Best Men's Underwear 2025: Flattering Cuts & Quality Fabric Picks

God gives his stinkiest, swampiest battles to his strongest soldiers. The battle? A dank groin. The soldiers? The best men's underwear. You might not realize it, but the least visible article of clothing in your closet is also the most crucial. Sure, you could conscribe an average pair of skivvies to fight the good fight against putrid nether regions and probably make it out OK. But unscathed and unchafed? Definitely not. If you want to emerge victorious (i.e. gloriously dry and smelling great) in that particular war zone, you need to enlist the cream of the crop.

Whether you prefer boxer briefs or boxer shorts, it should be a requirement that they’re comfortable, and made from quality fabrics that are soft to the touch and breathable against the skin. (They should also offer you sufficient support without a shred of discomfort, because no one has time for bunching or chafing.) And that’s before we even get to how they look on you. In a word: Flattering—they’ve really gotta be flattering.

So to help you refresh your drawer drawers, we assembled a panel of GQ staffers to test an arms-full of undies based on fabric, fit, and function—in aggregate, the best men’s underwear for every budget, taste, and body type. Oh, and if you’re interested in pledging your allegiance to one label and one label only, double-check our guide to the best underwear brands for men, too.

• The Best Boxer Briefs Overall: Skims 5” Cotton Boxer Briefs, $18
• The Best Boxer Briefs to Buy In Bulk: Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Briefs (3-Pack), $32
• The Best Value Boxer Briefs: Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Briefs, $15
• The Best Boxer Shorts: Sunspel Classic Boxer Shorts, $60
• The Best Value Boxer Shorts: Uniqlo Woven Trunks, $7
• The Best Boxers for the Gym: Lululemon Built to Move Boxers, $38
• The Best Upgrade Boxer Briefs: CDLP Boxer Briefs, $38
• The Best Upgrade Boxer Shorts: Derek Rose Classic Fit Boxers, $70

Material: 43% cotton, 43% modal, 14% spandex | Sizes: XS-5X | Inseam: 5" | Fly: Non-functional

Kim Kardashian might not be the first person you associate with men’s underwear (that honor would probably go to one Jeremy Allen White), but ignore her burgeoning pedigree in the space at your own peril. Last year, the Skims mogul debuted her first collection of undies specifically designed for guys, enlisting a who’s who of megawatt names to hawk ‘em. The R&D paid off—and the exposed abs probably helped, too.

Across our testers, the Skims Cotton Boxer Briefs were first in fit, support, and overall looks—and scored equally high on quality, too. As far as support goes, GQ Sports Writer Matthew Roberson was effusive in his praise, calling them nothing short of “F***ING PERFECT”. (Caps his own!) Alex Wedel, Senior Manager of Global Audience Development, said they felt blessedly secure in the pouch, and even offered his butt a little bit of a lift. They are not “secretly shapewear”, as Wedel suspected, but for the woefully tuchus-deprived among us, there’s few higher compliments.

Our testers’ only complaint? Breathability. Skims’ inaugural boxer briefs weren’t exactly stifling, but the competition outperformed them in that capacity—and that capacity alone. Ridiculously high marks for a relatively new entrant, but hey, did you really expect anything less?

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Sizes: S-XL | Inseam: 4" | Fly: Functional; side

Calvin Klein’s genre-defining boxer briefs tend to dominate our rankings for good reason: when the brand introduced them in the early ‘80s, they made designer underwear a thing, ushering in the era of the celebrity campaign in the process. Forty-odd years after their debut, the brand’s megawatt briefs still set the standard—and they look just as great on Average Joes in need of a jolt of everyday confidence.

According to our testers, CK’s cotton-stretch underwear is as good-looking as it is comfortable. The fabric comes imbued with just the right amount of stretch, solid support in the pouch, and more breathability than its counterpart from Skims, a major win for the old guard. They’re not prone to chafing or riding up, a welcome boon for GQ’s notable-but-anonymous low-rise devotees.

Even testers unconvinced by the boxers’ comfort and fit were quick to concede their value, especially when you buy them in bulk. Full-price packs cost as little as $12 per pair, but you can often catch them on sale. Are there cheaper options on the market? Absolutely—heck, some of them are immediately below. But few offer as much bang for your buck, let alone the quiet satisfaction of shimmying into designer underwear from the designer that did it first.

Material: 89% polyester, 11% spandex | Sizes: S-3XL | Fly: Functional; side

The rigor we’ve devoted to our testing might’ve clued you in to a little secret: we’re not entirely sure that the perfect undies exist. But there are options that consistently impressed us across a range of crucial factors. Exhibit A: Uniqlo’s AIRism boxer briefs. Our testers noted their support, breathability, and moisture-wicking abilities—all three of which make them solid gym buddies—but really emphasized their overall value.

