WHEN IT COMES to underwear for men, comfort is first and foremost. If you prefer a loose and liberated feel over snug compression, the best boxers for men will give your crown jewels plenty of room to breathe. Boxer shorts feature an open leg and elastic waistband, with a rise—how far the center seam drops below the waist—that provides plenty of open space between your legs and enhances air flow. Unlike briefs, trunks, or boxer briefs, the best boxers for men don’t provide much support. It is essentially just a layer of fabric between your body and your pants or shorts, which helps regulate moisture and temperature in a critical area.
Best Boxers for Men
- Best Overall boxer shortsMack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Knit BoxerRead more
- Best Affordable Boxer ShortsHanes Tagless Boxer Multi-PacksRead more
- Best Boxer Shorts for TravelingLululemon Always in Motion Boxer 5″Read more
The best boxer shorts for men should be made with fabric that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle on the skin to ensure you feel at ease throughout the day. Cotton is the best textile for a comfortable feel and temperature regulation, but it can retain moisture. So if too much sweat is an issue for you, look for a blend with nylon or polyester. Additionally, they need to balance between comfort and support, offering a snug fit that won’t ride up under pants but also have enough breathing room for thighs. Lastly, the best boxer shorts for men will be functional and versatile enough for you to lounge at home with, run errands in, sleep in, or even hit the gym with.
What to Consider
Fabric
Some of the best boxers we’ve tried are made from cotton since it provides the most comfort. If you’re looking for skivvies purpose-made for workouts or outdoor adventures, then your best bet is to turn to synthetic materials (think: polyester) that are more breathable and moisture-wicking, so you don’t have to deal with dreaded swamp crotch.
Fly
This one is simple. If you prefer using an underwear fly when answering nature’s call, then check to make sure the boxers that you’re checking out are equipped with one. It really comes down to preference, and if there is one, it doesn’t mean you have to use it.
Waistband
The most under-appreciated factor in boxer shopping is the waistband. Most waistbands fall into three categories: fabric stitched over an elastic band, an exposed elastic band sewn to the body of the boxer, or a wrapped elastic band. A wrapped waistband will generally be more comfortable for extended wear. The feel of the two styles of exposed elastic waistbands will depend on the material that is sewn into the band. Always feel the inside face of the waistband before you commit to a pair of boxers
Fit
When deciding on a fit for your boxers, think about what you’ll be wearing over them. Most boxers have a baggier fit designed for comfort. These work well with shorts, sweatpants, track pants, relaxed-fit jeans, chinos, and slacks. If you prefer a slimmer fit pant, a boxer brief is probably a better choice. That’s because boxers tend to ride up when you’re wearing slim pants, but should give you less trouble if you’re wearing them under looser, more relaxed silhouettes.
How We Selected
To find the best boxers for men, our editors and writers have personally tried on over 40 different pairs since 2021 and tested each of them for at least two weeks by wearing them on different occasions, such as sporting Mack Weldon’s and Lululemon’s boxer shorts to the travel and commute in, running everyday errands in. We also consulted with our panel of underwear experts like health professionals, stylists, and influencers, in order to get a more comprehensive idea of what boxers men are turning to right now.
To get a feel for how these boxer shorts really felt and looked, we vetted our tested options by taking notes of their style, comfort, fit, price point, versatility, and performance such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether their fabric could withstand hours of movement in different temperatures, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion. We also tested our boxers on different body types, from slim to athletic to buff, to ensure the most unbiased results. Read on for our favorite picks.
Best Overall boxer shorts
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer
$34 at Mack WeldonCredit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
- Incredibly soft
- Covered waistband and stretch gusset
- Available in solids and patterns
- Offered in bundle packages
Cons
- A little high in price for a single pair
Mack Weldon snagged the top spot on our list by tweaking the traditional boxer design for added support. A single panel wraps around the back and hips to connect with a U-shaped panel in the front. We found that it caused the underwear to hug the outside of of our legs while leaving plenty of room to breathe in between. Think of it as a boxer-brief hybrid that falls into the boxer short category.
Our testers were also fans of the waistband, which is wrapped in the same buttery soft cotton and modal blend fabric as the rest of the underwear. The tailored fit offered a balance of relaxation and support while ensuring coziness for sleeping, lounging, or going about daily activities.
We also love how the stretch gusset aids in our flexibility and thigh movement, making these boxers great for traveling and commuting as well. Lastly, the button fly detail adds a functional touch. All in all, whether for movement or for loafing about at home, Mack Weldon’s versatile boxer upgrade has raised the bar in our opinion.
