The Rise of Gender-Neutral Underwear: What to Know

Quick answer

Gender-neutral underwear isn't a single product; it's a shift toward cuts and fabrics that prioritize fit and comfort over gendered marketing. Start by choosing a cut that matches your support needs, then pick a fabric for your climate and activity level. Sizing labels vary by brand, so measure your waist and hips rather than trusting a letter size.

Underwear has traditionally been sold in two separate aisles, but that's changing. More brands are dropping gendered labels and focusing on fit, fabric, and function instead. The result is a growing category of gender-neutral underwear that works for a wider range of bodies and preferences.

This guide explains what the unisex underwear trend actually means for your drawer, how to choose cuts and fabrics that fit, and the trade-offs to weigh before you buy. You'll also see how specific styles from TEAMM8 fit into the picture.

What gender-neutral underwear actually means

Gender-neutral underwear usually refers to styles marketed without a male or female label, but the products themselves are often existing cuts—briefs, thongs, jockstraps, crop tops—reframed for anyone who wants them. The shift is as much about inclusive underwear marketing as it is about design.

For shoppers, the practical effect is that you can focus on measurable factors: waistband width, pouch or panel construction, fabric stretch, and rise. Those details determine comfort far more than the label on the package.

• Look for size charts based on measurements, not gendered letter sizes.
• Check whether the cut includes a pouch, flat front, or contoured panel.
• Read fabric content for stretch, breathability, and drying speed.

How to choose a cut that fits your body and routine

The biggest mistake is choosing a cut by name rather than by function. A thong minimizes fabric and eliminates ride-up in the back, but it offers less coverage. A brief provides more support and a secure fit for daily wear. A jockstrap lifts and supports while leaving the back open, which suits high-movement activities.

If you're new to gender-neutral underwear, start with a brief or a sports brief for everyday wear, then try a thong or jockstrap for specific situations. The right cut depends on how much support you want, how much coverage you prefer, and what you'll be doing.

• Everyday wear: brief or sports brief for balanced coverage and support.
• Minimal feel: thong or micro thong for less fabric and no back ride-up.
• High movement: jockstrap for secure support with an open back.

Fabric matters more than the label

Fabric determines how underwear feels, how it handles sweat, and how long it lasts. Cotton is breathable and easy to care for, but it absorbs moisture and dries slowly. Bamboo is softer than silk, naturally anti-bacterial, and heat-regulating, which makes it a strong choice for daily wear and lounging. Microfibre and sheer fabrics dry quickly and offer 4-way stretch, but they need gentler washing.

For a gender-neutral drawer, a mix of fabrics works best: bamboo or cotton for everyday comfort, and quick-dry synthetics for workouts or travel. Check the care label before buying, because sheer and microfibre styles often require hand washing or a mesh bag.

• Bamboo: soft, anti-bacterial, heat-regulating; ideal for daily wear.
• Cotton: breathable and durable; best for cooler, drier conditions.
• Microfibre and sheer: quick-dry and stretchy; wash with care.

Sizing and fit: measure, don't guess

Because gender-neutral underwear often uses unisex sizing, the letter on the label can be misleading. Measure your waist at the narrowest point and your hips at the widest point, then compare those numbers to the brand's size chart. If you're between sizes, size up for briefs and jockstraps, and consider your preferred rise for thongs.

Waistband width also affects fit. A 3.5 cm waistband sits lower and feels lighter, while a 4 cm band offers more stability. Neither is better—it's about whether you want a barely-there feel or a more secure hold.

• Measure waist and hips; use the brand's chart, not your usual size.
• Size up if between sizes for briefs and jockstraps.
• Match waistband width to your preferred level of support.

Trade-offs to know before you switch

Gender-neutral underwear isn't automatically more comfortable or more inclusive—it depends on the specific design. A thong offers minimal coverage, which some people love and others find uncomfortable. A jockstrap leaves the back exposed, which is great for airflow but not for cold weather. Sheer fabrics look striking but require delicate care.

