The Best Men’s Underwear 2025: Boxers and Briefs for Every Budget

Best Upgrade Boxer Shorts: Derek Rose Classic Fit Boxer Shorts

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.

Best Boxers for the Gym: Lululemon Built to Move Boxer

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, who swear they’re “totally natural,” 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.

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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 Tested These Products

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.