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.
© Cou Cou IntimatesThe Short
Cou Cou Intimates
This Cou Cou Intimates style blends the silhouette of boxer briefs with feminine flair. The French blue colour is perfect for summer and the garment is crafted from 100% 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.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. Best Quality Designer Handbag may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
