Boxers or briefs?
We don’t mean to pry, but underwear is one of the essential items of clothing a man owns.
Hoping that you wear them daily, having good, quality pairs of underpants is necessary throughout the week.
Whether you love fitted briefs from lululemon that are smooth underpants or a looser boxer from Hanes that lets you stay cool and comfortable (like your pajamas) in the warmer months, we have you covered — no pun intended.
We tracked down the best brands to shop, as well as gave some of our favorite picks based off reviews, design and fit.
Read on for suggestions for some new skivvies, and then get ready to do a no-pants dance in your underwear sans holes and stains for 2024.
Shopping for women’s underwear as well? We have an article on that, too.
These high-tech and high-performance undies are made for all-day wear. The Mack Weldon brand is known for quality, helping your underwear last for longer, not only day-to-day but for their lifespan, unlike brands that get rips and tears too easily. Shop a la carte or build your own pack now. If you’re not sure which one to grab, we recommend the 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief ($28). It has more than 9,000 reviews, is a bestseller, and is designed to be budge-proof. More importantly, they’re soft, tag-free, and a no roll waistband, which you’ll appreciate when you’re at work or working out at the gym.
Underwear is the foundation of your wardrobe, so it’s important to select a brand that holds up wear after wear. The Red Ball Hammock Pouch Underwear With Fly ($28) from Shinesty come with thousands of rave reviews and are thoughtfully designed to keep you and the boys comfortable all day long. Available in a variety of styles, such as brief, trunks and cooling, each are made with moisture-wicking and breathable, anti-bunching material and come in a variety of colors. They’re also “enhancing”enhancing,” if you catch our drift.
If you’re searching thermal underwear for men, turn no further than Fruit of the Loom. The affordable brand is one to know, whether you like briefs, boxers or something in between, including skivvies for winter. We’re particularly fond of the Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear Set. Along with including a top, the machine-washable thermals are warm, soft and thing enough to wear easily beneath jeans or pants.
If you’re searching for the best place to buy men’s underwear, Fabletics is the place for you. Offering cotton, breathable, anti-stink options, there’s something for everyone. We love the 24-Hour Boxer Brief, which has incredible reviews. The men’s underwear offers UPF protection, comfy four-way stretch, and is also made of quick drying fabric — great for workout days! They’re available in a variety of colors, too, and are only $20.
Put your booty in a pair of Bombas and never turn back. The basics brand offers a variety of cuts and styles, with an inclusive range of sizing too. Shop from a small to a 3XL in most styles, including active boxer briefs and cotton boxers. And if you’re looking for briefs, check out the Cotton Modal Blend ($24). Part of their material comes from tree pulp, which sounds weird, but is actually a way to keep the underwear durable. The briefs are also soft, light enough for air to pass through, and come in an assortment of colors.
Nobody comes between you and what? The brand’s sexy men’s underwear ads aside, we like Calvin Klein when we want affordable luxury. Although there are better picks if you need something to take you through HIIT or a long hike, the Microfiber Boxer Briefs ($37) are ideal for daily wear. They’re stretchy, made of 95% cotton and have a flexible waistband for comfort. Best of all, if you grab them from Amazon, you can enjoy three in a pack!
“Comfort for All” is Hanes’s mission, and we think the mission is accomplished with the variety of men’s underwear offered by the brand, especially when boxers are concerned. Our favorite option? The Tagless Boxers ($18). They offer just enough room in the leg area, are lightweight and breezy as can be. Their Cool Comfort Technology makes them moisture-wicking, and they’re also soft. Best of all, the undies are stupid cheap, with a pack of five (shown above) coming in at less than $20!
No, this isn’t the department store Sak’s. This is Saxx, the underwear brand designed with the male anatomy in mind. Each pair has its patented “BallPark Pouch” to help protect the contents of your undies while also having a fun and flattering pattern or design. For a snug fit that doesn’t feel too tight, go for the Non-Stop Stretch Cotton Trunks ($25). Along with being soft, stretchy and moisture-wicking, the trunks are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified. Sizes are available from XS-XXL, and there are three color options to choose from.
What length do you prefer when it comes to inseam? Tommy John has something for you no matter the answer, allowing you to shop by style from longer 8-inch boxer briefs and six-inch boxers to short 2-inch square cut underwear and 0-inch briefs. A great option if you’re tall, short or average size, you’re sure to find your perfect fit. Our pick? The Second Skin Trunk 4 Inch Three-Pack ($81). They’re pricier than we’d like. However, they’re supportive, soft and designed to not pill or get fuzzy with washing. They also have a stay-still waistband and are tagless for an itch free wearing experience.
Want to feel like a million bucks? Start with your underwear. We’ll take this two-pack set from Versace, which is made with stretchy organic cotton, and feature’s the designer’s iconic logo on the waistband. We don’t love it needs to be hand washed or that they’re close to $200. On the plus, they’re gorgeous, will last if you treat them right, and will impress whomever is lucky enough to see you in them.
Don’t sweat it; these are great for all activities. The athletic underwear from lululemon is great for comfort and style, with each option built for every aspect of your day. The Always in Motion Long Boxer Brief Three-Pack is a perfect everyday brief. Made to withstand sweat like no other, they’ll take you through squats, afternoon runs and long days in an overheated office while keeping skin dry. Featuring four-way stretch, and ultra soft, go for the 7 inch, which provides extra leg coverage and an ergonomic pouch for roomy but supportive comfort.
Believe it or not, there’s not a tremendous amount of recent studies regarding men’s health and their underwear. However, there has been evidence to show that the looser the undergarments, the better it is for one’s sperm count.
In a 2018 study published in Human Reproduction, researchers found that of the 656 male participants who wore boxers (roughly 25%), had a higher sperm concentration than those who didn’t. While some believe this may have to do with briefs causing a higher body temperature because they sit against the skin, more research needs to be done to know for sure.
If you do prefer a looser fit underwear, brands like Hanes are one of our favorite picks. Along with being affordable, its boxers offer lots of airy room, are moisture-wicking and feature a comfortable waistband.
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to underwear.
Fit, support, style are just three things that come to mind when we were determining the best. Our favorite pick overall? Mack Waldon, which offers undergarments in a variety of styles, including briefs, boxers and the ever popular boxer briefs.
The brand has incredible reviews, and adds roomy but supportive pouches to all their designs. We also love the soft material that they work with. What more could you want in a pair of tighty whities?
Other brands we love include:
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