Another trade-off is availability. Not every brand offers a full size range in every cut, and return policies vary. Before committing, check the size chart, fabric care, and return window. If you're experimenting, buy one or two pieces rather than a full set.

• Minimal cuts mean less coverage; decide if that suits your day.
• Sheer and microfibre need gentler washing than cotton or bamboo.
• Check return policies when trying a new brand or cut.

Decision rules for buying gender-neutral underwear

• Match the cut to your support need: Choose a brief or sports brief for everyday coverage, a thong for a minimal feel, or a jockstrap for high-movement support with an open back. If you're unsure, start with a brief and add a thong or jockstrap later.
• Pick fabric by climate and activity: Bamboo and cotton suit daily wear and cooler conditions; quick-dry microfibre and sheer fabrics suit workouts, travel, and hot weather. Buy one fabric for daily wear and one for activity.
• Use measurements, not letter sizes: Measure your waist and hips and compare to the brand's chart. Size up if between sizes for briefs and jockstraps. A 3.5–4 cm waistband is a good middle ground for most people.
• Check care and return policies: Sheer and microfibre styles need gentler washing. Return windows matter more when trying a new cut or brand. Buy one piece first if you're testing a new style.

TEAMM8 styles that fit the gender-neutral brief

• Glide Micro Thong - Vermillion: The barely there GLIDE Thong gives you support where you need it but feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. The minimal Thong cut with just the pouch and the string part attached to the 1cm waistband combined with the super soft fabrication (which is earth loving recycled!) all merge to create the Thong you didn’t know you needed! A good entry point if you want minimal fabric and a barely-there feel; the 1 cm waistband sits low and light.
• Spartacus Sports Brief - Hibiscus: Gear up and tackle any challenge in this bold and stylish men’s sports brief, featuring edgy cut-out sides. Choose from vibrant Lemon, Hibiscus, and Peppermint shades, or go for the classic and fierce Black. Crafted from ultra-comfortable, quick-dry fabric, it’s finished with a matching 4cm wide waistband and a sleek Max logo on the front, plus an emblem on the back. The 4 cm waistband and quick-dry fabric make it a practical choice for workouts or warm days when you want more stability.
• Cotton Classic Brief - Fern: Who says you can’t improve on a Classic? The New Cotton Classic Brief delivers an even sleeker cut and design than ever before. We’ve reduced the waistband width to 3.5 cm and added firmer leg grip for even more comfortable all day wear while internal pouch stitching adds a finer overall aesthetic. Still available in 7 brilliant colours to keep you in the most comfortable undies you’ll wear, 7 days a week! The 3.5 cm waistband and firmer leg grip suit everyday wear if you want a secure fit without a bulky band.
• Score Sheer Wide Cut Jockstrap - Gunmetal: Play to win! The super sexy Score Jock is back, hotter and better than ever. This time featuring sheer skin-baring inserts at the side of the solid fabric front pouch that continue to curve over to the back of the Jock. Soft hand-feel leg straps that don’t dig into you giving all day comfort wear. A jockstrap with soft leg straps is a strong pick for high-movement days when you want support without digging.

Who gender-neutral underwear is for—and who should choose something else

Best for

• Anyone who wants to choose underwear by fit and fabric rather than gendered labels.
• People building a minimal, versatile drawer with briefs, thongs, and jockstraps.
• Shoppers who prefer softer fabrics like bamboo or quick-dry synthetics for specific activities.

Not for

• Shoppers who want maximum coverage and full seat coverage every day.
• Anyone who prefers traditional boxer briefs or loose-fit styles.
• People who don't want to measure themselves or check size charts before buying.

Gender-neutral underwear is less about a label and more about choosing the right cut, fabric, and size for your body and routine. Start with one well-fitting piece, check the care instructions, and build from there. TEAMM8's range of briefs, thongs, jockstraps, and bamboo tops gives you plenty of options to test what works for you.