Gender-Affirming Underwear Guide: Packing Boxers, Tucking Underwear & More for Trans and Non-Binary Folks

Finding the Right Underwear for You: The simple act of getting dressed can be a challenge when traditional underwear options don’t meet your needs. For transgender and non-binary people, standard “men’s” or “women’s” underwear often fails to account for our bodies and dysphoria.

That’s where gender-affirming underwear comes in – specially designed pieces that help create the silhouette you want and affirm your gender, all while keeping you comfortable. In this guide, we’ll explore key types of trans-friendly underwear: FTM packing underwear (for trans men and transmasculine folks who want a bulge), MTF tucking underwear (for trans women and transfeminine folks who want a flat front), and non-binary underwear options that prioritize comfort and androgynous style. Our goal is to help you feel supported (literally and figuratively!) every day, whether you’re a longtime Paxsies customer or someone discovering these products for the first time.

Packing Underwear for Trans Men (FTM) and Transmasculine People

For trans masculine individuals, having a flat groin can be a source of dysphoria – many want a bulge that fills out their pants in a masculine way. We covered packers and packing in depth in our “FTM Packing 101” post above, but to recap the essentials specifically about packing underwear:

• All-in-One Packing Boxers: Brands like Paxsies have created boxer briefs that include a pouch for a packer (or come with a foam packer) to give you a natural-looking bulge. These are game-changers because they combine underwear and packer into one, streamlining your morning routine. Paxsies’ packing boxers, for example, have a built-in foam insert so you can just slip them on and instantly pack – no harness, no separate device needed. They look like normal stylish boxer briefs, so you can change at the gym or a friend’s house without anyone knowing you’ve got special gear.

• Packer-Friendly Briefs and Jocks: If you prefer briefs or even jockstrap styles, there are options designed with pockets or rings for packers. Some trans guys like brief packing boxers (a hybrid between a brief and a boxer) for more support. What matters is that the underwear holds your packer securely against your body, preventing it from moving around. This can make a huge difference in confidence – you can go about your day without constantly worrying “Is my packer out of place?”.

• Comfort and Fabric: Look for underwear that is breathable and has a bit of stretch (cotton blends with spandex are common). You want enough tension to hold the packer, but a soft lining so it’s comfortable against your skin. Many packing underwear have double layers or even a secondary elastic to keep everything snug. Trans underwear brands tend to design these with everyday comfort in mind, since they know many folks will wear them from morning to night.

By investing in a few pairs of dedicated packing underwear or all-in-one boxers, you can make packing a seamless part of your life. No more MacGyver-ing contraptions each day – just underwear that does what you need it to do. This type of gender-affirming underwear empowers you to dress with ease and walk out the door with one less source of dysphoria.

And if you’re a cisgender ally reading this (or shopping for a trans loved one), know that this is a big deal: something as simple as underwear can give a trans person a confidence boost that’s hard to put into words. It’s euphoria in fabric form.

Tucking Underwear (Gaffs) for Trans Women and AMAB Non-Binary Folks

On the flip side of packing is tucking – the practice of tucking away the penis and testes to create a flat, feminine-appearing front. For many trans women, transfeminine and gender non-conforming people assigned male at birth (AMAB), achieving a smooth look in panties or swimwear can alleviate bottom dysphoria and help their outward appearance match their identity. Tucking can be done with just tape and tight underwear, but that can be uncomfortable and even unsafe if done incorrectly. Enter tucking underwear, often called gaffs.

• What is a Gaff? A gaff is a special type of flattening underwear designed to hold everything in a tucked position. It typically has a strong, wide front panel that provides firm compression. The idea is to keep the genitals snugly pulled back between the legs, resulting in a flat front. Traditional gaffs often look like bikini bottoms or thongs with very firm elastic.

• Comfort vs Compression: The balance with tucking underwear is between effectiveness and comfort. You want it tight enough to keep things flat (and prevent anything from “slipping out”), but not so tight that it causes pain or cuts off circulation. Early gaffs were sometimes notoriously stiff (imagine swimsuit material with extra-tight elastic). Nowadays, brands like Paxsies focus on softer materials that still do the job. Paxsies Tucking Thong is a great example – it’s made of strong, high-quality fabric but also has a cotton lining for comfort. It’s designed so that you don’t need to use duct tape or other materials in addition; the underwear alone is sufficient to tuck securely.

