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The 10 Best Underwear for Men, Tested by Style Editors
Boxer briefs from Mack Weldon and Calvin Klein came out on top in our testing.
I’ve worn enough bad underwear to know it can sabotage your entire day. This is the layer that determines whether you’re comfortable—or constantly readjusting—before anything else goes on. And yet, most men stick with the same underwear type from college. Meanwhile, the category has evolved. Today’s best underwear is softer, stretchier, and far more breathable, with odor-fighting tech and support that cradles your crown jewels without the squeeze. If you haven’t upgraded lately, your top drawer is probably overdue for a refresh.
At Men’s Health, we’ve been testing underwear since 2015, and I’ve personally cycled through more pairs than I can count—part of a larger pool spanning 50+ brands and 100+ styles, from newer names like Skims to longtime staples like Calvin Klein. Year after year, our biggest takeaway stays the same: the pairs worth buying stay put, feel smooth from morning to night, and remain in great shape after a few spins through the wash. Whether you’re a boxer briefs guy, a loose-boxers loyalist, or somewhere in between, this is one piece you don’t want to get wrong.
Best Underwear for Men
- Best Overall: Mack Weldon Airknitx Boxer Brief
- Most Classic: Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Boxer Brief
- Best Everyday Underwear: Ralph Lauren 4D Flex Cooling Microfiber Boxer Briefs
- Best for Hitting the Gym: Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer
- Best Boxer Briefs Variety Pack: Abercrombie 7-Pack Boxer Briefs
What to Consider
Materials
Cotton
Cotton is the OG of underwear fabrics, and our testers found that it's the most comfortable knit for everyday fits. Take note: while cotton is pretty breathable, it doesn't do a great job of wicking away moisture. That's why our fashion editors do not recommend cotton skivvies for working out. In some cases, a pair of undies that's 100% cotton tends to lose shape over time and can give a swamp-ass feeling. If you have money to spend, we recommend trying a long-staple or organic cotton, which is more premium and durable.
Nylon/Spandex Blends
Nylon is moisture-wicking and super durable, so the fabric won’t pill or stretch out. However, a little spandex (aka elastane) in the fabric helps for movement and extra comfort. Plus, it dries quickly too, so you won't feel sticky post-workout.
Modal
Imagine cotton, but smoother and a little fancier. Modal has a silky-soft feel that's light and cool against your skin. Testers say their favorite modal boxer briefs almost disappear under their clothes.
Support
If you're looking to keep your precious cargo secure, then briefs provide the most security. However, if you want to let the package breathe, then boxers are your best bet. Remember: Boxers tend to ride up when you're wearing slim pants, which is why we recommend only wearing them with more relaxed fits.
If you need extra support, we recommend underwear with a pouch or a snugger fit around the waistband. For some men with testicular pain or discomfort, they may want to find a style that fits well and doesn't ride up or bunch, as this could aggravate their symptoms.
Function
Your underwear is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off, so it has to work with you, not against you, all day long. If it doesn't do its job, you'll feel it, whether it's discomfort, chafing, or overheating.
Think about it: excellent underwear isn't just about looking cool (though that's like icing on the cake). It's about how it performs in real life. Are you lounging at home? Going for a long run? Stuck on a flight for hours? Each of these scenarios demand something different. You need underwear that supports your lifestyle, whether that's stretch for flexibility, moisture-wicking for sweat, or breathability to keep things fresh down yonder.
Breathability
The best breathable underwear manages heat and moisture so sweat can escape instead of getting trapped against your skin. Many use micro-knit or mesh-like weaves that create tiny air channels within the fabric, allowing heat to dissipate and air to circulate as you move. Others incorporate moisture-wicking fibers to pull sweat away from the body and spread it across the surface of the fabric so it evaporates faster. Some brands even add targeted “cool zones” or thinner panels in high-sweat areas to boost airflow where you need it most.
