If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Men’s underwear is serious. It’s the first thing we put on, the last thing we take off, and the sole caretaker of our most sensitive bits. Sadly, men’s underwear doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, with any dudes opting for the same cheap multi-pack year after year. But, if you’re willing to branch out, you’ll be rewarded. The best men’s underwear can deliver premium materials and clever design details for a more comfortable day.
At a Glance: The Best Men’s Underwear
- The Classics:Calvin Klein Cotton Boxer Briefs
- Editor’s Pick:Uniqlo Woven Trunks
- Antimicrobial:Jockey Generation Microfiber Boxer Briefs
- Butter Soft:Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer
- Fancy Pants:Sunspel Cotton Boxer Shorts
- Cooling:Saxx DropTemp Boxer Brief
- Workout Underwear:Nike Dri-FIT Everyday Performance Boxer Briefs
- Also Great:Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Boxer Briefs
Over the past decade or so (perhaps beginning with Mark Wahlberg’s Calvin Klein campaign), men’s underwear has been getting better. The best men’s underwear brands of today are utilizing high-quality fabrics that keep everything cool and dry, while also solving old design issues such as bunching and chafing. Basically, whether you prefer boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs, you can likely find a pair of skivvies to upgrade your current underwear drawer.
The Best Men’s Underwear to Buy Right Now
Below are some of the best men’s underwear to buy online right now. I’ve sampled scores of underwear brands over the years, and these are my favorites when it comes to comfort and style. All picks are available from major retailers and have an average customer rating of at least 3.7/5 stars.
THE CLASSICS
Calvin Klein Boxer Briefs
Calvin Klein’s boxer briefs have been in my rotation since I was a teenager, and they will be for the foreseeable future. The cotton boxer briefs, made famous all those years ago by the Wahlberg ads, fit just right all around, and a pack will last me through several years of hard wear before they need replacing. In a pinch, I’ll even wear My Calvins to the gym, which isn’t something you can do all non-workout undies.
EDITOR'S PICK
Uniqlo Woven Trunks
My favorite pair of underwear for the last few months have been these woven boxers from Uniqlo. Like most guys, my pants have all gotten wider over the last few years, which means I have some extra room for breathable, baggy boxers too. And they feel fantastic — especially in the form of Uniqlo’s crisp, cotton boxers. I’m also a big fan of the subdued designs, and I often find myself only wearing these boxers throughout the morning (even if my roommates ask me to put on pants).
ANTIMICROBIAL
Jockey Generation Microfiber Boxer Briefs
Although not as flashy as the Calvins, these microfiber boxer briefs from Jockey are a better pick if you’re prone to odor. They boast an antimicrobial finish that, in my experience, noticeably reduces odor after a long day of running around. They’re also super soft and very affordable (this three-pack is $17.20 at Target right now).
BUTTER SOFT
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer
Mack Weldon is one of a few menswear brands improving everyday basics. So it’s no surprise that their 18-Hour boxers are some of the best men’s underwear around. The jersey-knit cotton is some of the softest fabric I’ve touched (underwear or otherwise) and the weight lends itself very well to a boxer cut.
FANCY PANTS
Sunspel Cotton Boxer Shorts
British label Sunspel has been pioneering luxury basics for well over a century. And they’ve still got it. Case-in-point are these boxer shorts. They’re made of premium poplin cotton which uses a tight plain weave to achieve an ultra-soft feel. This fabric — together with a boxy fit and a classic look — makes the shorts ideal for lounging on hot days, although they feel good under clothes too.
COOLING
Saxx DropTemp Boxer Brief
Just about everyone gets sweaty down there, no matter the weather or your activity. On days when I know things could get swampy, these Saxx DropTemp boxer briefs are a lifesaver. They’re loaded with cooling tech like a quick-drying mesh fabric that, in my experience, really works. I also have Saxx’s shirt that’s made of the same fabric, which is also great.
WORKOUT UNDERWEAR
Nike Dri-FIT Everyday Performance Boxer Briefs
These Nike Dri-FIT boxer briefs are one of a select few pairs that can seamlessly transition from daily life to the gym. They’re made of a cotton-elastane blend that includes Nike’s beloved Dri-FIT moisture-wicking technology, keeping everything dry without the tightness of some workout underwear. I like wearing these boxers for activities like traveling or commuting where you need both comfort and sweat-wicking performance. Of course, they’re also great for working out as well.
ALSO GREAT
Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Boxer Briefs
High-tech undies are great, but sometimes no-frills cotton underwear is the best. These boxer briefs from Polo Ralph Lauren prove just that with a soft, high-quality 100 percent cotton build. Although they’re not meant for exercise, the underwear’s fabric can wick the inevitable sweat of day-to-day life. I’m also a fan of the “classic” fit, which is slightly more roomier than most boxer briefs and makes them great for sleeping and lounging as well as daily wear.
Men’s Underwear Shopping Guide
We’ve all bought underwear before, but taking the time to find the best men’s underwear requires a bit of know-how. Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping.
Type: There are three main types of men’s underwear: boxer briefs, boxers, and briefs. Boxer briefs are the most popular option with a mid-thigh length and a tight fit. This gives boxer briefs a flattering look and a secure feel, making them great for working out or daily wear.
Boxers are baggy, hit the mid-thigh, and offer an extra airy, breathable feel. Although they’re less popular for daily wear than boxer briefs, we think every guy should have a pair of boxers for hot weather, lounging, and sleeping.
Briefs are the old-school pick. They stop at the upper thigh, only covering the essential bits. Some guys swear by briefs, citing a streamlined fit and less material to get tangled or bunched.
Usage: The best men’s underwear will stay comfortable all day through sweaty commutes, sitting at a desk, and sleeping or relaxing in bed. However, we think it’s best to have a variety of underwear for different uses. Pick up a couple of pairs of workout underwear, some everyday go-tos, and a pair for lounging.
Materials: Always look for premium materials with a bit of stretch and, ideally, moisture-wicking or odor-control powers. Also, be aware that the best underwear materials depend on the intended usage and type of underwear (i.e. workout boxer briefs shouldn’t have any cotton but loungy boxers should be crisp cotton).
How We Chose the Best Men’s Underwear
Over my seven-plus years of covering men’s fashion, I’ve been able to test dozens of pairs of men’s underwear. When testing underwear, the only way to get a clear picture of their worth is to wear them out in the wild in a variety of real-world scenarios. I’ll make sure to wear new skivvies while doing stationary activities, like sitting at a desk or in my car, as well as mobile activities like walking around town or running through an airport. I note how well they fit — how they feel on my waist, how much or little they ride up, how tight they are in the butt, etc. — and how much sweat and stink the underwear can handle. Before making this list, I also consulted reviews from other fashion shopping experts and customers, including online reviews and feedback from my friends.