Read more: Best Men’s Pajamas
| Fabric | 47.5% Cotton / 47.5% Modal / 5% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fly | Vertical button |
| Quantity | 1 (3-pack available) |
| Fit | Tailored |
Best Affordable Boxer Shorts
Hanes Tagless Boxer Multi-Packs
Now 12% Off
Pros
- Under $30
- Helps wick away moisture for dry-comfort
- Sizes range up to 3XL
- No scratchy tags
Cons
- One customer says it’s a little thin (but breathable)
We’d be remiss not to include this OG skivvies brand. But Hanes has since infused its boxers with forward-thinking innovations, including its breathable fabric which felt like a second skin in our testing and also helped wick away sweat to keep us cool and dry all day long. The most comfortable boxers should also have generous room in the leg for optimal movement, a flexible waistband, and no scratchy tag, and we found that these Hanes boxers met all the criteria. No wonder they’re an Amazon bestseller.
Our testers also found that while wearing these boxer shorts all day long, the brand’s proprietary waistband has kept them from pinching and binding, ensuring comfort on the go even under slim pants. The fabric also feels very soft and naturally stretchy, making these boxers versatile for lounging and traveling. Lastly, in our testing we found that they’ve been able to maintain their fit after multiple washes.
| Fabric | 55% Cotton, 45% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Fly | Vertical, no button |
| Quantity | 5, 6, or 12 |
| Fit | Classic |
Best Boxer Shorts for Traveling
Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer 5″
Pros
- Four-way stretch
- Produced with sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric
- Ergonomic pouch offers optimal room and support
Cons
- Pricey for a synthetic underwear
Your go-to athleisure brand launched a pack of oh-so-soft underwear that has the innovative fabric for maximum comfort you’d expect from the premium label. And when this fabric meets boxer style, you get a pair of underwear that actually delivers. While Always in Motion might look at first like boxer briefs, these made-for-movement skivvies are actually boxers made with Lululemon’s elite performance fabric.
Their crazy-soft modal fabric, in our testing, has proven to be both naturally breathable and sweat-wicking. I love the ergonomically shaped pouch that provides roomy space to keep the boys in position. The four-way stretch makes it perfect for my daily pursuits and my legs’ ebb and flow too. And the quick-drying makes it so that you can actually exercise a bit in them without having to change immediately after the session. It’s the underwear you’ll want accompanying you whenever you’re on the go. The only qualm is that it does has a boxer-brief-like fit—albeit a very loose one—that will gently hug your thighs.
| Fabric | 91% Modal, 9% Lycra® elastane |
|---|---|
| Fly | None |
| Fit | Slim—touches your thighs |
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Best Boxer for Hot Weather
Bombas Cotton Modal Blend Boxer
Pros
Sturdy, comfortable waistband
- High breathability
- Handles moisture well
- Available in 3 and 6 packs
Cons
- Less durable than 100% cotton
Modal is an amazing fabric, and from our testing, we can tell you that Bombas uses just the right amount of it in these boxers. Derived from the wood pulp of beech trees, modal has the breathability of cotton, blended with the weight and feel of silk. But it can be delicate so it performs best when blended in equal parts with cotton. Bombas did just that, producing the silkiest-feeling boxers in all of our testing. It was also super breathable and handled sweltering summer days like a breeze.
The cut and fit of this boxer is unique, running on the slim and short side. Bombas incorporated some elastane, which provided enough stretch to never feel constricting. Hesitant at first, our testers fell in love with the curved hem. It resembles old school running shorts and provides the same level of flexibility. This was our top pick to wear under shorts when the weather heats up.
| Fabric | 46% Modal, 46% cotton, 8% elastane |
|---|---|
| Fly | Button |
| Fit | Slim |
Best Merino Wool Boxer Shorts
Smartwool Merino Boxer
Pros
- Flatlock seam construction designed to minimize chafing
- Fights against odor
- Outdoor- and movement-friendly
Cons
- Bold logo on the waistband
Did you know merino wool naturally wicks away moisture and helps to regulate your body temperature? Not to mention, it is antimicrobial, which fights odor. That makes merino a great fabric choice for the most comfortable men’s underwear. Smartwool goes the extra mile by wrapping merino fibers around a nylon core so this pair keeps its shape with greater durability. Plus, the fabric has held up after multiple washes in our testing. Designed with a double front panel and a flatlock seam construction, it provided plenty of support without feeling.
This was our top performer when comes to longevity. We wore it for close to 24 hours and didn’t feel uncomfortable at the end. For any situation where you’re on the move and can’t change for long stretches, like travel or camping, this is the underwear to go with.
Read more: Best Merino Wool Socks
| Fabric | 88% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon |
|---|---|
| Fly | Vertical, no button |
| Fit | Loose |
Best Premium Boxer Shorts
Sunspel Classic Boxer Shorts
Pros
- Premium feel
- Super soft and breathable
- Discount for buying in bulk
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other cotton underwear
This isn’t your ordinary pair of cotton boxers. In our testing, we found that Sunspel’s cotton creates a smooth, silky feel against our skin while being naturally stretchy and flexible enough to keep up with our movement. The fabric also felt breathable. We’ve worn it for extra long days, such as during a long-haul flight or a long day trip, without feeling a bit of discomfort down there.
