While this is a decent pair of underwear, it isn't as durable as similar pairs; we noticed fraying after a few wash cycles. No, this is the type of boxer brief you save for a lucky date or when you're taking a day off to do some serious self-care. Don't let the wool fabric fool you these are not scratchy. The ultra-supportive shape isn't for everyone. Because you, too, likely care a lot about keeping things fresh and airy, we have breathability as our second metric. Both natural fibers and synthetic fibers can be breathable, but each has its own upsides and downsides. More Wallet-Friendly Boxer Briefs to Buy In Bulk. Yes, we know: another direct-to-consumer brand. First, a comfy, lay-flat waistband that's not too restrictive and not-at-all saggy. We then focused on the top products, purchased them independently, and evaluated them to find the supreme skivvies for each situation. We think there are better options elsewhere in this review for a quality all-around boxer brief. Synthetic fabrics tend to hold odor more than natural fibers, so unless they have some sort of odor-fighting additive in the weave, they tend to hold onto body odor between washes. For some, this can be uncomfortable and unusual and could take some getting used to. The cheaper the fabric, the higher the profit margins. Do you need a breathable pair or something softer and lightweight? Yup. Although we like the fit of the crotch for running, biking, and other activities, we liked it less on casual days. Mesh is one of the most popular fabrics in sportswear due to being able to regulate temperature strongly. These aren't the kind of boxer briefs you buy in bulk (if you are, then, you are truly blessed). Well, its time to think again. We turned this pair inside out you can see the wicking panel of the Fruit of the Loom CoolZone's synthetic fly. We do wish that the seams were more smartly placed, as two seams run from the top of the seat to the back of the crotch, which could serve as potential chafe points. Dont forget to consider your lifestyle before choosing the right type and fabric underwear. There is but one problem. This material is often combined with other fabrics to give a better fit. One tester has a pair that gets weekly use and has lasted two years already without holes or much noticeable wear at all. How To Organize Underwear In Less Than Ten Minutes? I dont have any recommendations for you not to use. With this simple guide to the best men's underwear fabric types out there, well show you exactly what you need and why you need it. All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. Mack Weldon's Airknitx boxer briefs are moisture-wicking, odor-battling, and quick-drying, with a breathable mesh fabric and strategically-placed pique "cool zones" that make 'em a perfect choice for tough workouts and humid days alike. Wool's natural odor repellent keeps the stink down. Boxer shorts tend to ride, and it can be challenging to wear them with jeans. Wool has a naturally occurring coating called lanolin that is antimicrobial and helps fight body odor from building up. Trying to stay active on a budget? And given that underwear is more than just another piece of clothingthey're your closest confidantes, entrusted to handle your more sensitive and private areasit's worth investing in the absolute best boxer briefs for men. Youd think a fabric like that would cost a fortune. Plus, it can wick moisture and let air pass through almost as well. Those extra inseam inches not only help you fully sidestep the dreaded tighty whitey look, they also provide some extra privacy when youre out and about in Milo Ventimiglia-length shorts. One should never dread undressing after working out or a long day for fear of a rising stench from below. Also, the crotch has just a flat panel instead of a supportive but unrestrictive pouch that some of the other sport pairs had. The three-dimensional pouch in the front is both supportive and comfortable, and the plain seam in the middle is a nice touch to reduce chafing. Just dont expect to keep these on for the rest of your day. Let us know! If you like to feel some freedom, boxers shorts are the ones to pick, since they provide a lot of comfort and breathability. But hear us out. Underwear that left us feeling hot and sticky scored lower. And you especially cant beat that pricegetting the crown jewel for your crown jewels for less than $15 a pop is a major win any way you slice it. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. When you've been putting in the reps to chisel out the girthiest of quads, you need the right boxer briefs to give them the attention they deserve. As it gets sticky, it can turn into a pain in the ass both figuratively and literally. Briefs are a type short of mens underwear with different styles. Look at you, breaking the cycle of men clinging on to their underwear like a bad tinder match. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. If you wanna go even more lightweight, Uniqlo's proprietary AIRism feels like it soundsbreezy. Its very comfortable, and the material is so soft. What new materials will you try? I have worked for/with brands like Skechers, Nike, Adidas, Asics, Under Armour, Reebok, Puma, Merrell, Crocs, Havaianas, Timberland, etc. The Tommy John Second Skin No-Ride-Up boxer brief takes the cake as the silkiest dang underwear we've ever worn. We also think the fly could be improved by a slightly larger opening. