Fitness / November 10, 2023

The Best Underwear Every Guy Needs in His Drawer

There’s no reason to suffer anymore. Men’s underwear has come a long way since the 80-grit cotton loincloth you wore as a kid. Today’s pairs are breathable, comfortable, supportive, and stylish.

After all, the wrong underwear can ruin your look—and your day. Even your favorite jeans won’t feel right if fabric bunches underneath them or if your waistband is slowly strangling your torso. And who can concentrate when saddled with unruly underwear? Solution: Upgrade to a pair from our list of the best men’s underwear, including our top overall pick, the Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Woven Cotton Boxer.

How to Choose the Right Underwear

Variety is the spice of life—but also a necessity in your underwear drawer.

“You should own at least 10 pairs,” Matthew Marden, a New York City-based men’s stylist, tells Men’s Journal. “And definitely have a few special pairs, either for slim-fitting pants or for specific activities and sports.”

For instance, cotton briefs work well most of the time, but opt for stretchy, moisture-wicking, or antimicrobial fabrics for the gym or warmer months.

Finding the right combo of style and fit isn’t always easy, but Marden advises that you prioritize fit. “Men often buy a bigger size because they think looser is more comfortable,” he says, “but that can lead to extra fabric that can bunch under your pants.” The ideal fit is snug but comfortable, often with a little stretch.

As for style, patterns can be fun, Marden says, but they’re not for everyone. “A simple palette is the most flattering to every body type,” he says. Darker colors like navy, black, or burgundy are more forgiving because they don’t discolor easily.

Finally, know when to toss ’em: Replace damaged undies “the minute they rip,” says Marden. “They will quickly get worse with washing and wear.”

Boxers vs. Briefs vs. Boxer Briefs

When it comes to the underwear game, you basically have three options: boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs. Every guy has a preference and within each preference, there are a ton of options to choose from.

Boxers are a much looser type of underwear. Aimed more at comfort, they tend to be more breathable than the other two options.

Briefs are basically the old-school kind of underwear we all grew up on, like tighty-whities. This is for those who like a snug fit, and are all about that support.

Boxer briefs are the middle ground. They fit snug, but not too snug. Provide a lot of support, but there’s still room to breathe. They tend to be ideal for working out.

When it comes to the most comfortable underwear out there, there’s too many to count. You can go with the old school comfort of the Fruit of the Loom Woven Tartan and Plaid Boxer Multipack or the everyday comfort provided by the Mack Weldon Airknitx Boxer Brief. The collection we wrangled together should satisfy all of your underwear needs.

Why You Should Trust Me

I have covered menswear for over a decade, including a stint at the Daily Mail. My coverage has included award shows and fashion shows featuring everything from formalwear to streetwear and swimwear. I spend my days traveling from Los Angeles to Copenhagen to Athens and beyond in search of the latest trends for men in wine, spirits, style, and music.

Best Overall Men’s Underwear: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Woven Cotton Boxer Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Woven Cotton Boxer

Courtesy Image

The nice thing about boxers is that while they give up some support, they make up for it by providing plenty of air flow. And when it comes to choosing a pair, Polo Ralph Lauren boxers have remained classics for decades for a reason. They’re lightweight and made from the same cotton as the brand’s iconic button-ups and allow for plenty of room to stretch about.

Best Men’s Underwear for Everyday Wear: Mack Weldon Airknitx Trunk Mack Weldon Airknitx Trunk

Courtesy Image

Whether you’re the type who starts his day with lunges or lounging, Mack Weldon Airknitx trunks have an unbelievably flexible fabric that stretches to suit every activity. The knit microfiber lets air flow while also delivering moisture and odor-fighting properties so you’ll feel fresher longer. The no-roll waistband and form-hugging legs stay put when you’re sitting still or on the run.

