The Most Comfortable Men’s Underwear

It’s easy to overlook men’s underwear as a basic clothing item that requires no careful consideration. If you think about it, however, your underwear is perhaps the most important item of clothing you’ll ever own! They’re the only thing you wear every day and can make a massive difference to your general comfort level. Plus, good underwear is good for your health and your hygiene too! As such, it’s important to pick a pair that’s right for you and something you’ll be happy to wear time and time again. We’ve already gone over some very comfortable socks in the form of the best bamboo socks, but in this article, we’re going to focus entirely on men’s underwear. 

Whether you’re a budding sportsman who needs something flexible and supportive, or a lover of leisure who wants nothing more than some baggy boxers to lounge around in, you’ll find a wide range of underwear styles to suit your needs on this list. No matter the occasion, no matter the man, there’s something here for you, and as for all those underwear-related questions you’ve never thought to ask – fear not! There are answers here for all of them, too. 

What is the most comfortable men’s underwear?

The most comfortable men’s underwear on this entire list is the Derek Rose Royal Boxer shorts, a refined, regal pair of boxers for the man who knows how to relax. These shorts have a loose overall cut, making them ideal for everyday wear and for sleepwear, and being 100% cotton; they are both breathable and long-lasting. Cotton is the best fabric for men’s underwear because it’s completely natural, and therefore both skin-friendly and unlikely to cause a build-up of heat or sweat. The Derek Rose shorts take things that extra step further with their beautiful striped design, finished with a mother-of-pearl button fly. 

What is the best underwear for a man to wear?

Generally, boxers are the most comfortable underwear and the least likely to cause any discomfort or health issues. On a technical level, they are the ‘best’ underwear for a man to wear. Boxer briefs are very similar to boxers but with a tailored fit that helps prevent bunching and provides a little extra support. Briefs, meanwhile, are a good choice for both exercise and taller wearers, as they offer a great deal of support.

The best everyday wear boxer briefs on this list are the Mack Weldon Airknitx Boxer Brief, as they provide good crotch support for exercise and movement without being so tight as to cause discomfort or overheating. If you’re looking for the best men’s exercise underwear overall, then the License To Train Boxer shorts are ideal, as they provide great stretch support and even help to take care of your thighs and glutes. And if you’re dead set on briefs, then the David Archy Bamboo Briefs are the definitive pick for you.

Is tight underwear bad for males?

Don’t let the pseudoscience put you off. Whilst tight underwear can cause a lower sperm count, most men have a high enough ambient count for it not to become an issue, and ultimately your choice of underwear is unlikely to affect your overall health. All you need to worry about is picking what’s most comfortable! Boxers are a reliable choice in this regard, though boxer briefs have a multitude of comfort advantages also, especially during exercise, as do briefs. It’s all situational, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Should guys wear underwear to sleep?

There is no major health benefit or detriment to wearing underwear to sleep, so again it’s down to your personal preference. However, some studies show that going commando can be good for couples, as skin-on-skin contact promotes the release of oxytocin, a chemical that aids in bonding and increases overall happiness. Sleeping without underwear can also help you stay cool in warmer climates, though the difference is minor, and ultimately it’s just down to what you find the most comfortable.

Does tight underwear reduce sperm count?

While it’s unlikely to cause most men any real issue, scientific studies have proven that wearing tight underwear significantly reduces sperm count in some scenarios. This is due very simply to the fact that a man’s testes are supposed to be 4-6 degrees lower in temperature than the rest of his body – this is why they’re on the outside in the first place! To that end, any tight briefs or boxer briefs that increase crotch temperature significantly will have a detrimental effect on sperm production.

The important thing to know is that this in itself makes no difference to most men, as their sperm count would be unlikely to fall outside of a healthy range even with this reduction. The only time it might be a problem is while attempting to conceive, and specifically for men who already have a reduced sperm count. On the whole, then, it doesn’t hurt to give yourself a bit more room, but ultimately your underwear choice is unlikely to make a major difference to your health.