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Sadly, thats where the good part ends. When Supreme teams up with the skivvies stalwarts at Hanes, your precious jewels couldn't be more hyped. For taller people, the version we tested might work fine, but our tester would prefer to go with the mid-length cut or the trunk. You need support since this type of material is not the most supportive. One of the few things to nitpick on these boxer briefs is that they're almost too burly. But is it the best men's boxer brieffabric out there? Nylon is an excellent fabric for color retention (it doesnt fade quickly). One nice thing about all-cotton underwear is that cotton tends to fare better than synthetics when it comes to odor. Anyone who says otherwise is probably exaggerating. And thats exactly why silk isnt the fabric of choice for men's underwear. Some pairs had stiches fraying after just a few washes. Calvin Klein is the Air Jordan of the underwear world, a game-changing brand name that still truly means something in 2021. By this point, you probably think theres no such thing as the perfect fabric for men's underwear. Second, a near-seamless construction at the crotch because were you really gonna use that fly anyway? 2022 The Men Hero | Instagram | YouTube | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Accessibility Statement The Men Hero is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. We also wish there was some sort of odor control coating on the polyester, as synthetic fabrics get stinky quickly. The shaped front pouch with the smooth fabric of the Calvin Klein Micro Stretch make these a sleek, stylish pair of skivvies. It's hard to beat the Smartwool Merino 150, which has nearly everything we could want in a pair of underwear. I like how they rest comfortably around my hips, and the leg length is shorter than boxers. For those looking for an all-cotton boxer brief, the Amazon Essentials Tag-Free is just that. Sounds like the perfect material for your next underwear, right? This post may contain affiliate links. Before choosing the best mens underwear fabric, you need to select the best type of underwear for yourself. It doesn't have any more bells and whistles than most of the other drawers we reviewed, besides more colorful options. I always think of boxer briefs as a mixture of boxers shorts with trunks. The Fruit of the Loom CoolZone Boxer is a standard cotton pair of underwear with a slight twist. We have tested older versions of this model and had them outlast many other boxer briefs in our underwear drawer, and we expect this model to hold up similarly. Sweat-wicking, odor-blocking tech? So why is it that every dude out there isnt wearing silk fabric undies already? We like the fabric blend too. The Ballpark Pouch is essentially two fins of soft mesh fabric to separate one's private anatomy from the legs. What about you? While the cut is classic, it isn't our favorite. ), merino wool will do it better than anything else out there. After researching dozens of pairs, we bought and tested the top 13 options, making sure to include a variety of materials and styles. If for whatever reason no judgment you need to wear them multiple times between washes, their excellent odor control allows you to do so. What do you get when you make a pair of boxer briefs using the world's rarest, most exquisite cotton? They're really inexpensive and perform pretty well for a pair of mostly cotton underwear. The merino wool is soft against the skin, even under the waistband. I like to use nylon underwear for exercising because of its microfiber construction. MeUndies' snagged the crown for most comfortable boxer briefs for men for so many reasons. We compared each pair in daily wear, working out, and washing and drying. When comparing with cotton, this material is 50% thinner. Spandex can stretch and endure worse conditions than rubber. The comfiest pair of underwear is the Tommy John Second Skin No-Rise-up boxer briefs. It all depends on your lifestyle and needs. Ironically, they are called boxer briefs because you have the comfort of a boxer and the supportive fit of briefs. We've loved products from this company in the past, and the ExOfficio Give-n-Go 2.0 Sport is no exception. This prevents chafing, keeps things very much in place, and provides a sort of "cupping" sensation. Though as with many things in life, the right choice isnt always the easiest. If you have very sensitive skin, cotton is the perfect choice for you. The ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sport 2.0 has lightweight, breathable fabric and a center that hugs the anatomy to keep everything in place. Sometimes line drying garments can be less hard on them than a dryer, but you have to be conscious of sun-bleaching. Boxer briefs that are supportive but not restrictive, breathable and stench-free. Initially, they seemed like a standard cotton-poly blend pair of underwear, and they are but Columbia manages to combine the best of both cotton and synthetic fabrics for a very reasonable price. Although this pair will cost you more than most in this review, we believe that they are the best skivvies for any situation you might run into and will surely last a long time. More breathable models are especially appreciated in warm weather and during moderate to high-output activity. We field-tested them in our day-to-day activities, as well as during high-output activities. Spandex is a lightweight, durable, and moisture resistant fabric that youll find in every pair of men's underwear out there. At an inch and a half wide, the waistband is huge, and quite thick as well. Its a type of material that dries quickly and has low permeability. There's a lot of options out there for men's boxer briefs. The Hanes Classic boxer brief is just that, a classic shape cut with all-cotton fabric to maintain the prototypical men's underwear feel. But youll have a hard time finding those, unless youre willing to splurge like a teenager with a brand new credit card. The Columbia Performance Cotton Stretch drawers are surprisingly sporty, and don't ride up due to well-made hems and waistbands. Lululemon's