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The Best Men's Underwear to Buy for a Comfortable, Supportive Fit

Boxers or briefs? Shop our top picks for both.

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best underwear for men

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Whether you're planning to lounge around the house, head to work or hit the gym, the last thing you want to deal with is uncomfortable underwear. A great pair of underwear should feel soft, won't bunch or ride up and will provide the perfect amount of support so you'll feel comfortable in every situation. And if you've been wearing the same old pair for years, it might be time for an upgrade. Not all underwear is created equal, and with seemingly endless options out there, it can be difficult to decide which combination of style and material will work best for you.

Our top picks:

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly evaluate men's wardrobe staples including the best socks, cozy pajamas, comfy slippers and, of course, underwear. We recently tested more than 20 styles of men's underwear from popular brands, analyzing each pair for properties like washability and stretch recovery. Along with testing in the Lab, we shared samples with consumer testers who were able to try the underwear in their daily lives before rating characteristics like fit, comfort and support. The following picks combine our top-tested styles with pairs from popular brands with rave reviews.

Keep reading to learn all about how we test underwear, along with a helpful shopping guide, but first, here is the best underwear for men in 2023.

1
Best Overall Men's Underwear

Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Brief

18-Hour Jersey Brief
Credit: Mack Weldon

Pros

  • Super soft and stretchy material
  • Comes in 25 colors and patterns
  • No-roll waistband

Cons

  • Some testers said leg openings were snug

Mack Weldon's jersey knit boxer briefs are popular for being very soft and super stretchy. Both online reviewers and our testers agree that the underwear is incredibly comfortable, sharing that they have a "luxurious feel" and emphasizing that they're so comfy "you forget you’re wearing them." Another design feature that our testers loved is the no-roll waistband, which they say stays in place all day long.

When we assessed stretch recovery in the Lab, this pair received top marks for maintaining its shape, and when we washed them repeatedly, we noted no major changes in appearance or shrinkage. However, some testers said the hem curled a bit in the wash and found the leg openings to feel snug. Available in 25 colors and patterns, there's bound to be a pair that fits into your wardrobe, and the brand offers a subscribe and save option, so you'll never run out of your favorite style.

StyleBoxer briefs
SizesS-XXL
MaterialCotton, modal and spandex blend
2
Best Value Men's Underwear

Hanes Total Support Pouch Boxer Brief

Total Support Pouch Boxer Brief
Credit: Hanes

Pros

  • Mesh inserts for airflow
  • Brand says material is moisture-wicking
  • Held up well in the wash

Cons

  • Some testers said hem rolled up

A go-to brand for undergarments like tees, socks and boxers, Hanes is known for offering quality products at an incredible price. This pair of boxer briefs stood out in Textiles Lab tests for being comfortable and lightweight, and a three-pack is less than $20. We were impressed by just how well these underwear held up in the wash without any signs of wear or shrinkage, and testers said the boxer briefs remained in "perfect condition" after several wash cycles.

Our consumer testers highlighted that this style was great for wearing all day and for working out, thanks to the mesh inserts to improve airflow. The polyester and spandex blend material is moisture-wicking, according to the brand, and testers described it as "smooth" and "breathable." Testers also appreciated the great fit and the supportive pouch, but some said the leg hems were prone to rolling up throughout the day.

StyleBoxer briefs
SizesS-3XL
MaterialPolyester and spandex blend
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3
Most Innovative Men's Underwear

Tommy John Second Skin Mid-Length Boxer Brief 6"

Second Skin Mid-Length Boxer Brief 6"
Now 83% Off
Credit: Tommy John

Pros

  • Horizontal-open fly
  • Contoured pouch for support
  • Smooth and lightweight material

Cons

  • Limited stock

This underwear from Tommy John is full of innovative features that stood out in our Textiles Lab evaluations. Tommy John is known for its modal and spandex blend fabric that's impressively smooth, soft and breathable, and testers said it was the perfect weight — not too thick or too thin. We and our testers also appreciate the wide no-roll waistband stays securely in place without bunching and the horizontal fly for easy access during bathroom breaks. Another unique feature is the contoured pouch that's designed to provide support without feeling restrictive.

When we asked our testers what they disliked about this underwear, there were zero complaints, and several testers said they planned to stock up on more pairs. Our only caveat is the limited color options and low inventory due to selling out so quickly. If you're still not sure about buying a $36 pair of underwear, know that Tommy John offers a "best pair" guarantee, which means the brand will issue a refund for your first purchase of one pair of underwear if you don't end up loving them, even if they've been worn and washed.

StyleBoxer briefs
SizesS-XXL
MaterialModal and spandex or modal, spandex and polyester blend
4
Best Men's Underwear on Amazon

Fruit of the Loom Coolzone Boxer Briefs, 7 Pack

On Sale
Coolzone Boxer Briefs, 7 Pack
Now 27% Off
Credit: Fruit of the Loom

Pros

  • Mesh insert for ventilation
  • Great value
  • Brand says waistband won't pinch

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they lose their shape in the wash

With more than 200,000 reviews and an impressive 4.6-star rating, this seven-pack of boxer briefs from Fruit of the Loom is a fan favorite, and the underwear is priced at under $4 a pair — a total steal. We haven't tested this pair but appreciate the thoughtful design details like the mesh insert for ventilation and a cooler, more comfortable feel. Online reviewers agree that they don't feel stuffy or sweaty in this underwear. According to the brand, the waistband is designed to stay in place without rolling or pinching, and the legs won't ride up.

