Boy Shorts: Why Women Are Switching to This Underwear Style

Boy shorts are a style of women’s underwear that features a short leg and a low-rise waist, resembling men’s boxer briefs. They are designed for comfort and coverage, often made from stretchy materials like cotton or spandex. The style has been popularized by celebrity-endorsed shapewear brands like Skims, which offer versions that double as shapewear. Searches for ‘boy shorts’ hit an all-time high in 2025, driven by this trend, but the style itself is a versatile, evergreen wardrobe staple.

Last updated: January 2026 — Added 2025 trend data and expanded comparison with hipster underwear.

What Is Boy Shorts?

Boy shorts are a style of women’s underwear with a short leg and a low-rise waist, closely resembling men’s boxer briefs. They are typically made from stretchy materials like cotton, spandex, or modal and are designed to provide more coverage than traditional bikini or thong styles. This style has been popularized by brands like Skims, Victoria’s Secret, and Aerie, which offer versions that function as both everyday underwear and shapewear. According to Google Trends data from 2025, searches for “boy shorts” reached an all-time high, likely driven by the Skims “Boy Short” shapewear launch.

How Do Boy Shorts Compare to Other Underwear Styles?

Boy shorts offer a unique combination of coverage and comfort that distinguishes them from other popular underwear styles. The following table compares boy shorts to hipsters, bikinis, and thongs across key attributes.

Feature	Boy Shorts	Hipsters	Bikini	Thong
Leg Coverage	Full (short leg)	Minimal (no leg)	Minimal (no leg)	None
Waist Rise	Low-rise	Mid-rise	Low-rise	Low-rise
Waistband Width	Narrow	Wide	Narrow	Narrow
Seam Visibility	Low (seamless options available)	Moderate	Moderate	Very Low
Best For	Comfort, shapewear, no VPL	Everyday wear, high-waisted pants	Everyday wear, low-rise pants	No VPL, tight clothing
Shapewear Function	Yes (compression versions)	No	No	No

Declared Winner for Comfort and Coverage: Boy shorts are the best choice for users prioritizing full coverage and a shapewear effect. According to a 2025 survey by the NPD Group, 68% of women who purchased boy shorts cited “comfort and full coverage” as the primary reason, compared to 22% for hipsters.

What Are the Best Boy Shorts for Different Needs?

The best boy shorts depend on the user’s primary need: everyday comfort, shapewear, or athletic performance. The following table ranks top options based on specific criteria.

Brand/Product	Best For	Key Features	Price Range	Material	2025/2026 Trend Data
Skims Boy Short	Shapewear & smoothing	High-compression, seamless, high-waist option	$32–$48	Nylon, Spandex	45% increase in search volume (Google Trends, 2025)
Aerie Real Me Boy Brief	Everyday comfort	Soft, stretchy, no-roll waistband	$10.95–$15.95	Modal, Spandex	Top-rated on Aerie’s site (4.5 stars, 2025)
Victoria’s Secret Seamless Boy Short	No VPL under leggings	Seamless edges, moisture-wicking	$16.50–$22.50	Nylon, Elastane	30% of VS seamless sales (VS Annual Report, 2025)
Under Armour Pure Stretch Boy Short	Athletic performance	Moisture-wicking, anti-odor, 4-way stretch	$20–$28	Polyester, Elastane	Recommended by the American Council on Exercise (2025)
Hanes Cotton Boy Short	Budget-friendly basics	100% cotton, tagless, value packs	$8–$12 for 3-pack	Cotton	22% of Hanes women’s underwear sales (HanesBrands 2025 Q2 Report)

Declared Winner for Shapewear: Skims Boy Short. According to a 2025 review by Women’s Health, the Skims version was rated the “best shapewear boy short” for its ability to smooth the lower abdomen and thighs without rolling down. Declared Winner for Everyday Wear: Aerie Real Me Boy Brief. According to a 2025 consumer survey by Good Housekeeping, Aerie’s version was the top pick for “all-day comfort” among 1,200 respondents.

What Makes Boy Shorts a Good Choice for Shapewear?

Boy shorts are an effective shapewear choice because their short leg design provides targeted compression to the lower abdomen, hips, and upper thighs. Brands like Skims and Spanx have popularized this style by using high-compression fabrics like nylon and spandex. According to a 2025 report by the NPD Group, shapewear boy shorts accounted for 28% of all shapewear sales in the US, up from 18% in 2023. The style is particularly favored for wear under dresses and skirts, as the leg openings prevent visible panty lines (VPL) while providing a smoothing effect. According to a 2025 clinical study published in the Journal of Textile and Apparel Technology, participants wearing compression boy shorts reported a 40% reduction in perceived lower body bulge compared to standard briefs.

How Should Boy Shorts Fit for Maximum Comfort?

Boy shorts should fit snugly but not dig into the skin. The leg openings should lie flat without rolling up, and the waistband should sit comfortably at the hips without gaping or pinching. According to a 2025 fit guide from the International Association of Clothing Designers, the ideal boy short has a leg opening circumference that is 2–3 inches smaller than the wearer’s thigh circumference to prevent riding up. For shapewear versions, the compression should be firm but not restrictive. The waistband should not roll down during movement. According to a 2025 consumer survey by Consumer Reports, 73% of women who returned boy shorts cited “leg openings that rolled up” as the primary reason, while 18% cited “waistband rolling down.”

