Quick Links
- 1 Types of Men’s Underwear
- 2 1. Briefs
- 3 2. Boxers
- 4 3. Boxer Briefs
- 5 4. Trunks
- 6 5. Less Common Men’s Underwear
- 7 Features To Look For When Buying The Best Men’s Underwear
- 8 1. Material
- 9 2. Fit
- 10 3. Durability
- 11 4. Cleaning Process
- 12 Best Men’s Underwear
- 13 1. Under Armour Men’s Original Series 6-Inch Boxerjock Boxer Briefs
- 14 2. Champion Men’s Boxer Briefs All Day Comfort
- 15 3. Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Boxer Briefs Underwear
- 16 4. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Underwear Multipack Cotton Classic Briefs
- 17 5. Fruit of The Loom Men’s Coolzone Boxer Briefs
- 18 6. Gildan Men’s Briefs Underwear Multipack
- 19 7. Calvin Klein Underwear Men’s Cotton Classics
- 20 8. Reebok Men’s Low Rise Underwear Briefs
- 21 9. Hanes Ultimate Men’s 7-Pack Full-Cut Pre-Shrunk Briefs
- 22 10. ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
- 23 Final Thoughts
- 24 Related Articles
To help you out, here’s our guide to men’s underwear; types, features you should keep an eye out for when shopping for men’s underwear, and our own picks for the best men’s underwear on the market today.
Types of Men’s Underwear
1. Briefs
Briefs are some of the most common pairs of underwear available for men. You can wear them for day-to-day use, but they can also serve you well if you want to go out, dress up, or even do some moderate sports. They usually come in low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise styles.
2. Boxers
Boxers are a common, every-day option for people who prefer breathability over support. They’re loose-fitting and often have an open fly.
These days, boxers generally come in two fits – a relaxed fit and slim fit. Relaxed-fit boxers are baggier, so they don’t restrict your movement and are as comfortable as possible. They’re best paired with pyjamas, or for people who prefer to wear baggier pants and shorts.
For those who want to wear tailored dress pants or slim-cut pants and shorts, slim fit boxers may be more to your liking. While still a looser fit than other underwear types, they can be worn under slimmer cuts.
3. Boxer Briefs
Boxer briefs occupy a happy medium between briefs and boxers, making them perfect for those who want something that they can wear for their daily activities. They’re also great for moderate sports, as they are often mid-rise and offer complete coverage. This coverage helps provide chaffing protection during workouts.
Like briefs, boxer briefs provide plenty of support. True boxer briefs will cover only 1/2 of your thigh, but it’s easy to find versions that cover as much as 1/3 of your thigh.
4. Trunks
Trunks have a great cut that puts them between boxer briefs and briefs, providing a square-cut look with short legs and minus bulky fabric. They’re versatile and can be worn and used for most things.
Though this type of men’s underwear is common, many people and even companies simply lump them in with boxer briefs when describing products, so we won’t be featuring it in today’s reviews!
5. Less Common Men’s Underwear
Certain kinds of men’s underwear, while they exist and are used by some, are rarely worn by a majority of people and are typically more risque. As such, while we won’t be featuring them today, we’d be remiss not to mention them:
Jockstraps
These are designed for vigorous and rough sports and are virtually undetectable in tight clothing. They provide support and protection around the front, lifting that area to allow for a cooler wearing experience, while the backside is completely exposed.
G-Strings
These are the bare minimum in terms of fabric and underwear. The fabric is small and thin, the fit is tight, and while it’s common in women’s fashion, there’s less interest in them in the men’s fashion market.
Bikini Bottoms
These are designed for sunbathing and other similar purposes, and again, they’re common in women’s fashion but less so in men’s.
Long-Johns
Also called long underwear, these are designed for cold weather and are often comfortable for lounging around.
Features To Look For When Buying The Best Men’s Underwear
1. Material
For comfort, underwear should be made of a comfortable, breathable material. The last thing you want is to spend hours wearing something that itches or causes too much sweating.
