The Best Boxers for Men, Tested by Menswear Editors

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 Boxer Briefs

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 the entire criteria. Plus, you get five packs under $30, which covers the entire work week (if you don’t have a hybrid schedule).

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.

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 material. In our testing, the crazy-soft modal fabric has proven to be both naturally breathable and sweat-wicking. I love the ergonomically shaped pouch that provides roomy space to keep my precious jewels 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.

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.

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.

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

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.”