But since there are over a dozen colors and nine patterns to choose from, the subtle design doesnt mean a loss of individuality. Experts, including our Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollayan, and our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, put a number of boxers to the test and evaluated their style, comfort, price point, and durability. Every guy should own a merino wool garment in their wardrobe. Case-in-point is J. Crews collection of printed boxers all of which feature unique patterns that demand a second take. 2022 Rolling Stone, LLC. For this guide we focused on boxer briefs because, according to the experts we interviewed, theyre the most popular modern style of mens underwear. No wonder theyre best sellers. But unlike the waistbands of many boxer briefs we tried, it didnt dig into their skin. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief: These Tommy John boxer briefs came close to our premium picks. Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer 5: These boxer briefs were a disaster. Working from home has brought our appreciation for comfort to a whole new level, and knit boxer shorts were created to provide just that. Throughout the day they rode up, bunched oddly, and made for a deeply uncomfortable experience all in all. Many of the color options feature brightly colored seams. These also make for great stocking stuffers. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Check the modulus of elasticity of the waistband, said Bob Mazzoli, former chief creative officer of Calvin Klein. (In truth, no boxer briefs weve tested have fully prevented that.) We recommend this three-pack for anyone who wants classic patterns and designer-level quality to boot. Why its great: Slightly more conservativesome would say less boastfulin its cut and branding than the Saxx Undercover, the Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief is just as pleasant to wear, though its made of a heavier cotton, which may feel warm to some people. Boxer briefs are their hybrid, tighter-fitting brother, while briefs are tight and show most of the thigh. MeUndies is another new brand thats dedicated to making underwear better. We winnowed our testing list using the following criteria: Soft yet durable fabrics: The hand, or feel, of the fabric is significant. However, the ExOfficio boxer briefs stand apart from other travel-specific underwear because of their silkiness.They feel particularly light and smooth against your skin and clothes, which reduces friction and chafing compared with the feel of cotton, especially while youre moving around. GoodFor Underwear: These underwear are similarly designed to the Tommy John briefs with a horizontal fly. For several weeks, they tried on all the pairs, wore each one around for a day, and rated each model for softness, comfort, and enjoyment. Mack Weldon made a name for itself in the fiercely competitive world of men's undergarments by letting its products speak for themselves, so this is me shutting up now. That in itself should tell you my degree of satisfaction. If you think youll miss the chance to pick extra colors and designs, you need to spend a little more for one of our other picks. $185, In This Article: We considered a range of models priced between $4 and $30 a pair. Saxx Ultra: These boxers have the same cut and design as the Saxx Undercover, but theyre made from a viscose fabric (a type of rayon) rather than a cotton blend. This pair is simply more conservative and a little more formaldespite the high number of colors and basic patterns availablethan many of the other boxer briefs we tested. Wirecutter staff members who have worn MeUndies were also underwhelmed by their performance over time. Boxers are back, baby. And as far as style goes, have fun with it! Waistband and leg-band stretch: The waistband of your underwear should have enough elasticity that it hugs your body without pinching your skin, but it should remain stiff enough that it doesnt flop over. The design also has a fly, but no cup or dart to shape the front panel as on pricier pairs we recommend. ), Okay, to pipe up once more: It's also worth noting that the brand has a super-soft, jersey boxer, if that's more your thing. Mens underwear, at its simplest, is made of two panels of fabric, a front and a back, stitched together. Best for: People who like a bold look and who tend to feel warm during the day or who might enjoy the separation between themselves and their thighs. Sign up for our newsletter. You can even monogram them. Modal is a type of rayon thats cool and soft but less supportive than cotton. Similar to other higher-end brands, ExOfficio offers its underwear in a range of colors and patterns, though the availability seems to change often. One tester also noted that should the ExOfficio pair get wet, if, say, you were caught in the rain or fording a river, it may stick to your skin uncomfortably. THINGS TO KNOW:These boxers are made in a factory that supports women worker empowerment through HERproject, which creates partnerships to enable workplace-based interventions on health, financial inclusion, and gender equality. