With a breathable cotton-elastane fabric blend and unique cup design, the Saxx Non-Stop Stretch Cotton boxer briefs stand out from the pack. They are unusually comfortable and supportive, creating a flattering silhouette; they also wick moisture, so they’re ideal for people who overheat easily. Saxx offers these boxer briefs in a range of neutral and solid colors, as well as a few bolder prints.

The fabric is supportive, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The Non-Stop Stretch briefs are made from a breathable 96% cotton/4% elastane blend that’s soft and pliable. This fabric also makes them more supportive than many other blended-fabric boxer briefs we tried (other blends tended to stretch out). The fabric feels lightweight and wicks moisture well.

If you prefer underwear with a softer feel, Saxx also makes the DropTemp Cooling Cotton boxer briefs (recommended in our Other good boxer briefs section); the cut is extremely similar to that of the Non-Stop Stretch Cotton pair, but the material is a less-structured 38% modal/57% cotton/5% elastane blend, so it doesn’t hold its shape as well over the course of the day.

They have a supportive U-shaped pouch. The Non-Stop Stretch pair’s internal pouch consists of two panels of fabric. (It also includes a functional fly.) The panels follow the internal seam of the underwear cup, effectively separating the edge of your thighs from the rest of your anatomy. This design helps to secure everything in place, and it also reduces chafing and rubbing of sensitive areas. While wearing the Non-Stop Stretch briefs during the day, we didn’t need to adjust ourselves as often, if at all, as we did while wearing other models. One panelist also pointed out how comfortable this pair was for sleep.

Testers additionally noted how flattering the Non-Stop Stretch pair’s pouch was, in terms of how it shaped (and contoured) the silhouette, compared with those on other boxer briefs. A panelist noted, “My topography is awesome without getting too cup-spilleth-over.”

They really stay put. After years of testing various boxer briefs, I personally liked the fit of the Non-Stop Stretch Cotton pair the best. Their just-right stretch content, and the way they cling against my legs, make them feel like a second skin. The waistband is about an inch high, and it stays in place better than that of any other boxer briefs we tested.

Another Wirecutter staffer who owns a pair agreed. “This pair doesn’t shift around much at all—the legs don't roll up or ride up—and the waistband is tight enough to keep it in place, but it’s also super comfy,” he said.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• They’re pricey.
• Although the waistband is as close to perfect as any we’ve found, it will roll in certain situations, like if you’re hunched forward in a chair.

Key specs

• Size range: XS (27- to 29-inch waist) to XXL (42- to 46-inch waist)
• Inseam: 5 inches
• Fabric: 96% cotton, 4% elastane
• Colors: seven, including solids and prints
• Care instructions: Machine-wash cold; tumble-dry low; iron on low.

The Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief is a thick, rich-feeling (and looking) pair of underwear. Made from a substantial yet breathable cotton jersey blend, these are an excellent option for colder weather, or for anyone who prefers slightly heavier fabric. They’re also a good choice for those in search of boxer briefs with a conservative (but supportive) darted cup design and that come in a wide range of appealing colors and patterns.

They’re thick, sturdy, and built to last. From the moment you pick up the 18-Hour Jersey briefs, the quality of the materials and construction is evident. Their jersey blend (47.5% cotton/47.5% modal/5% spandex) is a bit thicker than that of other boxer briefs we tested; it has a reassuring heft. (Mack Weldon also makes briefs and trunks out of the same luxurious material.) The sturdy seam and just-right elasticity make these boxer briefs neither too tight nor too loose.

The waistband also feels pleasantly substantial, though it’s not immune to folding over on itself, especially as the years wear on. (In truth, no boxer briefs’ waistbands are.)

These boxer briefs went through multiple wash-and-dry cycles without losing their shape or softness. Given their hardiness—and our experience testing them over time—we think the 18-Hour Jerseys should last you between two and four years per pair, which is better than average.