2. Fit
The different types of underwear all have different fits. If you prefer tight-fitting support, you’d likely opt for something different than someone who likes looser-fitting underwear.
3. Durability
Most underwear starts to fall apart eventually, but that shouldn’t happen before its time. There is little point in purchasing underwear that will wind up with tears and holes too easily, so make sure the material is strong enough and the elastic won’t wear off too quickly.
4. Cleaning Process
Underwear has to be washed very regularly, so you’ll likely want ones that are machine washable and even dryer-safe. Certain kinds of fancier or more intricate underwear may require a gentler care process. So keep that in mind when shopping around!
Best Men’s Underwear
1. Under Armour Men’s Original Series 6-Inch Boxerjock Boxer Briefs
Pros:
- Lightweight and smooth to the touch
- Dries and wicks sweat quickly
- Anti-odor
Cons:
- Large tags may be uncomfortable
- Seam placement may cause irritation and discomfort
The Under Armour Men’s Original Series 6-Inch Boxerjock Boxer Briefs come in a pack of 2. They’re all made from HeatGear fabric, which is lightweight and smooth to the touch. The material is a machine washable 95% polyester and 5% spandex blend.
Thanks to its unique blend, these undergarments dry quickly and wick away sweat easily. They are cut and stitched together for maximum movement, which makes it good for those who don’t want to be restricted while doing all sorts of vigorous activity. They are also embedded with an anti-odor technology, which is good if you’re trying to avoid the stink that comes from microbes eating away sweat.
These boxer briefs are available in sizes that range from SM to 4XL, which allows more room for those who struggle with being outside the usual sizing chart. The manufacturer also provides a detailed set of measurements for each size, so you can be certain you’re getting the size that fits you.
The design of these briefs are relatively plain and monochromatic, but they can come in all sorts of bright colors.
Unfortunately, these boxer briefs come with large tags that may irritate you. This can be an issue for those who find tags incredibly uncomfortable. The latest design also places a large seam down the middle, which may cause irritation and discomfort.
If you’re on the hunt for something that will stay cool while you’re working out, this may be the underwear for you – Under Armour Men’s Original Series 6-Inch Boxerjock Boxer Briefs.
2. Champion Men’s Boxer Briefs All Day Comfort
Pros:
- Wicks away sweat easily
- Snug fit offers excellent support
- Dries quickly
Cons:
- Limited size range
- Sizes run small, so you may have to size up
- Well-endowed those may find that these boxer briefs don’t provide enough room
The Champion Men’s Boxer Briefs All Day Comfort is a little different in its multipack offering. Instead of giving you the option for packs that contain different colors, every pack comes with 2 black pairs, 2 gray pairs, and 1 blue pair. While this gives you all the colors available in one go, the inability to choose the number of colors you want in a multipack may be an issue to some.
These boxer briefs are made a 58% cotton, 37% polyester, and 5% spandex blend, and are machine washable. The material wicks away sweat easily and is woven with a special technology that allows it to dry quickly. This can be good for those who want to stay dry and fresh, or for those who need to be able to wash and dry their undergarments on the go.
The front panel of these boxer briefs are contoured, and the boxer briefs themselves fit snugly against you – all which provides excellent support for those who want a secure fit. The legs are also designed to not roll up, which offers even more comfort.
Unfortunately, in addition to the aforementioned color limitation, the sizes are also limited. These boxer briefs are only available in sizes S to 2XL, which can be an issue for those who usually need larger sizes. These sizes can also run small, and well-endowed people may find the snug fit uncomfortably tight instead.
In general, if you’re in need of a comfortable pair of slim fit boxer briefs, this underwear may be just what you’re looking for – Champion Men’s Boxer Briefs All Day Comfort.
3. Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Boxer Briefs Underwear
Pros:
- Tag-free
- Plush waistband
- Flat stitches
- Double-lined pouch for extra support
- Legs are designed to not roll up
Cons:
- No-fly, which may inconvenience some
- Lining and stitch location may cause chafing and irritation
The Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Boxer Briefs Underwear comes in a pack of 2. They are cut from a machine washable fabric, which is a 91% polyester and 9% spandex blend.