• No Tape Needed: Many modern tucking panties boast that you can tuck without resorting to tape. Tape can irritate or even injure the sensitive skin down there, so this is a huge benefit. Paxsies’ thong, for instance, uses “strong materials through which NO other tucking materials are needed”. This means the garment itself holds the tuck. You simply gently push the testes up into the inguinal canals (if possible/comfortable), pull the penis back between your legs, and pull on the tucking underwear which keeps everything in place. Always adjust slowly and find the position that feels okay for you.

• Styles of Tucking Underwear: There are thongs, bikinis, and even high-waist brief styles that serve for tucking. Thongs are popular because they often provide the most uniform pull backward (and minimal lines under clothing). The downside is some people find thongs uncomfortable. Bikini-style gaffs have more coverage on the backside but still a strong front panel. High-waist tucking panties can even help a bit with lower belly shaping if that’s something someone wants. It’s worth trying a couple styles to see which you prefer. Paxsies currently offers a Tucking Thong that’s gotten rave reviews for hitting that sweet spot of secure yet comfy. Other specialist companies and Etsy sellers also make gaffs in different cuts (some with cute prints or laces – because yes, you deserve cute underwear, not just utilitarian beige!).

• Swim-friendly Options: If you swim, look for tucking bottoms made of swimwear fabric. Some trans-specific swim bottoms exist that act as gaffs. They dry quickly and can handle pool chlorine. This means you can rock that swimsuit without fear – everything stays tucked even when wet. (Untag, for example, has a swim bikini for tucking, and other retailers like GenderBender have swim gaffs.)

Paxsies Tucking Thong in black. This sleek thong-style gaff has a sturdy front panel and delicate trim, proving that affirming underwear can be both functional and cute. The Paxsies design prioritizes comfort: a cotton lining rests against the skin, and the elastic provides flattening compression without the need for painful tucking tape. Many trans femme folks report that once they tried a proper tucking underwear like this, they could finally wear leggings, bikinis, and tight dresses with confidence, free from bulges and free from discomfort.

When using tucking underwear, remember to listen to your body. A slight ache after many hours can be normal (you are, after all, keeping things in an unusual position), but sharp pain or numbness is not – take a break if that happens. Most people find they get used to the sensation of tucking fairly quickly, and it just becomes another part of the routine, like putting on a bra.

Gender-Neutral & Non-Binary Underwear: Comfort Beyond the Binary

Not everyone wants or needs special features like packing pouches or strong tucking panels. For many non-binary folks or those who simply prefer gender-neutral presentation, the goal is comfortable, unisex-styled underwear that isn’t overtly labeled for “men” or “women.” This can also apply to trans people on days they aren’t looking for maximum figure-shaping but just want something that aligns with their identity in a casual way.

• Gender-Neutral Boxers and Briefs: These are underwear designs that anyone can wear, regardless of anatomy, often with softer waistbands and accommodating shapes. Paxsies, for example, offers gender-neutral boxers with pockets – essentially comfy boxer shorts (longer leg, looser fit) that have pockets on the sides. They don’t have a packer pouch; they’re just cozy underwear for anyone. A non-binary person assigned female at birth (AFAB) might love these because they fit like men’s boxer-briefs but are tailored for curves and comfort. An AMAB person who doesn’t want a tight tuck might wear these as well for a relaxed fit that still supports somewhat. The key is they aren’t strongly gendered in appearance – they come in neutral colors or fun prints that anyone can enjoy.

• Adaptive Designs: Some gender-neutral underwear is designed to handle a variety of needs subtly. For instance, period underwear (with absorbent layers) is a product many trans men and non-binary people who menstruate find crucial – it’s not explicitly a “trans” product, but it can be life-changing to have boxer-style period underwear that aligns with one’s gender expression. While Paxsies doesn’t specifically make period undies yet, it’s worth noting how the market is evolving. Other adaptive designs include underwear with extra space/stretch in front and a bit of padding in back – trying to cover multiple bases.

• Materials and Fit: Most gender-neutral styles emphasize soft fabrics (modal, cotton blends) and tag-free comfort. The idea is inclusive ease. A good example is the brand TomboyX (though not a Paxsies product), which makes underwear styles from bikini cuts to 9″ boxer briefs marketed as gender-neutral. Paxsies’ approach with their “we are all one” ethos similarly is to make underwear that anyone might choose because it’s comfy and affirming. Non-binary individuals often mix and match – maybe one day wearing a binder and men’s cut underwear, another day a more femme style bralette and boyshorts. Having options that don’t scream a binary gender gives freedom to play with gender expression day by day.

