New Pattern: Emil Boxer Brief

It all started when I teased my husband for having a run in his boxer briefs.  They were made from a thin nylon tricot, and after snagging them on something, he had a big run going down his leg.  I told him he should toss that pair out, since the run would only get worse, and he grumbled about this style of boxer briefs with the top opening pouch being difficult to find.  

I've drafted all sorts of underwear patterns, so why not boxer briefs?  Pattern drafting information for men's clothing is already difficult to find, and men's underwear proved near impossible.  But after mashing up a few drafts, plus quizzing my husband about what sort of features he liked best, the Emil boxer brief pattern was born.

I wasn't about to let him be the only one with new boxer briefs, I wanted some for myself too!  While wearing dresses this summer, I experienced a lot of uncomfortable chafing ("chub rub" haha) and wanted some shorts to wear underneath.  So I adjusted the Emil pattern to have a women's version too.

I didn't want to leave anyone out, so there is also a closed pouch version too.  I made my initial samples in modal/spandex, and my husband's reaction was to shout, "It's like a cloud!" He found bamboo/spandex (pictured above) equally as soft and comfortable.  So enjoy making your boxer briefs in a wide range of fabrics.

From the pattern listing:

Designed with both style and functionality in mind, Emil offers a flattering and comfortable fit with all styles including two inseam lengths, and elastic or self-waistband options.  

• Style A, Men’s sizing: pouch with horizontal opening.
• Style B, Men’s sizing: closed contoured pouch.
• Style C, Women’s sizing: flat pouch
• Inseam options: 4”/10cm and 6”/15.2cm.
• Waistband options: elastic or self-waistband.
• All styles can have a single or double layer Leg Gusset, and Style C can have a single or double layer Front.  Double layers enclose the seams and provide extra protection for outer clothing.
• Requires straight and stretch stitches. 

 
Sizes included:
Men’s Sizes to fit:
Waist 26-56” / 66-140cm
Hip 30-60” / 76-152cm
 
Women’s Sizes to fit:
Waist 24-52” / 66-132cm
Hip 32-60” / 81-152cm
 
Skill level:
Adventurous beginner.  The lined pouches require working with multiple layers of fabric.  Instructions are fully illustrated.  You need to know how to sew straight and stretch stitches.
 
Fabrics: stretch knits with at least 50% stretch. Suggestions: cotton/spandex jersey, rayon/spandex jersey, bamboo/spandex jersey, modal/spandex jersey, athletic knits.
 
Trims:
Waist elastic at least 1”/25mm width.

If you'd like to get started making boxer briefs for yourself and loved ones, check out the Emil Boxer Brief pattern.  Happy Sewing!