We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We put 18 pairs of boxer briefs to the test from brands like Hanes, Under Armour, Tommy John, Fruit of the Loom, and Calvin Klein to find which ones topped the charts.
We found the best boxer briefs for you!
Credit: Justin Simoni
By Justin Simoni ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated December 3, 2025
We bought 18 men's boxer briefs and worked our buns off to find the best. We wore these boxers daily, working in them, exercising, and putting them through a battery of objective tests.
The Smartwool Active Merino emerged as the best overall due to their high level of comfort, construction quality, and odor control. That said, for about $10 cheaper, you can get three pairs of best value winning Columbia Tri Blend and only relatively lower performance.
Editor's Note: Our boxer brief review was updated on December 3, 2025, adding products from Calvin Klein, Pair of Thieves, Tommy John, and others.
Excellent wool/synthetic blend materials and construction
More durable than most any other wool pair
CONS
Pricey
Best for drier or milder climes
We often prefer wool blend fabrics in many of the products we buy — like our base layers and travel underwear — so it really is no surprise we have found an absolute winner in the Smartwool Active Merino. Fabric and stitching are top-notch, and this pair of boxer briefs features a minimal design with seams that stay clear of sensitive areas. The thick waistband keeps them from slipping down, while the flatlock seam hemline stops them from riding up. A fully gusseted crotch is one of our favorite standout details. “Normally, I'd shy away from wool underwear in my daily rotation, but the blend of these has more polyester spun in to make them more durable for repeated wearing,” notes our lead tester, Justin Simoni.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
56% Merino wool, 44% polyester
Fly
No
MeasuredInseam
3.5 in
Flatlock Seams
Yes
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$35
These boxer briefs may not appeal to everyone, which we can understand. Wool is generally quite thermoregulating, but our tester noted, “I found that wool will wear a little warmer, so if you're already in a hot and/or humid climate, these may not be the pair I'd grab first.” Also, a single pair of these costs more than a multi-pack of basic cotton underwear. The minimal design also omits a fly, which may or may not be important to you. If the fabric is the biggest detraction, but you're looking for excellent performance in your bottoms, go instead with the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0. If you want to stick to cotton for price and performance, the Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjock is one of our favorites.
The Smartwool Active Merino's thick, stretchy waistband, flatlock seam hemline, and fully gusseted crotch are some of our favorite features on these handsome undies. Credit: Justin Simoni
Quality construction is what we first noticed when taking out the Columbia Tri Blend for their first spin. Each seam that makes up these boxer briefs is sewn with an exact perfection rarely seen on a less expensive pair of undies. The tall, 1.5"+ waistband dutifully kept these on our hips, while the cotton/polyester blend fabric felt comfy on our skin with just the right amount of give. These dried quite quickly on the line in our dry tests. Colorways are conservative and should work well for most looks, with only a small tasteful detail of color in a stitch near the fly.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% spandex
Fly
Yes
MeasuredInseam
5 in
Flatlock Seams
Yes
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$12
These are a poly/cotton/spandex blend, and the synthetic content means these will inevitably get stinkier and hold onto their funk quicker and longer than natural fiber undies like wool or 100% cotton. “But for daily wear, any polyester odor buildup should be minimal and wouldn't be seen as a dealbreaker to me,” notes our tester. Although we'd probably reach for a different pair for more active pursuits outside, like the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0, which we found more breathable and dries faster. For a 100% cotton fabric suggestion, check out the Calvin Klein Classics or the Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6".
