Boyshorts: Full-Coverage Comfort with a Modern Silhouette

Absolutely — boyshorts are one of the most versatile underwear styles precisely because they function well as both underwear and casual lounge or sleep shorts. Many women wear boyshorts as pajama bottoms paired with a tank top or T-shirt, especially in warmer months. For this dual purpose, choose boyshorts in soft cotton, modal, or bamboo fabrics with a slightly longer leg than what you would wear as underwear. Some brands specifically market longer boyshorts as sleep shorts. The key difference between underwear-weight and lounge-weight boyshorts is opacity and fabric weight — lounge versions should be thick enough to wear around the house without a second layer, while underwear versions prioritize thinness for invisibility under clothing.

Boyshorts are generally not the best choice under workout leggings because the leg band creates visible lines through compressive athletic fabrics. The extra fabric also tends to bunch and shift during high-movement activities, creating uncomfortable ridges. Under leggings, a thong, seamless bikini, or no underwear at all (if the leggings have a built-in gusset) will give a smoother result. However, boyshorts work well under looser athletic wear like running shorts with built-in briefs removed, basketball shorts, or casual joggers. If you prefer boyshorts for workouts, look for seamless, laser-cut versions with bonded edges — these minimize visible lines and reduce bunching compared to traditionally stitched boyshorts.