From a visual perspective, we loved that they have the rich feel that defines everyday luxury, without looking flashy. Yes, they’re a bit expensive, but they feel great, look great, and have lasted through many washes in our testing. I mean, as your first garment layer, it’d better be good.
| Fabric | 100% Cotton |
|---|---|
| Fly | Vertical, no button |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Fit | Regular |
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Most Stylish Boxers
Classic Fella Classic Boxer
Pros
- No waistband logo
- High quality fabric
- Discount for buying multiple
Cons
- Inseam is a bit short for some
Just like with cooking, a few simple ingredients, put together with an expert touch, makes for an excellent pair of boxers. Classic Fella makes quintessential-looking underwear out of an Italian cotton fabric that you would expect to find in a dress shirt. Men’s Health fashion director Ted Stafford was impressed by the “clean lines and straightforward design.”
The fit is a little baggy, as most boxers tend to be, but the inseam is a bit shorter than other pairs we tried out. It offered plenty of room for everything to breathe and move around down there, with a soft texture to match. This is the underwear that you want to wear when lounging around at home on a hot summer day. Bonus points for offering a 10% discount for buying three.
| Fabric | 100% Cotton |
|---|---|
| Fly | Button |
| Fit | Classic, short |
Best Printed Boxer shorts
J. Crew Printed Boxers
Pros
- Comes in a variety of prints and patterns
- Discount offer for more than one purchase
- Brushed waistband for extra softness
Cons
- Tend to sell out quickly
An underwear drawer full of monochrome, neutral options can feel downright boring. Enter J.Crew’s famed printed boxers, which are constantly replenished with dozens of seasonal patterns. If you’re looking for a cheap-yet-stylish pair of boxers with long-wear comfort, the preppy stalwart has you covered with plenty of fun looks.
The design and fit is pretty standard, but the 100% cotton fabric kept us nice and cool in our testing and the inner waistband was secure and soft. The durability held up for over eight cycles of wash and dry in our testing, and a couple of our contributors have sworn by J.Crew’s boxers for the better part of a decade.
The one downside: given how fast these unique patterns sell out, you’ll want to grab them as soon as they come in stock. On the flip side, seasonal colors and patterns go on steep discount at the end of each season. So you can try your luck and get some great deals.
| Fabric | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Fly | Button |
| Fit | Regular |
What Are the Best Fabrics for Boxer Shorts
Gihan Amarasiriwardena, the co-founder of the apparel brand Ministry of Supply, believes that optimizing for the comfort of boxers begins with materials. “Moisture, softness, temperature all depend on finding the right fabric,” he says.
Cotton: “100% cotton has been the default for years. While cotton is known for its breathability, it isn’t great for moisture management, and there are a ton of other options on the market today,” says Amarasiriwardena. Not to mention a pair of undies that’s 100% cotton tends to lose shape over time and can give you that swamp-ass feeling. Hence, menswear stylist Patrick Kenger recommends against full cotton underwear. “In general, I try to stay away from 100% cotton and opt for blended fabrics that are more moisture-wicking and comfortable,” he says. Amarasiriwardena also recommends looking for “materials like Tencel and Merino, both known for breathability, moisture management, and odor control.”
Blend: If you’re looking for something a little more modern, go for a blend with nylon and some spandex. Nylon is moisture-wicking and the fabric won’t pill or stretch out. However, a little spandex in the fabric helps for movement with ease and extra comfort. And if blends aren’t your thing, Kenger recommends 100% merino wool as an alternative since it’s naturally moisture-wicking and more breathable.
Modal: “Fabrics like micro modal also wick moisture away but don’t lock in the bacteria like polyester does,” says Barba. Made from beech trees, this incredibly soft fabric feels like nothing your junk has ever felt before. It’s lightweight, has a silky feel to it, and also is shrink-resistant and moisture-wicking. Most of the best men’s underwear on the market that you’ll hear guys rave about will have modal in its fabrication. A better alternative to modal, by the way, is lyocell which is stronger, more tear-resistant, softer, and lighter than modal, but more expensive.
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What Are Benefits of Wearing Boxer Shorts for Men
Bottom line: boxers are comfortable, soft, and will make you feel free and easy down there. They’re great for wearing under loose-fitting clothing, sleeping, or simply lounging about the house.
According to Justin J. Houman, MD, a Los Angeles-based urologist, the tightness or looseness of underwear will have an impact on a man’s fertility. And boxers, thanks to their loose, relaxed fit, is better for men. “Tight underwear, such as briefs or compression shorts, can increase scrotal temperature, which can affect sperm production and quality,” Houman says. “On the other hand, loose-fitting underwear, such as boxers or boxer briefs, can help to regulate scrotal temperature and promote better sperm production.”
Why Trust Us
A product review story that doesn’t actually test anything hands-on or in person isn’t worth your precious time. Thankfully, we at Men’s Health don’t produce any of that nonsense. In fact, you can rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience. You can read more about our testing process here.
For instance, at Men’s Health, we have a fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products in menswear. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear what their opinions are and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s fabric or materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.
Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollayan who actually know the pros and cons of different fabrics, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, and designers—that we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.
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