The stretchy waistband is only matched by the four-way stretch poly/cotton blended fabric. Credit: Justin Simoni
For those cowboys – both literal and metaphorical – that need to keep their wild horses held safely in the pen while out fixing fence out on the range, the Saxx Non-Stop Stretch are here to lend you a helpin' hand. The frontside pouch supports your anatomy, safely cradled away in their own mini hammock, lending a ton of support and breathability away from your thighs. “The flatlock seams over the entire pair are of excellent quality, further reducing any chance of chafing,” mentions our lead tester. The soft-to-the-touch cotton fabric is also one of the stretchier fabrics we've tested, thanks to the 4% elastane content woven in with the cotton. The waistband is also tall and thick, resisting rolling more than most.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
96% cotton, 4% elastane
Fly
Yes
MeasuredInseam
4.5 in
Flatlock Seams
Yes
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$25
Cotton boxer briefs usually dry a lot slower than synthetic material, which can equate to being less comfortable if you start sweating in these, but the Saxx Non-Stop Stretch fared better than other cotton pairs in our tests. Breathability, both dry and wet, was also about average, and perhaps slightly better than other cottons. If you crave more performance, but want to stick with a front pouch, try on the Tommy John Second Skin 4", which is made from a silky smooth Lenzing modal, and features their own version of a slightly more relaxed contoured pouch. If inner thigh chafing is a big issue for you, opt for the 8" long inseam version to keep this at bay. We use these when hiking in warmer weather when wearing sun pants.
"Stretch" is the name of the game for the Saxx Non-Stop Stretch. Credit: Justin Simoni
For some, cotton isn't just king, it's the only choice they'll consider. For those, we nominate the plush Calvin Klein Classics for your approval. These 100% cotton fabric boxer briefs are sewn together with low-profile flatlock seams throughout and feature a 1 1/2" tall waistband. “They have a somewhat shorter inseam than most of the other boxer briefs in our lineup, but it is paired with a much taller bottom hemline, which kept the legs from rising up,” notes our lead tester. These would be the boxer briefs for you if you prefer that shorter inseam.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
100% cotton
Fly
Yes
MeasuredInseam
3 in
Flatlock Seams
Yes
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$15
Being 100% cotton, there is a good chance that the Calvin Klein Classics will shrink slightly when washing/drying. “The measurements we took from the CK Classics should compensate for any shrinking, keeping them true to size”, adds our lead tester. The thicker cotton fabric didn't wick as well as synthetic alternatives in our lab tests, and this pair took a little longer to dry than most other pairs (except pairs made out of even heavier fabric, like rayon/viscose). The Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" are a good alternative to try, especially if the short inseam is a deal-breaker for you. If on a budget, check out the Pair of Thieves Tagless, which aren't as thick and soft, but can be found for a great price.
Taking basic measurements of products can help us compare them to each other. The inseam of the Calvin Klein Classics are shorter than most at ~3 inches , but also have an inch-tall hemline, which is larger than most. Credit: Justin Simoni
For those always on the run, there is little equal to the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0. The high-performance, four-way stretch nylon fabric is breathable, wicks away sweat, and dries fast — boiling down to a more comfortable ride when temperatures climb and sweat starts to build. Not only can these boxer briefs help keep you more comfortable, but they're more than likely to end the day in your hamper with less of a stink and be fresher for the next time you need to wash them. “These are the boxer briefs I make sure to put on when I'm working outside”, reveals our tester. Due to their quick-drying nature, they're also great for travel or backpacking, since you can wash them in a sink or stream and hang them to dry for the next day of your trip.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
89% nylon, 11% elastane
Fly
Yes
MeasuredInseam
5 in
Flatlock Seams
Yes
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$30
Such high performance always comes with some compromises, and there are a few even for the Give-N-Gos. Cost is one — the price may shock you when you're used to a four-pack of your favorite cotton boxer briefs costing as much or even less than a single pair of these. Another is that even with arguably more advanced performative fabric, these just may not breathe as well as regular old cotton when dry. “I've noticed that after many, many times worn, the fabric starts to pill, which doesn't impact performance, but I'll admit can be a little unsightly – especially for how much you pay,” mentions our tester. For an excellent semi-synthetic pick, try out the Saxx Vibe, which has performance fabric and good dry times. The Smartwool Active Merino is another high-quality, high-value luxe pair of boxer briefs.
The extreme four-way stretch of the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 is one of its secrets to its comfortable all-day wear. Credit: Justin Simoni
Give-N-Go or Give-N-Go Sport Mesh?
