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We bought 15 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 the best comfort, construction quality and odor control. That said, you get three pairs of best value winning Columbia Tri Blend for the same price and only relatively lower performance.
Editor's Note: We updated our boxer briefs review on November 8, 2024, adding products from Bamboo Cool, Hanes, Smartwool, Under Armour, Champion and ExOfficio.
Excellent wool/synthetic blend materials and construction
More durable than most any other wool pair
REASONS TO AVOID
More expensive than many other pairs
Best for drier or milder climes
SPECIFICATIONS
MeasuredInseam
3.5 in
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$35
Material
56% Merino wool, 44% polyester
Fly
No
Flatlock Seams
Yes
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 are clear out of the way in sensitive areas. The thick waistband keeps them from slipping down, while the flatlock seamed hemline stops them from riding up. A fully gusseted crotch is one of our favorite standout details. Normally, we'd shy away from wool underwear in our daily rotation, but the blend of these has more polyester spun in to make them more durable for repeated wearing.
These boxer briefs may not appeal to everyone, which we can understand. Wool will just wear a little warmer, so if you're already in a hot and/or humid climate, these may not be the pair we'd grab for first. The higher price than a multi-pack of normal cotton underwear is another detraction if you can't see the value you get for the Active Merino's price tag. 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.
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.
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. The fabric also has a tendency to pill, which shouldn't impact performance but can be a little unsightly for how much you pay. For an excellent semi-synthetic pick, try out the Saxx Vibe, which has performant 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 on how comfortable they wear all day long.
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.
Potential odor buildup when compared to 100% cotton
Heavy branding
SPECIFICATIONS
MeasuredInseam
4 in
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$14
Material
57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% elastane
Fly
Yes
Flatlock Seams
Yes
The world is awash with cotton boxer briefs. And for us, one pair claims top honors in the category: the Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjock. There's a little magic in the fabric in the form of a polyester blend that makes these undies feel a whole lot smoother against your skin. Another magic ingredient is the addition of elastane, which makes these feel more supportive against your legs. The chunky waistband is also almost 1 1/2" wide to help keep the boxer briefs on our hips. Low-profile stitching on the legs keeps them from riding up. We most appreciated the fully gusseted crotch with a lack of seams running across some of our most sensitive areas.
We believe there is a lot to love about the Under Armour Boxerjocks, but we can understand that the bold branding on the waistband not being everyone's cup of tea. If you're looking for a 100% cotton boxer brief, these won't be them. You could also see (or smell) a bit more stubborn odor even after washing care of the 38% polyester in the blend. Check out the Champion Every Day Comfort Stretch 3-Pack and the Hanes ComfortFlex if other cotton options are what you desire.
The thick waistband of the Under Armour UA Performance Cotton Boxerjock is its thick, 1.5" waistband, which comfortably keeps them in place.
Hip seams noticeable under thinner pants and shorts
SPECIFICATIONS
MeasuredInseam
5 in
Price per Pair, if Multipack (Based on MSRP)
$12
Material
57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% spandex
Fly
Yes
Flatlock Seams
Yes
We continue to be impressed with the performance of the affordable Columbia Performance Cotton Stretch. They initially seemed like a run-of-the-mill, price-point pair of boxer briefs. However, the cotton-poly blend works well to balance the moderate odor control of cotton with the improved wicking capabilities of polyester, and the spandex adds a nice bit of stretch. For an otherwise simple pair of boxers, this blend helps mitigate the post-run stink. These reasonably priced boxers have held up surprisingly well to years of wear, further supporting our belief in their value.
As a more standard pair, we think a few aspects of these boxers could use improvement. For instance, the seat has two seams that tend to show through thinner-cut pants and shorts, and a more thoughtful seam placement could prevent this issue. Also, polyester is one of the weaker choices for odor-fighting fabrics, and adding an antimicrobial treatment – like that found on more premium pairs, like the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 – would really help. But for daily wear, the Columbia Performance boxers are an excellent choice, especially considering the cost per pair.
