Funny Mens Underwear in Denver Co
The research
- Why you should trust us
- Best supportive boxer briefs with a perfect amount of stretch: Saxx Undercover
- A refined cut with sturdier fabric: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief
- Extra comfortable boxer briefs at a reasonable price: Gap 5″ Boxer Briefs
- Best budget pair under $5: Kirkland Signature Men's Boxer Brief 4-pack
- Travel-ready boxer briefs you can wear every day: ExOfficio Men's Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
- How we picked and tested
- What about MeUndies?
- The competition
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
Why you should trust us
For this article, I spoke with three industry experts: Michael Kleinmann, CEO of The Underwear Expert, a boutique underwear subscription service; Nick Graham, the founder of Joe Boxer and current CEO of the Nick Graham men's clothing line; and former Calvin Klein chief creative officer Bob Mazzoli, who was VP of merchandising when the company made famous the now-ubiquitous boxer brief design in the mid-1980s. Finally, I spoke with designers and company representatives from Hanes and Mack Weldon, and they provided important context about the way modern brands are creating new designs for changing tastes. Over the years, we've tested these picks on people who represent a range of body sizes and gender identities.
Personally, I've worked for Wirecutter for six years in various capacities—comparing, testing, and writing about everything from backpacks to cooking equipment. I've worn boxer-brief-style underwear for most of my life.
Best supportive boxer briefs with a perfect amount of stretch: Saxx Undercover
Our pick
Best for: People who like a bold look and who tend to feel warm during the day or who might enjoy the separation between themselves and their thighs.
Why it's great: The Saxx Undercover stands out from other boxer briefs because of its cotton-blend fabric and unique cup design, which allow it to feel more comfortable and supportive than many other pairs we tested while also wicking moisture and lending a flattering silhouette. The internal pouch design consists of two panels of nylon-mesh fabric, shaped like the jib of a sailboat, that follow the internal seam of the underwear cup and separate the edge of your thighs from the rest of your anatomy. It's a design that helps to secure everything in place and to reduce chafing or rubbing of sensitive areas. Throughout the day, we felt like we needed to adjust ourselves less, if at all, while wearing the Saxx boxer briefs than with other briefs. Testers also noted how flattering the pouch felt compared with that of other designs. "My topography is awesome without getting too cup-spilleth-over," one tester said. "Also, it's very comfortable to sleep in."
The Undercover's fabric, made of a cotton-modal blend with a touch of spandex, is soft and pliable, but it also makes this pair more supportive than many other blended-fabric boxer briefs we tried, which tended to stretch out. The material feels lightweight and absorbs moisture well. After weeks of testing various brands' boxer briefs, I personally liked the Undercover pair the most—their stretch and cling against my legs, the way they stayed in place longer and felt like a second skin. The waistband of this Saxx pair is about an inch tall and stays in place better than that of any other boxer briefs we tested. It's not perfect—it rolled in certain situations, such as when we hunched forward in a chair—but it's as close to perfect as we've found. Saxx offers a nice variety of neutral colors and louder, fun prints.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The centered logo, designed to sit just above your waistband, feels particularly young and isn't to everyone's taste. However, it's not as loud or as large as other logos we've come across, and one tester particularly appreciated the overall look of the Saxx branding. "These feel workmanlike," he said. "They're sturdy. They do the trick. Not too soft, but not stiff. They keep things front and center. And the centered brand makes me feel like a boxer in a sexy boxing match—Pow! Pow! You're kissed!"
Material: 57% cotton, 38% modal, 5% elastane
Sizes: XS to XXL, fits a 28-inch to 46-inch waist
Colors and patterns: three solids, six patterns, limited runs of one-off prints
A refined cut with sturdier fabric: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief
Our pick
Best for: People in colder climates and those who appreciate a thicker and richer-feeling fabric.
Why it's great: Slightly more conservative—some would say less boastful—in its cut and branding than the Saxx Undercover, the Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief is just as pleasant to wear, though it's made of a heavier cotton, which may feel warm to some people. This pair is a great choice for people who prefer a more understated garment. But since there are over a dozen colors and nine patterns to choose from, the subtle design doesn't mean a loss of individuality.