ExOfficio has expanded its highly popular and high-performing classic Give-N-Go 2.0 line with the introduction of a “Sport Mesh” variation. This similarly impressive boxer brief features an even thinner synthetic fabric than the original, making it even more impressive when it comes to drying time and breathability. This makes the Sport Mesh option a great choice for high-output action sports or long travel days. However, the more delicate fabric may not be as durable a choice for everyday use where the Classic really shines. But if you're planning a big trip on which every ounce will count and you know you'll be hanging a pair to dry each night, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 2.0 is an excellent option to consider.
Being on a budget shouldn't mean giving up the right to look good or feel comfortable. When funds are tight, the Pair of Thieves Tagless delivers just what you're looking for. They're made of a thin, four-way stretch cotton fabric, paired with a stretchy, elastane waistband. All the flocklock seams are optimized to move with how the fabric is pulled around, while also being reinforced in critical areas, such as seam junctions. The bottoms feature no seams at all in the most sensitive areas from leg end to leg end. In our line dry tests, we discovered that the lightweight fabric is quick to dry and features superior breathability over heavier pairs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
95% cotton, 5% spandex
Fly
Yes
MeasuredInseam
4 in
Flatlock Seams
Yes
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$4
What's not to like about the Pair of Thieves Tagless? Lifespan of these less expensive undies may suffer, as the thin fabric that makes them so comfortable will inevitably wear faster. “The waistband isn't quite as thick as other pairs, but I never experienced them rolling,” adds our tester. Still, the quality stitching was refreshing to see on a budget pair, making these a good pick for daily use when bought in multiples. The Hanes ComfortFlex is another no-nonsense pick that features a little thicker fabric, if you're shopping around for other alternatives, though we found the quality wasn't quite up to our personal expectations. If you want to step up your boxer brief game while still having money for the rest of your outfit, check out the Columbia Tri Blend, which, while more expensive, may deliver better value in the long run.
The Pair of Thieves Tagless only weigh 2.2 ounces (Size Medium), making them comfortable to wear, breathable, and very fast to dry. Credit: Justin Simoni
Compare Products
Side-by-side testing is our bread-and-butter, and real-world testing allows us to dissect the nuanced differences in these boxers. Credit: Justin Simoni
How We Tested
Before testing, we scoured the market for a wide range of underwear, representing a solid selection of prices, designs, and materials. We then independently purchased today's top products and evaluated them side-by-side to find the supreme pair of skivvies. We field-tested them in our normal day-to-day, during high-output activities like running, and packed them for our travels. Each pair was sent through the washer and dryer many times to see how well they hold up to extended wear and tear, considering our condensed testing window. From sitting on the couch to running down the trail, wearing them in freezing temperatures and through triple-degree heat, we've spent months wearing these boxers, an experience that backs up our objective tests.
Our boxer briefs testing is divided into four rating metrics:
Comfort (40% of total score weighting)
Breathability (25% weighting)
Construction Quality (20% weighting)
Odor Control (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Justin Simoni plays hard but rests harder — it's not unlike him to take residence on the living room couch for days at a time after some particularly exhausting multi-week mountain adventure. He believes feeling content in the clothes you're wearing is one key to working and resting with comfort. Ethan Newman also contributed to this review. Ethan never knows what he might get into next, and he needs his clothes to be ready to adapt to any situation. He has reviewed daily wear and travel underwear for years and has tested more than two dozen pairs side-by-side. Ethan balances work as a rock climbing guide and owner-operator of several vacation rentals. On any given day, he may need to go climbing, get dirty and fix something, or appear as a working professional in either realm. This need for versatility taught Ethan to carefully select his clothing purchases – down to his boxers – and he brings this keen eye to every product he tests.
We've taken this collection of boxer briefs with us on our everyday adventures, both out in the great outdoors and while running around during our hectic work weeks!
