The Best Underwear for Men

A debate has raged on between men for generations: boxers or briefs? While it seemed for a long while that boxers had won the battle, briefs seem to be making a lot of headway in winning the war. They are a comfortable, form-fitting, and reasonably priced alternative to their classic counterpart, and people have started to take notice. So whether you’re just jumping ship to hop on the briefs bandwagon now, or you’ve been a brief fanboy for years, let our list of the best briefs on the internet be your guide to your underwear comfort happy place.

Fruit of the Loom Men’s Coolzone Boxer Briefs

Enter the Coolzone

Fruit of the Loom presents a brief pack that puts affordability, breathability, and comfort first.
Best Overall

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Fruit of the Loom didn’t become a household name for no reason. These briefs are expertly designed to make sure you feel comfortable and cool at all times. Fruit of the Loom put a breathable mesh portion of the fly to ensure maximum ventilation and coolness through different activities and temperatures. The snug tailored fit is meant to prevent riding up from behind, and the 6% polyester fabric is there to promote elasticity and maneuverability. With this brief pack coming in at such an affordable price, Fruit of the Loom really delivers the full package with this brief pack.

Pros:

  • The breathable mesh insert is innovative and successful in promoting ventilation
  • The price is great considering the high quality

Cons:

  • The mesh insert may be unnatural feeling to those who haven’t worn it yet

Hanes Men’s Cool Dri Boxer Brief 5-Pack

High and Dri

Hanes 5-pack is perfect for athletes and gym rats who want to ensure maximum dryness during their workouts.
Best for Workouts

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Hanes came to play with this sport-centered 5-pack. These briefs are designed with a higher amount of polyester than usual to provide you with optimal stretch and mobility during exercise. Hanes’ Cool Dri fabric works at the same time you do to make sure you’re staying as dry as possible during times of strenuous activity. These briefs aren’t just for athletes, though. They’ll provide anyone riding the subway to work or sitting in a stuffy office with the same dryness and flexibility afforded to the more athletic among us.

Pros:

  • The Cool Dri fabric works to keep you dry through any kind of physical activity
  • The higher polyester content promotes flexibility

Cons:

  • The sizing may run a bit small

Gildan Men’s Regular Leg Boxer Brief Multipack

Back in Black

Gildan’s economical multipack is light on style but big on comfort.
Best Snug Fit

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Gildan brings a passion for efficiency and simple aesthetics to the table with its regular leg multipack. Nothing about these briefs stand out much in the way of style, but if you’re looking for a snug fit that’ll keep you feeling supported throughout the day, this is the pick for you. These briefs are designed to be snug enough for some to forget they’re even wearing them at all. With a 100% cotton construction and a non-binding plush waistband, you can rest assured that these briefs will support you without being too tight and overbearing.

Pros:

  • The snug fit is perfect for those looking for maximum support from their briefs
  • Tagless back waistband

Cons:

  • May be a bit too snug fitting for some
  • Stitching on the waistband can be irritating

5Mayi’s Men’s Cotton Boxer Briefs

Neon Minimalism

5Mayi brings a colorful burst of neon onto their stark matte black briefs for an effective display of stylish minimalism.
Most Stylish

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If some of our other picks seem a little too tame for you, 5Mayi’s effervescent multi-pack is the pick that can spruce up your underwear horizons. The words “natural feeling” are displayed across the waistband of these briefs in various neon colors against the deep blackness of the rest of the clothing. With 5% spandex content to prevent stiffness and bolster mobility, these are sure to be “natural feeling” indeed. These briefs are comfort first and style-forward, but you should keep in mind that the price tag is a little bit more intimidating than some of our other picks.

Pros:

  • Hip, stylish design
  • The spandex provides extra flexibility

Cons:

  • May be too loud of a statement for some that are looking for something more traditional

Calvin Klein Men’s Body Modal Boxer Briefs

Comfort From Calvin

Calvin Klein decides to cool it with the cotton and instead go for ultra flexibility with their modal/spandex fabric mix.
Most Flexible

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Calvin Klein has been one of the leading names in men’s underwear for decades. Reputation is everything to a brand like Calvin Klein, and with this multipack, the company continues to keep its name untarnished. With an innovative blend of modal and spandex replacing the lion’s share of cotton that most brands use, Calvin Klein has put mobility and comfort above all else. These briefs are form-fitting without being too snug, and they provide support without riding up in the back. If it weren’t for the higher price tag, these briefs might’ve taken the top spot on our list.

Pros:

  • The modal/spandex fabric is sure to feel and look great
  • The logo across the waistband is slick looking and classic

Cons:

  • The newer blend of fabric may feel foreign to those used to cotton
  • The price tag is a bit higher than our other picks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose briefs over boxers?

Ah, the question that every man has to consider at some point. Boxers are suitable for certain things, and they definitely provide more ventilation than you’ll find in any pair of briefs, but when it comes to comfort, boxers just pale in comparison to briefs. Briefs provide support, comfort, and flexibility, while boxers provide itchiness, discomfort, and a lot of fidgeting. We don’t want to talk down boxers too much. They served us well for a long time, but we think it’s time for everyone to admit that the time of the brief is upon us.

What is the best material for boxer briefs?

This is undoubtedly a matter of opinion, but it seems that most companies have stuck with a majority cotton blend for a reason. Cotton is reliable and soft to the touch, and when mixed with a stretchier fabric like spandex or polyester, it can be pleasantly pliant. Some companies have recently decided to ditch the cotton for other materials such as modal, nylon, and elastane, which are said to promote maximum maneuverability and comfort. You really won’t know what you like best until you’ve tried, so give all the different blends a shot if you can.

About the Author

There's no better feeling than walking out the door in well-made clothes that make you look and feel great. Nick’s goal is to help readers feel that way every day. A true New Yorker, Nick is always up to date on the latest trends fresh off the runway. When he’s not writing about fashion, you can find him writing and producing music.

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