Let’s Talk About: The Best Men’s Underwear
To keep your private parts safe, secure, and a little bit sexy.
Clothing makes the man. But before we move onto that, we will have to take it back to the basics. Because there is only one thing that you put on first in the morning. Maybe you even sleep in them, you have your all-time favorite pair that needs a replacement (guilty), or you just can’t figure out where to get them, and what to look for. You guessed it: we’re talking underwear.
Let’s state a few things upfront: underwear is here to support us, to form a comfortable base for our daily outfit, and, to impress - especially when it’s the only item that you’re left wearing. In the presence of other people, or even when alone. Long story short: underwear deserves as much attention as the top layer of our outfit (clothes). You may ask yourself: OK - well then what are the latest trends, what is the best men’s underwear and where do I buy them ASAP?
Good question. Our advice: don’t hesitate, read on, and find out.
Our Top Picks on The Best Underwear For Men
Boxers, briefs, skivvies, or however you want to call them: we have carefully selected and assembled the following options, for you to find your perfect fit. Based upon your preference of style, material, design, and occasion. And not to mention: suitable for every budget. Oh, and we might have added a little hint of a woman’s opinion. A very stylish one, we have to say.
Best Overall Classic: Calvin Klein’s Ultra-Soft Modal Boxer Brief
What is a list of the best underwear without including our classic, favorite Calvin Klein? Not much. This soft and sleek boxer brief comes in four different colors and has the comfort of wearing a - well, nothing, as it will fit you like a second skin. The fabric that makes that all possible, is modal. Which has a quite similar texture to silk. The aim during the development of this fabric was to reach and include the properties of cotton as closely as possible. The best of both worlds, if you ask us.
What’s cool: The word goes that some guys feel extra attractive when wearing these trunks.
Yours for $30
Best Budget Choice: 5-pack Woven Boxer Shorts by H&M
Buying in bulk and shopping on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to compromise on good quality or comfort. The living proof of that is this wallet-friendly set of 5 boxer shorts in 100% breathable, woven cotton. Another thing that is, according to us, a big plus: the semi funky prints and design on them and the comfortable, wider fit. The length works perfectly under any over-garment of your choice. Do we really need to explain ourselves further?
What’s cool: H&M is highly dependable if it comes to size, fit, and never-out-of-stock items like these. Meaning: you’ll never be left unsupplied, and a Medium will always be a Medium.
Yours for $35
Best on Breathability: Zimmerli Pureness Stretch Micro Modal Boxer Briefs
Switzerland’s finest: these ultra-breathable boxer briefs are, again, made out of the luxurious fabric modal. The fact that manufacturer Zimmerli knows underwear, isn’t for nothing: the brand has been in the market since the early days of 1829. And yes, that is two centuries ago. Anyway: the streamlined fit of this lightweight, low rise pair of underwear is your top choice when breathability is a trait that you select your underwear on. Available in 3 basic, never-go-wrong colors: we are hooked.
What’s cool: What’s not?
Yours for $80
Best in Category Briefs: Emporio Armani’s 2-pack Cotton Briefs
To show off a little more (leg when you’re shorter), these classic Italian briefs might be your perfect fit. Or, well, to show off a little more you know what. You decide. Not convinced yet? Well, besides showing off or not: the cotton material and the minimal amount of fabric around the leg are a perfect solution to cramped, and stuffed legs in tighter pants when wearing a boxer short.
What’s cool: The subtle 70’s vibe - we can’t help but think back to the good old days.
Yours for $38
Most Comfortable in Category Boxer Shorts: Derek Rose Men's Modern-Fit Boxer Shorts
Where the boxer shorts are an all-time favorite and classic on the list, Derek Rose decided to give this old-fashioned fit a slight twist. More modern. More comfortable. How? The legs are shorter, the shape is a little slimmer, and ‘by removing excess fabric from the traditional back panel with a flat fell center seam, we have which enclosed the material edges for minimal skin contact and less irritation’.
What’s cool: Other than the innovative fit, we would say the design of the hidden, self-seeking magnetic fly closure. Feels like a gadget.
Yours for $58
Best Everyday Boxer Briefs: Everyday Microfiber Boxer Brief 3-pack by Tommy Hilfiger
For the guys that prefer a slightly longer leg on their boxer brief, and care for durability: Tommy H. has got you covered. The four-way stretch microfiber fabric fits comfortably, provides enough support, and fits a little tighter on the thigh. Microfiber is a fabric that will help regulate your body’s temperature and due to its high breathability, these boxers are a great option when sweating, too.
What’s cool: The lightweight fabric. No matter how tight the over-garment: these boxers don’t show.
Yours for $45
Best Choice on Looking Like a Millionaire: Tom Ford’s Wave Silk Boxers
Anyone can look like a millionaire - hence this silky smooth boxer by Tom Ford. The combination of both the regular fitted, silky stretch fabric, and the velvet waistband is your ticket to a lush look and feel. It’s not all about looks: silk is an extremely comfortable, high-end material. If you place yourself in the category of men that care as much as their underwear as their outfit: for a not-so-modest price, this shiny piece is all yours.
What’s cool: Wearing this around (female) company will definitely make an impression.
