Underwear is the garment worn beneath outer clothing, next to the skin. It serves practical purposes: hygiene, support, warmth, and modesty. It also shapes the silhouette of outer garments. Underwear is one of the most personal categories in fashion, yet it follows trends like any other. Colors, cuts, and fabrics shift with the seasons.

Types vary by gender and function. For women, bras, panties, slips, and camisoles are common. Bras range from everyday styles to sports, strapless, and nursing. Panties come in briefs, bikinis, thongs, boyshorts, and high-waisted styles. For men, boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, and trunks are standard. Undershirts, tank tops, and thermal layers add warmth. Shapewear smooths the body under clothing. Athletic underwear uses moisture-wicking fabrics. Each type addresses a specific need.

Fabrics matter for comfort. Cotton is breathable and gentle on skin. Modal and micromodal are soft and absorbent. Silk is luxurious but requires care. Synthetic blends like spandex and polyester add stretch and shape retention. Fit is personal. A bra should support without digging into the shoulders or ribs. Underwear should not ride up or leave marks. Sizing varies by brand, so trying before buying or checking size charts is useful. Care involves gentle washing and avoiding high heat. Elastic degrades over time. Replacing underwear regularly is a matter of hygiene as well as comfort.

Common types

• Briefs and boxers
• Boxer briefs and trunks
• Bras
• Camisoles and slips
• Shapewear and thermals