The waistband of these boxer briefs is tagless. It also has a little plushness to it for extra comfort, and the stitching on them is flat to prevent irritation and friction. Each pair also touts extra support in the form of a double-lined pouch, which is great for those who want that lift. Additionally, the legs are designed to not bunch and roll up. As a result, these boxer briefs are suitable for those who want to do a more rigorous activity.
You can purchase these boxer briefs in any size from XS to 3XL, which should fit most. All sizes correspond to a sizing chart with measurements, so you can ensure you’ll be getting the perfect fit.
These boxer briefs are solid-colored, with a contrasting stitch and waistband.
If you’re someone who likes the convenience of a fly, however, this may not be the underwear for you. Some may also find the lining and the stitch location to cause irritation and chafing.
Overall, these can be good options for those who want to go straight from work to gym, or would rather just lounge about in casual comfort all day.
You can get the Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Boxer Briefs Underwear.
4. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Underwear Multipack Cotton Classic Briefs
Pros:
- Comfortable and soft
- Has an open fly for convenience
- Elastic leg bands fit well for extra support
Cons:
- Limited sizing options
- The rise may be too low for some
- Might not be enough coverage for certain those
The Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Underwear Multipack Cotton Classic Briefs can be purchased in multipacks of either 4 or 6. Elastic waistband aside, the briefs are all 100% combed cotton and are machine washable. The material itself also feels comfortable and soft to the touch.
These briefs are a pretty standard cut, though some may find that these provide a little less coverage than you might expect. That aside, they’re very comfortable, and the elastic leg bands fit snugly against you to provide extra support. They also have an open fly for convenience and ease.
The sizing chart for these briefs is a little limited, ranging only from S to XXL. So if you’re someone who usually struggles with a standard sizing chart, this may be a problem for you. Thankfully, the manufacturer provides measurements, so you can see if they’ll fit you first.
Each pair of briefs is solid colour, with a contrasting waistband. You can get a multipack in a single, solid color, or a multipack that includes a range of colors.
Some may find that the rise is lower than is comfortable and that there isn’t sufficient coverage for the back. But if your primary concern is getting yourself a pair of comfortable briefs, this may be the underwear you need.
You can get the Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Underwear Multipack Cotton Classic Briefs.
5. Fruit of The Loom Men’s Coolzone Boxer Briefs
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Ventilated and breathable crotch
- Comes in various lengths
- Tag-free
- Wide variety of patterns and colors
- Offers structural support
Cons:
- Sizes run small
- Legs may be too skinny for some
- Uncomfortable fabric
- Mesh fly comes at the expense of the convenience
- May fit poorly despite following measurements
The Fruit of the Loom Men’s Coolzone Boxer Briefs comes in 3 different lengths – long leg, regular leg, and short leg. The number of undergarments you will get in each pack depends on which length you purchase. Both the long leg and short leg versions come in a pack of 5, while the regular leg comes in a pack of 7.
The material of the boxer briefs will depend on the pattern – solids are made of 100% machine washable cotton, while heathered briefs are a 90% cotton and 10% polyester blend. They are also machine washable and can wick away sweat.
These boxer briefs are also tag-free and have legs that are designed to not roll up. On top of that, they all come equipped with the special Coolzone fly – a breathable mesh fly that offers more ventilation than the average boxer brief, while still maintaining structural support. However, this is done at the expense of the convenience a traditional fly gives.
Not only is this underwear available in S to XL sizes, but it also comes in 2XL and 3XL. The manufacturer also provides exact measurements for each size, which makes it easier for those who often have trouble with sizing. That said, be advised that the 2XL and 3XL packs will always be one short of the regular-sized packs.
The regular-leg pack comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Unfortunately, the long-leg and short-leg packs are only available in a relatively monochromatic set of colors.
Despite the wide range of sizes, however, you may find that these boxer briefs run relatively small. The legs can also be pretty small, which may be an issue for those with wider thighs or for those who desire more movement. As a result, you may find that these fit you poorly, in contrast to the expectations set by the measurement sizes. You may also find the material uncomfortable and scratchy as well.
