How to Choose the Best Trans Masc and Nonbinary Underwear
How to pick trans masc and non-binary underwear
Do you pack, stand to pee, or want a flat front? Or do you just want a cut that feels like you? Each of those needs something different from your underwear. Here's how the options compare, using Cake Bandit styles, the underwear brand we make for our community.
Regular underwear doesn't think about packers, STPs, or dysphoria. Good trans masc underwear holds your gear (or lies flat if you don't have any), keeps you feeling secure in the bathroom, and stays comfy through work, school, and the gym.
Packing underwear
Packing underwear has a pouch inside that holds your packer snug against you. There's no harness to adjust and nothing to shift around. For most people, it's the easiest everyday setup.
Boxer briefs
The 6" Packing Boxer Briefs are our everyday pick. They have a secure inner pouch and soft cotton-spandex, and they stay put under jeans or sweats.
The 3" Packing Boxer Briefs have the same pouch in a shorter, lower-profile cut. They're good for hot weather, short shorts, or smaller frames.
Briefs
The Packing Briefs have a curved front pouch and a low-rise fit, and they're comfy with or without a packer. They don't add bulk in the leg of your pants.
The Sport Briefs have a jock front, a full back, and no logo, plus a secure packing pouch for the gym, sports, or dance.
STP underwear
STP underwear holds your stand-to-pee device in place, keeps it lined up, and gives you easy access at a urinal. You don't need a harness or have to fish around mid-pee.
Our most popular style is the Monochrome STP 6" Boxer Briefs. They have a 3-layer front panel, an inner sleeve, and an outer opening. They work with the STP Freely, The Lou, and most soft STPs, and they lie flat without a packer too.
The STP 3" Boxer Briefs work the same way in a shorter cut with less leg coverage.
The STP Briefs give you the same STP setup in a low-bulk brief that lies flat when you're not using it.
New to STPs? Try the STP Freely or The Lou, and read our STP guide before your first try.
Harnesses
A harness holds your packer or STP tight to your body on its own, so you can wear any underwear over it, even loose boxers. It's a great pick if you pack heavy, move a lot, or want your packer in the same spot every time.
The Packing Harness is a community favorite. It's a soft elastic band with front straps and no buckles or Velcro, and it works for daily wear and play.
The Monochrome Skin Tone Harness comes in neutral skin tones for a low-key look under fitted clothes.
The O-Ring Boxer Brief Harness works for packing and play, so you can go from your daily packer to a toy without changing setups.
Flat-front and jock styles
Not everyone packs or uses an STP, and you still deserve hot underwear that feels right. Flat-front styles give you a smooth front with no pouch, and jocks are all about airflow.
The Flat Front Jock has a smooth front and a classic jock back, with no pouch.
The Sporty Jock has contrast piping and an athletic feel, and it works with most packers too.
The Packing Jockstrap is curved to fit you and works with or without a packer. You get airflow, room to move, and a little cheek.
Which one is right for you?
| What you want | Try |
|---|---|
| Everyday packing | Packing boxer briefs or packing briefs |
| Stand to pee, no harness | STP boxer briefs or STP briefs |
| Most secure hold, any underwear on top | Packing harness or skin tone harness |
| Flat front | Flat front jock |
| Gym and sports | Sport briefs or sporty jock |
| Swimming | Cake Bandit swim styles. Don't pack in regular underwear in the water. |
| Smaller frame | 3" boxer briefs or packing briefs, from XS |
Sizing
Cake Bandit sits low, on your hips, not your waist. Measure around the widest part of your hips and seat. Between sizes? Size down if you like a snug fit or pack heavy.
| Size | Hips |
|---|---|
| XS | 24"–26" |
| S | 27"–31" |
| M | 32"–35" |
| L | 36"–38" |
| XL | 39"–42" |
| 2XL | 43"–46" |
| 3XL | 47"–52" |
Inseam matters too. A 6" inseam gives you more coverage under shorts, and a 3" is cooler and better for short shorts. Longer inseams can feel a little tighter at the thigh in slim pants.
Underwear is final sale, so check your measurements before you order. Return policy.
FAQ
Look for a secure inner pouch that keeps your packer from shifting. For most people, the 6" Packing Boxer Briefs or Packing Briefs are the everyday go-to. They work with most soft packers, including the Mr. Limpy, My Buddy 4", and #1 Trans Packer.
Packing underwear has the pouch built in, so there's nothing extra to wear. A harness holds things more firmly, no matter what underwear you have on. It's better for lots of movement, a specific position, or loose boxers. Plenty of people use both: a harness on active days and packing underwear the rest of the time.
You'll want STP underwear. A regular packing pouch isn't built to guide an STP to the fly. Cake Bandit STP styles have a three-layer setup that holds your device in the right spot and opens at the front for the urinal. They also lie flat and work as regular packing underwear.
Flat-front jocks and boxers give you a smooth front without a pouch. The Flat Front Jock and Sporty Jock are made for that.
Most Cake Bandit styles start at XS, and the 3" inseam styles fit smaller frames best. For a small packer, the Lil Buddy 3" Mini Packer goes well with XS briefs or boxer briefs.
A lot of people say packing eases their dysphoria and makes them feel more confident, and good underwear helps with that. It's not true for everyone, but it's common and worth trying.
Most soft silicone and TPR packers fit, including the Mr. Limpy, My Buddy 4" and 5", and #1 Trans Packer. If you're not sure, pick a style with a deeper pouch.
Keep reading: how to wear a packer, the bulge rating guide, and Packing 101.