The question regularly appears on Reddit. Real men are asking these questions because they love underwear and would like to explore various styles and designs. But yet, they're scared of what people around them will think of their sexuality. Would I be seen as GAY if I wear thongs, jockstraps, or any other underwear? Does wearing briefs make me gay? What underwear can straight guys wear? What styles are seen as gay men's underwear?
"Men have just as much right to look and feel sexy"
The answer, grounded in history, fashion, and a modern understanding of identity, will surprise you. While men's underwear certainly has deep ties to gender, sensuousness, and the male body, the link is not a roadmap to a man's sexual orientation. A man is not "gay" because he wears a jockstrap or a thong, nor is he "boring" because he prefers loose boxers. In 2026, the only statement your underwear makes is about your personal comfort, confidence, and style.
Let's pull back the covers on the social constructs surrounding men's undies and explore why freedom of expression should always outweigh outdated stereotyping—with real voices from the internet's most honest discussions.
The Reddit Verdict: Real Men, Real Choices
If you want to understand the gap between stereotype and reality, look no further than Reddit. Across countless threads, men are having candid conversations about their underwear choices that completely dismantle the idea that what's underneath predicts your orientation.
"I'm a 100% straight male, and I'm comfortable with my sexuality"
In a discussion about male thongs on The Student Room (a popular forum), one user offered a powerful testimony that could serve as a manifesto for this entire topic. Identifying himself as a straight male working as an animal wrangler for movies, a former zookeeper, and an arborist, he wrote:
"After reading a lot of homophobic posts, and trying to come across this in a mature way, let me just say. Its ONLY underwear. I am a 100% straight male, and I'm comfortable with my sexuality... I do wear thongs on occasion if my clothes call for it (about 10% of the time). I'll also wear them for tanning, either in a tanning bed or on a secluded beach... Thongs come in all kinds of cool styles for men. Designs and patterns that are not girly AT ALL that I'm pretty sure the average guy would think are pretty cool, my girlfriend and other past random encounters found it erotic and sexy".
This user went on to challenge the double standard: "women, wear male clothes a lot without being judged. From pants to even boxers, to whatever they want. Nobody judges them for it!" His conclusion? "Thongs for men have expanded well beyond the boundaries of the homosexual world".
The "Straight Guys and Thongs" Community
This isn't an isolated voice. The Reddit community r/StraightGuysAndThongs serves as a hub for exactly this conversation. Jake, a moderator of the subreddit and lifelong male thong enthusiast, shared his journey on the Brief Talk Podcast. He emphasises the importance of community for men who enjoy wearing thongs and the challenges of discussing this preference with partners.
Jake's message is clear: "Men have just as much right to look and feel sexy". He actively advocates for breaking down the stereotypes associated with men wearing thongs and encourages open discussions about body positivity and self-expression. The very existence of this community—with thousands of members—proves that underwear preferences cross all orientations.
The Tighty-Whities Debate: Even Briefs Spark Discussion
It's not just thongs that generate conversation. A Reddit user recently sparked debate by declaring that as a 33-year-old "kind of chubby guy," he wears tighty-whities exclusively and considers it a personal fetish. The responses were mixed but revealing.
One commenter noted: "Modern, white briefs are really hot on most guys. They are clean and sexy, and well-fitting ones will make your crotch pop". Another added: "I'll chime in. First, I think you look great in your tighty whities! I'm obviously biased because it's the style I love and wear most often. They can be masculine, boyish, daddyish, sexy, embarrassing, whatever".
The diversity of opinions—even within the gay community discussing a traditionally "straight" garment—proves that underwear preferences are deeply personal and resist simple categorisation.
The Historical Weight of a Waistband
To understand why we link underwear to sexuality, we have to look at history. Underwear has always performed multiple purposes: protection, modesty, and adornment. According to fashion historians, it has also long been tied to "sexual or erotic purposes".
Take the jockstrap, for example. Invented in 1874 for bicycle jockeys navigating bumpy cobblestones, it was purely functional: to hold everything in place during physical activity. By the mid-20th century, it had become embraced by the gay community as a symbol of hypermasculinity, appearing in Tom of Finland comics and muscle magazines. But today? Luxury brands like Thom Browne, Versace, and Calvin Klein have sent jockstraps down the runway, worn with tailored suits.
This evolution proves a vital point: a garment does not have a sexuality. What was once sports gear became a gay subculture symbol and is now a mainstream fashion item. The meaning changes with the cultural wind.
The "Underwear Code": A Social Construct
Despite the evolving nature of fashion, society loves to create codes. There is a persistent myth that a man in briefs is confident and potentially vain, while a man in boxers is laid back and traditional. Step into the territory of the thong or jockstrap, and the amateur sociologists come out in full force, often labelling the wearer as gay.