That said, if you’re looking for cool boxer briefs that cater to your need for differing lengths, patterns, and colors, this may be the underwear for you.
You can get the Fruit of the Loom Men’s Coolzone Boxer Briefs.
6. Gildan Men’s Briefs Underwear Multipack
Pros:
- Full coverage
- Comfortable fit
- Plush waistband for extra comfort
Cons:
- Limited sizes
- Sizes can run small for some those
- Underwear may shrink in the wash
Depending on your option and size, the Gildan Men’s Briefs Underwear Multipack comes in a pack of 4 to 6. These are machine washable and are made of 90% ringspun cotton and 10% polyester. The material itself is soft, and the waistband is also a little plush, providing you with as much comfort as possible.
The unique cut of these briefs offers the sort of full coverage you would expect from boxers or boxer briefs, all without losing any support. This is potentially great for those who want coverage, but don’t like dealing with any extra material. The fabric itself wicks away moisture well, and the leg bands fit snugly without being restrictive or uncomfortable.
These briefs may not be for everyone, however. Not only are the colors limited to several shades of gray, black, and white, the briefs themselves are only available from S to XXL. Some have also claimed that the underwear shrinks in the wash.
The sizes also run small, which can be an issue for many – so be sure to check the sizing measurements before buying. Buyers should also bear in mind the plus sizes will only come with 5 pairs instead of 6.
These issues aside, these briefs may be good for those who want a comfortable, simple pair of undergarments that fit well and have excellent coverage.
You can get the Gildan Men’s Briefs Underwear Multipack.
7. Calvin Klein Underwear Men’s Cotton Classics
Pros:
- Slightly extended legs
- Has special sizes for taller people
- Fuss-free cut and fit, which can be helpful for some people
Cons:
- Legs tend to ride up
- Some might find that the material stretches out and loosens too quickly
- Cotton fabric may be too thick for some
The Calvin Klein Underwear Men’s Cotton Classics come in a pack of 3. The main boxer brief is 100% cotton while the waistband itself is made of a cotton blend. The underwear is breathable and soft and can be machine washed.
Aside from the slim fit, the design and cut for these boxer briefs are pretty standard, which works for those who just want something plain and simple.
The elastic band for this classic underwear has been updated to fit legs better, which can be a welcome change for those who had struggled with the original iteration. The legs themselves are also a little longer than normal, which helps with creating a better silhouette.
The sizes for these boxer briefs are a little different from the norm. Not only do they have a wide size range spanning S to 5XL, but they also have a separate set of sizes for taller people.
None of the multipacks available have any sort of funky pattern or print to them, but they do come in a wide variety of colors.
Unfortunately, these boxer briefs are prone to riding up. Some may also find the cotton too thick for comfort, and that it stretches out too much. That said, if all you need is a comfortable pair of boxer briefs sans the bells and whistles, this might be all you need.
You can get the Calvin Klein Underwear Men’s Cotton Classics.
8. Reebok Men’s Low Rise Underwear Briefs
Pros:
- Low maintenance, can be machine washed and tumble dried
- Tag-free
- Comfortable fabric
- Good fit
Cons:
- Limited sizing
- No measurements provided
- May not provide enough coverage or support for some
The Reebok Men’s Low Rise Underwear Briefs comes in a pack of 5. The fabric is a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend that is extremely easy to care for. Not only are they machine washable, but they are also safe for tumble-drying. This makes them great for those who don’t have time to be careful with their clothing’s washing instructions and needs.
These low rise briefs are both breathable and stretchy and are tag-free. There is no fly on these briefs, but the pouch is contoured for comfort and fit. Depending on your needs, the lack of a fly may be an issue, but they otherwise fit well.
While the style may be clean, it does mean that there are no funky patterns – save for some patch designs. Fashion lovers may find the limited range of colors disappointing, as do those who generally need bigger sizes – these briefs are only available from sizes S to XL.
