“Pants” vs. “Underpants”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “pants” and “underpants”

  • In the US, pants are outer garments that cover the entire lower body, while underpants are undergarments designed to be worn underneath other clothing. However, in the UK, pants refer to undergarments, making it the same as underpants.
  • Underpants are typically made of thinner materials and are designed to be more form-fitting, while pants (US) come in a variety of thicknesses and styles depending on the purpose of wear.
  • Pants (US) are often worn as a fashion statement or for specific purposes (such as dress pants for formal events or athletic pants for exercise), while underpants are worn primarily for hygiene and comfort.
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What is the definition of “pants” and “underpants”?

Pants
  • In the US, pants are a garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg.
  • Pants (US) are usually worn over undergarments, such as underwear or stockings, and can be made of different fabrics, designs, and styles depending on the wearer's preference.
  • In the UK, however, pants mean undergarments.
Underpants
  • Underpants are a type of undergarment worn beneath clothing to cover the pelvic area and buttocks.
  • They are designed to be worn next to the skin, absorbing sweat and providing a layer of protection between clothing and skin.
  • Underpants come in different styles for men, women, and children and can be made from various materials including cotton, silk, and synthetic blends.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Pants” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Pants
464,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I need to buy new pants for work.
  2. My favorite pair of pants have a hole at the knee.
  3. She wears high-waisted pants all the time.
Underpants
18,200,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I always carry spare underpants in case of an accident.
  2. She folded her clean underpants and placed them in the drawer.
  3. He was embarrassed when his underpants showed above his pants.
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