Best Boxers, Briefs, and Trunks
<p>Since we first wrote this story in 2015, the <em>Men’s Health</em> team has tested more than 50 different underwear brands (and over 100 individual pairs), from buzzy upstarts like Skims, down to tried-and-true labels like Calvin Klein. Year after year, our biggest takeaway stays the same: The best underwear for men should be made with breathable, soft fabrics to keep you cozy without overheating when you’re on the move. Plus, they need to have a snug-but-comfortable fit to prevent chafing, without cutting off your circulation. The right pair isn’t just a <a href=” basic</a>—it’s a core item that lays the groundwork for your entire look.</p><ul></ul><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider</h2><h3 class=”body-h3″>Materials </h3><h4 class=”body-h4″>Cotton</h4><p>Cotton is the OG of underwear fabrics, and our testers found that it’s the most comfortable knit for everyday fits. Take note: while cotton is pretty breathable, it doesn’t go a great job of wicking away moisture. That’s why our fashion editors do not recommend cotton skivvies for working out. In some cases, a pair of undies that’s 100% cotton tends to lose shape over time and can give a <a href=” target=”_blank”>swamp-ass</a> feeling. If you have money to spend, we recommend trying a long-staple or organic cotton, which is more premium and durable.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Nylon/Spandex Blends</h4><p>Nylon is moisture-wicking and super durable, so the fabric won’t pill or stretch out. However, a little spandex (aka elastane) in the fabric helps for movement and extra comfort. Plus, it dries quickly too, so you won’t feel sticky post-workout.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Modal</h4><p>Imagine cotton, but smoother and a little fancier. Modal has a silky-soft feel that’s light and cool against your skin. Testers say their favorite modal boxer briefs almost disappear under their clothes. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Support</h3><p>If you’re looking to keep your precious cargo secure, then briefs provide the most security. However, if you want to let the package breathe, then boxers are your best bet. Though do be warned: Boxers tend to ride up when you’re wearing slim pants, which is why we recommend only wearing them with more relaxed fits. </p><p>If you need extra support, we recommend underwear with a pouch or a snugger fit around the waistband. For some men with testicular pain or discomfort, they may want to find a style that fits well and doesn’t ride up or bunch, as this could aggravate their symptoms.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Function</h3><p>Your underwear is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off, so it has to work with you, not against you, all day long. If it doesn’t do its job, you’ll feel it, whether it’s discomfort, chafing, or overheating.</p><p class=”body-text”>Think about it: excellent underwear isn’t just about looking cool (though that’s like icing on the cake). It’s about how it performs in real life. Are lounging at home? Going for a long run? Stuck on a flight for hours? Each of these scenarios demand something different. You need underwear that supports your lifestyle, whether that’s stretch for flexibility, moisture-wicking for sweat, or breathability to keep things fresh down yonder. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected</h2><p>As part of the Men’s Health style team, led by our Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan, I’ve had a front-row seat to testing some of the best and worst underwear in the game. We’ve tried more than 100 pairs across every style, brand, and fabric you can think of. I looked for high-quality materials that actually held up after dozens of wears and washes, and underwear that delivered real comfort and support—not just hype. We judged each pair on its fabric, fit, function, durability, and all-day wearability. What you’ll find here is the ultimate list: the 13 best men’s underwear that rose to the top after years of testing and refining. </p>” data-next-head/>
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Cons
- No fly—have to pull the underwear down
Out of the hundreds of skivvies we’ve tested over the years, the Airknitx Boxer Brief came out on top for its winning combo of comfort, support, and breathability, which means you can wear it to to work, working out, and everywhere in between. Testers say it has a supportive pouch that comfortable cradles the family jewels, and a moisture-wicking fabric that makes this boxer brief comfortable and breathable, while the secured waist and grippy leg bands keep it in place.
The Airknitx is the real deal—light as air, just like the name suggests. The unique texture feels insanely soft on the skin, and the cut is also flattering on the thighs for guys with beefy quads. To really hit a home run, Mack Weldon even incorporated mesh cool zones in the back to enhance breathability when temperatures heat up.
Just so we’re clear, it’s a functional pair that’s built for everything under the sun: daily wear, hot weather, sleeping, gym workouts, long-haul flights, outdoor adventures—and the list continues. Plus, Stafford loves the vast color selection with solids and patterns, which go with just about any casual and business casual fit.
