Underwear vs. Undershorts — What's the Difference?

Clothing worn under other clothes, typically next to the skin.

(dated) Underpants, type of underwear worn in skin contact with the hip portion of the body, small enough to be worn invisibly under shorts. Typically refers to male, not female, underpants.

See underpants.

See underclothes.

Clothes worn next to the skin, underneath outer clothing.

(colloquial) Underpants (boxers, briefs, panties, etc) and often bras.

That which is worn under the outside clothing; underclothes.

Undergarment worn next to the skin and under the outer garments