Best Men’s Underwear
Our Most Comfortable, Stylish Underwear Picks to Get You Through 2024
The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
Here's a controversial statement: All men, regardless of age, occupation, or lifestyle, deserve great underwear. That is, men’s underwear that both feels and looks better than just “good, I guess.”
That means all types of underwear. Boxers, briefs, boxer briefs — if it goes on first, it should be something that is going to provide supreme comfort. This means it should fit properly, be free of any holes you don’t need to put your legs through, be less than five years old (that’s not scientific, just seems right) and doesn't result in cringing by those around you when your pants come off.
RELATED: Best Workout Underwear for Men
Beyond being a practical necessity, slipping on a decent pair of underpants in the morning is one of the most important parts of starting a new day. Think of a good, clean, well-fitting, sexy (yes, sexy) pair of underwear as a psychological advantage. Really, only you’ll know you’re wearing it, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with a solid first layer.
The 4 Different Styles of Men's Underwear
- Boxer shorts: Best for leisure sports, relaxed wear and loosely tailored dress pants.
- Boxer briefs: Best for sports, everyday wear and tailored dress pants.
- Trunks: Best for medium-intensity sports, everyday wear and tailored dress pants.
- Briefs: Best for low-intensity sports, everyday wear and tightly tailored dress pants.
Best Fabric Options
- Cotton: The OG. Breathable, comfortable, durable. Not meant for cold weather as it retains moisture. Bonus point for luxurious pima cotton or Supima cotton.
- Modal Fabric: A semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp generally considered to be a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton because beech trees don’t require much water to grow and therefore the production process uses about up to 20 times less water.
- Viscose: A semi-synthetic fabric made from tree wood pulp such as beech, pine, eucalyptus, and most commonly for underwear, bamboo fiber.
- Nylon: Moisture-wicking and quick drying, this is the fabric of choice for most sport-friendly underwear.
- Polyester: Another fabric used for active underwear, polyester is durable and holds it shape well wash after wash.
- Spandex: The synthetic stretch fabric found in just about anything that is clothing and stretches.
How to Shop for Underwear
- Given purpose: Pick a pair with a specific purpose in mind. Daily briefs can work against those workout goals if the fit and fabric isn’t right.
- Know your size: Fitting varies greatly from brand to brand, so protect yourself by following the size charts online or in-store because when it comes to underwear, if you try it, you buy it.
- Pick the right fabric: Despite most guys preferring cotton, there are other great options including satin, silk, and synthetic fabric that play different roles depending on the function.
- Spend smart: You pay for premium performance, so invest in quality wear and buy in bulk. Do you need to drop cash on designer underwear? No. But you need to be open to buying something above the bargain bin at Costco.
- The right style: Active lifestylers should lean towards briefs, while relaxed types can settle on boxers.
- Wardrobe connection: Never mix lights and darks no matter what undershirts or pants you rock.
Lots of different styles, looks, and degrees of premium-ness to consider — and each has its own place in a man's wardrobe. Here are some of the best models available that offer A-grade value without threatening your riches. Keep in mind that almost all of these are available in various colors so be sure to click through to see the options.
Best Male Underwear
Arc’teryx Motus SL Boxer Shorts
Anything with the Arc’teryx name has to stand up to rugged conditions and tough, sweat-inducing activities. It should go as no surprise then that these lightweight boxers are the perfect match for a pair of hiking joggers, snow pants or even active shorts. Yes, they are on the pricier side, but it’s an investment in stepping up your active, moisture wicking underwear game.
SAXX Underwear DropTemp Cooling Mesh Underwear
There’s a reason Saxx underwear has become one of the brands men turn to most for underwear: they simply make great products. One of their newest offerings is the DropTemp, offering a supportive, snug fit with built-in technology to keep you (and your precious parts) cool and enjoying maximum comfort even during the warmest daytime temperatures.