These boxer briefs flatten the anatomy more than the Saxx Undercover thanks to the smaller dart construction of the pouch, which produces a more modest look. This modesty carries through Mack Weldon's overall branding and pattern design. This pair is simply more conservative and a little more formal—despite the high number of colors and basic patterns available—than many of the other boxer briefs we tested. Whether that creates a refined and mature look or reflects a dull lack of adventurousness is up to you.
The quality of the materials and construction is evident from the moment you pick this pair up. The 18-Hour Jersey cotton and modal fabric is a little thicker than that of other boxer briefs we tested, which gives the Mack Weldon pair a reassuring heft. This makes it feel warmer to wear than other boxer briefs we tried, although it is plenty breathable where it counts: A lightweight piqué cotton gusset runs between each leg and across the back of the underwear. The substantial cotton-modal fabric holds extremely well across the thigh—the sturdy seam and the just-right elasticity make the boxers neither too tight nor too loose. Mack Weldon also makes briefs and trunks out of the same luxurious fabric.
The waistband also has a reassuring heft, though after several years of testing, we know it's not immune from folding over on itself. (In truth, no boxer briefs we've tested have fully prevented that.) If you're unsure about your fit, Mack Weldon also has a generous first-purchase return policy and a customer service team that can help pinpoint the right size.
Our testers seemed almost conflicted with how fancy they felt while wearing these boxer briefs. "These are lovely. You put them on, and you feel rich," one tester said. "This underwear makes me wanna waste money on a hotel room and fancy booze to seduce my already-wife and spoil her right," added another.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Similar to the Saxx Undercover pair, this Mack Weldon underwear went through multiple wash-and-dry cycles without losing shape or softness. But unlike Saxx's boxer briefs, which can seemingly handle any temperature setting, the 18-Hour Jersey boxer briefs require a cold wash. When one tester ignored the instructions and ran this pair through a medium-warm cycle, it pilled.
Material: 47.5% cotton, 47.5% modal, 5% spandex
Sizes: S to XXL, fits a 28-inch to 46-inch waist
Colors and patterns: 16 colors, nine patterns
Best budget pair under $5: Kirkland Signature Men's Boxer Brief 4-pack
Our pick
Best for: People who want to save some cash without sacrificing (much) in the way of quality or design.
Why it's great: The Kirkland Signature Men's Boxer Briefs are surprisingly comfortable and well constructed for their price—a pack of four costs less than the price of any other single pair we recommend. And unlike some others we tried, they're an ideal thickness for nearly any climate.
I was surprised by how well the Kirkland boxer's fabric stretched across my skin. Several brands' designs we've tested in this budget range use cotton that feels brittle when stretched and almost crinkly between your fingers. The Kirkland boxer briefs are sturdy but soft, made from a blend of 96% cotton and 4% spandex. The fabric is easily on a par with that of underwear twice the price—it's soft enough not to catch your leg hairs or irritate your skin while still elastic enough, especially around the thighs, to move with you. It's a versatile thickness, too, sturdy and durable but also breathable.
The Kirkland Signature boxer briefs also include several bits of more advanced tailoring that are extremely uncommon in this price range: an extra rear panel, which shapes the underwear around your butt for a more flattering look, and a flat seam design, which reduces the seam's ridgeline so it doesn't dig into your skin or catch your hair. Those two construction details rivaled or exceeded the touches on several other more expensive boxer briefs we tested. The design also has a fly, but no cup or dart to shape the front panel as on pricier pairs we recommend. As for the waistband, it's resoundingly "fine": It's elastic enough to stretch without leaving deep marks in your skin, but it doesn't particularly stand out from those of any other boxer briefs we tested at any price. After several years of testing, we're pleased with how well these Kirkland boxers have held up: Our test pairs started to develop holes only after about a year of steady wear and washing.
The Kirkland boxer briefs are available only in a pack of four, but at this price, you can probably afford to stock up. Unlike some of our other picks, they have no logos or loud designs to announce what you're wearing. Choose these if you prefer simple and understated design and a neutral color palette—they come in only two colors and no patterns. If you think you'll miss the chance to pick extra colors and designs, you need to spend a little more for one of our other picks. The Kirkland boxer briefs also come in more sizes than any other brand we recommend; they're available for waist sizes from 28 to 50 inches.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Kirkland Signature brand is sold only at Costco, though non-members can order these boxer briefs online for a 5% surcharge, or about 79¢ more. It's such a small difference that we don't consider it a reason for people without Costco memberships to skip this pick.