When underwear can’t breathe, moisture builds up, leading to overheating, chafing, irritation, and odor. Breathable underwear works with your body by keeping things cooler, drier, and more comfortable throughout the day. For Men’s Health guys, breathability makes a difference for everyday wear, long commutes, desk jobs, workouts, travel days, and humid conditions. It’s especially clutch for guys who sweat easily, live in hot climates, train hard, or spend long stretches in the same pair from morning to night.
Odor Control
Odor control goes hand in hand with breathability, but it deserves its own callout. Sweat itself doesn’t smell—bacteria does. When moisture gets trapped in underwear, it creates the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. High-quality underwear helps prevent this by pulling sweat away from the skin and, in some cases, using fibers or finishes designed to inhibit bacterial growth. This matters whether you’re working out, traveling, or just wearing the same pair from morning to night. Good odor control means your underwear stays fresher longer, reduces the need for midday changes, and helps you feel more confident in close quarters with other people.
How We Selected
As part of the Men’s Health style team, led by our Style Director Christian Gollayan, I’ve tested some of the best—and worst—underwear on the market firsthand. Since 2018, our team has worn, washed, and stressed-tested more than 100 pairs across every major style, brand, and fabric imaginable, from classic cotton briefs to high-tech performance boxer briefs and luxe everyday upgrades.
Testing wasn't limited to just one body type or fit preference. In addition to my own wear tests, multiple Men's Health editors with different builds pitched in, spanning sizes from Small through XXL. This allowed us to see how each pair fit and performed across a wide range of body types, rises, thigh sizes, and proportions—and to flag issues like inconsistent sizing, rolling waistbands, or fabric that only works on one kind of frame.
I wore each pair repeatedly in real-life situations, including workdays, workouts, commutes, travel, and weekend outings. I looked at how each pair performed over time, paying close attention to whether fabrics stayed soft and didn’t pill, waistbands held their shape, seams avoided chafing, and support held up after hours of movement. I judged each pair on fabric quality, fit, breathability, odor control, stretch and recovery, durability after repeated washes, and how good it feels from morning to night. Only the pairs that consistently delivered comfort, support, and long-term performance earned a spot on this list. What you’ll find here are the top 10 best men’s underwear options that rose to the top after years of hands-on testing by the Men’s Health team.
Meet the Experts
- Christian Gollayan, Men's Health Style Director
- Joseph Cheatham, Men's Health Style Editor
- Sean Zucker, Men's Health Grooming Editor
- Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., Men's Health Fitness Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Difference Between Boxers and Boxer Briefs?
Boxers: They’re classic, loose-fitting shorts that are lightweight, with lots of breathing room, and zero restriction. They’re great for lounging or sleeping because they feel airy and relaxed, but that same looseness makes them less practical under slim pants. Fabric can bunch, ride up, and offer little to no support if you’re moving around a lot.Boxer briefs: They’re cut like boxers but fit snugly like briefs. That means they hug your thighs, hold everything in place, and layer smoothly under jeans, trousers, or even gym shorts. They also prevent chafing since the fabric creates a barrier between your thighs—a lifesaver if you walk a lot or hit the gym. The tradeoff? They’re less airy than boxers, but most guys prefer the balance of comfort, coverage, and support.
How Many Pairs of Underwear Should I Own?
That really depends on your laundry schedule. If you’re the kind of guy who does laundry once a week, aim for at least 10-12 pairs so you’ve got a little cushion. If laundry happens less often—say every two weeks—you’ll probably want 15 to 20 pairs. If you’re very active, then consider stashing your drawer with 25 or 30 pairs. Basically, you want enough to last until wash day plus a couple extra for workouts, surprise trips, or the occasional lazy Sunday when you just don’t feel like doing laundry.
How Often Should I Buy New Underwear?