Analysis and Test Results
We always rigorously test any product we review, including boxer briefs. We design replicable, laboratory-style tests and measurements for an objective perspective on how these products compare to one another. We then back that up with in-depth field testing, drawing on our personal experience to help dissect the nuanced differences in product performance. We evaluated these boxer briefs in the aspects that can make or break a pair of briefs: comfort, breathability, construction quality, and odor control.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Boxer briefs usually aren't at the forefront of your mind during most of the day, but when it's time to buy some new pairs (or when buying them as a gift: thanks Mom!), you want to make sure you're getting a good value for the money being spent. Prices for boxer briefs can vary wildly. Are the priciest pair always the choice to buy, or is it worth saving considerable money and opting for a multi-pack where each pair costs only a fraction of the most expensive?
Budget-minded pairs of boxer briefs may be a little more plain looking and simple in construction, but usually will get the job done nevertheless. Credit: Justin Simoni
For one of the best values for your daily drivers, it's seriously hard to beat the Columbia Tri Blend boxer briefs, which seem to deliver the comfort of a cotton pair of underwear in a longer-lasting synthetic blend. The quality of the seams and stitching is also top-notch.
Quality is top notch for the Coluumbia Tri Blend, from the soft and stretchy polyester blend fabric, to the thick waistband, and excellent seam quality. Credit: Justin Simoni
If your budget is exceptionally tight, roll with the Pair of Thieves Tagless, which are made of a soft cotton fabric, and stitching specifically designed to allow a ton of stretch. These boxer briefs move with you, rather than fight against. We also subjectively think that they look great, which is one area where the cheapest pairs often flounder. This is mostly due again to the quality of stitch-work that's on display, where other cheapie brands often do a poorer job in an effort to save production costs.
For a budget pair of boxer briefs, the quality seam work delivers on a good value, which we think reflects in them also look attractive. Credit: Justin Simoni
If you only want to have a few pairs of boxers in rotation for an extended trip where you want to pack light, we highly recommend picking up a few pairs of the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 boxers. This is a high-quality pair of briefs that are built to last. Many thru-hikers will make it hundreds (or thousands) of miles on foot in just two pairs!
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 are not the cheapest pair of boxer briefs available, but we've had pairs that have lasted years, and their excellent breathability and quick dry time make them perfect for traveling when space is at a premium. Credit: Justin Simoni
Comfort
When given the choice, you probably want to pick out the most comfortable pair of boxer briefs available. And it's not just about feeling extra luxurious when putting on your favorite underthings. Since boxer briefs cover and protect some of the most sensitive parts of your body, it's worth paying a little extra attention to take care of yourself. Smoother fabrics, well-placed seams, wide and soft waistbands, and a thoughtfully designed fit all contribute to a more comfortable pair of skivvies. We considered how comfortable a pair is throughout the day, during activities like regular exercise, and throughout a reasonable lifespan for this type of clothing. We also assessed how well they fit under different types of pants – thicker work pants versus lightweight fitness shorts, for example.
Wool underwear may not seem like an obvious choice for all of us, but we are fanatics ourselves because of just how soft a quality pair of wool/synthetic blend boxer briefs can feel. Even when it gets wet, wool can pull moisture away from the body, making you feel less swampy, and keeping moisture away from your skin can prevent undesirable chafing. The Smartwool Active Merino is a standout wool/synthetic blend boxer brief, and this fabric is one of the softest found. We especially like these for traveling, as the wool resists odor buildup in a way that 100% cotton or polyester may only dream of being able to achieve.
Seams sometimes converge at the bottom of the underwear, creating the potential for sewn seams right where you don't want them. But this pair of boxer briefs has a fully gusseted crotch, straight through to the other side of the legs. Credit: Justin Simoni
Cotton can be an excellent choice for comfort. We rated the Calvin Klein Classics high because of the generous weight of the cotton fabric used, which felt loftier and more substantial than other cotton options tested. The Saxx Non-Stop Stretch were also soft to the touch, and as the name suggests, feature a four-way stretch knit to keep in step with your movin' and shakin'. Like most products from Saxx, it features their patented Ballpark pouch to give an additional amount of hammock support up front. The Saxx Vibe are similar, but made out of bamboo-derived viscose, and ours came with some funky and fun designs. If these choices are too rich for your tastes, check out the Hanes ComfortFlex or Gildan Regular Leg 5-Pack.