According to them, Uniqlo’s famously breezy briefs weren’t the best in any given category, but at $15 a pop, the combination of properties they offered was too good not to mention. GQ’s skivvies braintrust liked the lightweight-but-smooth feel of the fabric, a matrix lesser brands struggle to approximate. They’re more expensive than Calvin Klein’s riff on the silhouette, but when you factor in the gym-ready benefits they start looking like a steal.

Material: 76% nylon, 24% elastane | Sizes: S-XXL | Inseam: 5" or 7" | Fly: Non-functional

In a not-so-shocking development, Lululemon’s Built to Move boxers scored highest marks among GQ’s resident fitness buffs. According to that lovable crew (they’re “totally natural”, they swear), the brand’s signature boxers outperformed the competition by a healthy margin, providing reinforcements at every hard-earned PR. They supported our testers more ably than an eagle-eyed spotter; wicked away sweat while allowing crucial airflow; and protected against the inevitable odors associated with “slanging massive numbers” in the squat rack—without bunching, chafing, or riding up.

Unsurprisingly, they were also among the most breathable undies we tested, largely thanks to Lululemon’s proprietary Luxtreme fabric, a silky-but-dry miracle blend that conforms to the body like memory foam without constricting your range of motion. Two downsides: If we were designing them from scratch, we’d probably opt for a functional fly—and make ‘em twenty bucks cheaper.

Material: 95% Tencel lyocell, 5% elastane | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fly: Non-functional

When the time comes to nix the 12-pack and upgrade your skivvies drawer, there’s only one brand for the job. That brand, according to our testers, is CDLP, the upstart Swedish label that emphasizes fit and fabric above all else—and charges accordingly for its expertise. These days, plenty of brands hawk undies adorned with billboard-sized logos or done up in gaudy colorways, but CDLP’s approach is a lot more subtle, and in our opinion, a lot more effective.

Andreas Palm, CEO of CDLP says that Tencel is a great, eco-friendly material that performs exceptionally in fit, fabric, and feel. “What truly sets it apart, though,” he says, “is its luxurious softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you cool and fresh throughout the day.” One thing to note: CDLP crafts almost all of its briefs from that silk-like lyocell jersey, which feels decadent (and is plenty durable), but can run a little snug. Size up judiciously.

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fly: Functional; open

How do you do, fellow boxer short apologists? We see you, we hear you, and we have not forsaken you. That’s mostly thanks to the efforts of Sunspel, the generations-old British label responsible for some of the crispest, classiest skivvies on the planet. Sunspel’s tees are a favorite of a certain licensed-to-kill superspy, so, naturally, its underwear is charmingly old-school the whole way through, endowed with an inimitable sense of retro Hollywood flair. And just like the clothes of that era, its basics are made better—in this case, out of a long-staple cotton that’s light, smooth, and far more durable than most of the newfangled schlock.

GQ Commerce Writer Gerald Ortiz, an avowed boxer shorts-wearer, swears by Sunspel for one wonky detail: a back panel that’s actually cut and shaped. “Not only does it make for a better fit,” he maintains, “it means they don’t bunch at all.” And while some boxer shorts include a button fly, the majority of our testers preferred Sunspel’s open-fly alternative. They’re Ortiz’s favorite boxers “without question”, he says. “They don’t fit like a garbage bag, they’re very well made, super comfortable, and actually elegant.” They’re also multiple factors more expensive than the big-box store fare, but who says you need to replace your underwear drawer in one fell swoop?

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: S-3XL | Fly: Functional; button-fly

We tested plenty of mid-range skivvies, but generally speaking, expensive underwear is much better than the stuff you buy in bulk. “Generally speaking” being the operative words here, of course—and Uniqlo being the exception to the rule. The Japanese juggernaut’s boxer briefs earned top marks in our value category, and its impeccably crisp boxer shorts are poised to do the same.

Like its rainbow of straight-ahead socks, Uniqlo’s range of woven boxer shorts (which they insist on calling “trunks”), is a great value proposition; Ortiz swears by them on the days he isn’t wearing Sunspel’s version. The cotton fabric is soft, the fit is roomy, and the elastic waistband is noticeably pinch-free. Ortiz has been wearing them for years, and hasn’t noticed any of the telltale sagging that defines lesser versions after too many spins in the laundry machine. All that room does have a slight downside, though—when some of our testers wore them with slimmer pants, the extra fabric was prone to laying a little funny.

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: S-3XL | Fly: Functional; open

When we say that expensive underwear tends to be better than its cheaper counterparts, Derek Rose’s ridiculously luxe boxer shorts are exactly what we’re talking about. The version our testers tried was cut from 100% cotton with an eerily silk-like feel—augmented by a downright regal sheen befitting the brand’s generations-long pedigree. Even the staunchest members of GQ’s “never boxer shorts” crowd walked away impressed, praising the extra top buttons and the second-to-none quality. (A word to Mr. Rose: our intrepid undies experts would love to see a couple of side seams for added comfort.)