Material: 96% cotton, 4% spandex
Sizes: S to XXXL, fits a 28-inch to 50-inch waist
Colors and patterns: two colors
Travel-ready boxer briefs you can wear every day: ExOfficio Men's Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
Our pick
Best for: People who want to travel light in hot climates or anyone who prefers silky nylon over the soft stretch of cotton blends.
Why it's great: The ExOfficio Men's Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is designed for travel. Yet this pair's balance of fit, comfort, and light weight—not to mention its odor reduction—could make it the one you reach for every day, whether you're traveling or not. It's nearly identical to its predecessor, the Give-N-Go Sport Mesh, which was our previous top pick before being discontinued. Made from a nylon sport-mesh fabric that's exceptionally lightweight and quick-drying, this pair is excellent for travel, when you may need to wash it on the go (the 2.65-ounce fabric takes just two and a half hours to dry fully on a line).
However, the ExOfficio boxer briefs stand apart from other travel-specific underwear because of their silkiness.They feel particularly light and smooth against your skin and clothes, which reduces friction and chafing compared with the feel of cotton, especially while you're moving around. They're easily some of the most comfortable boxer briefs we've tested, and they're great for daily wear, even if your longest journey is from home to work.
This ExOfficio pair's mesh design is also more breathable and better at wicking moisture than that of other boxer briefs we tested. While most synthetic underwear has some ability to wick sweat, this pair is better than most for sweaty activities such as long walks or hikes, especially in hot locations. ExOfficio treats its fabrics with an antibacterial finish designed to reduce odor. "I have worn these boxers for years, and they have never let me down," said one tester. "They definitely combat odor."
In tailoring and fit, the ExOfficio boxer briefs rival any other pricey pair we found. They're built with five panels that wrap around the thighs to reduce chafing and across the butt to add shape and keep the fabric in place throughout the day. They include a fly, and the cup is deep enough to feel fully supportive without being overly pronounced.
Similar to other higher-end brands, ExOfficio offers its underwear in a range of colors and patterns, though the availability seems to change often. Many of the color options feature brightly colored seams. Some people may not like that extra contrast, which highlights the shape of the body. The more neutral-colored pairs tend to avoid that look. As on the Saxx boxer briefs, the large logo may feel distracting to some people.
During our travel underwear trials, our tester wore the same pair for six months of daily wear and washing (a somewhat extreme and potentially unsettling test that we didn't ask him to perform). During that endurance test he found that—despite some early signs of pilling, especially between the thighs—the nylon-mesh fabric was nearly indestructible.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Our testers did find that the waistband tended to flip over with the slightest provocation, which may be annoying. But unlike the waistbands of many boxer briefs we tried, it didn't dig into their skin. One tester also noted that should the ExOfficio pair get wet, if, say, you were caught in the rain or fording a river, it may stick to your skin uncomfortably.
Material: 90% nylon, 10% elastane
Sizes: S to XXL, fits a 30-inch to 46-inch waist
Colors and patterns: seven colors, four patterns
How we picked and tested
The pairs of underwear in this guide are soft, comfortable mid-thigh boxer briefs for daily use. For this guide we focused on boxer briefs because, according to the experts we interviewed, they're the most popular modern style of men's underwear.
Since 2017, we've spent 10 hours talking to experts and Wirecutter staff, considered 25 well-reviewed brands, and tested 30 pairs from 16 of those brands. We winnowed our testing list using the following criteria:
Soft yet durable fabrics: "The hand, or feel, of the fabric is significant. It should feel soft against your skin," Michael Kleinmann, CEO of The Underwear Expert, told us. We chose to test the most commonly found cotton and modal blends, spiked with some spandex or other synthetic fibers for added stretch and form. Cotton is a workhorse fiber—it's soft, strong, breathable, and great for everyday wear. Modal is a type of rayon that's cool and soft but less supportive than cotton. In our second year of testing, we also included one outlier we had tested for another guide, a nylon pair of underwear designed for travel but comfortable for everyday use.