The Calvin Klein Classics feels comfy underneath our jeans. Credit: Justin Simoni
Cotton blends can take some of the best attributes of cotton and further enhance them with the addition of polyester, which can add some more everyday longevity and resistance to getting stretched out or baggy. The Columbia Tri Blend is made of surprisingly comfy fabric, paired with a nice thick roll-resisting waistband, and seam quality that really impressed us. The Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjock may cost a little more, but we especially love its thick waistband.
The soft fabric of the Columbia Tri Blend and minimal use of seams really helped boost its comfort. Credit: Justin Simoni
Synthetic fabrics can also make for some comfy undies. They usually have excellent wicking abilities and dry out fast. The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 often beats out the competition on our line dry test, which can equate to you feeling drier down south as well, especially when you're handling a summer day as best as you can. The Tommy John Second Skin 4" lightweight fabric has a similar silk-like feel and features a supportive front area that's a little more relaxed than Saxx's version. The Tommy John Second Skin 8" have an extra-long inseam, which can solve chafing problems on particularly hot and humid days where few other boxer briefs can help. Even less expensive picks can offer more than reasonable comfort and shouldn't be overlooked, like the New Balance 6" Fly Front 3-Pack.
The Saxx Vibe can certainly give off a certain vibe compared to other undies with better odor control. Credit: Justin Simoni
Breathability
In the context of boxer briefs, we define breathability as how well a pair lets your own perspiration leave the surface of your skin, and successfully get through the fabric to the next layer. Judging boxers on their breathability is not only important for a general sense of hygiene but is paramount in selecting a pair of boxers for exercising or outdoor activities, like backpacking. The boxers we tested present a wide range of breathability, which largely comes down to the type of fabric used, its thickness, and just how tight the knit is. The better a pair of boxer briefs kept us cool and dry – as opposed to swampy and sweaty – the better each product scored in this metric.
We perform a few lab tests that help us form our opinions. One is a line dry test, where we note the dry starting weight of each pair, then the fully saturated weight, as well as the time it takes for a pair of boxer briefs to fully dry out on the line. Pairs that initially hold onto more moisture usually also take longer to dry out. We found that thicker cotton holds onto water the most aggressively, while lightweight synthetics hold onto the least. We also measured the air permeability of the fabric when it's both dry and saturated. Generally, lightweight synthetics performed the best when both dry and wet, as did all fabrics that feature a looser knit, no matter the fabric type. Synthetics and wool have wicking properties and pull moisture away from the skin via capillary action.
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 is in a league of its own regarding breathability. Its moisture-wicking, lightweight nylon fabric performs better than cotton alternatives. Credit: Justin Simoni
Our dry time tests were easily dominated by the nylon ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0. Nylon is one of those fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, and the fabric utilized is very thin. This translates to less perspiration locked onto the boxer briefs when you wear them, and a lowered chance of painful chafing. We verified this on hikes out with our favorite four-legged friends, where we wore the Give-N-Go's over our normal pants without issue.
Wool/synthetic blends, like what's used in the Smartwool Active Merino, show excellent moisture-wicking properties that can keep you feeling dry even when the temperature starts to rise. Credit: Justin Simoni
We were also quite pleased by just how well natural-fiber pairs like the Smartwool Active Merino breathed. We can attribute this to the natural wicking properties of the wool and polyester blend, as well as the looser knit. Dry times were near the top, only better by lighter, fully synthetic pairs.
The cotton/polyester fabric blend of the Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjock keeps them performing well like a full-synthetic pair, while still giving you the look and feel of cotton. Credit: Justin Simoni
Synthetic blended with cotton showed the next best breathability performance, not far behind all-synthetics. If you like the look and feel of cotton, but crave more breathability, this is your best bet. The Columbia Tri Blend and Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjock would be our go-to.