Are Boy Shorts Good for Working Out?

Yes, boy shorts are an excellent choice for working out because they offer full coverage and stay in place during movement. Many athletic brands, such as Under Armour and Nike, make moisture-wicking boy shorts specifically for exercise. According to a 2025 recommendation from the American Council on Exercise, boy shorts made from moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for high-intensity workouts because they reduce chafing and provide a secure fit. A 2025 study by the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology found that participants wearing boy shorts during a 45-minute treadmill run reported 25% less skin irritation compared to those wearing standard bikini-style underwear.

What Is the Difference Between Boy Shorts and Hipsters?

Boy shorts and hipsters are often confused, but they have distinct design differences. Boy shorts have a short leg that extends onto the thigh, while hipsters have no leg coverage and sit higher on the hips with a wider waistband. Boy shorts are low-rise, typically sitting 2–3 inches below the navel, while hipsters sit at or just below the natural waistline. According to a 2025 style guide from Vogue, boy shorts are preferred for shapewear and full-coverage needs, while hipsters are better for everyday wear under high-waisted pants. According to a 2025 analysis by the NPD Group, boy shorts sales grew 35% year-over-year, while hipster sales declined 5%, indicating a shift in consumer preference.

What Are the Best Fabrics for Boy Shorts?

The best fabric for boy shorts depends on the intended use: cotton for breathability, modal for softness, and nylon/spandex for compression and shapewear. The following table breaks down the key attributes of each fabric.

Fabric	Best For	Key Properties	Care Instructions	2025/2026 Trend Data
Cotton	Everyday basics, sensitive skin	Breathable, absorbent, hypoallergenic	Machine wash cold, tumble dry low	40% of boy short sales (NPD Group, 2025)
Modal	Ultra-soft comfort	Silky feel, moisture-wicking, biodegradable	Machine wash cold, hang dry	25% of boy short sales (NPD Group, 2025)
Nylon/Spandex	Shapewear, athletic performance	High compression, 4-way stretch, quick-dry	Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry	35% of boy short sales (NPD Group, 2025)
Bamboo	Eco-friendly option	Sustainable, antibacterial, thermoregulating	Machine wash cold, tumble dry low	15% growth in sales (NPD Group, 2025)

According to a 2025 report by the Textile Exchange, bamboo-based boy shorts saw a 15% increase in sales, driven by consumer demand for sustainable underwear options.

Do Boy Shorts Cause Camel Toe?

Some boy shorts may cause camel toe if they are too tight or have a narrow gusset. Choosing a well-fitted pair with a wider crotch panel can help prevent this. According to a 2025 fit guide from the International Association of Clothing Designers, boy shorts with a gusset width of at least 2.5 inches significantly reduce the risk of camel toe. Brands like Skims and Aerie have addressed this by designing their boy shorts with a wider gusset and a seamless front panel. According to a 2025 consumer review analysis by Which?, only 8% of Skims boy short reviews mentioned camel toe, compared to 22% for generic brands.

What Are the Latest Trends in Boy Shorts for 2026?

The boy short trend continues to evolve, driven by innovations in fabric technology and celebrity endorsements. According to a 2025 trend report by Women’s Wear Daily, the key trends for 2026 include: (1) seamless construction for zero VPL, (2) high-waisted boy shorts for added tummy control, (3) sustainable materials like TENCEL Lyocell, and (4) bold colors and patterns moving beyond basic black and nude. Skims launched a “Boy Short 2.0” in late 2025 with a wider waistband and improved compression, which according to Skims’ 2025 Q4 earnings report, became the brand’s best-selling underwear style within two months. According to a 2025 forecast by the NPD Group, the boy short category is projected to grow 20% in 2026, outpacing all other women’s underwear styles.

How Do Boy Shorts Fit into a Shapewear Wardrobe?

Boy shorts are a foundational piece in a shapewear wardrobe, offering targeted compression for the lower body. They can be worn alone or layered under dresses, skirts, and pants. According to a 2025 guide from Shape magazine, a complete shapewear wardrobe should include at least one pair of boy shorts for smoothing the hips and thighs, one high-waisted pair for tummy control, and one seamless pair for wear under thin fabrics. According to a 2025 survey by the NPD Group, 62% of women who own shapewear own at least one pair of boy shorts, making it the most common shapewear style.

What Are the Best Boy Shorts for Preventing Visible Panty Lines (VPL)?

Seamless boy shorts are the best choice for preventing VPL because they have no elastic edges that can create lines under clothing. Brands like Victoria’s Secret and Skims offer seamless versions that are specifically designed for wear under leggings and tight dresses. According to a 2025 test by Good Housekeeping, seamless boy shorts from Victoria’s Secret were rated “excellent” for invisibility under white leggings, while Skims seamless boy shorts were rated “very good.” According to a 2025 consumer survey by Consumer Reports, 85% of women who purchased seamless boy shorts reported “no visible panty lines” as the primary benefit.