Some things are fashion, and some are necessity. Where do men’s undergarments fall? Increasingly, right in the middle.

There’s a guaranteed market that needs to replenish supplies no matter what the economy is doing. But innovation in style and technology has made boxers, briefs and undershirts that were once an afterthought into a buzz-worthy category of men’s clothes. So much so that H&M debuted ads for its new undergarment collection by David Beckham during the Super Bowl on Sunday, and Jockey wasted no time signing football star Tim Tebow as its new spokesman.

It makes sense as a growth category, says Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst with market research firm The NPD Group, but it took the right conditions to get on the fashion industry’s radar: streamlined design, comfortable stretch fabrics, the idea that dressing starts at the base layer and that shabby-chic doesn’t cut it anymore.

Men, in general, aren’t as interested in fleeting trends, he adds. They are, however, willing to buy an “evolved” product if they need to replace an old one. And, Cohen says, as has happened with smartphones or athletic apparel, sometimes men will trade up if they think there’s genuine newness.

It’s a purchase men are likely to make for themselves, although creating products that appeal to women — either on a business level or a more personal one — is a factor, and that’s why you’ll see models such as sports figures as top ambassadors, he says.

“Undergarments are relatively inexpensive so everyone can participate,” Cohen says. “It’s something that’s easy for a woman to buy for a guy, something for the guy to buy for himself, there’s need. It hits a large swath of demographics.”

The total men’s underwear and undershirt market for 2011 was up more than 7 percent over the previous year, totaling almost $3.3 billion, NPD numbers show.

H&M must see the potential. The collaboration with Beckham launches with not only boxers, briefs and Ts, but also vests, pajamas and long johns. Beckham said in a statement that it took him and his design team 18 months to come up with just the right initial styles. The plan is for new products each season to expand on these basics.