Introduction to the Boxers, Briefs, and Boxer Briefs

It’s an age-old question, which underwear to wear? Countless people have questioned which is the best, which is the most comfortable, which is better for your health. While your undergarments may not seem like it’s very crucial to men’s fashion, it’s still an important part of your outfit. The way it fits and the comfort it brings may be the key to bring out the confidence you’ve always needed. It also helps to even out your build, from the muscular to the lean. From professionals to students, it’s vital that you are able to pick out the best underwear for your needs. But since most people are unable to decide which is better, most go for an in between: the boxer briefs. We’ll provide the ultimate guide to the best boxer briefs, give a little insight on the popular trunks or boxer briefs, and give you some advice on which one to pick and when. 

Are Boxers, Briefs, or Boxer Briefs Better?

Psych! Trick question. There’s no way to answer which undergarment is better without knowing what you want and need from your underwear. That is to say, they’re all good because they fulfill different needs. Inherently, there’s just no way to definitively say which one is better. If you’re trying to pick between boxers and briefs, there’s just so many different aspects to consider: health, durability, maneuverability, comfort, cost, style just to name a few. You’ll have to consider a lot before being able to decide which is the better underwear for you. 

We’ll first need to explain in detail the differences between boxers, briefs, and the boxer briefs or trunks before we pass any value judgment on which one is “better”. However, even if you have a strong opinion on boxers and briefs, most guys tend to agree that the boxer brief is a happy medium. They come from a long history of development in men’s underwear and manage to combine the best of both worlds. 

Boxers vs. Briefs vs. Trunks vs. Boxer Briefs

Boxers

Boxers, or boxer shorts, as they are known are exactly that: shorts to be worn under your pants. They typically go down to your upper thigh and are pretty loose in the fit. Boxers are usually made of a thin breathable material such as cotton, which adds to their reputation as the most comfortable underwear for men. 

Briefs

Briefs on the other hand are anything but loose. They are tight and provide wonderful support, usually forming a triangular shape around the crotch area. Briefs tend to give a good sense of security by keeping everything in place and are the perfect underwear to show off that Adonis like body. But because briefs are a lot smaller than boxers, they won’t leave anything to the imagination. 

Trunks

Trunks are a good in between boxers and briefs, especially if you would like more support than boxers can provide but are uncomfortable with just how tight briefs can be, trunks are a good choice. Trunks are similar to the popular boxer briefs, which is basically a tight pair of boxers, but they’re a bit shorter and are a good choice for those with leaner legs or those who like to wear shorts that ride a bit higher. Trunks also look great under dress pants, paired with a beautifully fit colored dress shirt to give a clean cut outline. 

Boxer Briefs

Boxer briefs are very similar to trunks in that they’re a good mix in between the boxers and briefs. However, while they’re also full coverage, similar to the trunks, they also tend to be a tad bit longer than the trunks. The best boxer briefs will extend down to the widest part of the thigh, which ensures that your underwear will stay in place all day and reduce chafing. 

How to Wear Boxer Briefs

It seems intuitive that you can just pull on a pair of boxer briefs and call it a day, but by incorrectly wearing tight fitting underwear, you can cause a lot of damage to your reproductive health. In order to guarantee you’re doing what’s best for you and getting the most benefits out of a pair of boxer briefs, we’re going to go over a few details on choosing the best boxer briefs. A couple of things to keep in mind when picking and wearing boxer briefs are: 

Size

You never want to pick up a pair of underwear that is too tight or is too small for your body. You want to ensure that you have a good range of motion and that the boxer briefs are not restrictive in any way. If it’s not comfortable on the waist, the legs, or the crotch area, then it’s too small. You want to be able to nestle your package within the pouch comfortably without feeling restrictive. 

Fit

You want to ensure that you have a comfortable pair of underwear that are not too tight and restrictive. The best boxer briefs are meant to compliment your body type, not hide it away. The waistband of the boxer brief should be right at the waistline or slightly below it, depending on personal preference. The legs of the boxer brief should not have loose or bunching fabric against your legs as that can cause chafing and defeats the purpose of wearing boxer briefs. The pants legs should be pulled down on your legs and be flush against the skin. If you have muscular thighs, it’s fine to go a size up to ensure that the leg holes fit properly.