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). In 2020, we retested our four former picks and tested eight new pairs. Lightweight cotton is ideal for lounging by the fire. Mack Weldon has elevated the underwear game with new fabrics and thoughtful designs. Buy: Dont Forget YEEZY GAP x Balenciaga, RS Recommends: The Best Smokeless Fire Pits, Live Stream Ric Flairs Last Match: How to Watch Nature Boys Final Fight Online. Sturdy but breathable fabric and a darted pouch give these boxer briefs solid support and a subtle silhouette. Calvin Klein Men's Woven Boxers The world is weird right now. Best for: People who want to save some cash without sacrificing (much) in the way of quality or design. at Its unavoidable. Considering loungewear is the new workwear, we should all be given an award for wearing underwear at all. We may earn a commission from these links. With a print this good, it's almost a pity you're not wearing them on the outside. Over the course of two weeks, I wore each test pair during my day-to-day life, doing tasks like household chores, dog walks, and hikes up a mountain. Aesthetically, the pouch is vital to accentuating the inherent shape of the male form. This fabric covers the waistband, eliminating those marks that sometimes appear around the waist when you take off your underwear at the end of the day. We recommend sizing up to ensure the best fit. The pairs of underwear in this guide are soft, comfortable mid-thigh boxer briefs for daily use. However, if you dont mind the reduced durability and prefer a softer and less supportive feelsomething between that of boxer briefs and classic boxersthe Ultra might be a good pick for you. And if hippie/trippy/tropical isn't your thing, how about this understated option? The waistband also has a reassuring heft, though after several years of testing, we know its not immune from folding over on itself. Youve got your plaid tartans, your stripes, your solids, and then youve got these. The baggier fit and loose weave of boxers make them the roomiest, most breathable type of mens underwear and a good bet for all-day comfort. Why its great: The ExOfficio Mens Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6 Boxer Brief is designed for travel. Choose these if you prefer simple and understated design and a neutral color palettethey come in only two colors and no patterns. Enjoy it. This modesty carries through Mack Weldons overall branding and pattern design. The more neutral-colored pairs tend to avoid that look. They should be soft and nearly invisible against your skin, with seams that dont pinch and a perfect amount of elasticity that wont sag or stretch out during the day. Four-way stretch nylon is breathable and moves with you. The substantial cotton-modal fabric holds extremely well across the thighthe sturdy seam and the just-right elasticity make the boxers neither too tight nor too loose. Calvin Klein Cotton Classic Fit Boxer Brief: Although the design includes a two-way fly, which is an interesting feature, our testers complained about this underwears small size, rougher material, and tendency to chafe. Flaws but not dealbreakers Why the hell not! Sure, some of the best ones out there these days are cut just slim enough to sit comfortably under your favorite jeans, but clinging to your thighs for dear life? The centered logo, designed to sit just above your waistband, feels particularly young and isnt to everyones taste. Weve been testing MeUndies for the last two years with sample pairs given to us by MeUndies PR and some weve bought ourselves. No wardrobe is complete without some basicand we mean that in the best way possiblecotton boxer shorts. The cotton felt stiff and somewhat cheap in comparison with the material of our top picks, even the picks of a similar price. Sizes: XS to XXL, fits a 28-inch to 45-inch waist, Colors and patterns: nine colors, eight patterns. This extra soft version from Mack Weldon comes in a bunch of colors and patterns. These boxers from Saxx are looser than boxer briefs but slightly baggier than most boxer shorts. Still, we know that much better options are available for the price. at While most synthetic underwear has some ability to wick sweat, this pair is better than most for sweaty activities such as long walks or hikes, especially in hot locations. WHAT IT DOES: Designed with Mack Weldon's signature fabric, these boxers have functional details like a stretch gusset, tailored fit, and covered waistband for easy everyday wear. However, more expensive pairs tend to include more panels to refine the shape and fit. This pair is a great choice for people who prefer a more understated garment. Heres why every guy should have a pair of boxers for warm weather, sleeping and lounging around the house, along with 10 of our favorites. Cold water washing and low heat drying or ideally hang drying can reduce some of this wear over time. If you do try them and are unsatisfied, MeUndies will accept a full refund on any purchase within 45 days, as long as the items are not worn (though tried on is ok). They definitely combat odor.. *At the time of publishing, the price was $14. Its such a small difference that we dont consider it a reason for people without Costco memberships to skip this pick. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best styles according to what consumers most commonly search for and want. Flaws but not dealbreakers Then its harder to go back. These affordable boxers come in a wide array of patterns and colors to fit your every mood. Most of us have probably owned Hanes underwear at some point and for good reason. USER REVIEW: "Underwear so soft you forget you are wearing underwear. After another year of testing, though, we prefer the Kirkland underwear, which is cut in a way to shape and accentuate the bodyunlike these Hanes boxers, which tend to stretch and flatten across the skin. For most people cotton and modal offer the most breathability for everyday wearing. The only downside with boxers is that theyre not ideal for exercise. But this blue-and-white plaid from J.Crew will never do you wrong.