1. What we’re talking about

By “men’s sexy panties and lingerie” I mean underwear and under-garments for men (or people assigned male at birth / identifying as men) that go beyond the standard “functional” brief/boxer, into designs that emphasize sensuality, self-expression, aesthetics, playful or provocative fashion.
Examples: lace or mesh briefs made for men, thongs/jockstraps with aesthetic detailing, sheer fabrics, garments marketed as “lingerie for men”, etc.

2. The trend: It’s growing

Here are key signals that this is more than a niche:

A feature in The Guardian noted that men’s underwear is “having a moment” — moving beyond plain basics toward playful, sexy styles. The Guardian

Trend-blogs indicate that men’s “lingerie” (or sexy underwear) is now treated as an item of seduction and self-assertion, not just utility. inderwear.com+1

Industry commentary shows that designs like thongs, mesh, sheer fabrics, and lingerie-style cuts for men are increasingly available and marketed. Malebasics+1

So: while still smaller relative to mainstream men’s basics, the segment is growing and gaining visibility.

3. What’s driving the shift

Several cultural, social, and industry forces are intersecting here:

a. Changing norms around gender, masculinity & self-expression

As the boundaries of masculine/feminine dress blur, men’s fashion is opening up to more “feminine” or traditionally lingerie-style codes: lace, sheer, mesh, cutouts. The Guardian piece describes how “brands like … now offering lace underwear, velvet jockstraps” for men. The Guardian

Self-expression, body positivity, and identity exploration are more visible and accepted for men. Wearing lingerie-style pieces can be a way to signal confidence, sexuality, or non-traditional style.

b. Social media, influencer culture & visibility

Fashion influencer culture has amplified awareness. Men are more visible wearing bold underwear/lingerie, and niche brands are harnessing Instagram/TikTok to reach specific audiences. The trend blog mentions “soft, sheer fabrics … trashy fetish style … faux leather … making a name for itself in men’s lingerie.” inderwear.com

Visibility leads to normalization: once hidden or niche, it becomes more mainstream.

c. Market demand & diversification

The underwear market for men is evolving: from purely functional basics to fashion-driven pieces. Materials, cuts, colours, patterns all expanding. inderwear.com+1

Brands are responding: collections now include “sexywear” for men, lingerie-inspired men’s items. inderwear.com

Also the growth of “sub-cultures” (clubwear, fetish, urban nightlife) where lingerie/underwear for men plays a visible role, which mainstream fashion then absorbs.

d. Comfort, technology & materials

Fabrics and construction are improving (stretch lace, mesh, performance fabrics). What used to be novelty is increasingly viable for everyday wear. The trend piece mentions designers seeking fabrics “with stretch … while still being pretty enough to properly fill the brief.” The Guardian

Also the rise of minimal styles (thongs, strings) for men: one blog emphasises “the return of the thong” for some segments. TBô underwear+1

4. Key features / what the products look like

Here are common elements in these men’s lingerie / sexy underwear pieces:

Materials: lace, mesh, sheer fabrics, faux leather, satin. For example the trend blog mentions “soft, sheer fabrics … faux leather … character to men’s lingerie.” inderwear.com

Cuts & silhouettes: thongs/g-strings for men, high-cut bikini briefs, jockstraps with aesthetic styling, sheer boxers, brief styles with bold detailing. One blog: “thongs have become a symbol of confidence and boldness” in men’s underwear. Malebasics+1

Design/Print: bold colours, patterns, metallic finishes, prints beyond standard neutrals. Malebasics+1

Purpose & messaging: not just daily basics but pieces meant for seduction, self-expression, nights out, being seen. Some brands market them explicitly as “lingerie for men”. inderwear.com+1

5. Why it matters (impact)
a. For men (and wearers)

Expands options: Rather than being constrained to “plain briefs/boxers”, men (and people choosing men’s lingerie) have more ways to express themselves.

Confidence & body image: Wearing lingerie-style undergarments can be empowering, help people feel sexy, catered to, seen.

Inclusivity: The trend reflects more inclusive approaches — catering to differing genders, orientations, identities, rather than rigid binaries.

b. For the fashion industry

New growth categories: Brands see opportunity in a previously underserved segment.

Breaking stereotypes & norms: Fashion is less about strict gender divisions; men’s lingerie trend shows more fluidity.

Design innovation: New materials, constructions, aesthetics in men’s undergarments mirror what women’s fashion saw years before — but now in men’s space.

c. Cultural/societal implications

Signals shifting masculinity: What it means to “dress like a man” is broadening, and men’s underwear/lingerie is a site for that.