We were surprised by how well the Columbia Performance boxer brief has held up, and how well they continue to perform day-in and day-out.
100% cotton or Heathers:
75% cotton, 25% polyester)
Fly
Yes
Flatlock Seams
Yes
For a no-nonsense pair of cotton boxer briefs that do the job at an incredibly low price point, reach for the Hanes ComfortFlex. The price is hard to beat, which could be perfect for those who would prefer to spend their hard-earned cash elsewhere. These boxer briefs feature a great design and decent flatlock stitching, which mostly stays away from sensitive areas of our own anatomy.
These undies are a little more utilitarian than others. You'll find a thinner waistband up top, the cotton fabric feels a little rougher than some of the other pairs we've slipped on, and the stitching quality has a bit to be desired. But the ComfortFlex gets the job done — and did we mention the low cost? For some other solid choices for a simple cotton daily driver, check out the Champion Every Day Comfort Stretch 3-Pack that features a thicker waistband, as well as the Columbia Performance Cotton Stretch, which gives good performance with an absence of sticker shock.
Jump for joy! The Hanes ComfortFlex are an inexpensive multi-pack pair of boxer briefs, that work well for daily activities, like being a little monkey jumping on the bed.
One doesn't often get to use the word “innovation” when talking about a staple product like men's underwear, but the Saxx Vibe brings something new to the table. The Ballpark Pouch adds two webs of soft mesh between the crotch and legs, keeping things centered and separate. This prevents chafing and adds a whole lot of support when compared to conventional boxer briefs. One tester used these almost exclusively for weeks after a vasectomy, as they provided as much support as a jock strap during the healing phase. The viscose fabric – a fiber made from bamboo cellulose – is also wicking and comfortable against the skin.
If you prefer looser-fitting underwear – styles closer to boxers than briefs – then the Vibe is probably not the best fit for you. It has a very supported feel, which might not be for everyone, particularly those accustomed to tucking their anatomy to one side. Despite being great for wicking away moisture, viscose is more similar to a synthetic fiber than a natural material. As such, the odor control of these boxers is lacking. As an alternative, even the recycled polyester blend of the Saxx Vibe represents a marked improvement in terms of odor control. We'd highly recommend either of these pairs of boxers for active individuals who desire extra support from their underwear. For less aggressive support up front, have a look at the Tommy John Second Skin 8".
The signature “ballpark pouch” of the Saxx Vibe is designed to create excellent support up front and center.
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: Ethan Newman
How We Test Boxer Briefs
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
As a jack of all trades, Ethan Newman 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. So, 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. 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.
Taking our undies out for a test drive. Running in these boxers was a great way to judge breathability, and note if there were any points of chafing or rubbing.
We made sure to test our underwear with repeated cycles of wearing, washing, and drying. Make sure to always check the manufacturer's care instructions to get the most longevity out of your clothing.
The Tommy John Second Skin boxer briefs were some of the comfiest we tested.
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!
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. Unlike plain briefs, they cover your inner thighs snugly, which will minimize chafing, all while giving you some needed privacy and support that normal boxers won't always assist with. 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 leave a little too much to the imagination. We like how boxer briefs fit closely to our legs and accentuate our leg muscles as well as our butt. Boxer Briefs seem to be the most comfortable under most types of pants as well, without snagging and needing us to make some ninja rearranging at the dinner table.
Boxer Briefs killer feature could be how they wrap snugly around the legs, and prevent your inner thighs to chafe, which neither briefs or boxers can match.
Credit: Justin Simoni
What's the Best Fabric for a Boxer Brief?
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 the fabric resists shrinking or getting damaged in the dryer. A good pair of cotton boxer briefs will look great on your own body and last a good while. They may not be the softest against your skin — or the absolutely 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. These fabrics may have better-wicking properties, which people who work outside 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 in if 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 already have a million things going on in your life.