Read More: Mack Weldon Airknitx Boxer Brief Review
| Material | Heathers: 50% polyamide / 33% polyester / 17% elastane HD solids: 86% polyamide / 14% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Inseam | 5″ |
| Support | Elastic fly-less pouch, leg bands |
| Colors | 13 |
| Function | Everyday wear, gym ready |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry low |
Most Classic Underwear
Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Boxer Brief
Now 13% Off
Sometimes, sticking with an OG brand is the smartest move. And when it comes to underwear, it’s impossible to fail with a pair from Calvin Klein. As the pioneer of sexy basics, Stafford loves its Steel Micro Low Rise Trunks for its seriously smooth nylon fabric.
Our testers say this boxer brief is super comfortable and breathable. The stretch is another big win. Gollayan has used this during leg day and yoga and found that the fabric moves well with every activity. Plus, he’s been using these boxer briefs since 2022 and found that they look good as new after countless trips to the washing machine.
What makes CK’s classic so popular is its ability to keep things sleek—it doesn’t increase the bulk of your thighs in slim pants. The contoured pouch and mid-thigh length is comfortable and delivers ample support.
| Material | 95% cotton, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Inseam | 3.5″ approx. |
| Support | Longer inseam and fly pouch |
| Colors | 21 |
| Function | Casual everyday wear |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low heat. Hang dry your boxer briefs to extend lifespan |
Best Everyday Underwear
Ralph Lauren 4D Flex Cooling Boxer Briefs Pack of 3
Pros
- Super soft microfiber
- Functional fly
- Breathable mesh panels
Cons
- Very big waistband logo
Simply put: The 4D Flex Microfiber mesh boxer briefs from Polo Ralph Lauren will keep you cool as a cucumber. Essentially, that’s their objective and we found they follow through on it with a soft cotton-modal blend that’s moisture-wicking to fend off swamp crotch and swamp ass. They do this while still maintaining a high level of everyday comfort with four-way stretch and breathability thanks to the side mesh panels.
Their slim silhouette feels like a second skin, and won’t ride up or bunch up under your dress pants. That means you can wear them to work, the gym, or even around the house. In our testing, we also found the pouch and gusset to be supportive and comfortable.
In terms of cleaning, it can handle cycles and cycles of washing, but drying is where the waistband has an issue. We recommend air drying or putting on a low-tumble dryer setting to help the elastic retain its shape as we’ve noticed it can lose its stretch on a couple rounds of high heat.
| Material | 87% polyester, 13% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S – XL |
| Inseam | 5″ |
| Support | Gusseted pouch with fly |
| Colors | 3 |
| Function | Everyday wear, gym ready |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash |
Best Underwear for Hitting the Gym
Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer
Cons
- Fabric is a bit delicate
Your go-to athleisure brand launched a pack of oh-so-soft underwear that has the innovative fabric for maximum comfort you’d expect from Lululemon. And when this fabric meets boxer style, you get a pair of underwear that actually delivers. While Always in Motion give boxer briefs vibes, these made-for-movement skivvies are actually boxers made with performance fabric. As such, they feel as freeing as boxers but deliver on performance of boxer briefs.
Their crazy-soft modal fabric is both naturally breathable and sweat-wicking, with an ergonomically shaped pouch that provides roomy space to keep the boys in position. The four-way stretch makes it perfect for your daily pursuits and your legs’ every move. And the quick-drying makes it so that you can actually exercise a bit in them without having to change after the session. It’s the underwear you’ll want accompanying you whenever you’re on the go.
One pair wasn’t enough for our Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan, so he scooped up six of these bad boys. With all the flexibility you could ask for, this boxer-style has become his favorite pick for leg day, letting him hit those deep squats and deadlifts with ease. He also pointed out that the fabric is super thin, which ensures the lining doesn’t show under slim chinos. But here’s the kicker: They do a bang-up job of preventing swamp crotch and staying relatively dry, even during those sweat-drenched Barry’s workout classes.
| Material | 91% modal, 9% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS – XXXL |
| Inseam | 5″, 7″ |
| Support | Flyless pouch |
| Colors | 21 |
| Function | Casual everyday wear |
| Care Instructions | Wash with like colors, machine wash cold, tumble dry low |
Best Boxer Briefs Variety Pack
Abercrombie & Fitch 7-Pack Boxer Briefs
The first thing that stood out to us with Abercrombie’s Boxer Brief is the old school look, consisting of a solid color cotton with a white sewn-on waistband, subtly emblazoned with the brand’s logo. Speaking of which, the waistband sits comfortably without rolling down whether you’re bending down to tie your shoes or stretching out across the bed. Plus, it stays put—meaning there’s no awkward adjustments needed halfway through the day.