They’re subtly supportive. The 18-Hour Jerseys have a functional fly and a pouch that’s constructed with a low dart, producing a traditional, low-key silhouette that’s in keeping with this pair’s conservative nature. While the pouch is less contoured than the unique pouch on our Saxx Non-Stop Stretch Cotton pick, its low dart and gusset seam will still offer plenty of support for most people.

They’re understated and upscale. The 18-Hour Jerseys have a refined aesthetic—classy and subdued. “You put them on, and you feel rich,” one tester commented. Added another, “This underwear makes me wanna waste money on a hotel room and fancy booze to seduce my already-wife.”

While the 18-Hour Jerseys have a grown-up vibe, it’s not at the expense of fun or individuality: They come in around 20 different color options, including some zippy patterns and prints.

On the right leg of these boxer briefs, there is a prominent Mack Weldon laser-printed logo (along with the label info and care instructions); some of our testers noted that they would have preferred a traditional tag.

They’re warm yet breathable. The weightiness of the fabric makes this pair warmer to wear than others we tried. Still, they’re plenty breathable where it counts: A lightweight piqué cotton gusset runs between each leg and across the back of the underwear.

One caveat about breathability: There’s a vented panel (called “the mesh coolzone”) on the backside of the underwear, below the waistband. Because it’s made of a finer material, it’s a weaker point, literally—one of my test pairs developed a hole in that spot.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• They’re pricey.
• The sturdy material may be too warm for certain climates or for people who run hot.
• Like most boxer briefs, these should be washed in cold water; when one tester ran his pair through a medium-warm cycle, the underwear pilled.
• The Mack Weldon logo and label info are laser-printed onto the right leg—not everyone’s cup of tea.
• A vented panel on the underwear’s backside is made of a finer material that could be more prone to developing holes.

Key specs

• Size range: S (28- to 30-inch waist) to XX (42- to 46-inch waist)
• Inseam: 6 inches
• Material: 47.5% cotton, 47.5% modal, 5% spandex
• Colors: over a dozen colors and patterns
• Care instructions: Machine-wash cold with like colors; tumble-dry low.

The Gap 5″ Boxer Briefs feel a lot like slipping into a familiar T-shirt, and they cost less than $15 a pair. They don’t have any fancy bells and whistles—or a functional fly—but they strike a good balance between comfort, fit, and price. These briefs are available in mostly neutral colors and patterns that change seasonally, and they can be purchased individually or in multi-packs of three or five. (Gap also makes the same style but with a shorter, 3-inch inseam; we have not tested that version.)

They’re soft and comfortable. These boxer briefs are made of an exceptionally soft blend of 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex; it’s some of the softest cotton we’ve worn, which is especially impressive given the reasonable price. This underwear is pretty sturdy, too—on average, the pairs in my multi-pack have lasted me a couple of years (sometime more), which is about average.

The 5” Boxer Briefs are cozy and welcoming. The seams are soft and covered, minimizing friction against clothing, and the waistband has a unique fleece-like lining. We didn’t find these features on any other pairs we tested—even ones that were way pricier.

They have a simple, no-frills cut. These boxer briefs lack the tailored look and feel of our other picks. More engineered pairs tend to include additional fabric panels, which further refine shape and fit. But these boxer briefs are made from a single panel in the rear, stretching from thigh to thigh, which flattens your posterior. (It isn’t the most flattering.) And in the front, instead of a full cup, there’s a roomy, darted pouch; it provides a bit of shaping, but not much actual support. if you’ve never worn underwear that has extra tailoring, you might not notice these details. But if you have, it’s harder to go back.

Also, the 5” Boxer Briefs are our only pick without a functional fly; depending on how often you use a fly, that may or may not be important.

They’re not vented. These briefs don’t have any kind of venting—a piece of mesh or piqué cotton fabric on the underwear to help heat to escape. Venting isn’t necessarily a must, but given that these boxer briefs are also made from a slightly warmer cotton fabric, they can get a little toasty. Still, on cooler days, when I wanted a particularly comfy pair of underwear for lounging around the house, I often found myself reaching for these.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• These boxer briefs are made from a cotton fabric that can get a bit warm—and they’re unventilated, to boot—so they may not be the best choice if you run hot.
• This pair does not have a fly (if that matters to you).