Visibility of alternative styles: What was underground (fetishwear, clubwear) bleeds into mainstream.

Consumers expect more: From sustainability to body-diversity, men’s underwear is also following these broader fashion trends. For example: eco-friendly fabrics are becoming part of men’s underwear. dutchdesignersoutlet.eu+1

6. Potential challenges and considerations

Fit & anatomy: Designing lingerie for men can be more complex (pouch/fit, support) vs simply adapting women’s pieces. The Guardian piece quoted designers on this. The Guardian

Sizing and inclusivity: Making sure pieces cater to differing body types, sizes, identities; avoiding “niche” trap.

Stigma & perception: Some men may still feel barriers (social stigma, lack of awareness) about wearing lingerie-style underwear.

Sustainability & cost: As with any fashion niche, balancing sustainability, ethical production, and affordability can be tricky — especially when designs are more “luxury” or novelty.

Market saturation & fast-fashion risk: With rising popularity, the risk of commoditisation and quality drop is real (cheap copies, fast-fashion cheapens “sexy” underwear).

7. Looking ahead – what’s next?

More mainstream penetration: What was niche will likely become more mainstream as more brands launch men’s lingerie collections, and men become comfortable choosing it.

Blurring gendered underwear categories: Manufacturers may move toward “underwear by body type” rather than strictly men’s vs women’s labels. The Guardian essay suggests future where “clothing on a body, babe. It doesn’t have a gender.” The Guardian

Sustainability & tech-integration: As fabrics & production evolve, expect more sustainable materials, smart fabrics (moisture-wicking, body-adaptive) used in sexy underwear. Trend blog for 2025 mentions “smart underwear … moisture-wicking … built-in support” even in men’s underwear. TBô underwear

Customization & personalization: With higher interest, brands may offer more bespoke fits, colors, detailing for men’s lingerie.

Visibility & social settings: More men might wear lingerie-style pieces as outerwear, or visible parts of outfits (e.g., low-rise pants showing straps-details) — long the case in women’s fashion.

8. Final thoughts

The rise of men’s sexy panties and lingerie is both a fashion trend and a cultural one. It reflects shifting norms around masculinity, identity, and self-expression — and also shows how the underwear market is evolving beyond function to fashion.

If you’re considering exploring this: think about fit, comfort, style (and body type). Choose pieces that make you feel confident, rather than just trendy. And remember what matters is how you feel wearing it.



Brand & Market Examples
1. Growing brand diversity

In the expanding space of men’s “sexy underwear / lingerie,” several brands have emerged or adapted their offerings to include more daring cuts, fabrics and design sensibilities. For instance:

Brands once focused purely on swimwear now offer “posing” bikinis/thongs for men, blurring the line between swim- and under-wear.

Some luxury or high-fashion labels are experimenting with mesh, sheer fabrics, lace or metallic finishes in men’s underwear.

Smaller niche labels emphasise body-positivity, gender-fluid sizing, and tailoring that accounts for male anatomy—but with lingerie-style design cues (contoured pouches, high-leg cuts, minimal back coverage).

2. Market size & opportunity

The men’s underwear and undershirt global market has been growing steadily, driven by increased consumer willingness to spend on premium and fashion-underwear rather than just basic function.

Within that, the “sexy / fashion / lingerie-inspired” segment is still a smaller niche but showing faster relative growth, because the baseline (plain briefs/boxers) already saturates the mass market.

Key drivers: increased online retail, social-media-led exposure of bold men’s under-garments, stronger international shipping, and more inclusive sizing/gender-friendly branding.

3. How to choose & style

Fit & anatomy: With men’s lingerie-style pieces, attention to pouch support, leg-cut, and back-coverage becomes more important. Ensure the brand offers size specs for waist + male pouch fit.

Materials: Look for stretch-lace, mesh, satin, or blends with good recovery. These materials tend to feel more “lingerie” (visually and tactilely) than traditional cotton-blend briefs.

Design/cut: Decide whether you want a typical brief with lingerie aesthetic, a bikini-cut, a high-cut or a thong/g-string back. The more daring the back, the more it leans “lingerie” territory.

Styling tips:

For everyday wear: a piece with bold colour or lace detailing but still decent coverage might provide a “secret boost” under clothes.

For special occasions: a minimal cut, sheer or metallic fabric becomes more of a visible statement (e.g., under partially unzipped pants or with low-rise jeans).

Coordination: If you’re experimenting, you might pair a bold underwear piece with more neutral outerwear so the underwear becomes the focal “secret.”

