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.
More Underwear We Love
Ten Thousand
A—L Boxer
Ten Thousand’s boxers perfectly teeter the line between supportive boxer briefs and compression liners—they’re tight but not too tight where your nether regions are screaming for room. They’re also designed to be stink-free thanks to silver ion technology, and the modal construction feels slick and smooth against the skin.
Comme Si
La Boxer Classica
Comme Si’s underwear is so good, many folks wear theirs as outerwear. Though considering the boxers are made from the same Italian shirting material that’s used in fine suiting, and almost always come in exquisite colorways like the one shown, wouldn’t you do the same?
SAXX Underwear Co.
Non-Stop Stretch Cotton Boxer Brief
If support is what you’re after, Saxx’s “Ballpark Pouch” will certainly deliver. Our panel loved the feel of the Non-Stop Stretch Boxer Briefs, with a tester appreciating the fact that the fabric pouch is designed to keep the legs and the balls separated, which resulted in “much less sweaty conditions.” The skivvies lost marks for its loud branding, but if that’s not bother you, this could be a winner.
Todd Snyder
Portuguese Cotton Boxers
We’re not saying you need to upgrade to luxurious Portuguese cotton poplin boxer shorts with a deftly tailored, flattering fit. We are saying that you and your closest—ahem—buds will be missing out on a really, really good thing. Todd Snyder’s new boxer shorts are classy, comfy, and honestly handsome enough to wear out as regular shorts during the summer.
Zimmerli
Pureness Stretch-Micro Modal Boxer Briefs
Zimmerli’s super luxe boxer briefs are a svelte, low-profile pair that’s full of lustrous and stretchy micro modal that contours to every curve in all the right ways. Buying enough for a week will cost you more than a mortgage, so if you’re not prepared for the hit financially, stay clear.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Classic Woven Cotton Boxer 5-Pack
Ralph Lauren’s boxer shorts are about as classic as it gets. They’re made of a lightweight, ultra-breathable plain-weave cotton that comes with a clean, open fly, and a variety of classy patterns.
Mack Weldon
18-Hour Jersey Knit Boxer
While Mack Weldon’s AirKnitx fabric underwear is among our favorites, the brand’s jersey fabric is worthy of honorable mention. The cotton-modal blend is breathable, comfortable, and stood up well to our testing. While the boxer was a favorite in our testing, the brand also uses the material for boxer briefs and briefs.
Calvin Klein
Cotton Classics Knit Boxers (3-Pack)
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. And the price is so right.
What to Look for in Great Underwear
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.”
How We Test and Review Products
Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
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