Opok Boxer Brief
Opok is a relatively new player on the market, pushing an extreme focus on sustainability and materials that are better for the planet. That doesn’t mean they’ve sacrificed anything for style and comfort, though. Their flagship boxer brief is soft and downright comfortable for a long day on the road — or on the couch.
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Brief
This particular blend of moisture wicking cotton, Lycra and stretch material sits for 18 hours to expand naturally before it’s cut into briefs (hence the name). It results in a softer, more tailored fit that doesn’t bunch up or irritate over time. These briefs also include special cooling technology and a perfectly accommodating contour pouch hard to find in other briefs.
UnderGents Cloudsoft Men’s Boxer Shorts
Sometimes, you don’t need all of that performance technology in a boxer, but you still want that comfort and flexibility. These boxers are meant to move with you as the flexible CloudSoft fabric shifts and shapes as your body does during the day with no tight contour pouch and no chafing. It’s all about an overall more gentle feel than you’ll find with cotton alone.
Smartwool Everyday Exploration Merino Wool Boxer Brief
The addition of hemp makes these merino wool boxers softer and more breathable than much of Smartwools other merino-dominant underwear. The nice thing about the blend is that it provides the warmth of a base layer material in a very specific area without warming the rest of your legs. The heathered look is also a very nice touch.
ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Shorts
If you’re looking for any sort of travel underwear, you don’t need to look further than ExOfficio. They’re the go-to for local and international nomads alike and that’s due to a reputation of durability and functionality. This update to a popular style has improved odor control, more moisture-wicking and, most importantly, more comfort.
Fruit of the Loom Men’s Tag-Free Cotton Briefs
Ah yes, the classic cotton underwear “tighty whities.” If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable underwear — not a cotton boxer, not cotton boxer briefs, but a snug pair of tighty whities — with a heritage elastic waistband, contour pouch, and price tag that won’t give you sticker shock, this is the mens underwear for you. What else do you need to know? They’re timeless.
RELATED: Best Underwear to Buy on Amazon
Champion Men’s Boxer Briefs, 4-Pack
If you’re not ready to make the leap into high-end performance underwear, this option from Champion will do just fine. With an elastic waistband that stands the test of time and moisture-wicking and cooling properties, these boxer briefs will keep up with even the most active wearers. They’re made to fit comfortably, neither too loose nor too tight, and you should expect some decent, long-term wear out of a four-pack.
Hanes Men's Tagless Boxer with Exposed Waistband, 5-Pack
There’s nothing worse than an itchy tag on the back on your boxers. Before you know it, your back waistline is irritated and that’s just a straight shot to a bad day. Instead, skip the tag and check out this option from Hanes, which has a comfort fly and no gap waistband for prolonged use and survival post-laundry.
Calvin Klein White Cotton Trunk, 3-Pack
A lot of guys think adding silk boxers, g-strings, or undies even more unexpected is what they need in order to have sexy underwear. Au contraire. Sometimes all the bells and whistles of that bikini brief can just get in the way of what you’re really working with. So when thinking of a pair of undies you intend on someone seeing, go with the designer that took underwear from must-have to must-see: Calvin Klein. Studs seen in nothing but their Calvins include A$AP Rocky, Justin Bieber, Mechad Brooks, Hidetoshi Nakata, Trevante Rhodes, and of course Mark Wahlberg — the face that launched a million crotch grabs. Pick up a pack of these, and you’ll be in good company.
MeUndies Underwear Subscription
If you’re a busy man (or woman) and just want new undies to show up at your door, well, we have your ass covered — literally. MeUndies make comfy, stylish, quality underwear with flatlock seams and a comfortable fit and send them to you tout de suite. Not sure you’re ready? You can take 15% off your first purchase with code MEFAM15. With a solid return policy and great customer service, you have nothing to lose.
Whatever your undies of choice — boxer, brief or in between — there is something here for you. Still looking for more suggestions? Don’t worry, we have plenty.
You Might Also Dig:
-
Style
Fashion Tips
Underwear