The cotton and elastane blend fabric has the kind of soft washed feel that usually takes some time to break into new underwear. While it fit like a boxer brief should, it wasn’t tight like a compression short, providing a little wiggle room.
If you’re a boxer brief guy and you need a quick, easy, and affordable refresh of your collection, this is the way to go. It comes in a five pack, each offering five distinct colors, with the exception of the all black set. For the price, this it’s also one of the best values we’ve come across in men’s underwear.
| Material | 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Inseam | 5″ |
| Support | Pouch with vertical fly |
| Colors | 7 (with multi-color options) |
| Function | Casual everyday wear |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash warm, with like colors, tumble dry low |
Best Athletic Underwear
Under Armour Performance Tech Boxer Brief
Cons
- Very big waistband logo
If what you do in a pair of undies involves a lot of moving, sweating, and calories-burning, we highly recommend the UA Tech 6-inch Boxerjack Briefs, a pair of running underwear that packs a lot of features for people of very active lifestyles. It has an anti-chaffing feature, providing maximum comfort and fit, even if worn during athletic activities. And thanks to the neat polyester-spandex blend, these boxer briefs have a super breathable fabric, meaning you’re receiving maximum airflow and comfort.
These boxer briefs proved themselves on active days too—holding things together during intense HIIT sessions without feeling noticeable on your thighs. In our testing, we found that the 4-way stretch material moved easily with our legs and is breathable and ultra-soft to boot. But what truly makes it stand out is the extremely supportive design: The combination of a performance waistband and an articulated mesh fly panel and gusset keep your goods in place, no matter how hard the run.
Read More: Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear
| Material | 90% polyester, 10% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS – 5XL |
| Inseam | 6″ |
| Support | Compression with flyless pouch |
| Colors | 6 |
| Function | Workout |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low |
Best Affordable Underwear
Uniqlo Airism Ultra Seamless Boxer Briefs
Newsflash: Quality underwear doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Take Uniqlo’s Airism Ultra Seamless Boxer Briefs, which are easy on the wallet and fit like a glove. During my testing, the cut-off waist felt invisible, sitting flush against the skin without squeezing or rolling, like it was made just for me. Despite its close-hugging cut, there’s a fair amount of stretch to accommodate you running up the stairs, twisting in your chair, or walking briskly through crowded city streets.
Overall, I found this pair to be lightweight, super breathable, and packed with new moisture-wicking technology that helps to keep you fresh, cool, and dry around the clock. Whether it’s a hot day or you’re working up a sweat at the gym, AIRISM pulls moisture away from your skin, making sure you don’t feel swampy down under.
Every Sunday at my house is wash day, but this underwear has survived through every last cycle without losing its allure. Our only gripe is that Uniqlo Airisim sells out very fast, which means you have to wait for the occasional restock—so get them now.
| Material | 71% nylon, 29% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Inseam | 5″ |
| Support | High breathability and moisture control |
| Colors | 2 |
| Function | Casual everyday wear |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, do not dry clean |
Best Boxer-Briefs
Classic Fella Classic Boxer-Brief
This elegantly simple brief was the debut product for Classic Fella. Made with Italian stretch cotton, the pair feels ultra-soft, like a dream on the skin—similar to your white t-shirt but for your lower half. It’s form-fitting, with ample stretch to move with you without feeling restrictive. Thanks to the gusseted seat, we had plenty of room where it counts to twist and reach for cereal in a high cabinet.
