The Best Men’s Underwear: From Boxers to Briefs (and Boxer-Briefs)

If you’re still somehow wearing the multi-pack tighty-whities that your mom picked out for you in high school, it may be time to upgrade. (Look, you do you, but if nothing else, you might want some less frayed ones by now.) There’s a whole world of styles, colors, and materials out there, so whether you’re a new-fangled, performance boxer-brief guy or an old-school cotton briefs dude, you’ll find something on our list of the best men’s underwear you’ll be happy to tuck yourself into.

Our top picks for the best men’s underwear

How to choose the best men’s underwear

“Tighty whities are a thing of the past!” confirms Hanshaw. “When choosing underwear for men, fit and style go hand in hand. What will you be wearing it under? All of us have seen men with slim or skinny jeans and you see that mid-thigh ring from their boxers. So look for a fit that makes you feel good, and gives the support you need to be comfortable while remaining unnoticeable through your outside clothing. Color is really to your preference and to who might see it later, but one time when color does come into play is when wearing a light colored, thinner cotton or linen pant in the summer or dress pants for work—you’ll either want to go with a traditional cotton boxer to act like a lining, or you could go with a lightweight brief to appear like there’s nothing on underneath. Stay away from white and black, though, as they show through. Go with a yellow or neutral color that won't show through.”

“Fit is key,” insists Dave Ortley, VP of product at Municipal. “Every body is different, so it’s crucial to find underwear that fits you well. A proper fit ensures comfort and support throughout the day. There are various styles to choose from, including briefs, boxer briefs, trunks, and boxer shorts, so consider your preferred style based on comfort and the intended use of the underwear. Some prefer wider, more secure waistbands, while others like softer and more relaxed options. Look for underwear with seams placed strategically for anti-chafe and a form-fitting design. Some may prefer seamless options for maximum comfort.”

How we selected the best mens underwear

We made our selections through a mix of detailed research, expert advice, and personal experience, as well as making sure each pick had highly positive customer reviews.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which type of underwear is best for men's health?

“When it comes to men's health, there isn't one type of underwear that is universally considered the best,” says Dr. James Elist, inventor/founder at Penuma. “However, here are some factors to consider when choosing underwear for men's health.” These are Elist’s recommendations:

Comfort

“Choose underwear that fits well and provides comfort throughout the day. It should not be too tight, restrictive, or cause chafing.”

Temperature regulation

“Opt for underwear that allows for breathability and helps regulate the temperature of the genital area. Avoid tight-fitting underwear that may lift up the testicles closer to the rest of the body, thus increasing scrotal temperature, which can impact sperm production.”

Moisture management

“Look for underwear that wicks away moisture from the skin, helping to keep the genital area dry and reducing the risk of infections.”

Support

“Consider the level of support you need. Some men prefer briefs or boxer briefs for better support, while others may find boxers or loose-fitting styles more comfortable.”

Material

“Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton are often recommended for men's underwear. Cotton allows for better air circulation and helps to minimize moisture buildup. However, other materials like modal, bamboo, or moisture-wicking blends can also offer comfort and moisture management.”

What material is best for men's underwear?

“For me, cotton is king!” says Hanshaw. “Cotton is soft, lightweight, and absorbent. It’s a natural fabric that breathes, and comes in a multitude of weights and styles while always comfortable. There are performance underwear fabrics that are great for sport, but not a great all-day option.”

“Soft, luxury cottons are always a go-to for comfort in underwear,” agrees Guido Campello, managing director for Cosabella (which offers a line of cotton underwear for women, as well as one for men). “Ultimately, you want something breathable, durable, and comfortable, especially in hotter climates.”

Should guys wear tight or loose underwear?

“To promote fertility, it’s generally recommended for men to opt for loose-fitting underwear made of breathable materials like cotton,” advises Elist. “This allows for better air circulation, temperature regulation, and reduced moisture buildup. Tight underwear can potentially increase scrotal temperature by lifting the testicles closer to the rest of the body and affect sperm quality. However, it's important to find a balance, as excessively loose underwear may lack support and may not be suitable for certain physical activities. It's also important to note that the impact of underwear choices on fertility is not definitive, and individual factors such as overall health, genetics, and lifestyle also play significant roles. If you have concerns about fertility, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist.”

That’s the medical advice, but of course, many of us consider how our underwear looks on us above all else. In terms of style, when it comes to choosing between loose or tight, Campello says, “Neither! Your underwear should fit properly—not too tight or too loose, so you feel supported but not cramped, comfortable and flexible but sturdy. Check your waistbands and don’t kid yourself into a smaller waistband—feeling constricted with a belly hangover situation does not inspire confidence. Make sure you’re in the right size for your current size—not too big, not too small.”

Should men sleep in tight underwear?

“It’s generally recommended to wear loose-fitting or no underwear during sleep,” says Elist. “This allows for better air circulation and temperature regulation, which can be beneficial for overall genital health. However, personal preference and comfort should be taken into consideration, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.”