boxer briefs might not spot you when you're under the bench press, but they've got your backside through the most intense workouts. Tagless design, brushed fabric and four-way stretch make these boxer briefs comfier than your favorite hoodie. Boxer briefs offer varying levels of breathability, as we experienced in the many pairs we have tested hands-on. The Hanes Classic fit much higher waisted than most of the other pairs. Polyester underwear can last longer than most fabrics, and its incredibly soft against your skin. While merino wool is softer than regular wool, its no match for silk or even cotton. Mens underwear can be made of different materials like: You have a lot more different materials, but I would say these eight are the most popular when mens underwear is made. With Micro Modal underwear, it feels as if youre wearing nothing while your babymaker gets all the love it needs to thrive. Wool can be breathable too but often has to come in thicker weaves, as the fiber itself is thick. Plus, as merino wool fabric drinks moisture but doesnt give it up easily, youll be left with moist undies if you sweat a lot especially on a hot summer day. Crafted from organic cotton and botanical dyes for all the earthy, holistic types out there. But what truly sets bamboo fiber apart from most fabrics is its antibacterial properties. The all-cotton construction helps with odor but tends to get soaked with sweat in the heat and doesn't wick very well. The fine and soft fibers of this fabric are quite comfortable and free of any itching whatsoever. When we expected to sweat, though, these were the first pair of underwear reached for. The mesh fabric can be made from nylon, polyester, or other structured materials. Synthetics tend to do a better job of wicking moisture away from the skin, but then the weave and texture come into play, so it doesn't feel plasticky. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. When picking mens underwear, you need to pay attention to support, breathability, and comfort. They come in a range of styles, too. Although just putting these on won't make you as ripped and skinny as the model on the packaging, the Calvin Klein Microfiber Stretch is still a stylish, comfortable pair of underwear. The wool is burlier and higher-quality than cotton and fares well over the long haul. We like underwear with thinner leg hems so they didn't ride up under pants. Mens Underwear Fabric Types: The Perfect Fabric for Men's Underwear, Plus, as merino wool fabric drinks moisture but, You wont find a more breathable pair of underwear out there. Our test team noted how each pair performed throughout each situation, as well as through our objective tests. Its a very delicate fabric and doesnt benefit from washing or wearing it many times since it damages easily. Lets check the best fabric for mens underwear. Cotton is breathable until it's saturated, as cotton can absorb up to 28 times its weight in water. For everyday wear, cotton is, by far, my favorite fabric for underwear. Not to mention, silk can crawl up in areas you never thought possible. Mesh fabric has a notably negative impact on the environment. Ready to get some new underwear of best fabric? I would consider myself a menswear, grooming, beauty, and fashion brands expert. Still, we thought these were a seriously luxurious pair of underwear, and we'd recommend them to anyone that wants something really soft next to their skin. I also like to dress well, and I often purchase high-end and luxury brands like Gucci, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, etc. We bust our buns looking for the best boxer briefs on the market today. If they like the color, consider a deal. You can also read How Tight Should Boxer Briefs Be? The legs aren't too long, and they don't ride up whether we were sitting in an office chair or going for a run. A very, very happy nether region. The nylon does a great job wicking sweat away from our lead tester's body, and he reached for the Give-N-Go 2.0 every time he was going to be sweating a lot. These might not be the best choice for fellas who like to wear pants with a tighter fit because these undergarments will leave those undesirable lines showing through. Its also very sexy to see a man in briefs. This comparative hiking pants review looks at pants that With temperatures dropping, it's time to prepare to play A solid base layer is at the core of keeping you warm Is a bomber hiking sock the next thing you need to add to the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. You cant go wrong with silk if you have sensitive skin, live in a hot area, or both. Like most polyester underwear, the New Balance boxer briefs aren't the greatest with odor control. We also looked for how comfortable each pair of underwear remains throughout the day and across many situations. The all-natural blend of merino wool and silk works in tandem to regulate your body temperature in both hot and cold climates while also cutting odors. These boxer briefs use a quick-drying mesh fabric that also kicks out dank odors and offers a ton of support with a super soft hand. Its pretty decent in almost every way, but nothing special. Talk about high stakes! The Lucky Brand Stretch are a snazzy take on an otherwise straightforward pair of cotton skivvies. Sweating on top of that only made it worse. Sloppy stitching can lead to additional chafe points. Thats because, above all else, spandex is elastic, which explains why the fabric is actually called elastane. There's a reason it's still the silhouette you find in most guys' underwear drawers. Most men choose the first underwear they see. The inside of the fly has a panel of cotton-poly blend to wick moisture away, keeping things cooler and drier than your average cotton undies. Theres a reason