Trunks (clothing)

Trunks, when worn as swimwear, are often referred to as swimming trunks, and are normally shorter than board shorts, which extend to the knees. Trunks are the most popular type of male swimsuit in North America. They vary in style and design, though most are made of nylon with a mesh lining for quick drying.

Trunks as men's underwear are a shorter version of boxer briefs and made in modern and traditional styles. Like boxer shorts, trunks cover the midsection of the body (hence the name 'trunk'). The modern styles are usually form-fitting like briefs, but some styles, such as the original traditional ones, which date back to the 1930s, are loose-fitting like boxer shorts. These are invariably made in white only from material used for vests and have considerably declined in popularity. Trunk briefs extend over the legs like boxer shorts. Trunk briefs have a shorter inseam than regular boxer briefs, covering only the upper thighs and resting below the true waist.