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The 18 Best Boxer Briefs for Men, According to Style Experts
These aren't your dad's boxer briefs.
WE MIGHT be living in the age of going commando under grey sweatpants, but nothing—even wearing no undie—quite beats the old-school choice of wearing undergarments: Boxer briefs. This hybrid underwear for men looks like boxers or 1980s Dolphin shorts with their long legs, but fits tight like briefs to hug your skin and support your “crown jewels.” That best-of-both-worlds quality is exactly why boxer briefs are the best. That is all to say: If you can’t remember the last time you bought some new men's boxer briefs, it’s probably time for a refresh.
In recent years, the best boxer briefs have become more advanced thanks to better stitching designs and semi-synthetic fabrics made with performance in mind. Which is why the best boxer briefs for men nowadays often boast moisture-wicking or odor-resistance feat. As for comfort, the very best men's boxer briefs abandon a full-cotton made to let you bid farewell to chafing for good, and in the meantime put on waistbands and even leg bands to stay put and snug. And the style of the best boxer briefs for men? From sleek monotone to vibrant prints, it varies but seldom disappoints.
Now all you have to do is to find the skivvies that fit you best. We tested and reviewed some of the best men’s boxer briefs in the market and present them below. Regardless of your preference or untie-wearing needs, these 18 best boxer briefs for men are good for every individual.
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Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Boxer Brief
Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Boxer Brief
Pros
- Moisture-wicking and anti-odor
- Targeted cool zones in the back
- Legs stay put with a supportive pouch
Cons
- Expensive for one
These briefs from Mack Weldon embody the brand's dedication to quality and design for all things underwear-related. You can expect their breathable design and material to keep you dry, cool, and comfortable all day. AIRKNITx is also very sports-friendly and has earned the approval of athletes like former NFL football wide receiver Desmond Howard. "I travel a lot during college football season and I am never without my Mack Weldon AirknitX boxer briefs," Howard says. "These are my absolute go-to’s for their light, breathable construction that always keeps me feeling just right."
Read more: Best Menswear Brands
| Fabric | 50% Polyamide, 33% Polyester, 17% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Flyless pouch |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
Calvin Klein Microfiber Stretch Boxer Briefs
Calvin Klein Microfiber Stretch Boxer Briefs
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- Made with moisture-wicking tech
- Comfortable and flattering fit
Cons
- No supportive feat
Perhaps the most iconic brand in men's underwear, Calvin Klein has a classic, timeless style, and these microfiber briefs are no different. Featuring added stretch for maximum comfort and enhanced movement, you can wear these for any activity—and look dang good doing it.
| Fabric | 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Pouch | No fly |
| Sizes | S-XL |
Saxx Quest
Saxx Quest
Pros
- Form-fitting and four-way stretch
- Patented BallPark Pouch™ for the boys
- Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
Cons
- A bit pricey for one
"If you want your boys to experience a comforting night out or smoothen the friction between the fabric and the ever-present genitals, opt for Saxx," says e-commerce and retail expert Jessica Kats. Created for travel, the Saxx Quest 2.0 boxer briefs are designed with lightweight, quick-drying, pin-dot mesh fabric. "There is little to no chafing, so your private parts remain unscathed and go through the day without a tingle," adds Katz, making them great for active guys. But the best part about the Quest is the patented BallPark Pouch™ that keeps the boys separate. Because nothing annoys you more than balls being squeezed against each other, right? Really, "once you go Saxx, there’s no going back," says Katz.
| Fabric | Nylon fabric (77%), elastane (14%), polyester (9%) |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Yes |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
Hanes Cool Dri Boxer Briefs
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Excellent at keeping the wearer cool
- Easy to buy in bulk
Cons
- No fly; have to pull it down when the time comes
These soft cotton knit briefs from Hanes are a modern spin on a traditional design. We're not kidding when we say over 88,000 five-star Amazon reviews have been given to these boxer briefs. Reviewers had high praise for their breathable and moisture-wicking, and we do too. And the fact you can get a 12-pack in all-black for under $38 is simply too good. This is our set-it-and-forget-it play here!
Read more: Best Menswear Brands on Amazon
| Fabric | 75% Cotton, 25% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Flyless |
| Sizes | S-XXXL |
Pros
- Extra smooth and soft
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Upgraded pouch for better fit and support
Cons
- Expensive (but worth the investment)
CDLP's boxer trunks are life-changing. For starters, the lower waist and shorter leg design adds support while still leaving room for your goods to breathe. For fabric, the Boxer Trunk is made from stretchy lyocell (zero itchy tag) that's smooth and breathable. As for the pouch design? An epic feel that provides the perfect balance between support and space. The price for a single pair is a bit expensive, but we believe it's a worthy investment for those who like this cut of boxer brief.
| Fabric | 95% lyocell, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Pouch | No fly |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
Proof Interval Boxer Briefs
Pros
- High range of stretch
- Moisture-wicking and odor-repelling
- Long lifespan
- Great for active guys
Cons
- A bit pricey for one
Huckberry tapped the highly respect Torey Industries of Japan to help source the performance fabric for these bad boys. The two settled on a 4-way stretch polyester/lycra fabric that's excellent at moisture-wicking and repelling odor (special thanks to its anti-odor microbial treatment). You can make them your everyday pair, or you can wear them for outdoor activities and for workouts.
