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Men’s underwear is seriously. It’s the first thing we put on, the last thing we take off, and the only protection for our most sensitive areas. Unfortunately, men’s underwear doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, and many men opt for the same cheap multipack year after year. But if you’re willing to make a change, you’ll be rewarded. The best men’s underwear offers premium materials and clever design details for a more comfortable day.
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At a glance: The best men’s underwear
Over the past decade (perhaps starting with Mark Wahlberg’s Calvin Klein campaign), men’s underwear has gotten better and better. Today’s best men’s underwear brands use high-quality fabrics that keep everything cool and dry while solving age-old design problems like wrinkling and chafing. Basically, whether you prefer boxer briefs, briefs, or boxer shorts, you can probably find a pair of underpants to upgrade your current underwear drawer.
The best men’s underwear you can buy now
Below you’ll find some of the best men’s underwear you can buy online right now. I’ve tested numerous underwear brands over the years and these are my favorites when it comes to comfort and style. All of the selected products are available from major retailers and have an average customer rating of at least 3.7/5 stars.
THE CLASSICS
Calvin Klein Boxer Shorts
$26.22 46,00 € 43% discount
$35.75 $71.50 50% discount
I’ve been a regular Calvin Klein boxer shorts since I was a teenager and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. The cotton boxers made famous by the Wahlberg adverts all those years ago fit perfectly all around and a pack will last several years of heavy use before needing to be replaced. I even wear my Calvins to the gym in a pinch, which is something you can’t do with underwear that isn’t designed for working out.
Editor’s selection
Uniqlo – Woven Swim Trunks
7,90 €
My favorite underwear of the last few months have been these woven boxer briefs from Uniqlo. Like most men, my pants have all gotten looser over the past few years, which means I have a little more room for breathable, roomy boxers too. And they feel amazing—especially in the form of Uniqlo’s crisp cotton boxer briefs. I’m also a big fan of the understated designs and often find myself wearing just these boxer briefs all morning (even when my roommates ask me to put pants on).
ANTIMICROBIAL
Jockey Generation Microfiber Boxer Shorts
17,60 € $22 20% discount
While not as noticeable as Calvin’s, these microfiber boxer briefs from Jockey are a better choice if you’re prone to odor. They feature an antimicrobial coating that, in my experience, noticeably reduces odor after a long day of walking around. They’re also super soft and very affordable (this three-pack is currently $17.20 at Target).
SOFT AS BUTTERFLY
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer Briefs
$34
Mack Weldon is one of the few menswear brands that elevates everyday basics, so it’s no surprise that their 18-Hour Boxer Briefs are some of the best men’s underwear products around. The jersey cotton is one of the softest fabrics I’ve ever touched (underwear or otherwise), and the weight lends itself very well to a boxer brief cut.
Chic pants
Sunspel cotton boxer shorts
55$
British label Sunspel has been a pioneer in the field of luxurious basics for over a century. And they’re still going strong. These boxer shorts are a prime example. They’re made from high-quality poplin cotton, which has a tight plain weave for a particularly soft feel. This fabric – together with the boxy fit and classic look – makes the shorts ideal for relaxing on hot days, although they also feel good under clothing.
COOLING
Saxx DropTemp Boxer Shorts
$38
Almost everyone sweats down there, no matter the weather or activity. On days when it might get boggy, these Saxx DropTemp boxer briefs are a lifesaver. They’re packed with cooling technology like a quick-dry mesh fabric that really works in my experience. I also have Saxx’s shirt made from the same fabric which is also great.
TRAINING UNDERWEAR
Nike Dri-FIT Everyday Performance Boxer Shorts
42,50 €
44,99 €
These Nike Dri-FIT boxer briefs are one of the few that easily transition from everyday wear to the gym. Made from a cotton-spandex blend with Nike’s popular Dri-FIT moisture-wicking technology, they keep everything dry without being as tight as workout underwear. I like to wear these boxer briefs for activities like traveling or commuting where both comfort and sweat-wicking performance are needed. Of course, they’re great for working out, too.
ALSO GREAT
Polo Ralph Lauren boxer shorts for men
49,50 €
High-tech underwear is great, but sometimes plain cotton underwear is best. These Polo Ralph Lauren boxer briefs prove just that with their soft, high-quality 100% cotton construction. Although they’re not designed for working out, the fabric of the underwear can wick away the inevitable sweat of everyday life. I’m also a fan of the “classic” fit, which is a bit roomier than most boxer briefs, making them ideal for sleeping and lounging as well as everyday wear.
Men’s Underwear Buying Guide
We’ve all shopped for underwear before, but taking the time to find the best men’s underwear requires a little know-how. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping.
type: There are three main types of men’s underwear: boxer briefs, boxer shorts, and briefs. Boxer briefs are the most popular option, with a mid-thigh length and a tight fit. This gives boxer briefs a flattering look and secure feel, making them great for working out or everyday wear.
Boxer briefs are loose fitting, mid-thigh length and offer a particularly airy, breathable feel. Although they are less popular than boxer briefs for everyday wear, we believe every man should have a pair of boxer briefs for hot weather, lounging and sleeping.
Briefs are the old-fashioned choice. They reach to the upper thigh and cover only the essential parts. Some men swear by briefs because they have a streamlined fit and less material that can get tangled or puckered.
use: The best men’s underwear will stay comfortable all day, whether on sweaty commutes, at your desk, or while sleeping or relaxing in bed. But we think it’s best to have different pieces of underwear for different purposes. Get a few pairs of workout briefs, a few for everyday wear, and a pair for relaxing.
Materials: Always look for high-quality materials with some stretch and ideally moisture-wicking or odor-resistant properties. Also, keep in mind that the best underwear materials depend on the intended use and type of underwear (e.g., workout boxers should not contain cotton, but lounge boxers should be made of fresh cotton).
How we selected the best men’s underwear
In the seven-plus years I’ve been writing about men’s fashion, I’ve had the chance to test dozens of men’s underwear. When testing underwear, you can’t get a clear idea of its value unless you wear it in the great outdoors in a variety of real-world scenarios. I make sure to wear new underwear during both stationary activities, like sitting at a desk or in a car, and mobile activities, like walking around town or jogging through an airport. I pay attention to how well it fits—how it feels on my waist, how much or little it rides up, how tight it is on the butt, etc.—and how much sweat and stink the underwear can withstand. Before creating this list, I also consulted reviews from other fashion shopping experts and customers, including online reviews and feedback from my friends.
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