A good rule of thumb: refresh your stash every 6 to 12 months. Underwear takes a beating between daily wear, constant washing, and stress loss. If the elastic’s shot, they’re sagging, developing holes, or the fabric’s thinning, that’s your cue to toss them. Think of it as a rotation—you don’t need to replace everything at once, but gradually swap in new pairs so you’re always stocked with comfortable, supportive ones.
Which Type Underwear Is Best for Men?
Boxers
Every man has worn one at some point; boxers are light and loose and so freeing. They're the classic underwear style for men that feels very relaxed with short legs. This type of underwear is perfect for lounging around the house, sleeping, or wearing under relaxed-fit pants. Also comes in a variety of prints and patterns (hello, personality).
Briefs
Think speedo. Think upside-down triangle. Briefs provide the required coverage and optimal support while exposing more skin for ease of mobility. Here, there's no risk of leg fabric riding up (because there's none).
Boxer Briefs
Perhaps the most popular one, it's a hybrid of loose-fit boxers and tight briefs, offering a solid balance of support and comfort. If you’re not a fan of underwear that rides up too high, go for boxer briefs that have a longer leg and a snug fit, like compression underwear that’s perfect for the gym. They should skim the leg versus squeezing you too tight.
Trunks
Like the title says, a trunk is similar to boxer briefs but with a shorter cut—halfway up the thigh. It's best for guys who want something fitted but less fabric around the leg. For some visual assistance, think of trunks as the underwear style that most CK models wear on big billboards.
Should Guys Wear Tight or Loose Underwear?
It depends on personal preference, comfort, and the activity. Here's a quick breakdown to help guide your choice, weighing the pros and cons of both.
Tight underwear (e.g., briefs, boxer briefs) provides better support, which is especially useful for physical activities like running or working out. This type reduces chafing and prevent excessive movement, which can help with comfort throughout the day. Works well under slim-fit pants, as it avoids bunching and creates a cleaner silhouette. If it's too tight, it can restrict airflow and potentially cause discomfort or sweating, especially in warmer weather. Overly tight fits might not be ideal for guys concerned about reproductive health, though the effect is typically negligible with properly sized underwear.
On the other hand, loose underwear is better suited for lounging or casual, low-impact activities since they allow more airflow and freedom of movement. It feels more breathable, making it ideal for hotter climates or relaxed settings. Also, loose underwear can be paired with loose-fit pants for added comfort. This option lacks support, which feel uncomfortable during workouts or physical activity. Plus, it can cramp your style—bunching up under tighter pants and offering a restrictive feel.
How to Prevent Your Underwear’s Waistband From Stretching?
If you want to protect the structural integrity of your underwear's waistband, the best way to keep them from stretching is to hand wash them and hang them dry. But given how impractical that is, the second best option is to put in the washing machine on cold water and use a low dryer setting so the elastic doesn't warp. However, our testers say that most of the pairs they've tried have kept their waistbands' shapes even after several trips to the laundromat. If your underwear's waistband has lost its shape, you're probably overdue to replace it.
How to Take Care of Your Underwear
Even the best underwear won’t last if you don’t take care of it properly. Washing underwear inside out helps remove sweat and bacteria more effectively while protecting the fabric’s surface. Cold or warm water is usually best, as hot water can break down elastic fibers and cause shrinkage over time. Skip harsh detergents and fabric softeners, especially for performance or moisture-wicking underwear. Softeners can coat fibers and reduce breathability and odor control. When possible, air-drying is ideal, as high heat from dryers is the fastest way to kill stretch and warp waistbands. If you do use a dryer, stick to low heat.
More of Our Favorite Men’s Underwear
Mack Weldon Airknitx Boxer Brief Review | Best Underwear Brands | Best Boxers for Men | Best Boxer Briefs | Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear | Best Thermal Underwear | Best Thermal Shirts for Men | Best Undershirts for Men | Best T-Shirts for Men | Best Compression Shorts | Best Running Underwear | Best Swim Trunks
As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

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