As simple as the Classic Brief looks, we did notice some progressive thinking in the waist design. It sits a little lower than most short briefs we’ve tried, hitting around the hip bone. For Gollayan, this underwear feels incredibly luxe, almost as if you’re wrapping yourself in fancy Italian bed sheets. He’s all about the thick waistband and leg bands too, which helps keep it from riding up, without feeling snug. It’s his go-to under dressier fits, but honestly, it’s also so comfortable that he enjoy sleeping in it as well.
| Material | Italian stretch cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S 28-30″ – XL 34-36″ |
| Inseam | 4″ |
| Support | Pouch with vertical fly |
| Colors | 3 |
| Function | Casual everyday wear |
| Care Instructions | Wash with white colors, air dry |
Best Classic Boxer
Classic Fella Classic Boxer
Classic Fella makes quintessential-looking underwear out of an Italian cotton fabric that you would expect to find in a dress shirt. The material is gentle and smooth with just the right amount of texture to make it feel luxe versus being too heavy or stiff. Men’s Health Fashion Director Ted Stafford was impressed by the “clean lines and straightforward design.” He found the silhouette to be pretty airy and have a loose fit, as most boxers tend to, with a slight taper to prevent bunching after slipping into your pants.
On the bright side of the cut, it offered plenty of room for everything to breathe and move around down there. Unlike regular button flies that might pop open, this one stays shut using the mother of pearl button, so you don’t have to fiddle with it. Then there’s the signature logo embroidered right at the hem—subtle, but it’s that extra touch that makes it feel high-end without screaming for attention. Furthermore, this is the type of underwear to wear on the weekend when you want to lay around like a couch potato and binge your favorite sitcoms.
| Material | 100% Italian cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S 28-30″ – XL 34-36″ |
| Inseam | 3″ |
| Support | None |
| Colors | 3 |
| Function | Casual everyday wear |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold, air dry |
Best Sleek Design
Skims Mens 3″ Boxer Brief
Kim Kardashian expanded her Skims portfolio in 2023, branching into men’s underwear. Ever since I’ve got my hands on a pair, they’ve been in the rotation. These briefs strike the perfect balance between function and finesse, and the fit is nothing short of chef’s kiss. It’s like Skims mastered that elusive combination of being so comfortable you almost forget you’re wearing them, while still offering a sleek, modern silhouette.
The stretch is dialed in perfectly—not too loose, not too constrictive—so your most important assets get the support they deserve without feeling locked into place. And this isn’t just some stretchy fabric; it’s designed with top-notch recovery, meaning it snaps back to shape no matter how much wear and tear you put it through. During my testing, I’ve worn these hitting the gym, playing tennis, and running errands. The waistband never gave me any problems; it has this velvety texture that sits gently against your skin, so no digging or irritation.
And before you think this is all hype because of the brand’s big-name connections, let me be clear, I’ve worn them under everything—jeans, joggers, running tights—and the takeaway is still the same: You can barely feel them. Plus, the color selection is pretty broad with classic shades and limited-edition tones including deep chocolate, oxblood, and desert tan.
| Material | 91% modal, 9% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS – 5X |
| Inseam | 3″ |
| Support | Pouch and gusset |
| Colors | 11 |
| Function | Everyday wear, gym ready |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold with like colors, do not bleach, tumble dry low |
Best Striped Boxer Shorts
Sunspel Striped Cotton Boxer Shorts
Cons
- Requires specific cleaning maintenance
Sunspel’s Classic Boxer Shorts are hands down some of the best out there, and once you try them, you’ll get it. They’re made by a UK brand with over a century of experience perfecting the essentials, so you know it’s time-tested. These boxers are cut from long-staple cotton, meaning the fibers are longer, the fabric is softer, and it’ll last for the long haul. Basically, they feel ridiculously comfortable—like you’re lounging in luxury every time you put them on—and they stay that way wear after wear.
One standout feature is the distinctive back panel. Sunspel uses a single smooth panel across the rear versus an uncomfortable central seam running down the middle. For us, that meant no chafing, no awkward pressure, and no irritation, even when we were sitting at our work desk or running quick errands. The fabric is lightweight but strong, so it breathes well and never bunches under pants. During testing, they held up all day, no matter what: long commutes, walking tours on vacation, or casual bike rides. We don’t recommend wearing this pair under gym shorts, but you can reserve them for days of less sweat-inducing activity since they’re all cotton.
