The Best Men’s Boxers for Staying Cool and Comfortable
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Summer has its drawbacks. In addition to mosquitos and sunburns, there’s a less talked about issue that all guys face: overheating and sweat “down there.” One easy way to reduce that heat, stink and sweat is to upgrade your underwear wardrobe with some of the best men’s boxers.
Boxers vs. Boxer Briefs vs. Briefs
The difference between boxers, boxer briefs and briefs can get confusing. To clarify, boxers are loose-fitting underwear that hit the mid-upper thigh. Boxer briefs are their hybrid, tighter-fitting brother, while briefs are tight and show most of the thigh.
The Benefits of Boxers
The baggier fit and loose weave of boxers make them the roomiest, most breathable type of men’s underwear and a good bet for all-day comfort. The best men’s boxers are also great for wearing solo while sleeping or lounging around the house (say, on an extra hot day). The only downside with boxers is that they’re not ideal for exercise. The extra fabric can bunch up and feel bulky under workout shorts, so we suggest different underwear (or, better yet, compression shorts) while exercising.
The Best Men’s Boxers
The best men’s boxers should embrace what boxers are known for: comfort. That means plenty of room in the leg, a luxurious fabric, a tag that won’t scratch (or no tag at all) and a flexible waistband. Here are some of our favorite pairs of boxers for men to buy this season.
1. J. Crew Printed boxers
As mentioned, boxers seem to get all the fun prints. Case-in-point is J. Crew’s collection of printed boxers – all of which feature unique patterns that demand a second take. Think, eggs and bacon, boxing crabs and astronauts, to name a few of their pattern options. But the boxers aren’t all show: the fabric is a high-quality cotton and, if you look closely, you’ll notice a comfortable brushed waistband too.
Buy J. Crew Printed boxers $19.50
2. Calvin Klein Men’s Woven Boxers
Calvin Klein might be best known for its iconic boxer briefs, but the brand makes some of the best boxers too. We recommend this three-pack for anyone who wants classic patterns and designer-level quality to boot. They’re made of a cotton-polyester blend which is lighter than 100 percent cotton, making the boxers great for summer lounging.
Buy Calvin Klein Men's Woven Boxers $42.45
3. MeUndies Boxer
MeUndies is another new brand that’s dedicated to making underwear better. The MicroModal fabric on these boxers is a good example of how MeUndies is changing the game: it’s woven from beechwood fibers and boasts a soft yet breathable feel. The boxers are also cleverly designed to resist bunching – the most common issue with boxers.
4. Mack Weldon 18-Hour Boxer
Mack Weldon has elevated the underwear game with new fabrics and thoughtful designs. These 18-Hour boxers are one of our favorite pieces from the young brand. The boxers use a buttery-soft jersey knit that offers just a bit of stretch. This fabric covers the waistband, eliminating those marks that sometimes appear around the waist when you take off your underwear at the end of the day.
Buy Mack Weldon 18-Hour Boxer $28
5. Sunspel Boxer Short
With years of underwear expertise, British label Sunspel knows a thing or two about keeping guys comfortable. These boxer shorts are proof, using a premium poplin cotton fabric that’s lighter and softer than the usual stuff. They’re nice and baggy, and the versatile light blue makes them excellent for lounging around (the food delivery guy might not even realize you’re in your underwear).
6. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Cotton Woven Boxer
For some reason, boxers usually sport more interesting, fun and stylish patterns than their tighter-fitting cousins. Take these Polo boxers: they’re outfitted with an all-over pattern of Polo’s iconic pony logo. But, thanks to a high-quality cotton weave construction, they’ve got comfort as well as class.
Buy Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Cotton Woven… $9.99+
7. Saxx Quest Loose Cannon
These boxers from Saxx are looser than boxer briefs but slightly baggier than most boxer shorts. Basically, they’re airy and comfortable, yet supportive where it counts. This in-between fit – plus a moisture-wicking fabric and odor control – makes the Saxx boxers ideal for traveling and commuting.
Buy Saxx Quest Loose Cannon $34
8. Hanes Men’s Tagless Boxer
Most of us have probably owned Hanes underwear at some point – and for good reason. These Hanes boxers are classically styled and totally barebones (in the best way possible), making them a good option for filling out a low underwear stock. They’re made of a lightweight cotton-polyester blend and use comfort-improving features like a tag-free, extra-flexible waistband.
Buy Hanes Men's Tagless Boxer $22.10+
9. Hanro Printed Cotton Boxer Shorts
Hanro specializes in luxury underwear and loungewear. Good examples from its lineup include pieces like these boxer shorts, flexing a high-end cotton construction and a geometric pattern that’s so stylish we almost wish these were swim trunks. They’re great as underwear, but we think they really shine as go-to summer lounge shorts around the house.
Buy Hanro Printed Cotton Boxer Shorts $44
10. Tom Ford Stretch-Silk Satin Boxer Shorts
If you want to give your downstairs the red carpet treatment, outfit yourself with these boxers from Tom Ford. Like everything else from the famous designer, the boxers are as well-designed as menswear gets with stretch-silk material and a velvet-trimmed waistband. They’re the tuxedo of underwear, and while we’re still working from home, they’re more tempting than ever.