Plus, the underwear comes in short and long-leg options and in sizes up to 5X. Some online reviewers note that the underwear can become a bit misshapen after repeated washing with signs of wear like rippling and stretching, but we still think they're worth it for such an incredible price.

StyleBoxer briefs
SizesS-5XL
MaterialCotton or cotton and polyester blend
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5
Most Popular Men's Underwear

Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch 3-Pack Boxer Brief

On Sale
Cotton Stretch 3-Pack Boxer Brief
Now 47% Off
Credit: Calvin Klein

Pros

  • Snug fit
  • Testers felt confident and attractive in them
  • Aced stretch recovery tests

Cons

  • Some testers said fabric felt rough until washed

The original designer underwear brand, Calvin Klein has never gone out of style. These simple boxer briefs combine cotton and spandex for a comfortable feel with a bit of stretch, resulting in a snug-but-not-too-snug fit that testers loved. One shared," I hardly felt [them] throughout the day, " and another added, "They fit perfectly in all the right places."

All of the underwear we tried from Calvin Klein, including this pair, performed well in our tests for stretch recovery, keeping their shape without sagging. They aced washability tests, as well. When we laundered the underwear, we found no major signs of wear or shrinkage. Some testers noted that the material felt a little rough upon opening but added that it grew softer with each wash. Our testers also loved being able to wear a pair of classic Calvins with the iconic logo band, saying that they "felt confident" and "attractive" with them on.

StyleBoxer briefs
SizesS-XXL
MaterialCotton and elastane blend
6
Best Men's Performance Underwear

Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer 5"

Always In Motion Boxer 5"
Credit: Lululemon

Pros

  • Testers loved this pair for working out
  • Supportive fit
  • Washed well in Textiles Lab tests

Cons

  • One tester said the legs rode up

This underwear from Lululemon is specifically designed for guys on the move. Several of our testers wore this pair to the gym and raved about how perfect it was for all of their workouts, including lifting weights, stretching and running. They loved the athletic cut of the underwear and the smooth and stretchy material, describing it as "luxe and soft." They shared that it felt supportive and slightly compressive without being restrictive. They also noted that the waistband felt snug and secure without cutting in.

This underwear performed well in our washability assessments with no signs of wear or notable shrinkage, and one tester added, "[They] looked brand new," after laundering them several times. Nearly all of our testers said the underwear fit perfectly and stayed in place all day long, but one tester said he felt the need to adjust the legs throughout the day, explaining that the material rode up his thighs.

StyleBoxer briefs
SizesXS-XXXL
MaterialModal and Lycra blend
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7
Best Men's Brief Underwear

Bombas Cotton Modal Blend Brief

Cotton Modal Blend Brief
Credit: Bombas

Pros

  • Material rated highly for comfort
  • Performed well in Textiles Lab tests
  • Supportive pouch

Cons

  • One tester said the seams felt itchy

If you prefer a traditional brief style, this pair from Bombas stood out in our tests for being comfortable and supportive. Our testers said the briefs felt slightly compressive but not restrictive and shared that the pouch was spacious and provided the right amount of secure support. They also loved the cotton and modal blend, explaining that it felt lightweight and breathable, and they gave it high ratings for comfort.

The underwear performed well in Textiles Lab tests for washability and stretch recovery, staying in great shape without noticeable wear. Testers also said the underwear washed well without changing or fading. One tester said the seams felt thick and were a bit itchy around sensitive areas, but we also tested and recommend the boxer brief style from Bombas, made with the same comfy material but with a longer leg and less noticeable seams.

StyleBriefs
SizesS-3XL
MaterialModal, cotton and spandex blend
8
Best Moisture-Wicking Men's Underwear

Allbirds Trino Boxer Brief

Trino Boxer Brief
Credit: Allbirds

Pros

  • Breathable material
  • Testers loved the comfortable fit
  • Smooth feel

Cons

  • Fabric stretched some in tests

Don't let the idea of wool underwear scare you. This pair from Allbirds isn't itchy or stuffy. It's made with a unique blend of Tencel, merino wool and spandex that's breathable and wicks away moisture, so it actually keeps you cool. Testers appreciated the cooling effect and said that the underwear felt great all day long. They were also huge fans of the smooth material, with one describing it as "very buttery" and another raving that the feel was "outstanding."

According to testers, the cut of the boxer briefs is super comfortable, and the waistband didn't feel restrictive, but they did wish the underwear were a little more secure and supportive overall. They noticed some sagging in the crotch and legs throughout the day, and we also found the material to stretch out a bit in Textiles Lab tests. When we laundered the underwear according to its care label, it held up well without noticeable shrinkage or changes in appearance, and some testers added that the material felt even softer after being washed.