| Fabric | 89% nylon, 11% elastane |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Horizontal fly |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
Flint and Tinder Heritage Boxer Briefs
Flint and Tinder Heritage Boxer Briefs
Pros
- Woven from organic cotton
- Unique, timeless style
- Pre-shrunk for a better fit
Cons
- Expensive for one
These heritage-inspired boxer briefs are made with comfort at the forefront. They've got a soft custom-woven waistband and are made with organic cotton that's 100% sourced from the USA. Plus, they've got a unique, timeless style!
| Fabric | 95% organic cotton, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Vertical fly |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
lululemon Always In Motion Boxer Briefs
lululemon Always In Motion Boxer Briefs
Pros
- Smooth like buttery and naturally breathable
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
- Very stretchy
Cons
- A bit loose-fitting
Designed for those who are always on the move, these briefs by Lululemon feature an ergonomic design and soft modal fabric for quick-drying comfort while walking or working out. In fact, they will move with you instead of restricting your movement. And since it's made in the ingenious Modal fabric, it comes with all the performance specs you'll want in a good pair of undies.
Read more: Best Compression Socks
| Fabric | Modal with Lycra® fibre |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Flyless |
| Sizes | XS-XXXL |
Rhone Essentials Boxer Brief
Rhone Essentials Boxer Brief
Pros
- Fabric that moves with you during workouts
- All-day, tagless comfort
- Legs stay put, and pouch supports your crown jewels
- Not tight, unlike other training underwear
Cons
- A bit pricey for just one
If it's good enough for a certified trainer and C.S.C.S., it's probably good enough for any other active guy out there. Our own Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, swears by Rhone's Essentials Boxer Brief which has the bells and whistles for hardcore training. "A comfort pouch gives my privates plenty of room to breathe, while still keeping them under control. And the tagless logo means no itches or annoyances, whether I’m running sprints, ripping through kettlebell swings, or lying down on a bench for barbell presses," says Eb. And you'll be stoked by how these skivvies aren't just meant for training. "By blending Pima cotton with the modal and elastane that helps them move with me, Rhone keeps them breathable and comfortable to walk around in at all times. And the waistband is simple and chic, for those shirtless days where it’s peeking out just above my jeans."
| Fabric | Cotton, modal |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Horizontal fly |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
J.Crew Printed Boxer Briefs
Pros
- Stretchy fabric that hugs the skin
- Fun prints
- Breathable and legs stay put
Cons
- Mostly cotton fabric
Who's to say printed underwear only belongs to boxers? J.Crew makes printed boxer briefs that are comfortable and affordable (you can typically get a deal when you buy two pairs or more). We don't recommend going overboard on the prints, but a timeless Gingham pattern like this pair here is *chef's kiss*.
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| Fabric | Cotton, elastane |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Vertical fly |
| Sizes | X-XXL |
Stance Butter Blend™ Boxer Brief
Stance Butter Blend™ Boxer Brief
Pros
- Medium support that feels like compression shorts
- Incredibly soft fabric
- Seamless construction
Cons
- Side-entry fly might not be convenient
Makers of some of the best dang socks for athletics (like basketball), Stance's boxer briefs have a high level of performance as well. They're cut to fit almost like compression shorts, except they added space to allow for comfortable everyday wear, and feel soft like butter courtesy of the fabric which was solely invented by Stance. And the patterns? You'll want to show them off.
Read more: Best Compression Shorts
| Fabric | ButterBlend™ |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Vertical side-entry fly |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
Fruit of the Loom Coolzone Boxer Briefs
Fruit of the Loom Coolzone Boxer Briefs
Pros
- Affordable pack
- Breathable mesh
- Supportive fly
Cons
- Side-entry fly might not be convenient to open
Another top dog on Amazon, these Fruit of the Loom boxer briefs have an ultra-soft waistband and come in a wide variety of colors. Thousands of reviewers raved about the cooling effect these briefs had, which makes them great for wearing under jeans and thick pants. The best part is you can get a six-pack for under $20.
Read more: Best Socks on Amazon
| Fabric | 94% Cotton, 6% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Vertical side-entry fly |
| Sizes | S-XXXL |
Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief 8"
Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief 8"
Pros
- Feels luxuriously silky
- Contour supportive ouch
- Quick-access fly
Cons
- Not for exercise
It's not difficult to see how these briefs got their name, the silky soft, non-pilling micro modal fabric will make you forget you're even wearing anything at all. Plus, its stay-put waistband will keep them from rolling, bunching, or pinching. You can wear it every day, easy-peasy.