Fabric

Boxer briefs should be made of a breathable yet comfortable fabric as they are going to be flush against your body. Fabrics such as cotton, nylon, and spandex are popular choices. Cotton is great for breathability and comfort but because it absorbs sweat, try to avoid it when you’re exercising. Nylon is a good choice when you’re going to be exercising since due to its microfiber material, it will keep things dry down there. Spandex is comfortable, durable, and conforms well to your body, making it a great choice when you’re out at work in a well fitted suit and dress shirt. 

Is it better to wear Boxers Briefs?

Now that we have a good idea of what exactly boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs are, we can get down to the nitty gritty of which one is better to wear and for what. Going back to the question we posed above, it’s much better to ask which one is better to wear. 

Factor 1 - Coverage

Generally most men’s underwear is considered full coverage, as everything in the crotch area has been fully “covered”. However, men’s underwear still has a range of different coverages. Briefs provide the least coverage and boxers provide the most coverage. Trunks and boxer briefs provide a medium amount of coverage that’s similar to the boxers but they’re just not as loose. The best boxer briefs will provide the coverage that you need while reducing the amount of fabric underneath shorts and pants to ensure a smooth outline. 

Factor 2 - Support

Boxer briefs and briefs definitely provide the most support, as they are on the tighter end of the underwear spectrum. Briefs are tightly fitted and the most similar to what you would traditionally think of for underwear. Boxer briefs on the other hand can provide a great amount of support without leaving everything else on display. 

Factor 3 - Comfort

There is no clear winner in the comfort category. Because boxers are so similar to shorts, they’re very comfortable to wear if you like the non restrictive feel or you like to go commando. However, it’s not to say that briefs are so tight, they’re uncomfortable. Briefs also provide great comfort in that they keep everything in place. This is mostly up to personal preference. Therefore, many people find that the option in between, the boxer briefs tend to be the best fit. Because boxer briefs are made to have a tighter fit, the material that they’re constructed from is quite important to take into account as well. The best boxer briefs are made of comfortable materials such as cotton, silk and polyester. This ensures the best of both worlds, support and comfort. 

Factor 4 - Health 

Health-wise, the jury is still out on this one. For example, it's been proven that those who wear boxers on a daily basis have a significantly higher sperm count than those who wear briefs, but boxers also tend to cause chafing due to the extra fabric. Meanwhile tighter underwear such as briefs are necessary when you’re moving around to prevent chafing and discomfort, but by being too tight, can cause jock itch due to sweat buildup. The best solution can be to choose the boxer brief instead: not so tight as to reduce sperm count, but not so loose as to provide little to no support. 

Factor 5 - Breathability

It’s very important to consider breathability when you’re choosing underwear, because it will directly impact the health of your whole body. If you move around a lot in your day to day or tend to sweat more than most, not only do you have to consider some anti-sweat shirts, you’ll also have to consider your underwear choices to prevent health concerns. While boxers are the most breathable, they’re not recommended to be worn under professional dress. Briefs can also be uncomfortable to wear. Boxer briefs are a good choice, as the best boxer briefs are made of breathable materials such as cotton, which provides both comfort and breathability. This can prevent nasty odors and the dreaded jock itch. 

Factor 6 - Style

Why do we consider style when it comes to underwear? Well, because after the comfort and support factor, it’s likely that someone will eventually see you in your underwear and you'll definitely want to make sure you’re looking your best then. Hands down, the best choice for style is the boxer brief. Since they’re tight but not reminiscent of the speedo, they can provide a great way to show off your body. Since the best boxer briefs wear a bit longer down the leg, they mold and fit to the thigh that helps to draw attention to your leg muscles and improve their appeal. Even if you’re not the most fit person in the world and have a bit of a belly, a wide waistband can easily hide it and draw attention elsewhere. The boxer briefs are versatile and work for a plethora of body shapes. Even if no one is going to see you in your best boxer briefs, you cannot deny the aesthetics of a slim fit white dress shirt, and a fitted pair of dress pants with no creases and great definition down there. 

When to Wear What

Boxers 

The best time to wear boxers are when you’re mostly going to be stationary and like the comfort that they provide. Boxers are also great if you’re more of an apple shape as they can even out the excess in the stomach area. They’re also great if you’re on the lean side as they can add bulk to the entire build. Boxers should not be worn under any kind of restrictive pants as the excess material will bunch and cause chafing of the inner legs. Naturally, if you want to project that laid back, calm personality, boxers are the way to go. 