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1. MeUndies Men’s Boxer Brief

The MeUndies Boxer Briefs are an excellent pair of comfortable men’s underwear constructed only from ethically sourced materials. MicroModal fabric extracted from beechwood trees makes up the bulk of their construction, allowing for a breathable pair of boxers that won’t harm the planet. A convenient vertical fly and elastane waistband complete this comfortable package.

2. Everlane – Uniform Boxer Brief

Everlane’s cotton boxer briefs are a comfortable, loose-fit pair of briefs available in 3 muted colorways. The result of 2 years of design work and 12 prototypes, these are some of the best men’s boxer brief underwear options in terms of the depth of research poured into them. The tailored fit can be upsized or downsized depending on what kind of a cut you prefer, and whichever you go for, a soft-touch waistband ensures that you won’t feel the pinch.

3. Adidas Men’s Performance Brief

Adidas is well-known for its high-quality sporting goods, and these exercise-friendly boxer briefs are another example of their eye for functional, stylish designs. Fourteen varied colorway selections are available here in sizes ranging from small to extra-large. A no-gap fly makes these a convenient and hygienic pair of briefs and some of the best underwear for working out in.

4. Allbirds Trino Boxer brief

Balancing ethical manufacturing processes with supreme consumer comfort, the Allbirds Trino boxer briefs use various sustainable materials without skimping on a luxurious end product. These boxers are 28% merino wool and soft to the touch, while their Lyocell body is an environmentally-friendly material choice that anyone can get their bottom behind.

5. Mack Weldon Jersey Brief

With a vertical fly and a breathable 18-hour modal jersey fabric, the Mack Weldon jersey briefs are a convenient choice for those on the go. One of the most comfortable men’s underwear options for those who prefer a boxer briefs style, these jersey briefs are both breathable and good-looking, with 30 varied colorways available.

6. BN3TH Classic Boxer Brief

If you’re after something a little kookier, then BN3TH’s classic boxer briefs are the perfect option for you. They come in 6 quirky patterns, including the tropical ‘Christmas with the Kooks’ and dreamy ‘Celebration Horizon’. The Tech on show here is just as specialized, with a 3D pouch design that allows any man to experience the supreme comfort of these fitted boxer briefs.

7. Tommy John Second Skin

A sturdy pair of underwear with a relaxed overall fit, the Tommy John Second Skin boxer shorts are a minimalist solution for those who like to keep things simple. With a stay-put waistband that prevents slippage and a non-fitted leg design prevents bunching, these boxers marry slimline elements with overall comfortability. Available in sizes S – XXL, these are another great example of some of the most comfortable men’s underwear on offer.

8. Hanes Men’s ComfortFlex Brief

Hanes Men’s ComfortFlex briefs are easy to wear and easy to wash, with a 100% cotton construction, available in a budget multipack for those looking to stock up in one easy purchase. Cotton is a great breathable fabric for boxers, and as such, these are very comfortable despite their simplistic design. Two colorways are available, allowing you to mix and match the multipack as you choose.

9. Saxx Undercover Cotton Brief

Saxx’s Undercover Cotton Briefs are a slim-fitting, skin-friendly pair of boxer briefs available in 5 colorways of solid colors and mixed patterns. Here, a 3D gusseted support system has been implemented to provide muscular support and crotch comfort. Using both cotton and modal for the overall construction, Saxx has perfected a gentle blend of stretchable and breathable materials that make this a great all-rounder amongst the best workout underwear for men.

10. Calvin Klein Classics Knit Boxers

Calvin Klein is renowned world-over for their sexy and stylish underwear range, and their classic knit boxers are a testament to their time-tested designs. They include a traditional button fly for the sake of convenience and have an overall relaxed fit that makes them one of the most comfortable underwear choices on offer. Three colorway selections are available in sizes S – XL, so there’s a pair out there for every man.

11. Mack Weldon Airknitx Boxer Brief

Another offering that focuses on comfort and minimalism over any extraneous features, the Mack Weldon Airknitx Boxer briefs are 4-way stretch and flyless, with a soft synthetic construction. These are perfect for both leisure and activity, with a relaxed fit that’s still tensile enough to support you during exercise. Four lovely colorways are available so that you can pick a pair that suits you well.

12. Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief

Smartwool’s boxer briefs are seamlessly stitched and comfortable to wear, with a soft finish made possible by the sumptuous merino wool used in their construction. They come in two colorways, a muted chive, and a minimalist light grey, and are both odor and sweat-resistant, making them an excellent choice for exercise as well as everyday wear.

13. Nice Laundry Slim Fit Boxer

A tailored, traditionalist’s pair of slim-fit boxers, the Heather Grey boxers from Nice Laundry know exactly what they’re about. They come in one colorway, saving you the trouble of picking between a few, and have a classic, squared, slim-fit style that can be upsized or downsized to your liking. Made from cotton and with a spandex waistband, these boxers are as simple as they come and all the better for it.

14. David Archy Bamboo Briefs

If you prefer briefs to boxers but still want the comfort of a larger pair of underwear, then the David Archy bamboo briefs are an ideal choice. Rated the best underwear for men by NBC News, these breathable pants use bamboo-derived rayon for a naturally breathable construction. They are contoured to fit closely to the body and are great for taller men while still allowing room for comfort with a three-dimensional pouch.

15. UnderGents Inspirato Boxer Short

Inspired by name and inspired by nature, the UnderGents Inspirato is touted as being as light as a cloud, and it’s easy to believe it’s true, thanks to their stellar reviews and modal and spandex construction. With pull-on closure and a traditional button fly, these are boxers with European sensibilities and a modern American style, available in 3 nifty colorways.

16. Fruit of the Loom Coolzone Boxer Briefs

Fruit of the Loom is one of the biggest t-shirt and underwear manufacturers the whole world over, and while these stock boxer briefs aren’t anything special, you can rest assured that they are well-designed thanks to years and years of gradual refinement. This multipack includes six pairs, great for a one-stop purchase, and eight colorway selections are available to let you pick and choose as you like.

17. New Balance Boxer Brief

New Balance doesn’t just make great sneakers but also great boxer briefs. Big brands don’t always deliver big results, but New Balance has produced some of the most comfortable men’s underwear you’ll find this time around, with a simple elastic waistband and contoured brief design. Nine colorway selections are available in sizes small to extra-large, so simply pick the pack that suits you best.

18. Pair of Thieves Cool Breeze Boxer Briefs

The Cool Breeze boxer briefs from Pair of Thieves are some of the best men’s underwear for sweat-wicking, thanks to their breathable polyester fabric and anti-bunching design. There’s nothing worse than a pair of boxer briefs slowly rising up your thighs, so Pair of Thieves has implemented a slightly elasticated cuff to prevent this from occurring. With ten colorways available, and some great pattern choices, they’re great to look at too.

19. Bonobos Underwear

Bonobos underwear might not be the most functional in terms of exercise or stretch, but they are the best men’s underwear for summer wear, thanks to their bevy of brilliant designs. From pineapple patterns to garnet colorways to blue Loch Ness stripes, all the choices on offer are a sight to behold, and the wide range of sizes means anybody can wear them out in the sun – just don’t forget to put your pants on before you leave your back yard!

20. Under Armour Tech Boxerjock

Under Armour’s exercise gear is often second-to-none, and their Tech Boxerjocks prove their worth once again in this regard. These are some of the best performance boxers available and the best men’s running underwear you’ll find. They are made from a polyester blend that prevents chafing and wicks sweat extremely quickly, and their gusseted construction allows for plenty of stretch as you go.

21. Arc’teryx Phase SL Boxer

Arc’teryx is some of the best in the business for outdoor technical gear and outerwear, but their underwear can be just as good too. These SL boxers from their Phase collection are super-light, thanks to an all-polyester build, and ideal for hiking in wet conditions thanks to their fast-drying properties. The stretch fabric is perfect for both walking and climbing, and the nine available colorways are understated but perfectly pleasant.

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