• No More Shopping in the Wrong Aisle: One pain point for many trans/NB folks is shopping for underwear in a section that doesn’t match your gender. Gender-neutral brands or queer-owned shops alleviate that stress. You can shop by function or style without the arbitrary gender marker. Paxsies being a queer shop (run by a diverse queer team) means their products are listed by what they are (binders, boxers, etc.), not “men’s” or “women’s.” This seemingly small detail actually makes a huge difference in customer experience. It’s welcoming – you know this underwear is for you, whoever you are. As Paxsies states, they’re making “underwear products for everyone, all around the world” focusing on inclusion and self-expression.

Building Your Underwear Drawer: Tips and Confidence

Armed with knowledge about packing, tucking, and neutral underwear, you can curate an underwear drawer that serves your needs every day. Here are a few parting tips as you build your collection:

• Have Variety for Different Days: Dysphoria can ebb and flow. It’s useful to have a range – maybe a couple of strong compression tucking pieces for days you want maximum flatness, and a couple of gentler, loungey panties for days you’re feeling more at ease. Same for trans guys: have your packing undies, but maybe keep a comfy pair of plain briefs for lazy days when you don’t care about packing at home. Giving yourself options is giving yourself grace for the full range of how you might feel.

• Quality Over Quantity: It might be tempting to cut corners by repurposing old underwear with DIY modifications (and that can work short-term), but investing in some well-made gender-affirming underwear is worth it. They are designed with you in mind, and that means they’ll likely feel and perform better. They also tend to last longer. Read reviews, ask the community (many folks love sharing what worked or didn’t). Once you find a brand or style you love, you can slowly buy more. Paxsies, for instance, has bundle deals and occasional sales, so you can watch for those to save money while getting the real deal.

• Sizing Matters: Use size charts provided by brands like Paxsies carefully. Because these undergarments have special functions (holding a packer, extreme compression), getting the size right is crucial. Too small could be painful; too big and it won’t do its job. If you’re between sizes, consider the nature of the product – for a binder or gaff, sizing up might be safer (you can tailor tighter a bit if needed), whereas for packer underwear, you want snug so maybe go down if unsure. When in doubt, reach out to the company. Paxsies, being community-focused, can often advise on fit if you send them a note.

• Emotionally Affirming: Remember, this is your journey. Buying your first pair of “trans underwear” can be emotional – it’s a milestone in accepting and validating your identity. It’s not just fabric; it’s self-affirmation. Celebrate that! Maybe take a cool selfie in your new gear (even if just for yourself) and admire how it makes you look. The right underwear can transform not just your silhouette, but your whole day. Waking up and putting on underwear that aligns with who you truly are sets a positive tone. It says: I deserve to be comfortable and seen today.

• Community and Resources: You’re not alone in this. There are plenty of online resources and communities where people discuss these very personal items. From YouTube reviews (search for things like “Paxsies packing boxers review” or “gc2b vs Spectrum Outfitters binder comparison”) to Reddit threads, the trans community is great at sharing knowledge. These can help you discover new products (like maybe someone mentions a “gum binder” only to realize they meant a gym binder or a specific brand’s name – sometimes lingo gets funny). Keep an open mind to trying new solutions as they come out – the tech and design in gender-affirming apparel is always evolving.

Above all, give yourself permission to feel good. Whether it’s the confidence a bulge gives you as a trans man, the relief of a flat front as a trans woman, or the simple joy of comfy, gender-neutral undies as a non-binary person, you deserve that comfort and euphoria. These products exist because people like us fought for the right to have more than just S/M/L generic options. Brands like Paxsies, Spectrum Outfitters, GC2B, RodeoH, and others sprang up from within the community – they saw a need not met by mainstream brands and said, “We’ll make it ourselves.” By choosing to buy from them, you’re not only getting a product that meets your needs, but also supporting the community and a movement toward greater visibility and acceptance.

In a world where shopping for something as basic as underwear can often feel dysphoric or dysphoria-inducing, having these specialized options is revolutionary. It turns a daily routine into an act of self-affirmation. As you fill your dresser with items that fit your body and your gender, you build a little sanctuary of happiness in cloth form.

So step into that rainbow waistband jock or pull on those snug packing trunks – and know that countless others are doing the same, smiling a little more in the mirror that morning. Your body, your gender, your comfort. Every day can start and end with that simple, profound truth. Happy underwear hunting, and here’s to feeling right in all the layers, from undies to outerwear. 🩲🌈🏳️⚧️