At $70 a pop, would they buy a pair themselves? Well, that’s a slightly more complicated question—but if you don’t live on a writer’s salary, and refuse to compromise when it comes to your skivvies, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more worthy splurge.

Material: 56% Polyamide, 29% Polyester, 15% Elastane | Sizes: S-3XL | Fly: Functional; open

If you love the feel of a knitted material but want the freedom to go with it, a pair of knit boxer shorts are the underrepresented undies you need. Our favorite pair comes from the meticulous fabric nerds over at Mack Weldon. GQ Associate Commerce Director Michael Nolledo alternates between Mack Weldon’s 18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer and 24/7 Woven Boxer, noting that he likes the latter for its traditional fit and tailored look.

“They’re cut in a way where I have full range of motion throughout the day,” he says, adding that he’s a big fan of the “pleated fabric that runs the length of the waist”, which looks great and adds just the right stretch and comfort to the waistband. With Mack Weldon’s proprietary AirKnitx material, these boxers have even more breathability than traditional cotton boxers and can wick away more moisture too.

Under Armour

UA Performance Cotton Boxerjock (3-Pack)

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For an affordable pair of athletic underwear, consider Under Armour’s Boxerjock style. It’s a tried-and-true option with no side or back seams, and a wide and comfortable waistband. Nolledo, who cycles through the 6” and 9” lengths for HIIT and MetCon sessions, applauds the Boxerjocks for their moisture-wicking capabilities and supportive fit. “Between the waistband and bottom hems,” he says, “these will never roll up on you.”

Tommy John

Second Skin 4” Boxer Briefs (3-Pack)

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Tommy John hasn’t been around as long as some of its counterparts, but in the time since we started our annual ranking of the underwear market, its name has surfaced again and again. More than one GQ staffer swears by the brand’s Second Skin briefs, which come equipped with a signature internal pouch and what Tommy John endearingly calls a “quick draw” fly. Our testers’ verdict: not bad! But also a smidge too expensive for a modal-spandex blend, no matter how exactingly designed.

Calvin Klein

Cotton Classics Knit Boxers (3-Pack)

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If nothing comes between you and your Calvins—least of all your penchant for boxer shorts—the first name in designer skivvies has you covered in superlative fashion. CK’s knit boxers were a quick favorite among GQ’s testers, satisfying both the prodigiously-thighed among us and the fellas who’d sooner go commando than adorn their waistline with the name of any other brand. They’re not quite as sexy as Calvin’s paradigmatic boxer briefs (and the quality doesn’t really compare to Sunspel’s fancy-guy version), but as Bob Barker would remind you, the price is so right.

Choosing underwear is a very personal decision. While our preferences may vary, there are several common threads that every guy can agree on. Whether it’s boxer shorts, tighty whities, trunks or jock straps, underwear should be comfortable, soft to the touch, and breathable. Hitting those marks comes down to triangulating fit, fabric and feel to come up with the right combo to make for a perfect pair of underwear.

David Telfer, Design Director of Sunspel says that long-staple fibers are key to ensuring softness and durability, even after extensive launders. “When it comes to construction,” he says, “flat seams are key to maximizing comfort and ensuring a smooth feel against the skin.”

Fit can often be overlooked. After all, few people will ever see you in your underwear. Even then, it matters a lot. “The fit is key to ensuring comfort and confidence,” says Andreas Palm, CEO of CDLP. Comfort is the obvious reason to focus on fit, but confidence is that secret sauce that can turn a plain pair of boxer briefs into the reason you feel like a Hollywood heartthrob.

There’s another secret ingredient, too. “Beyond that, underwear should match your personal style, make you feel sexy, and be crafted from high-quality, responsibly sourced materials,” Palm says. “It’s a category that’s often overlooked, but when done right, the difference is undeniable.”

Personal style, as we’re wont to remind you, is just that: personal. Nowhere is that more true than your underwear, the first piece of clothing you put on in the morning, and the last piece you (or a lucky someone) removes at the end of the day. The right underwear for Jack isn’t the right underwear for Joe—especially if Jack swears by all-cotton boxer shorts, and Joe prefers silky, thigh-hugging trunks.

So with that in mind, we designed our months-long underwear-testing process to encompass as many preferences, body types, and lifestyles as possible. In doing so, we enlisted a who’s who of GQ staffers—including key members of our Recommends team—to subject the underwear in question to the rigors of daily life; we shimmied into them before work, squatted in them at the gym, and generally wore ‘em to pieces day in and day out until our laundry machines cried uncle.

And then, finally, we got our crack (heh) team of testers together in a room and asked them to assign each pair a score, evaluating its comfort, breathability, fit, quality, support, value—and, perhaps most importantly, overall style. Based on those evaluations, we ran the numbers, collated the anecdotal evidence, and emerged with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best underwear for men right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the cheap multipacks to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) solo buys. Whatever your preferences, whatever your lifestyle, there's bound to be a superlative pair of skivvies on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)