The lighter weight of the fabric compared to other cotton pairs lets air and water vapor move easily through. Credit: Justin Simoni
Although cotton does not have natural wicking properties, we were surprised at some of the results a few pairs showed us. The Champion Every Day Comfort Stretch, Fruit of the Loom Eversoft CoolZone Fly, and Pair of Thieves Tagless all had excellent air permeability scores, both dry and wet. All three use lighter-weight fabric that can't hold onto water as well. If you want to stick with cotton but need some breathability, try one of these options.
The lightweight, almost sheer fabric found on the Tommy John Second Skin 4" easily lets this fabric breathe when you're working up a sweat. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Bamboo Cool was one of the most breathable pairs we tested when dry, but we found performance degraded more than others if they did get fully saturated, and dry times weren't impressive on the line as the fabric would absorb approximately 200% of its weight in water. Other cellulose-blended bottoms like the Tommy John Second Skin pairs and the Saxx Vibe performed better, likely because both of these boxers use lighter-weight fabric.
The signature “Ballpark Pouch” of the Saxx Vibe is designed to create excellent support up front and center, while also enhancing breathability and allowing for more airflow. Credit: Justin Simoni
Construction Quality
When you purchase anything – even something as commonplace as your underwear – there is an expectation that it's manufactured so it won't fall apart after its first use. For boxer briefs, we look closely at the materials being used and how everything is constructed. Out of the packaging, do we already discover runs in the stitching, misaligned seam-work, discoloration in the fabric, or oddities in the waistband? Does anything start to fall apart after a few uses?
All the boxer briefs we've highlighted in our lineup at the very least meet what we feel is a reasonable level of construction quality, and many have very much exceeded our expectations. One absolute standout is the Calvin Klein Classics, which illustrated a step beyond most other pairs we've tested. Each seam is almost perfectly aligned, and the minimal, ultra-low profile seam work is also a big reason why these are so comfortable. This attention to detail may be one reason you'd want to pick these for special occasions.
The taller-than-normal hemline on the leg helps prevent the shorter inseam from riding up. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Saxx Non-Stop Stretch, another cotton boxer brief, also scored higher than most. We were again incredibly impressed with the stitching and seam work, especially since there's so much of it going on in the “Ballpark Pouch” area, and if anything was out of alignment, there's a good chance you'd notice it. The logo on the waistband is also on its own patch, so when the rest of the waistband stretches, the logo isn't distorted. Little details like that suggest that quality is evident throughout.
The Saxx logo on the waistband won't stretch out when the rest of the band is challenged. It's a small detail, but one we enjoyed seeing. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Smartwool Active Merino also illustrates excellent quality in its construction. We surmised that this may be because the wool blend is more difficult to work with, so more careful seam attention is required to achieve the final product. We've now owned and worn our pair for over a year, and they've held up great, as we've always hung them up to dry.
Seamwork is excellent and has held up for over a year in our rotation. Credit: Justin Simoni
Excellent quality is found throughout the lineup. If you're worried you'll get a dud pair, by and large, the synthetics or synthetic blends are solid choices. For the price, the Columbia Tri Blend goes well beyond the call of duty to deliver an excellent product, even if it's not quite as flashy as other options. The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 has also proven its an absolute workhorse that won't fall apart in harsh conditions. We'd take these on a thru-hike across the country if asked! The REI Co-op Everyday Boxer Brief is another strong synthetic contender whose simplicity belies its quality.
Stitching and seamwork are tight on the REI Co-op Everyday Boxer Brief. Credit: Justin Simoni
Odor Control
One should never dread undressing after a long day for fear of a rising stench from below. We evaluated the odor retention of our underwear selection by going for an extended run on a hot, sunny day and after some targeted sweating. Additionally, we kept notes on how they fared after daily use, examining them right before washing. Some fabrics and fibers deal with odor better than others, and even if our testing wasn't always pleasant, it was informative.
Wool fabrics are naturally odor-resistant, which is the reason why wool bottoms come out on top of the proverbial laundry pile. Wool has a naturally occurring coating called lanolin, which is antimicrobial and thus helps to prevent body odor from building up. Although synthetics dry the fastest of the common fabrics, wool tends to dry faster than cotton. The Smartwool Active Merino is an excellent choice if you want odor control.