StyleBoxer briefs
SizesS-XXL
MaterialTencel Lyocell, Merino wool and spandex blend
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9
Best Men's Boxer Underwear

J.Crew Patterned Boxers

Patterned Boxers
Credit: J. Crew

Pros

  • Crisp cotton material
  • Reviewers say the waistband is comfy
  • Looser cut for a less restrictive feel

Cons

  • Some reviewers noted wear in the wash

Crisp woven boxers make for the perfect sleep shorts and are a great everyday option for someone who doesn't like the formfitting feel of a knit boxer brief. These cotton boxers from J.Crew have a looser cut and a comfortable feel that online reviewers love. Reviewers highlight the lack of seam in the back for a roomier fit, and they say that the waistband doesn't dig in or cause chafing.

Available in 12 classic patterns like stripes and plaids, as well as 23 playful prints including beer mugs and dogs, you're sure to find a style that you'll be excited to wear. We haven't tested this pair for washability in the Textiles Lab, but some online reviewers pointed out that they noticed pilling and fraying after laundering, while other reviewers say the underwear looks as good as new after dozens of washes.

StyleBoxers
SizesXS-XXL
MaterialCotton

How we test underwear for men

double line break

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test intimate apparel and undergarments of all kinds, including bras, lingerie, socks and underwear. We recently conducted a test on more than 20 styles of men's underwear from popular brands, assessing them in the Textiles Lab and sharing them with consumer testers who were able to try the underwear out for themselves. Altogether, we collected more than 1,000 data points covering everything from washability to stretch recovery to overall comfort and fit. Here's a look into our testing process:

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a good housekeeping analyst clamping a pair of underwear for stretch recovery testing
Philip Friedman

✔️ Stretch recovery: Underwear stretches to achieve the right fit, but it's important that they're able to maintain their shape after the elastic has been stretched. To measure stretch recovery, we mark a section on the underwear and clamp the underwear in place for two hours. Then we release the clamps, wait one minute and measure the markings to determine how well the elastic in the underwear returns to its original shape. We then remeasure after one hour and score the results.

✔️ Washability: We wash and dry each pair of underwear according to its care label instructions, assessing the underwear for any signs of wear or major changes in appearance and shrinkage.

✔️ Wear tests: Consumer testers with a range of body types wear the different styles of underwear and rate them for characteristics like ease of putting them on and taking them off, overall comfort, appearance and fit. They also have the opportunity to explain what they specifically like and dislike about the underwear and share their experiences with laundering.

How to choose the best underwear for men

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Here are a few things to consider when you're shopping for a new pair of underwear:

✔️ Style: There are three primary types of men's underwear:

  • Boxers are a more traditional style of underwear and are similar in constriction to a pair of shorts. They're typically made from a more structured woven material and have a looser, roomier cut. They aren't quite as supportive as other styles.
  • Briefs are underwear with a higher-cut leg. They tend to be made from a stretch knit material and have a slightly compressive feel. Some users think the cut can feel uncomfortable because there are seams near sensitive areas.
  • Boxer briefs are a hybrid that combine features of both boxers and briefs, and they're the most popular style by far. They have a longer cut that hits the upper thigh like a pair of boxers but are made with stretch knit material like briefs.

✔️ Fiber type: The fiber content of your underwear can change its feel and performance. Cotton is a natural fiber that's comfortable and soft but absorbent, which means it can start to feel sweaty after a while. Modal is a regenerated fiber made using plants that are chemically processed, and it has a super soft feel — even softer than cotton. Our testers loved smooth and soft cotton and modal underwear for everyday wear and for lounging around.

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that's durable and smooth and is typically used in performance underwear. Our testers appreciated the moisture-wicking abilities and stretch of polyester for their workouts. Most underwear on the market uses a blend of different fibers to combine the benefits of each, and you'll often find small percentages of fibers like elastane or spandex for better stretch.

    ✔️ Fly: A fly is an opening in the front of underwear that makes using the restroom easier. The majority of underwear styles with a fly have a vertical fly, but there are some newer ones with a horizontal fly that cuts across the front of the underwear instead of running up and down. Some underwear lacks a fly altogether, but our testers prefer underwear with a fly built in.

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    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    double line break

    Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and has covered intimate apparel of all kinds, including the best bras, bras for large busts, bras for small busts, lingerie brands and boob tape. She used her relative expertise when choosing the best underwear for men and referred to data from recent underwear testing performed by Textiles Lab intern Aidan Collins.

    Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She’s been at GH for more than four years, testing all kinds of apparel products including period underwear, bralettes and socks. Emma has a degree in fiber science and apparel design and was able to use her research experience when making picks for men's underwear.

    Headshot of Emma Seymour
    Emma Seymour
    Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

    Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

    Headshot of Amanda Constantine
    Amanda Constantine
    Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst

    Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

    Headshot of Aidan Collins
    Tested byAidan Collins
    Product Testing Intern

    Aidan Collins was a product testing intern in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab in 2023. He has a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University and is currently working towards a master of engineering. He led testing for underwear, bras and shapewear while at GH.

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