Care: Lingerie-style fabrics (lace, mesh) often require gentler washing (e.g., cold hand-wash or delicate cycle, avoid harsh detergents) to keep shape and integrity.

Sizing/inclusivity: Given the niche, check whether the brand offers extended waist sizes and size guidance for male pouch/bulge accommodation.

Feature: Koala Swimwear (koalaswim.com)

Here’s a closer look at Koala Swimwear—its positioning, what it offers, and how it fits into the “men’s sexy panties/lingerie” trend.

Brand overview
Koala Swimwear (often referenced via “koalaswim.com”) is a retailer and manufacturer located in Chatsworth, California (address: 9748 Cozycroft Ave Unit A, Chatsworth CA 91311). The brand has been operating for approximately 30+ years and is categorized under men’s and boys’ swimwear/underwear apparel.
Stacking these facts: • They manufacture and import apparel; • They maintain both online and physical presence; • They serve a clientele that goes beyond purely conventional men’s swim briefs.

Product / offering profile

Their product range includes men’s swimwear and underwear pieces that lean strongly toward fashion, novelty, or statement styles (e.g., micro-bikinis, thongs, posing briefs).

They also list items for “male to female transformation style swimsuits,” panties/gaffs, workout tights, and other intimates for men or gender-non-traditional bodies.

Some products emphasise minimal back coverage (thongs/G-strings) or high-cut, mesh/metallic fabric styles, aligning with what we’d call “lingerie-inspired” rather than purely functional underwear.

Their positioning suggests they embrace diversity of body type, gender expression and erotic styling (i.e., the product is not only about utility but also about aesthetic/flirtation/affirmation).

How it ties into the trend

Koala Swimwear exemplifies the shift from “basic men’s underwear” to “underwear as fashion/identity.” They serve wearers who want something beyond plain cotton briefs—something playful, expressive or sexy.

Because they provide styles that are borderline underwear/lingerie (thongs, sheer fabrics, transformation garments), they are in the category of men’s lingerie growth rather than just men’s basics.

They also contribute to inclusivity: by offering transformation styles and targeting cross-dressing or gender-fluid customers, they reflect the broader cultural trend of gender-fluid fashion and under-gear.

What to like / key strengths

Specialisation: Being a niche retailer specialising in statement men’s swim/underwear gives them depth of style and variety compared with mass-market men’s underwear brands.

Longevity & manufacturing: Operating for decades suggests experience in fit, cut, and servicing a non-mainstream market.

Diverse appeal: Their product range appeals to both everyday wearers seeking something more daring and to niche communities (fetish, transformation, cross-dress, clubwear) who want purpose-built intimates.

Custom or limited-run potential: Niche brands often experiment more with fabric, cut and bold design than large brands constrained by broad-market appeal.

Considerations / caveats

Fit & sizing: Given the daring designs (micro cuts, thongs, posing straps), some items may require a mindset shift in fit or comfort compared to standard briefs. Always check the size chart carefully.

Practicality: Some pieces (e.g., ultra-minimal back coverage or sheer fabrics) may be less suited to everyday wear (for example under business trousers) and may be best kept for special use.

Quality vs price: As with many niche/statement items, the fabric and finish may vary more than in large-volume basics; inspect reviews or product details.

Market niche: Because they serve a niche, inventory might be more limited (styles, size runs) and restocks may be less frequent compared to mass brands.

How to shop at Koala Swimwear (tips)

Browse by cut and fabric: decide whether you want bikini-cut, thong-back, mesh, satin, metallic finish, etc.

Evaluate back coverage: if this is your first statement piece, you might opt for moderate coverage rather than ultra-minimal, to ease into the look.

Consider the context of wear: Will it be a “secret” piece under clothes, a visible piece for nightlife/club, or an everyday bold underwear?

Check sizing: measure your waist and check the brand’s sizing. Also check pouch/fabric stretch if wearing something more fitted or daring.

Care instructions: treat the piece as you would lingerie—wash gently, avoid high heat, and preserve the fabric finish (lace/mesh can snag).

Try coordinating: If you like the piece, consider pairing with a matching or complementary outerwear look (e.g., low-rise jeans that allow the waistband detail to peak).

Feedback: If possible, read user reviews or community forum posts (e.g., underwear/men’s fashion forums) to get sense of fit, comfort, durability. One Reddit thread noted: “Koalaswim has a lot of interesting choices.”

Budget: While some pieces are affordable, the niche nature and design may command higher price than basic men’s briefs—so decide how often you’ll wear it to justify the investment.