Briefs

The best time to wear briefs are when you’re moving around all day or when you’re doing any kind of exercise. You should always wear briefs or boxer briefs when you’re dressing in any type of tight pants, such as jeans, otherwise the extra fabric will bunch and look strange. In a professional setting, you’ll need to match the dress shirt with dress pants and briefs to ensure the best slim fit outline. Of course, if you’ve got the build and you want to show it off, there’s nothing better than briefs or trunks to showcase your assets.

Boxer Briefs

Honestly, boxer briefs are comfortable and good to wear in all situations. If you’re relaxing at home, boxer briefs both feel comfortable and look great. When you’re at work or wearing any type of professional fitted wear, boxer briefs are great to provide the support without the excess fabric bunching and causing weird creases in the pants. As long as you choose the right fabric, boxer briefs are a good choice when you’re exercising as well as staying still. In general, if you’re not looking for the looseness that boxers provide, boxer briefs are a great choice anytime. The best boxer briefs will provide support, comfort, and flexibility. 

 

Top 14 Best Boxer Briefs for Men

When you’re looking for the best boxer briefs, there’s just too many options to choose from. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best combination of boxer briefs that provide comfort, durability, and support. Don’t forget, boxer briefs pair perfectly with a white dress shirt for a clean outline in a professional setting. 

1. Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Stretch Multipack Boxer Briefs
   
   Calvin Klein is world renown for their underwear and the classics don’t lie. This is a great pack to have in your collection as they’re both affordable, easy to wash, and look great. The low rise cut does wonders for your physique and the fabric is both soft and durable.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Uniqlo Men Supima Cotton Boxer Briefs
   
   These cotton briefs are comfortable, stylish and not nearly as expensive as they can be. They’re a great affordable option that are both breathable and comfortable. They’re stretchy but still provide great support.
   
   
   
   
3. Uniqlo Men AIRism Low-Rise Boxer Briefs
   
   These unique low rise boxer briefs are comfortable and include cool touch, odor controlling and deodorizing features. They’re made of a stretchy fabric that fits well and conforms to the body to ensure they will stay in place all day.
   
   
   
   
4. Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Boxer Brief
   
   These boxer briefs are one of the most breathable pairs out there, as they're engineered to keep you dry and cool, even during an intense workout session. They’re moisture-wicking and deodorizing, which makes them a great choice during the humid season as well.
   
   
   
   
5. Nike Flex Micro
   
   Nike micro trunks provide optional comfort and stretch, featuring Nike’s sweat wicking technology to ensure a dry finish. They have flat seams throughout the briefs to reduce chafing and improve comfort.
   
   
   
   
6. Mr. Porter Falke Ergonomic Sport System
   
   This is a pair of wool and silk-blend boxer briefs that are great for both indoor and outdoor activities. They’ll keep you warm but not sweaty as their blend of wool and silk help to regulate body temperature.
   
   
7. Everlane The Boxer Brief | Uniform
   
   This pair of boxer briefs were developed over 12 years and made of Supima cotton that’s both softer and more durable than regular cotton. They’re comfortable and durable, easy to care for and looks great.
   
   
8. American Trench Boxer Briefs
   
   This is a pair of boxer briefs that are made in the USA with a blend of Supima cotton, micro modal, and spandex. Each pair is sewn in Los Angeles. It’s easy to care for and includes a no roll waistband with flatlock seams throughout to ensure a chafe free experience.
   
   
9. CDLP Boxer Briefs
   
   These boxer briefs constructed in Iyocell bring the ultimate comfort as it feels smoother than silk and softer than cotton. It’s both breathable and naturally anti-bacterial so it will be one of the most comfortable pairs of underwear you’ll own.
   
   
10. New Balance Men’s 6” Boxer Brief Fly Front with Pouch
    
    New balance brings a comfortable pair of boxer briefs perfect for exercise. They’re made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, ensuring the ultimate comfort. The quick wicking design and mesh gusset reduces the time sweat stays on the skin, which will keep you cool and dry.
    
    
11. J. Crew Stretch Boxer Briefs
    
    These boxer briefs are true to size and made with a blend of cotton and spandex for the best comfort and stretch possible. They’re machine washable and are inexpensive for a great pair of cotton boxer briefs to add to the collection.
    