Waistband and leg-band stretch: The waistband of your underwear should have enough elasticity that it hugs your body without pinching your skin, but it should remain stiff enough that it doesn't flop over. "Check the modulus of elasticity of the waistband," said Bob Mazzoli, former chief creative officer of Calvin Klein. "You want to feel resistance without it feeling stiff." Similarly, the leg bands should hug your thighs without pulling hairs from your legs or restricting circulation. Underwear can change from good to terrible in several hours if the elasticity in these areas stretches out.
Supportive, comfortable construction: A pair with both a well-designed pouch (made of darted fabric for a little room and lift) and a more prominent cup (made of several panels of material to envelop you) should contour and flatter your body while supporting you as you move through the day. Aesthetically, the pouch is vital to accentuating the inherent shape of the male form. A quality pouch should appear just barely loose when you hold the underwear aloft.
A reasonable price: We considered a range of models priced about $4 and $30 a pair. Although more expensive options are available, anything costing more than $30 quickly reaches the point of diminishing returns. The $25 to $30 pairs—often called "premium" underwear—simply wear better: Their stitching won't chafe, their waistbands won't stretch out, and they should last longer (if you care for them properly).
Two years ago, we sent each of our boxer brief picks to a panel of testers representing a range of body shapes; their waist measurements ranged in size from 28 to 48 inches. This underwear is marketed toward people with male anatomy, but our testers represented a range of gender identities. For several weeks, they tried on all the pairs, wore each one around for a day, and rated each model for softness, comfort, and enjoyment. In 2020, we retested our four former picks and tested eight new pairs. Over the course of two weeks, I wore each test pair during my day-to-day life, doing tasks like household chores, dog walks, and hikes up a mountain. I compared the general feel and comfort of each pair as I used them and kept an eye on durability and construction after washing.
What about MeUndies?
If you've listened to a podcast or scrolled Instagram recently, you've probably heard or seen a MeUndies advertisement. It's unavoidable. These boxer briefs initially received good reviews online for their softness and fit, but we weren't impressed by their durability. We've been testing MeUndies for the last two years with sample pairs given to us by MeUndies PR and some we've bought ourselves. While MeUndies are initially comfortable, the thin micromodal fabric doesn't hold up, especially the printed pairs, for the six-month minimum that we expect from underwear around this price ($25 or $16 for subscription members). Wirecutter staff members who have worn MeUndies were also underwhelmed by their performance over time. If you do try them and are unsatisfied, MeUndies will accept a full refund on any purchase within 45 days, as long as the items are not worn (though "tried on" is ok).
The competition
Pair of Thieves Cool Breeze Boxer Brief: We enjoyed how the modal in these boxer briefs felt as we wore them, but we're not sure about the overall quality of their construction. However, if you love the feel of modal fabric, we like these much more than the MeUndies we tested.
Hanes Ultimate Men's Comfort Flex Fit Cotton/Modal Boxer Briefs: A former top pick of ours, these are perfectly decent boxer briefs for the price. After another year of testing, though, we prefer the Kirkland underwear, which is cut in a way to shape and accentuate the body—unlike these Hanes boxers, which tend to stretch and flatten across the skin.
Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief: These Tommy John boxer briefs came close to our premium picks. Some testers were fascinated with the unique horizontal fly, but others expressed concern that it felt as if it cut off "flow" when deployed. Ultimately, the slightly higher quality of our picks allowed them to edge out this Tommy John pair in our estimation, but some people may enjoy it.
GoodFor Underwear: These underwear are similarly designed to the Tommy John briefs with a horizontal fly. They're made of modal and spandex and seem to be well constructed. As an added benefit, GoodFor donates a pair of underwear for every pair you buy. While we appreciate the brand mission, we aren't sold on horizontal flies as being the best for everyone. Our panel of testers found the narrow horizontal openings largely "unsettling." The pressure of the fabric's bias tends to squeeze against you with more pressure than a vertical opening and that pressure is felt from beneath when deployed.
Saxx Ultra: These boxers have the same cut and design as the Saxx Undercover, but they're made from a viscose fabric (a type of rayon) rather than a cotton blend. Overall, the Ultra briefs are looser, and we've found that the thinner weight of their material makes it less durable than the cotton blends Saxx uses on other models. However, if you don't mind the reduced durability and prefer a softer and less supportive feel—something between that of boxer briefs and classic boxers—the Ultra might be a good pick for you. It comes with a fly.
