Underwear in Animation

[Trombone77]

I kind of wanted to add a light-hearted thread, so here you go.

One thing I noticed in recent animation (probably back to even the 1990s) is that for guys, briefs are the most commonly worn underwear. Usually, they serve the purpose of humiliating the character by way of being exposed unexpectedly or by way of receiving a wedgie.

Next would be boxers, which while I do see sometimes, not as often as briefs. They are often used in cases of waking up in the morning or being pantsed.

Then, you would have boxer briefs, which aren't really used that much in animation. If so, they are mostly used in getting dressed scenes.

I say all of this to ask just some questions: Why are briefs the most preferred underwear in animation? Is it to make it more relatable to the target audience, for comedic effect, or for ease of drawing underwear? On the other hand, why are boxer briefs used sparingly?

 

[JoeMabbon]

I think the reasons you gave are probably it, especially the more relatable to the target audience part.

 

[Rhaynebow]

Probably because briefs are more likely to have some kind of 'embarrassing' print on them, like teddy bears or whatever.

Boxers look too similar to just a pair of shorts, so briefs are used because it's VERY obvious that that person is in their undies.

 

[Surreal Kangaroo]

I think because boxers look like swimming trunks, artists typically show characters in briefs. My guess as to why they don't show boxer-briefs very much is because they are the least common underwear for males (I guess aside from thongs).

 

[Classic Speedy]

Briefs are funnier. Also, "underpants" is funnier than "underwear".

 

[dumbfoolkid5]

Only on men right?

 

[CyberCubed]

Its funny how American cartoons can get away with showing boys in their underwear, but they virtually never show girls panties. Meanwhile in anime its the exact opposite, with panty shots galore.

 

[Aquadementia]

Boxers are great because you can put so many designs on them. It offers the chance for a gag or a deep insight into a character, in a funny way.

Briefs are the gooniest looking article of clothing we have. You would have to wear overhalls with a frilly shirt to look goofier and it would be hard to justify that.

Women's underwear is more fashionable and not really funny, unless you've got some granny thing going on.