The Best Boxer Shorts for Men
We've all got our preferences for what to wear, especially under there. While we can all get behind the soft security of briefs, there's something essential about the breezy breathability of boxer shorts — something that makes them a must-have for every man. We're not saying you have to sport them every day, but we are saying it's probably a good idea to have them around for when the days get hot and down under could use a bit of a reprieve. To help you find the ideal boxer shorts for your below-deck needs, we've rounded up some of the best boxers on the market. Believe us: the airflow is nearly palpable just breezing through our shortlist.
Hanes Men’s Tagless Tartan Boxer
Tartan and tagless
Let’s make one thing clear: “tartan” is the striped pattern on display with this pack of boxer shorts; “tartine” is the French word for the popular open-faced sandwiches. Rest assured, we’re not suggesting you don a piece of cheesy toast under your pants, but we’re not here to judge either. All jokes aside, Hanes blends cotton and polyester for a soft, breathable fabric that’s tag-free to prevent excessive irritation. This pack features a no-gap fly, promising a secure fit even in the midst of vigorous movement. Plus, the purchase includes five different tartan patterns to flex during the work-week.
Pros:
- 55% cotton, 45% polyester for soft, breathable fabric
- No-gap fly provides a secure fit
- 5 different patterns included in the purchase (plus one duplicate pattern for a total of 6)
Cons:
- Only offered in blue/white/grey patterns
Gildan Men’s Woven Boxer Underwear Multipack
Gildan wins this round
You might be familiar with the Gildan brand name from its prominence in the t-shirt market, where it provides quality products in bulk without the big price tag. Luckily for us, Gildan offers the same value with its woven boxer multipack, which features a cotton and polyester blend with cool-spire technology that wicks away excess moisture. This boxer promises to lay flat underneath clothes and should retain its shape for years to come, even after numerous trips through the washer. It’s also tagless and boasts a single front panel (as opposed to a wider, double-paneled front) for a slimmer, more flattering fit.
Pros:
- Cool-spire technology absorbs and wicks away excess moisture
- Single-paneled front for a slimmer fit
- Non-binding, soft waistband
Cons:
- Elastic waistband is not as stretchy as some may prefer
Fruit of the Loom Men’s Tag-Free Boxer Shorts
Feel the fruit
You might be wary of the difference between woven and knit fabrics, but this Fruit of the Loom value pack may change your mind. The construction is 90% cotton and only 10% polyester for a supremely soft, warm boxer that is secure but not suffocating. You’re offered easy bathroom access with the front button closure, and the waistband is tagless and fabric-covered. Fruit of the Loom suggests that you machine-wash this boxer with cold water and like colors, and then tumble dry it on low to maintain durability. It also cautions against ironing, but you shouldn’t need to thanks to the general wrinkle-resistance of knit fabrics.
Pros:
- 90% cotton and 10% polyester construction is softer than other fabric blends
- Fabric-covered and tagless waistband for an irritation-free fit
- Knit fabric is more wrinkle-resistant than woven competitors
Cons:
- You can’t choose between colors in your value pack (predetermined/random colors)
Chill Boys Soft Bamboo Boxers for Men
Easy breezy bamboo
If you haven’t experienced the exceptionally soft and breathable fabric that is viscose, this bamboo boxer short from Chill Boys is an ideal place to start. It fits perfectly into a category of apparel that prizes comfort above all else. The fabric is composed of viscose for its naturally cool and odor-resistant properties and a touch of spandex for extra stretch, which allows for multi-directional movement without bunching or ruining the elasticity. And even though this boxer has a number of unique qualities, they’re still machine-washable, so you don’t have to worry about hand-washing or hang-drying.
Pros:
- Viscose made from bamboo fibers is naturally cool and odor-resistant
- Cooler than cotton with multi-directional stretch
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- More expensive than alternatives and doesn’t come in a value pack
- Bamboo fabric is not as environmentally friendly as advertised
Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Classics Multipack
Not just for models
We’ve all seen the celebrity advertisements for Calvin Klein’s underwear, but we’re happy to report that you don’t need an outrageous income to flex one of the most comfortable cotton boxers on the market. This value pack contains three button-fly boxers that are made of 100% knit cotton for a soft, classic fit. The elastic waistband features the iconic Calvin Klein logo that will make you feel like a modeling mogul, but it won’t run you more than your last night out. Keep in mind they may shrink in the dryer, so be prepared to hang-dry these if you’re hoping to keep your Calvins around.
Pros:
- 100% knit cotton for a soft fit
- Machine-washable
- Affordable price for an iconic name brand
Cons:
- More fitted leg openings than most boxers
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between woven and knit fabrics?
Woven fabrics are constructed from multiple different longitudinal and latitudinal yarns, which results in a much more durable material that has limited stretch. They also hold creases better, making them ideal for upholstery. Knit fabrics are made from interlacing a single yarn, creating a softer, more wrinkle-resistant material preferred for apparel. Some prefer a woven boxer since it will lay flatter and remain crisp, while others prefer the knit shorts that are more supple and breathable.
Which fabric is the most environmentally friendly?
It was long thought that bamboo-based rayon (viscose) was the most sustainable since bamboo grows at incredible rates and can be harvested without damaging the ground it’s planted in; however, the rise in viscose’s popularity led to increased deforestation to make room for more bamboo groves. Not to mention, the process of creating fabric from bamboo fibers requires highly toxic chemicals and releases untrappable gases into the atmosphere. Thus, it’s widely accepted that organic cotton and hemp-fiber fabrics are better, more sustainable options.
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