why thats a tough choice. We also weren't impressed by the odor control, as there appears to be no attempt to keep these from acquiring the dreaded polyester stink. All trademarks property of their respective owners Heres a fun fact. Thats because spandex will stifle your manhood by trapping heat and moisture. But what sealed these boxer briefs as the King of Comfort is their generous use of micromodal, that wondrous miracle fiber that's literally as soft as silk (but way more practical for underwear). This pair of underwear seems to have put form over function. You bet. In short, bamboo underwear is better than cotton without a doubt. Heres a fun one. The modal fabric seems to be a nice compromise between the silkiness of synthetic fabrics and the weight of natural fibers. While nylon isn't as much of an offender as some other fabrics, we think there's room for improvement in this category. The width of a waistband can make a huge difference in both comfort and how well the boxer briefs move with you. We always rigorously assess the products we review, both in the field and using measurable analysis to test them as objectively as possible. We also found the fly annoyingly small when nature called. It does have nice low-profile legs for less ride-up than some of the other cotton skivvies, but the roomier cut tends to bunch up while working out or under tighter pants. Low-key branding, high-key softness, and a hint of stretch make for a super comfortable pair of boxer briefs. But youve got nothing to fear! And since boxer briefs offer a snug fit, theyll easily slip under your best pair of slim pants without any unwanted bunching. This is a durable pair of underwear that will last through repeated washings and wearing, and the cotton weave keeps the odor under control. You wont find a more breathable pair of underwear out there. CDLP's boxer briefs are extremely sexy and impossibly smooth, thanks to a luxurious lyocell fabric that feels silkier than, well, silk. The best boxer briefs for men might be the best underwear for men, period. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. These briefs are usually sold in a multi-pack at a very reasonable price, and they perform better than the products we tested in the same price range. Four way stretch? On the contrary, they feel great against the skin, and the design is neither baggy nor skin-tight on our testers' legs or waist. With just the right amount of stretch, a flattering cut, and a minimalist design, this is a pair worth saving for date night. From the softest to the sexiest to the stretchiest, these are the very best boxer briefs for men. Ad Choices, The Best Boxer Briefs for Men Are Comfy, Breathable, and Stench-Free. The Columbia Performance Cotton Stretch also did surprisingly well in this category, as the cotton pulled the moisture away from the skin, and the polyester pulled the moisture away from the cotton. Most of the mens underwear will use cotton, jersey, and polyester as main fabrics. We evaluated each product under four metrics we think are important in boxer briefs: comfort, breathability, durability, and odor control. As a synthetic material, polyester suffers the same fate as spandex. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. These boxer briefs are cut from soft Supima cotton that's a serious upgrade over your run-of-the-mill megapack undieswhile still, somehow, costing even less. It can trap heat and moisture, making it far from ideal for daily wear. The perfect amount of support? The quality of these drawers is nice, but we wish there was a little bit more going on with them. The thin polyester also wicks moisture and keeps things breathable. The Vibe also leaves something to be desired in the odor control department, as viscose acts more like a synthetic fabric than a natural fiber and tends to let odor stick around. In all, we've spent months in these briefs. The Adidas Sport Performance wicks away sweat well, but could have better odor control. This pair proved to be no exception, but we found them to be sleek and still great for everyday wear. Spandex is made up of polyurethane, which is produced by combining polyester with a diisocyanate. The modal fabric is silky soft and feels nice, even after going through repeated washing and drying cycles. Since it doesnt have absorbent power, I would not recommend it for hot days. If you are always on the go, this material is a good choice since its lightweight, soft, and has a natural stretch fit. The New Balance 6" Fly Front is a surprisingly slick pair of skivvies. A blend of supima cotton, micromodal, and spandex give these American-made drawers a supple, natural feel. You deserve boxer briefs that feel like a second skin without any painful chafing. Good luck suffering through that! The crotch is more form-fitting than most of the models, but for activities like running, this is ideal to reduce movement and jostling. If you want a pair of briefs for training indoors or outdoors, we strongly recommend this pair. Got feedback? They use silk for their cocoons and nests. Some of us need a reality check on how long to keep a pair of underwear. Trunks are my favorite piece of mens underwear and my leading choice for almost everything. This metric assesses durability through repeated wearing and washing cycles, as well as the quality of stitching and construction. The all-cotton drawers performed in the middle of the pack in this category. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. The large hems on the bottom of the legs tend to ride up as well. But before this turns into a rant, lets just say youve made the right choice. While many pairs of underwear look similar, subtle details make a huge difference in performance. We like how wide and low profile the New Balance waistband is.