Why do American super heroes like Superman and Batman wear briefs on the outside of their uniforms?
It’s not at all clear that they actually dress like that. I don’t recall many comics which actually showed them slipping out of their slacks and loafers and into their tights in this much detail. Modesty prevails. Cartoon characters do wear tight-fitting garb to show off their musclular build. The strong contrast between colours is done for visual effect, but does not necessairly indicate that the garment is in two parts (i.e., shorts over tights). It could be a one-piece garment using different coloured fabric for the legs and the briefs. Or perhaps the artists were thinking of medieval codpieces at the time. —————————————- Re “why draw attention to the nether regions”… I am reminded of those Charles Atlas and related muscle-building adverts in comics. He would appear in trunks, showing off his muscular build. Nobody thought that he was half-naked. Instead, they thought you could avoid having sand kicked in your face the next time you went to the beach. Or,