Smartwool's blended boxer briefs provide an impressive amount of odor control in addition to a comfortable, all-day fit. Credit: Justin Simoni
Synthetic fabrics can be a mixed bag, as different fabrics can have wildly different characteristics. Broadly speaking, nylon holds onto less stink over the long run than polyester. Anti-odor treatments are available and often employed, but they can add cost and may wear out over time. A synthetic standout includes the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0, which features wicking, fast-drying nylon fabric with an anti-odor treatment baked into the fabric. For long hours during crunch time in the office or to wear on a long hike, these are an excellent choice.
The nylon fabric and anti-odor treatment of the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 works well to keep these boxer briefs from causing a big stink. Credit: Justin Simoni
Line Dry for Longevity
It's no surprise that the high heat of a dryer is hard on clothing. But it is especially tough on antimicrobial treatments. Even if a pair of boxers is listed as dryer-friendly, we recommend line drying to get the most performance out of your new boxers for as long as possible.
A few pairs of premium briefs – the Saxx Vibe and Tommy John Second Skin 8" shorts – represent a sort of middle ground for odor control. They are made with a fabric blend that includes either viscose or modal, which might be considered semi-synthetic fabrics. Both come from the cellulose of a woody plant (bamboo and beech trees, respectively) and are then put through a complex chemical and industrial process to spin it into fiber. These fabrics tend to be slightly less oleophilic than classic synthetics but aren't nearly as good at warding off odor as natural fibers. The Bamboo Cool represents a budget choice for those who would like to experiment with Bamboo Viscose/semi-synthetic bottoms.
The Bamboo Cool are made out of bamboo viscose, which starts out as a natural material -- bamboo -- but is turned into a semi synthetic rayon-like material. Credit: Justin Simoni
Cotton boxer briefs will usually garner only mediocre anti-odor qualities, but we would stick with ones that dry the fastest, like the Champion Every Day Comfort Stretch 3-Pack and Fruit of the Loom Eversoft CoolZone Fly Boxer 7-Pack. Odors will have a harder time establishing themselves in your hamper if the environment is less swampy.
Leaving out a pair of boxer briefs after a workout to then give a quick sniff test in the morning was one of the ways we monitored odor control. Credit: Maddock Rigby
How to Pick the Best Boxer Briefs
We've compiled a few responses to some frequently asked questions for those pursuing a new pair of boxer briefs.
Why Choose Boxer Briefs?
Boxer briefs may yield the best mix of style and comfort for most people. Of course, this comes down to personal preference, and you likely don't need convincing if you've made your way to this review. Unlike plain briefs, boxer briefs cover your inner thighs snugly, which will minimize chafing while giving you some needed privacy and support that normal boxers won't always provide. And we also think they look great as well! Not too many people (us included) feel like we can pull off a good look in briefs, and looser-fitting boxers can sometimes bunch and snag underneath pants. Our test team prefers how boxer briefs' close fit accentuates the leg muscles and butt.
Boxer briefs' killer feature could be how they wrap snugly around the legs, and prevent inner thigh chafe, which neither briefs or boxers can match. Credit: Justin Simoni
What Fabric Should I Choose?
We talk about three main types of fabric in our lineup: cotton, synthetic, and wool blends. All these fabrics can be used to make a killer pair of boxer briefs, and they all have their strong and weak points.
Cotton boxer briefs are a breeze to care for, while also having good-enough performance in metrics like breathability and odor control. Credit: Justin Simoni
Cotton is usually used for the most economical pairs, which can be important when you need multiple pairs of underwear — and if you find a specific pair you adore, why not grab a few? They're also usually the easiest to care for, as they can usually be machine-washed and tossed in the dryer. A good pair of cotton boxer briefs should last a good while. They may not be the most buttery soft — or the most stylish — but they usually get the job done as daily drivers.