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. If cared for correctly, they also can last a long time, but one has 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 perfectly. We prefer boxer briefs that have 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 own bodies. Most boxer briefs have a fly built-in, but some don't: we're ambivalent ourselves, but some people have a strong preference. We prefer a top waistband that's thicker than thin to help keep the underwear from slipping down and to help distribute the force of the band. 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 — up to 6" — to further prevent the legs from riding up and keep your thighs covered.
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 boxer briefs themselves. Care instruction may be the lynchpin that ultimately decides which pair you'll grab. Cotton boxer briefs are usually easy to care for, as they'll fare well being washed/dried with the rest of your cotton clothes. Synthetics and wool blends may need a little more TLC to get the most performance out of them for the life of the product.
These nylon boxer briefs will outlast most pairs if you take the step to hang it dry rather than in your drier. The synthetic fabric should dry out on the line pretty quickly.
Credit: Justin Simoni
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.
What's the Best Value?
For a purchase, even as basic as boxer briefs, you still want to know that you're getting the most bang for your buck. The balance of price versus value is a fine line: not every top-end item is worth the price, and not every affordable product is worthy of investment. When we assess products, we always consider how well they perform relative to their competitors first and foremost and then consider the price as a secondary factor to judge overall value. But we also recognize that boxers often are an economy-of-scale purchase, so we do place a bit more weight on price per pair than we would when comparing other gear.
It's also important to consider how you want to wear these boxers: are they your everyday grab? If that's the case, there is no better buy than the Columbia Performance Cotton undies, considering their balance of comfort, breathability, and unbeatable value per pair. If your budget is exceptionally tight when shopping for your daily drivers, go with the Hanes ComfortFlex, which we rated fairly reasonably in most of the metrics we tested while coming in at a very compelling price point. A couple of other 100% cotton options that came in very close behind are the Gildan Regular Leg 5-Pack and Amazon Essentials Tag-Free 5-Pack. These could be worth a look if an easy multi-pack of budget everyday cotton boxer briefs is your goal. Or perhaps you only want to have a few pairs of boxers in rotation – say, during an extended trip where you want to pack light. In that case, we highly recommend picking up a few pairs of the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 boxers, a high-quality pair of briefs that are built to last. Many backpackers will make it across the country on foot in just two pairs!
Although unapologetically one of the more expensive boxer briefs in our lineup, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 will last a long time, taking on the abuse of every day life without even blinking.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Comfort
We can't think of any good reason to choose less comfortable underwear over more comfortable underwear. We're guessing you feel the same way. Boxers cover a sensitive place on the body — take good care of it! 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 boxer briefs feels against some of our most sensitive areas. Even when wet, wool can pull moisture away from the body so that you at least feel less swampy, and keeping moisture away from your skin could prevent chaffing. Check out the Smartwool Men's Merino Boxer Brief and Active Merino as two excellent picks. The Active Merino is simpler, a little less expensive, and a little more durable, which could be attractive to those looking to start putting a wool pair in the rotation. The Merino Boxer Brief may be a little softer as it has more wool in its blend but does need a little more TLC when washing/drying.
Oftentimes, seams converge onto the bottom of the underwear leading to a potential to have sewn seams right where you don't want them. But this pair of boxer briefs is bereft of such nonsense, having a fully gusseted cross strait through to the other side of the legs.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Synthetic fabrics can also make some comfy undies. Synthetic fabric has excellent wicking abilities and dries out fast. The Saxx Vibe boxers take an unconventional approach to comfort. Their patented Ballpark pouch separates the crotch from the legs with a thin mesh web. While we initially found the feeling peculiar – especially if you're used to “riding side saddle” – we eventually came to really enjoy the feel and support of the unique Saxx design. If the pouch idea doesn't apply to you, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 has a more relaxed fitting.
The Saxx Vibe can certainly give off a certain vibe compared to other undies with better odor control.
