A women's boxer takes on the straight cut from the men's wardrobe: short legs, flat bottom, and a wide often-elastic waistband that's visible. It stands out from the shorty due to this visible waistband and a less form-fitting shape on the backside, giving it a more relaxed drape than a shaping fit.
They both cover the same area, but their spirit is different. The shorty hugs the shape and aims for discretion under clothing. The women's boxer embraces its wide, often branded waistband, and is willingly worn visible above low-rise trousers or under pajama bottoms. In practice, you choose the shorty for dressing up and the boxer for comfort at home, although smooth microfiber models work for both uses.
Waffle cotton is the signature fabric of the women's cotton boxer: its ribbing gives structure to the fabric and prevents the boxer from sagging. Cotton jersey, finer, is suitable for sleep and lounging at home. Finally, stretch microfiber transforms the boxer into an invisible piece under trousers, eliminating the material effect, while the women's lace boxer does the opposite and flaunts its waistband as a feature to be shown. In all cases, the presence of elastane is what keeps the straight cut from sagging at the fabric's knees.
The boxer is sized according to hip measurement, like other cuts, but its wide waistband requires an extra check: it should sit flat without digging in. A waistband that leaves marks indicates a size that's too small, even if the rest of the piece seems fine. If in doubt, go up a size: a slightly loose boxer maintains its shape, while a tight boxer rides up between the thighs. Purchasing in sets of two or three, the women's boxer is notably cheaper per piece, and this is the most common way to buy this cut.