They’ve got this easy, relaxed fit that gives you full range of motion, but the tailoring keeps them from feeling baggy or sloppy. And then there’s the design: They’re finished with a super gentle waistband that sits comfortably. The patterns are classic but elevated—think clean stripes that give a polished vibe, even for something as basic as boxer shorts. It’s the kind that makes you rethink the whole category. They’re built for comfort but stylish enough to feel special, which is exactly what you want from a pair you’ll wear day in and day out.
| Material | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Support | None |
| Colors | 3 |
| Function | Casual everyday wear |
| Care Instructions | Gentle wash at 104°F, do not tumble dry. Dry cleanable |
Softest Trunks
Tommy John Second Skin Trunk 4″ Underwear
Pros
- Second skin fabric is super luxurious and soft
- Quick dry fly offers a level of convenience
- Resists odor and stays fresh throughout sweaty days
Cons
- Basic color selection
Tommy John earned the crown for the best overall pajamas due to its uber-soft second skin fabric, so it’s no shock that the brand’s underwear exceeds our expectations, too. What sets these apart from others is the micro modal and spandex blend, which feels unreal—like ridiculously smooth against the skin. We’re talking a fabric so luxurious that it makes regular cotton feel rough in comparison. Based on our testing, this pair of trunks nails the perfect balance of stretch and structure with their four-way stretch, so they move with you no matter how active (or lazy) your day gets.
Unlike other trunks that call for constant tugging or readjusting, these stayed perfectly in place, whether we were sitting, standing, or running errands around town. The quick draw fly makes using the bathroom easier and faster in the middle of the night. On humid days, these are a lifesaver. Despite us breaking a sweat, this underwear stayed fresh, which speaks to their exceptional level of odor-resistance. And even after multiple washes, the softness doesn’t diminish—a true sign of premium quality.
| Material | 90% modal, 10% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Inseam | 4″ |
| Support | Quick draw fly and contour pouch |
| Colors | 11 |
| Function | Daily support |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry on a low setting. |
Which Type of Underwear Is Best for Men?
Boxers – The Laid-Back Classic
Every man has worn one at some point; boxers are light and loose and so freeing. They’re the classic underwear style for men that feels very relaxed with short legs. This type of underwear is perfect for lounging around the house, sleeping, or wearing under relaxed-fit pants. Also comes in a variety of prints and patterns (hello, personality).
Briefs – For the No-Nonsense Guys
Think speedo. Think upside-down triangle. Briefs provide the required coverage and optimal support while exposing more skin for ease of mobility. Here, there’s no risk of leg fabric riding up (because there’s none).
Boxer Briefs – The MVP of Men’s Underwear
Perhaps the most popular one, it’s a hybrid of loose-fit boxers and tight briefs, offering a solid balance of support and comfort. If you’re not a fan of underwear that rides up too high, go for boxer briefs that have a longer leg and a snug fit, like compression underwear that’s perfect for the gym. They should skim the leg versus squeezing you too tight.
Trunks – The Trendy Cousin of Boxer Briefs
Like the title says, a trunk is similar to boxer briefs but with a shorter cut—halfway up the thigh. It’s best for guys who want something fitted but less fabric around the leg. For some visual assistance, think of trunks as the underwear style that most CK models wear on big billboards.
Should Guys Wear Tight or Loose Underwear?
It depends on personal preference, comfort, and the activity. Here’s a quick breakdown to help guide your choice, weighing the pros and cons of both.
Tight underwear (e.g., briefs, boxer briefs) provides better support, which is especially useful for physical activities like running or working out. This type reduces chafing and prevent excessive movement, which can help with comfort throughout the day. Works well under slim-fit pants, as it avoids bunching and creates a cleaner silhouette. If it’s too tight, it can restrict airflow and potentially cause discomfort or sweating, especially in warmer weather. Overly tight fits might not be ideal for guys concerned about reproductive health, though the effect is typically negligible with properly sized underwear.
On the other hand, loose underwear is better suited for lounging or casual, low-impact activities since they allow more airflow and freedom of movement. It feels more breathable, making it ideal for hotter climates or relaxed settings. Also, loose underwear can be paired with loose-fit pants for added comfort. This option lacks support, which feel uncomfortable during workouts or physical activity. Plus, it can cramp your style—bunching up under tighter pants and offering a restrictive feel.
How to Prevent Underwear Waistbands From Stretching?
If you want to protect the structural integrity of your underwear’s waistband, the best way to keep them from stretching is to hand wash them and hang them dry. But given how impractical that is, the second best option is to stick in the washing machine on cold water and use a low dryer setting so the elastic doesn’t warp. However, our testers say that most of the pairs they’ve tried have kept their waistbands’ shapes even after several trips to the laundromat. If your underwear’s waistband has lost its shape, you’re probably overdue to replace it.
As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
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