Credit: Justin Simoni
And let's not forget natural fibers also make an excellent choice for everyday boxer briefs, as care instructions are usually dead simple. The cellulose-based fabric of the Tommy John Second Skin 8" briefs is one of our favorites. Wash and dry them like some of your favorite cotton t-shirts (machine wash cold, tumble dry low). We were also happily surprised by more affordable options, like the all-cotton Columbia Performance Cotton Stretch, New Balance 6" Fly Front 3-Pack, Adidas Performance 3-Pack, and the Fruit of the Loom Eversoft CoolZone Fly Boxer 7-Pack. The Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjock may cost a little more than the above, but we especially love its thick waistband.
The thick waistband on the Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjock is complemented by a simple hemline on the bottom to keep the legs from riding up.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Breathability
One of our lead testers often works outside on 100 °F-plus days, so you can imagine that breathability is vitally important. 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 fabric choice and thickness. 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.
Natural and synthetic fibers can both be breathable, but each has upsides and downsides. Cotton is breathable until saturated since it is capable of absorbing up to 28 times its weight in water. Synthetics tend to do a better job of wicking moisture away from the skin, drawing on the weave and texture to wick moisture between the fabric via capillary action. Natural wools, like Merino, absorb moisture into the fabric and use your body heat to evaporate. Wool can be incredibly breathable, but the fiber itself is thicker than cotton or synthetics, so undies made of Merino wool tend to feel much thicker than their counterparts.
For the price, the Bamboo Cools did an excellent job with staying breathable, even when things got hot.
Credit: Justin Simoni
The Bamboo Cool was one of the most breathable box briefs we tested in this category. The lightweight fabric easily lets air and moisture pass through unabated, helping keep you cool and dry. Other cellulose-blended bottoms like the Tommy John Second Skin 8" and Saxx Vibe also did quite well, likely because both of these boxers are particularly thin-cut. We were also quite surprised by just how well natural-fiber pairs like the Smartwool Men's Merino Boxer Brief breathe, considering the thicker weight of the fabric of these Merino-blended boxer briefs.
These wool boxer briefs breathed well, despite our built-in prejudices against wearing wool outside of winter.
Credit: Justin Simoni
The Columbia Performance boxers also did surprisingly well in this category. The cotton pulls the moisture away from the skin, and the polyester pulls the moisture away from the cotton, allowing it to evaporate more easily.
The Columbia Performance Cotton Stretch drawers are surprisingly sporty, and don't ride up thanks to well-made hems.
Credit: Ethan Newman
Construction Quality
We wanted a way to quantify all the little details that make a pair of underwear nice to wear and the ways that they remain nice to wear day in and day out. This metric first assesses construction quality by closely examining the stitching and material. We then run these boxers through repeated wearing and washing cycles to draw conclusions on how they might develop over time within the confines of our in-depth but relatively limited testing cycle.
The folks at SmartWool know what they're doing — and it shows — as the Active Merino and Men's Merino Boxer Brief easily top the charts in this metric as well. Even after years of regular use, the stitching is clean and unfrayed, the waistband is as snappy as ever, and the wool has hardly pilled up in any noticeable way.
The quality of Smartwool's offerings like the Active Merino is hard to argue with.
Credit: Justin Simoni
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 also impressed us with its potential for longevity. We've tested a few different pairs of these bottoms, and they have outlasted many other boxer briefs in our underwear drawer. We recognize that these models do cost a fair bit more than some of the other options. But they will also likely last a fair bit longer, as good materials and craftsmanship tend to equate to construction quality. The lean Tommy John Second Skin 8" features excellently stitched, low profile hemming that stays out of the way from getting snagged.
Excellent fabric and superb stitching really drove home why the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0's ranked high for us in quality.
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 then assessing the odor retention after some targeted sweating. Additionally, we kept notes on how they faired 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 on our list 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's Men's Merino Boxer Brief and Active Merino are both excellent choices from our lineup.
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 very far from it, 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, Tommy John Second Skin 8" shorts – represent a sort of a 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, Fruit of the Loom Eversoft CoolZone Fly Boxer 7-Pack, and Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6". 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
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.