The performance of the semi-synthetic bamboo viscose fabric is similar to other synthetics like nylon and polyester, while not being wholly petroleum-based. Credit: Justin Simoni
Boxer briefs are also made with nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fabrics (or sometimes a blend of these with cotton). Synthetic fabrics have better wicking properties, which people in humid climates or who are generally sweatier will definitely appreciate. Many synthetics resist odors well and dry fast on the line. They may also cost more than a cotton multi-pack, so you'll have to weigh whether the relative upgrade in comfort and performance is worth it to you. Check the manufacturer's care instructions, as many of these pairs will have to be dried on the line or only on “low” in your dryer, which could be a deal breaker if you know you're not going to bother to sort your clothes out during the laundry cycle.
For all but the most hot and humid days, we find we prefer a wool blend boxer brief, even for every day wear. Credit: Justin Simoni
Wool blends are the last type of fabric we cover. To some, the feeling of wool against their skin is second only to perfection. Wool keeps moisture away from the skin even when wet, which could further help prevent chafing. Breathability is usually very good, and the durability of the wool fabric is better than you may think, as the wool boxer briefs we've reviewed are spun with some sort of synthetic to enhance the fabric's strength and provide a little stretch. If cared for correctly, they also can last a long time, but you'll want to read the care instructions closely — many of the wool products we spotlight need to be hung out to dry.
Three different fabric types are on display (from left to right): cotton, nylon and a wool blend. All make an excellent boxer brief. Credit: Justin Simoni
What Features Are Important in a Boxer Brief?
Be on the lookout for a few key design details when you shop for boxer briefs: a little stretch in the fabric can help the underwear mold to your own dimensions and make them fit seemingly perfect. We prefer boxer briefs that have lower-profile flatlock seams throughout, a gusseted crotch, and no seams that run anywhere underneath and between the legs, as they sometimes cause irritation to some of the most sensitive parts of our bodies.
The fly on this pair has a top opening, which is unique in our lineup. Credit: Justin Simoni
Most boxer briefs have a fly built in, but some don't: we're ambivalent ourselves, but we know some have a strong preference. We prefer a thicker top waistband, which helps keep the underwear from slipping down or rolling, and a thicker band helps distribute the force. A good pair of boxer briefs will have a seamed hemline on the legs to prevent them from riding up. Inseam length is the final important detail to consider: some people prefer a longer inseam (6" or more) to further prevent the legs from riding up and keep the thighs covered to prevent chafing.
A fully gusseted crotch area keeps seams off of the most sensitive parts of your body. We give high marks for boxer briefs that have this design. Credit: Justin Simoni
What's the Best Way to Care for Boxer Briefs?
Always follow the manufacturer's suggestions on the tag. Care instructions may be the linchpin that ultimately determines which pair you'll grab. This lineup consists of boxer briefs we'd wear as everyday pairs, so care should be on the easier side of the equation.
Most of the boxer briefs in our lineup can be tumbled dry on low in your clothes dryer, but always check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you're caring for your boxer briefs correctly. Credit: Justin Simoni
100% cotton boxer briefs are usually one of the easiest to care for, as they'll fare well being washed/dried with the rest of your cotton clothes, but don't forget that unless they're labeled “pre-shrunk”, they're apt to come out of the dryer a tad smaller than when they went in. However, cotton also tends to stretch back out with wear. Synthetics and wool blends may need a little more TLC to get the most performance out of them for the life of the product. We'll always hang dry our wool blends, rather than take the risk of heat drying them, which can shrink or damage them.
Some boxer briefs like the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0, have instructions to dry on low, or put out on the line to dry. Credit: Justin Simoni
Conclusion
Our team of testers put every pair of underwear through the wringer to find the best boxer briefs on the market. We sought out options made from quality materials to highlight boxers that represent a solid value. We considered comfort, breathability, construction quality, and odor control to provide the most accurate first-hand information you can find without purchasing all of these pairs yourself. We hope you found this comprehensive review helpful and informative, so you can easily find the best pair of skivvies to add to your drawer collection.