Read more: Best Online Clothing Stores for Men
| Fabric | 90% Non-Pilling Micro Modal, 10% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Horizontal fly |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
SmartWool Merino Boxer Brief
Pros
- Thermoregulating
- Anti-sweat and anti-odor
- Seamless, anti-chafing design
Cons
- Expensive
The ideal companion on a chilly day, these Smartwool boxer briefs provide you with the stable protection and moisture-wicking benefits you've come to expect from all of their merino wool products. They also feature a fully-operational fly, so functionality still comes first.
| Fabric | 87% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Vertical fly |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
Allbirds Trino Boxer Brief
Pros
- Odor-resistant and moisture-wicking
- Breathable and silky smooth
- Secure fit
Cons
- Side-entry fly is a bit inconvenient to access
Thought Allbirds only made shoes? Think again. These Trino briefs are made with breathable natural materials and feature silky-soft seams, a secure fit waistband, and a perfect amount of hug for a forget-it's-on fit.
Read More: Allbirds Trino Boxer Briefs Review
| Fabric | 65% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 28% Merino Wool, and 7% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Vertical fly |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
Nike Dri-FIT Ultra-Stretch Micro Boxer Briefs (3-Pack)
Nike Dri-FIT Ultra-Stretch Micro Boxer Briefs (3-Pack)
Pros
- 4-way stretch that moves with you
- Sweat-wicking
- Hugs your thighs and muscles
Cons
- Side-entry fly is a bit small
Coming highly-rated from Nike's website, the Flex Micro Boxer Briefs provide a great combination of comfort and support. Ideal for all the workout gurus out there, these briefs also feature a 4-way stretch design that allows free movement during any activity.
| Fabric | 88% polyester, 12% elastane |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Vertical fly |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
Nice Laundry Boxer Brief
Pros
- Understated, effortless style
- Anti-ride up leg bands
- Soft, breathable, and odor-resistant
Cons
- A bit loose-fitting; not for working out
Tired of boxers that ride up your legs? These briefs from Nice Laundry have anti-ride-up leg bands that will keep them in place all day. You can also expect a horizontal fly and a custom blend of Siro-spun Sicromodal material that makes it super soft on the skin, cool, and breathable all day.
| Fabric | Siro-spun Micromodal® |
|---|---|
| Pouch | Horizontal fly |
| Sizes | S-XL |
What to Look for in Men's Boxer Briefs
When it comes to boxer briefs for men, the biggest factors include fit and material. "Fabric, fit, and function should be the main consideration when purchasing men's underwear," says Tom Patterson, the CEO & Co-Founder of Tommy John. "The best underwear is underwear that feels like you're not wearing anything at all." To wit, you don't want boxer briefs to squeeze you too tight to be hard on your member, but you also don't them to be so loose that they start bunching up when you throw on jeans. So let's break them down here.
Fabric: Never opt for full cotton! Unless you want your skin down there to be chafed 24/7. "While cotton is known for its breathability, it isn't great for moisture management, and there are a ton of other options on the market today," says Gihan Amarasiriwardena, co-founder of apparel brand Ministry of Supply. "Look for briefs using materials like Tencel and Merino, both known for breathability, moisture management, and odor control."
Nylon or nylon-blend are thus also great stretchy, moisture-wicking options that aid movement and provide comfort. And then there is modal: buttery soft, lightweight, and almost silky, this fabric is also shrink-resistant and will last your junk for years.
Fit: It's not just about the size. First, consider the pouch design. Does the brand make an effort to give you enough room for the boys to move around and breathe? If not, skip the try-on phase and go right to the next. And don't underestimate the benefits of finding the right leg and the right leg length, otherwise known as inseam. Though it all depends on your preference, you'll want legs or inseams that won't move around or bunch in the skin, and don't add extra bulk when you're wearing pants.
Length: The longer the inseam, the less a boxer brief will move around. As such, boxer briefs with lengths longer than five inches are great for fitness activities.
What Is the Best Fabric for Boxer Briefs?
The best place to start when finding the ideal fabric for your boxer briefs is what not to wear. As mentioned above, the fabric you want to avoid is cotton.
Instead, the best fabric for boxer briefs should contain some sort of stretch and breathability. Fabrics like Tencel and Merino, fabrics that Amarasiriwardena pointed out, are great because they're breathable, moisture-wicking, and have natural odor control. Other fabrics to consider are nylon and nylon blends: they're stretchy, moisture-wicking, and provide easy movement and all-day comfort.
If you're looking for high-end goods, modal is the way to go. It's insanely soft, breathable, and resistant to shrinking. Modal boxer briefs have a great lifespan too.
What Are the Most Supportive Boxer Briefs?
Boxer briefs are supportive by design, but the most supportive pairs pay especially close attention to one thing: pouch design.
The pouch design on a good pair of boxer briefs should give you just enough room and support for your goods to move around. Pick a pouch design that's too roomy and you start losing support. Pick a pouch design that's too restrictive and, well, we all know that's a fit we definitely don't want.
And to touch on another quality we mentioned, your boxer brief inseam is important. In terms of how inseam relates to support, a short to medium-length inseam will give you the most support, as the less length you have on your legs the closer you get to briefs, which is the most supportive kind of underwear you can buy. A longer inseam (say anything 7" or more) can create less support, as you start bringing some of the fabric away from your skin.
But with a longer boxer brief inseam, you reduce the risk of chaffing (shorter inseam fits closer to the skin), so that's the trade-off you're getting when going longer.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
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