There are also no measurements provided either, an issue for those who want to be certain that their purchase will fit them. Additionally, some may find that these briefs do not provide enough coverage or support.
The sizes also run small, which can be an issue to many – so be sure to check the sizing measurements before buying. Buyers should also bear in mind the plus sizes will only come with 5 pairs instead of 6.
If you’re someone who wants a pair of comfortable low rise briefs that help show off your body, this might be something you may want.
You can get the Reebok Men’s Low Rise Underwear Briefs.
9. Hanes Ultimate Men’s 7-Pack Full-Cut Pre-Shrunk Briefs
Pros:
- Full cut
- Tag-free
- Comfortable waistband that does not pinch or bind
Cons:
- There are no measurements for the sizes
- Crotch area may be too narrow for some
- The elastic for the leg holes may get too loose too soon
The Hanes Ultimate Men’s 7-Pack Full-Cut Pre-Shrunk Briefs come in a pack of 7 monochromatic undergarments. Each one is made from machine-washable, 100% ring-spun cotton – a highly breathable fabric that is super soft to the touch.
The briefs are full-cut, which could be great for those who want as much coverage as possible, while still looking for the kind of support briefs provide. They all have a tag-free elastic waistband that is designed to not pinch and bind. Combine all these with leg bands that will not ride up, and these briefs provide maximum comfort and breathability.
Being available in sizes from SM to XL also means that these briefs should fit most those – though, without any measurements provided, it can be hard to figure out what size will fit you.
The colors provided are also a little limited – each pack comes in either all white, various shades of gray, or various shades of blue.
While some may enjoy the wide leg holes, others may find that it comes at the expense of a narrow crotch area. The looser elastic for the leg holes also stretches out very quickly, which can render any support you expect from briefs null.
All in all, these briefs may work well for those who don’t want to sacrifice breathability for comfort or coverage.
You can get the Hanes Ultimate Men’s 7-Pack Full-Cut Pre-Shrunk Briefs.
10. ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
Pros:
- Quick-dry fabric that wicks sweat away easily
- Anti-odor
- Ergonomic fly panel for extra support
- Flat stitches don’t cause chafing
Cons:
- The material tends to pill after a while
- Fabric may stick to itself
- Low-rise may be an issue for some
The ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief does not come in any multipack. Instead, you will get one pair per purchase, which can be an issue for those hoping to get bang for your buck.
The breathable mesh material is made from a blend that is 92% nylon and 8% lycra spandex and is machine washable. It is also a quick-drying fabric that wicks sweat away easily and is stitched together with flatlock seams to reduce chafing.
Additionally, the briefs have also gone an antimicrobial treatment which helps eliminate any odor. This makes it work well for those who want to do extreme sports or any outdoor activity.
These low-rise boxer briefs provide plenty of support in the form of a snug fit and a special ergonomic fly panel. This can work well for those who engage in high-impact activities that need maximum support and waist motion.
There is a trade-off for such a supportive and close fit, however as the sizing chart only covers those who fit a size S to XXL. Do make sure to check the measurements before buying.
Most of these boxer briefs are solid colors with contrasting stitching and waistband, but a few of them come in unique patterns and multicolor stripes. So if you want to have a little fun with your underwear, this option is for you!
Unfortunately, the unique texture of these boxer briefs may cause problems for some, as they have a tendency to pill. Some wearers may also experience an odd phenomenon where the fabric starts sticking to itself in a velcro-like effect.
Overall, if you’re hoping to get active and need a pair of underwear that will support you well, these boxer briefs might be what you need.
You can get the ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief.
Final Thoughts
So, which one of those products was truly the best men’s underwear? Though that’s largely a subjective question, we have to give it to Under Armour Men’s Original Series 6-Inch Boxerjock Boxer Briefs.
These briefs are lightweight with HeatGear fabric, which is cooling, smooth, breathable, and good for wicking away moisture. The cutting and stitching allow for more movement, innovations help fight odor, and there are many sizes available.
Plenty of factors affect the kinds of underwear that are best for you. Shop around and find the best men’s underwear suited for your needs!