This is a massive oversimplification. As one commentator noted, "the colour or shape of your underwear fundamentally doesn't matter all that much. Most people never even see your pants". We build up anxiety around these choices based on fleeting moments of intimacy, ignoring the fact that for the other 23 hours of the day, your underwear is about your comfort against your skin.
Why Straight Men Choose Thongs: Comfort, Style, Confidence
Let's address the question directly: Can a straight guy wear a thong and still be masculine? The answer is a definitive yes.
Comfort and Support
Many men choose thongs because they want underwear that feels light and supportive. With less fabric, you avoid bunching and chafing, especially during physical activity. Athletes and fitness fans often wear thongs because the design provides support without feeling tight or bulky. As one Reddit user put it after trying multiple brands: "I find them so much more comfortable and supportive, especially when doing sports". Some men wear them because of the shape it gives their buttocks.
Style and Practicality
Thongs help avoid visible underwear lines under tight pants or fitted jeans. If you care about your appearance and want a smooth look without bunching, a thong is a practical choice. You also stay cooler with less fabric—on hot days, breathable materials help you feel fresh.
Confidence and Self-Expression
Wearing a thong can boost confidence. When you choose underwear that feels good and looks good, you feel better about yourself. You might stand taller or smile more. Confidence comes from knowing you chose for yourself, not just to fit in.
As Jake from the Straight Guys and Thongs community emphasises, the goal is to help men who "feel isolated in their preferences" find a sense of belonging and embrace their choices without shame.
What Men Actually Prioritise (Spoiler: It's Not a Code)
If we remove the pseudo-psychology, what actually drives a man's choice in underwear? Recent academic research provides a much more practical answer.
A 2024 survey published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine studied men's preferences in choosing underwear. The results were telling:
- Top Criteria: The leading factors for all respondents were material composition (74.5%) and style/design (65.2%).
- Functionality Over Statement: Men specifically prioritised functionality—focusing on the feel of the fabric and the design—rather than the message the brand might send.
- Real-World Influence: The study found that a man's knowledge of underwear types often increased when living with a partner, suggesting that engagement with underwear is a practical part of life, not a secret signal.
Men are buying underwear because it feels good, fits well, and looks nice to them. The idea that they are secretly communicating their sexual availability through a specific cut is a narrative created by marketers and reinforced by insecure social gatekeeping.
Tips for First-Timers: Exploring Without Fear
If you're curious about trying something new—whether a thong, jockstrap, or different style—here are practical tips from those who've been there:
1. Start with the right fit. Measure your hips, not your waist, for sizing. If between sizes, go up for comfort.
2. Choose quality materials. Look for soft, stretchy fabrics like cotton/spandex blends, modal, or microfiber that breathe and move with you.
3. Read reviews. Recent feedback from other buyers helps you know what to expect regarding fit and durability.
4. Wash before wearing. This keeps the garment clean and soft against your skin.
5. Focus on your comfort. As the animal wrangler Reddit user advised: "Don't knock it until you've tried it (most of you won't regret it unless you let your homophobic or judgmental side get in the way). They aren't for everyone, but they are one of my favourite parts of my wardrobe".
Freedom of Expression and the Modern Man
We are currently living in an era where the rigid boundaries of gendered clothing are dissolving. The most important takeaway from the evolution of men's underwear is that a man can wear anything he wants. He is free to explore designs without his identity being policed.
- Wear the Thong: Wear it because it makes you feel confident, because it prevents lines under your work pants, or because you like the aesthetic. Your attraction to men or women is not determined by the fabric between your legs.
- Wear the Jockstrap: Wear it for the support during a workout, or because you want to feel sexy for yourself or a partner.
- Wear the Brief: Wear them for the classic look and support. It doesn't mean anything except that you hate fabric bunching.
- Wear the Boxers: Wear them for the freedom and breathability.
As the Reddit moderator Jake put it, the goal is "breaking down stereotypes associated with men wearing thongs" and helping men understand that they have "just as much right to look and feel sexy" as anyone else.
Conclusion: It's Just Underwear
The link between men's underwear and sexuality is a social construct built on decades of advertising and nosy gossip. While the history of these garments is undeniably tied to the male body, the choice of a particular style is not a confession.
The Reddit users sharing their stories—the animal wrangler who wears thongs for tanning, the subreddit moderator building community for straight thong enthusiasts, the chubby guy who exclusively wears tighty-whities—all prove the same point: **underwear preferences are personal, practical, and diverse.
We need to stop worrying so much about what our underpants say about us. Whether you prefer the minimal coverage of a thong, the support of a jockstrap, the freedom of boxers, or the classic look of briefs, your choice is valid. Choose the underwear that fits your body and lifts your spirit, and let your personality—not your pants—define who you are.