Duluth Trading Company Men's Buck Naked Performance Boxer Briefs: Duluth has a surprisingly vocal following for a smaller brand based in Minnesota. We received multiple requests that we try the Buck Naked model. Although these boxer briefs weren't bad, and the nylon—a performance fabric similar to what's often used for sports underwear—fits Duluth Trading Company's working-person design, in our testing we didn't find this pair particularly comfortable for all-day wear. Also, the large, flat panel doesn't offer much separation or support and looks a little odd. If you spend most days on your feet or working hard, though, these boxer briefs seem like a great choice.
Bn3th Classic: Bn3th has a cup design similar to that of our Saxx pick. However, instead of offering two separate panels, the Bn3th design forms a complete U-shape, which is—to put it lightly—disconcerting. If you want a cup design in your underwear, the Saxx boxer briefs are slightly cheaper, more comfortable, and available in a wider range of styles and materials.
Calvin Klein Cotton Classic Fit Boxer Brief: Although the design includes a two-way fly, which is an interesting feature, our testers complained about this underwear's small size, rougher material, and tendency to chafe. You can and should get something better for the same price.
Fruit of the Loom Men's Breathable Boxer Brief: The leg holes on these Fruit of the Loom boxer briefs didn't flex well in comparison with our top picks. We also weren't thrilled with the quality of the fabric—it felt brittle and unkind against our skin.
Jockey Classic Boxer Brief: These boxer briefs lost their shape too quickly over the day. Unfortunately, the problem seemed to get worse as we washed them.
Organic Basics Organic Cotton Boxers: These boxer briefs were extremely expensive for plain cotton underwear. The organic aspect may intrigue some people, though these boxers come in only a shorter European cut. We also don't like the raised stitching, when so many other brands' designs offer flat stitching these days.
Polo Ralph Lauren Boxer Brief: These boxer briefs felt thin and less durable compared with our top picks, even up against pairs half the price. They also changed their shape a bit after washing.
Gildan Men's Classic Length Boxer Briefs: There's no other way to say it—these felt exceptionally cheap from the moment we held them, they felt exceptionally cheap when we wore them, they felt exceptionally cheap when we took them off. Throughout the day they rode up, bunched oddly, and made for a deeply uncomfortable experience all in all.
Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer 5″: These boxer briefs were a disaster. The fabric was too thin, and once on it felt more akin to a stocking material than anything else I've ever worn. Although we don't think the fabric will last long, we're going to continue testing this pair. Still, we know that much better options are available for the price.
Uniqlo Men Supima Cotton Boxer Briefs: These have a dedicated following, and we were excited to test them, but ultimately we were underwhelmed. The cotton felt stiff and somewhat cheap in comparison with the material of our top picks, even the picks of a similar price. Unlike our picks, the Uniqlo boxers also lack any kind of tailoring or shaping in their cut, so they're less flattering to wear as a result.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best fabric for underwear?
Underwear comes in a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics: cotton, modal, wool, silk, nylon, Spandex, Lycra. For most people cotton and modal offer the most breathability for everyday wearing. Wool is an option in cooler climates but may be tough for people with sensitive skin and, similar to silk, doesn't wick moisture well. Neither are ideal for daily wear. Synthetic materials are best for athletic activity because they stretch well, or for travel due to their lightweight and quick-drying fabrics.
How do you keep waist bands from stretching?
For underwear with any kind of elastic in the waistband, which is nearly all of them, the elasticity does wear out over time. Cold water washing and low heat drying or ideally hang drying can reduce some of this wear over time.
How many pairs of underwear should you own?
It depends on your activities, but the consensus seems to be about two weeks worth at a minimum, which should allow you to keep up with laundry loads and still have a few spare pairs for emergencies.
Sources
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Michael Kleinmann, CEO of The Underwear Expert, phone interview , April 16, 2018
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Nick Graham, founder of Joe Boxer and current CEO of the Nick Graham men's clothing line, phone interview , April 20, 2018
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Bob Mazzoli, former chief creative officer of Calvin Klein, phone interview , April 16, 2018
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-underwear/
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