Yours for $295
Best to Wear During Work-Outs: Nike Moisture Wicking 2-pack Training Boxer Briefs
However we’re advocates of underwear that cover all the basics: for Nike’s training boxer briefs, we are willing to make an exception. With their famous dri-fit technology, our favorite work-out brand brings us these high support skivvies. They keep you dry (and dry quick), comfortable, and reduce irritation that is caused by chafing. Perfect to wear when running, cycling, lifting weights, or any activity gets your blood (and sweat) flowing.
What’s cool: The odor-resistant technology helps to keep your boxer briefs fresher for longer. Handy.
Yours for $50
Best on Unlimited Choice in Color: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief
Another one checks the boxes on containing miracle modal: Mack Weldon’s famous 18-hour jersey boxer briefs are made out of a combination of materials (cotton, modal, spandex) that sit for 18 hours to supply you with the greatest comfort of all time, and a consistent fit you can rely on. In case you want to stock up all the colors available, for example. Weldon doesn’t use any tags which are often likely to cause itchiness (plus) and comes with a top of the list, very functional fly.
What’s cool: The confidence: first try, and turns out you’re not a big fan? Your underwear (or socks) are on Mack.
Yours for $24
Best on ‘Back Me Up with Some High Support’: Polo Ralph Lauren 3-Pack 4D Flex Boxer Brief
Looking for some support to keep everything in place during the day? Another classic that we couldn’t leave out of the list is without a doubt Polo Ralph Lauren. This functional 3-pack of modal/cotton boxer briefs is blended with a four-way stretch, which results in an extra supportive pouch and moisture-wicking features. As expected, the signature pony is embroidered to keep your left leg in some company.
What’s cool: The classic Pony.
Yours for $50
Best to Add A Little Fun: Paul Smith’s 'Dog' Print Low-Rise Boxer Briefs
Oh, how we love a little bit of fun. And how great is it, that Paul Smith is a designer that we can always count on for that matter? Exactly. These low-rise trunks spice up your (maybe) dull collection of plain underwear that has been lying in your drawers for too long. The knitted cotton quality gives you the support, comfort, and design you were looking for all along.
What’s cool: We would love to say, ‘What’s not?’ again, but dogs walking on the pouch are worth mentioning on their own.
Yours for $30
Best Trunks of All-Time: Orlebar Brown’s 3-Pack Mid Trunks
The British Orlebar Brown is a well-known name in the men’s fashion industry. That’s why we completely give him our trust if it’s underwear related. This classic, melange grey mid-rise 3-pack pair of trunks provides you some more coverage, is armed with a comfortable waistband, and is a great match to those who are built somewhat taller. All in all, a good old set of trunks, by a specialist.
What’s cool: We would love to say, ‘What’s not?’ again, but dogs walking on the pouch are worth mentioning on their own.
Yours for $30
Best Bulk-Buy: Marks & Spencer’s 5-Pack Cool & Fresh™ Trunks
Breaking the bank is something we all like to avoid. Although we already provided you with the best budget choice on men’s underwear, this 5-pack by Marks & Spencer is one worth mentioning. Their promise: keeping your trunks comfortable and fresh, no matter what happens in a day. Just as Tommy, M&S uses a four-way stretch blend for extra support and works with a bacteria-fighting finish. Voila: great value for money.
What’s cool: Doesn’t need special care, quick and easy, machine wash and tumble dry.
Yours for $43
Before You Buy: Consider This
We’ve probably stirred something up - maybe you’re already leaning towards your favorite fit, brand, or material. Maybe even all of the above options tick the boxes for you. But, how about we guide you on with some helpful tips to check before you spend those $$’s?
Style and fit
The Boxer Short
Wide boxer shorts are back. This type of underwear for men is very breathable and gives enough space for your prize. For men who are a little more sturdy on the thighs, this may be a lucky shot. This style doesn’t pinch around your legs and there’s plenty of room to move around comfortably when wearing them. But, also for the guys with a smaller waist and thighs, this will give you the utmost comfort, in the daily grind, on the couch or in bed.
The Brief
Straight across the boxer short, the brief does a little more revealing. They lift up, make short legs look optically longer, and also wider thighs are content in this type of skivvies: no pinching legs. If you ask us, the brief is no longer just a type of underwear from the past. But, it remains a matter of taste.
The Trunk
A more square fit on the list will be the trunk. This style is roughly said a combination of other types: comfortable and compact like the brief, and the shape of the boxer brief. The leg, here, is the difference. They’re slightly shorter, which results in giving your upper legs more body: a great option for men with narrower hips and legs. This model often comes with a low-rise waistband for extra comfort.
The Boxer Brief
Probably the most popular option among men from across the country (world?). No up-creeping legs, because they have a little more length. The same reason why this cut is so ideal if you prefer to hide longer, wider legs.
Material
A few lessons on department material: when in doubt, go for cotton. Or, at least a cotton blend: easy-care and high breathability. The downside to it: this type may lose its shape over time. But, as nowadays we care more about durability, a combination of cotton with fabrics like modal or nylon are great options. They make it easier for you to move around, provide breathability, and are less likely to stretch out after intense wearing and washing. As listed above, for moving around, but with somewhat more intensity and sweat (yes, working out): fabrics with moisture-wicking and stretchy properties is what to look for. They keep you dry and allow you to remain 100% focused on what you have to focus on.
Look your best, up to the first thing you put on in the morning, and dress like the man you feel to be on the inside.
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