Exposed underwear has long had a place in fashion. While it once leaned toward a more overtly sexualised look – think G-string thongs peeking above low-rise jeans, a hallmark of Y2K style that saw a revival just a few years back – today the trend has taken a different turn. Women are reimagining underwear-as-outerwear in a more relaxed, unexpected form. Enter: boxer shorts, specifically masculine-coded styles.
Perhaps it's the appeal of greater comfort, or a desire to reclaim what classic feminine underwear can look like – beyond razor-thin lace iterations – but boxer shorts are exuding It-girl appeal.
Peeking through beneath low-rise silhouettes, the styling hack has even been peppering the runway, along with the fashion frontlines.
© Getty Images
© AFP via Getty ImagesDuring the London Fashion Week spring/summer 2026 shows, designers debuted looks that fused drop waist-bands with bold briefs. Harri styled stripy boxers with flip-flops while Chopova Lowena layered waistbands with ruffled cuts. Conner Ives showcased neon undergarments, Simone Rocha opted for sparkly red styles and Jawara Alleyne featured colour-clashing looks.
The style translated overseas, with Calvin Klein's signature shorts influencing Moschino's low-crotch shorts in Milan. Underwear-as-outerwear, specifically exposed boxers, can be traced back to Miu Miu's spring/summer 2022 show, where pants peeked through above low-rise mini skirts, creating a distinct, signature iconography for the fashion house.
© GC ImagesA-listers have also embraced the trend, with the likes of Sydney Sweeney wearing a crisp white pair of boxer shorts from her brand SYRN that peeked out from beneath her jeans in New York. Meanwhile, Tyla attended the Miu Miu autumn/winter 2026 show in a pair of low-slung indigo blue jeans that were layered over ribbed, heather grey boxers.
In terms of styling, you can lean into the androgynous peekaboo trend by choosing a bold colour that contrasts with your denim for a playful twist. Alternatively, opt for a more Scandi sensibility and wear the boxers on their own with a simple white tee.
Shop our favourite boxer shorts:
© Miu MiuRibbed Seamless Boxer Shorts
Miu Miu
Hailed as the pioneer of the trend, these Miu Miu boxers would add a playful twist layered beneath a mini skirt or jeans. They have a seamless style crafted from stretch-infused cotton.
© LESETYoshi Stripe Boxer Short
Leset
Featuring a classic strip pattern, these shorts blend men's sleepwear with a feminine A-line silhouette and a cinched waistband.
© OraviSilk Boxer Shorts
Oravi
This luxurious unisex style is crafted from 100% mulberry silk in a bold wine-red hue. With delicate black detailing on the hem, they can add a striking pop of colour to an otherwise monochromatic ensemble.
© Calvin KleinIcon Cotton Modal Boy Short
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein’s signature logo peeking out beneath your trousers remains a timeless staple that has stood the test of time. This heather grey style blends comfort with style.
© SkimsCotton Rib Loose Boxer
Skims
This lounge short is crafted from breathable ribbed fabric for a relaxed fit. The garment is adorned with the brand's logo on the waistband.
© Comme SiLa Boxer Classica Striped Cotton-Poplin Shorts
Comme Si
For a Barbie-inspired twist, opt for these pink-and-red striped boxers. The underwear features an elasticated waistband and is modelled from men's boxer briefs.
© Ralph LaurenStriped Cotton Boxer
Ralph Lauren
This baby pink striped style would look so chic styled with a white crop top in the summer. The garment is embroidered with the fashion house's iconic logo emblem in red.
© Free PeopleWe The Free Day To Day Striped Boxers
Free People
Butter-yellow continues to reign supreme this season. Embraced two trends in one with this classic striped boxer shorts that features an elastic waistband and logo tag detail.
How we chose:
Price: Our list boasts a range of prices, from beloved retail brands to luxury labels.
Style: Ranging from cutting-edge Miu Miu designs, this round-up offers an array of cute styles to note.
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