Best Classic Brief for Men: Calvin Klein Cotton Hip Briefs Calvin Klein Cotton Hip Briefs

Courtesy Image

Are you a sucker for an iconic waistband? Us, too. Calvin Klein’s wide range of fabrics and fits makes this the go-to brand for men everywhere, many of whom opt for this cotton hip brief. Unlike some other brands, the Calvin Klein Cotton Hip Brief doesn’t have that polyester sheen, and that familiar elastic at the waist is forgiving when you need a little extra room. The handy pack of three is just right to refresh your collection.

Best Men’s Underwear for Working Out: Under Armour Tech Boxerjock Under Armour Boxerjock

Courtesy Image

There’s a lot of great athletic underwear for men out there. If you’ve got to choose just one pair, the Under Armour Tech Boxerjock are the way to go. I’ve been wearing these for years—and they truly last. The lightweight poly-elastane blend stretches easily and wicks sweat, so you can keep grinding without discomfort down below. Best of all, they come in a two-pack.

Best Cotton Underwear for Men: Superdry Organic Cotton Boxers Superdry Organic Cotton Boxers

Courtesy Image

Made from 95% organic cotton (the other 5% is the elastic waistband), the Superdry Organic Cotton boxers come in a three-pack with eight different color options. They offer the kind of comfort everyone expects from a pair of cotton underwear. They’re extremely durable and will stand up to multiple washes and drying without the elastic waistband wearing out.

More Men’s Underwear We Love

Best Affordable Boxer: J.Crew Cotton Boxers

Courtesy Image

Finding a good pair of boxers for under $10 isn’t as easy as it used to be. Thankfully, J.Crew makes a pair of classic cotton boxers that fits most, while also being comfortable and coming in a variety of designs and colors. They’re 100% cotton with an elastic waistband and are machine washable. Additionally, fans say they stand up over multiple washes better than other pairs in their price range.

Best Travel Brief: Jockey FormFit Lightweight Seamfree Brief

Courtesy Image

Spending hours on the road or traveling from airport to airport while sitting for hours in place means you need a comfortable, breathable pair of underwear. It may even be the most important underlying choice you make all day. These Jockey Briefs are constructed with a softer and lighter premium yarn, plus a Seamfree, tag-free design that helps your entire travel day go that much smoother.

Best Multipack Boxers: Fruit of the Loom Woven Tartan and Plaid Boxer Multipack

Courtesy Image

When it comes to a traditional pair of boxers, you can’t go wrong with Fruit of The Loom. Just take a look at this multipack of flannel undies that will fit in any traditional guy’s underwear drawer. They’ll feel even better when you’re wearing them, thanks to that 55%/45% Cotton/Polyester blend.

The Best Breathable Men’s Underwear: BAMBOO COOL Boxer Shorts

Courtesy Image

Made from a blend of bamboo viscose and cotton, the BAMBOO COOL boxer shorts are some of the most breathable underwear on the market, which means they’re good for going out and sleeping in. The micro-porous nature of bamboo viscose makes these boxers extra breathable, plus they’re moisture-wicking and odor resistant.

Best Ultrathin Boxer Briefs: Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Briefs

Courtesy Image

Made from a blend of 88% Polyester and 12% Spandex, the incredibly thin, lightweight Uniqulo AIRism boxer briefs feature quick-drying technology that make them perfect for summer’s long, hot days. They also stretch and have cool and deodorizing comfort features, which means sweat won’t build up and become a problem down there.

Best Bargain Men’s Underwear: H&M Short Cotton Boxer Shorts

Courtesy Image

When your budget is tight, there’s nothing wrong with going with an ultra-economy option that also happens to be ultra-cool. These H&M cotton boxer briefs offer a surprisingly good fit for the price, and the funky prints are a fun way to experiment with new looks without investing a ton of cash.

Best Underwear for Lounging: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer

Courtesy Image

We’re not advocating hanging out in your underwear as a regular habit, but with the Mack Weldon ultra-cushy cotton jersey knit boxers, you’ll definitely be tempted to. The covered waistband, button-fly front, and tailored fit will make you feel like you’re chilling in the most comfortable pair of shorts you’ve ever owned. Just remember to add pants when you go out in public.