Boxers are named as such owing to their origin in the early 1900s as a new type of sports clothing for use in boxing matches. During this time, fighters abandoned the traditional tight-fitting linen briefs or pants in favour of loose shorts made from lightweight fabrics. As men preferred the loose fit style, boxers soon gained popularity even among non-athletes. Boxers for men underwent a few changes in design before arriving at the modern version with an elastic band for support at the waist. Boxers have evolved over the last century and are now available in a variety of styles including even boxers for women.