men must hide their bodies or their desire to feel good in them.
At Amamble, we design our underwear with this duality in mind. We don’t believe self-expression and consideration for others are mutually exclusive—but we start with the wearer. Our fabrics are chosen for softness and breathability first, because feeling comfortable in your skin is the foundation of any confidence. Our fits are tailored to flatter diverse body types, not just a narrow ideal, because sensuality isn’t reserved for a single body shape. And our colors and patterns? They’re for the man who wants to add a little joy to his morning routine, whether that’s a bold stripe that makes him smile or a muted tone that feels quietly luxurious.
The myth that “sexy” underwear is only for others also ignores the power of subtlety. Unlike outerwear, underwear is a private ritual—a small act of self-care that stays with you throughout the day. A man heading into a high-stakes meeting might wear a pair of our contour trunks not because anyone will see them, but because he knows he’s wearing something that makes him feel grounded and assured. A gym-goer might opt for our moisture-wicking briefs with a sleek design not to impress the room, but because feeling put-together, even beneath workout clothes, boosts his focus . This is self-expression in its purest form: choosing something that honors your needs and your style, regardless of external gaze.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with choosing underwear with a partner in mind. Intimacy is about connection, and small gestures—like wearing something you know they’ll appreciate—are part of that. But the key difference is agency: doing it because it brings you joy too, not because you feel obligated to perform. The best underwear, whether “sexy” or not, should make you feel like the best version of yourself—for you, first and foremost.
So, back to the original question: Is men’s underwear “sexualization” about self-expression or pleasing others? The answer, as most human things are, is both—and that’s okay. What matters is that men are no longer confined to the idea that their underwear must be invisible or utilitarian. They’re embracing choices that honor their bodies, their confidence, and their personal style.
At Amamble, we’re proud to be part of that journey. We don’t sell “sexy” underwear—we sell underwear that lets you feel seen, comfortable, and unapologetically yourself. Because when the world asks you to choose between being true to yourself and pleasing others, the best answer is to wear something that lets you do both.