    
12. Derek Rose Alex White Men’s Boxer Briefs
    
    These boxer briefs have slightly longer legs and are made with manual welt hems for the ultimate comfort. The minimalist design ensures that the micro modal fibers speak for themselves. They can help regulate body temperature, which makes this pair ideal to wear throughout the whole year.
    
    
13. SSense Sunspel Black Long Leg Stretch Boxer Briefs
    
    These stretch cotton jersey boxer briefs have an elasticized waistband with an embroidered logo. They’re made of 92% cotton and 8% elastic. Sunspel has been around since the industrial revolution and is fairly popular due to their promise to offer the highest quality underwear.
    
    
14. Mr. Porter Hanro Micro Touch Stretch-Jersey Boxer Briefs
    
    These boxer briefs come from the Swiss label Hanro, which is well known for being invisible under pants but keeping comfort and breathability. They provide a seamless finish even under the tightest of jeans. 
    
    

Top 3 Best Boxers for Men

If we haven’t convinced you on the boxer briefs, or you’re dead set on the boxers, we also have a couple of great choices. We’ve picked out some boxers that are both comfortable and affordable. They’re perfect for lounging around at home, or wearing out for the ultimate comfort. 

1. Lands' End Men's Classic Fit Flannel Boxers
   
   These boxers are made of 100% cotton from the well established brand of Lands’ End. They have a festive holiday pattern with hidden seams to reduce chafing.
   
   
2. Polo Ralph Lauren Men's 3-Pack Classic Fit Packaged Woven Boxers
   
   These boxers come in a pack of three and are made of a moisture-wicking cotton, ensuring comfort without the need to worry about jock itch. They’re both stylish and easy to wear.
   
   
3. Hanes Men's 5-Pack Tartan Boxer with Inside Exposed Waistband
   
   These 5-pack of boxers are made of cotton with a fabric-wrapped waistband that stretches for a non-binding fit. They’re also tag-less for the ultimate comfort. They come in a pack of five, which gives you a great choice in patterns.
   
   

Top 3 Best Briefs for Men

We’re picked out a great selection of cotton briefs that provide both support and comfort for when you need something that gives more oomph. 

1. Fruit of the Loom Men's Tag-Free Cotton Briefs
   
   These briefs are the classic white briefs that every man needs in their wardrobe. They’re also tag-free to ensure the most comfort.
   
   
2. Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Classics Multipack Briefs
   
   These briefs are made of 100% cotton that’s soft, breathable, and durable. They come with the iconic Clavin Klein logo on the waistband.
   
   
3. Amazon Essentials Men's 7-Pack Tag-Free Briefs
   
   These briefs are also made of 100% cotton with a soft, lightweight, and breathable ribbed knit to ensure the best support while ensuring comfort by being completely tag free. 
   
   

Conclusion

While both boxers and briefs have been around for ages, the classic question of boxers vs. briefs have never been definitively answered. This is due to the fact that it’s such a personal question and can reveal a lot of information about someone, from their body shape to their active life. As such boxers are definitely better for comfort and possibly for reproductive health as well, but there’s nothing wrong with the support that a tighter pair of briefs or trunks can provide. After all, there’s nothing more comfortable than relaxing at home in a pair of boxers, but briefs are where it shines when you’re all dressed up in a perfectly fitted dress shirt and suit. But naturally when you want the best of both worlds, the boxer briefs are the ideal choice. They’re comfortable but still provide support and style and you can wear the best boxer briefs in almost every situation. Why choose, when you can have it all?

FAQ

• What is the Best Quality Boxer Brief?
  
  The quality of the best boxer briefs are those that are comfortable and made of breathable materials such as cotton, such as Calvin Klein’s cotton boxer briefs.
  
  
• What Boxer Briefs are the most comfortable?
  
  The most comfortable boxer briefs are those that are made of a breathable material such as cotton or nylon and conform well to your body.
  
  
• What brand has the best Boxers?
  
  Brands such as Calvin Klein and Uniqlo have the best boxers as they’re well made and comfortable.
  
  
• What are the best breathable boxers?
  
  The best breathable boxers are those that are made of cotton, polyester, or nylon.
  
  
• Are Boxer Briefs supposed to be loose?
  
  Boxer briefs should not be loose in the crotch area or in the leg area.