Key specs

• Size range: XS (28- to 29-inch waist) to XXL (42- to 45-inch waist)
• Inseam: 5 inches
• Material: 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex
• Colors and patterns: colors and patterns change seasonally
• Care instructions: Machine-wash cold; line-dry.

When something sounds too good to be true—ahem, like a pair of drawers costing just around four bucks—it usually is. So we had our doubts about the Kirkland Signature Men’s Boxer Brief 4-Pack. But these were a pleasant surprise: They’re made from a high-end Supima cotton blend; they’re the perfect weight; and they’re impressively well constructed. The Kirkland Signatures even come in more sizes than any other pair we recommend, from S to XXXL.

Despite their price, they’re made from premium fabric. The Kirkland Signatures are made from a soft, high-end blend of 96% Supima cotton and 4% spandex. I was surprised by how well the fabric stretched across my skin. (Several brands that we’ve tested in this budget range use cotton that feels brittle—and almost crinkly between your fingers—when stretched.)

The Kirkland Signatures briefs’ fabric is easily on par with that of underwear costing twice as much. This fabric is soft enough to not catch your leg hairs or irritate your skin, yet it’s still elastic enough, especially around the thighs, to move with you. And they offer a comfortable thickness and weight, so they’re well suited to practically any climate.

With that said, these boxer briefs have proved to be the least durable of our picks over the years; don’t expect them to last longer than two years (possibly less). However, given their incredibly low price, we think that’s a fair trade-off.

The tailoring is impressive. The Kirkland Signature briefs have some advanced tailoring features that are extremely uncommon in this price range, like an extra rear panel (which shapes the underwear around your butt for a more flattering look). They also have flat seams (reducing the seams’ ridgeline keeps them from digging into skin and catching leg hair). These two construction details rivaled or exceeded the touches on several other, pricier boxer briefs we tested.

Unlike our other picks, the Kirkland Signature briefs don’t have a cup or dart to shape the front panel. (They do have a functional fly.) As for the waistband, it’s resoundingly “fine”; it’s elastic enough to stretch without leaving deep marks in your skin.

They come in multipacks but not multicolors. These boxer briefs are available only in packs of four. They used to be offered in black and gray—not exactly a dazzling palette—but at the time of publication, the selection had been whittled down to just black.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The Kirkland Signature brand is sold only through Costco, though the surcharge for non-members to order these boxer briefs on the Costco website is just 5% (or about 85¢ more); we don’t consider this a reason to pass on these briefs.
• Of our picks, these boxer briefs have fallen apart the fastest; don’t expect them to last more than two years.

Key specs

• Sizes: S (28-inch waist) to XXXL (50-inch waist)
• Inseam: 6½ inches
• Material: 96% cotton, 4% spandex
• Colors: black only
• Care instructions: Machine-wash warm with like colors; tumble-dry low.

The ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is designed for people on the go. Feather-light and fast-drying, these silky mesh boxer briefs are especially great for those who pack light, live in hot climates, or engage in high-energy activities. But the Give-N-Go 2.0 briefs’s comfortable fit—and odor-reducing abilities—could have you reaching for them every day, whether you’re traveling, working out, or just watching TV.

We tested these with the 6-inch inch inseam, but ExOfficio also makes a Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 3” Boxer Brief and Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 9” Boxer Brief, if you prefer your underwear shorter or longer in the leg.

They’re ideal for travel. The Give-N-Go 2.0’s sport-mesh fabric is a blend of 90% nylon and 10% elastane. (If you choose a print instead of a solid, the fabric blend is 91% polyester and 9% elastane.) At 1.76 ounces, these boxer briefs are exceptionally lightweight, and they take just two and a half hours to fully air-dry, so this pair is excellent for travel, when you may find yourself doing laundry on tight timelines. (These briefs also stand apart from other travel-specific underwear because of their silkiness.)

They’re breathable and odor-reducing. The Give-N-Go 2.0 boxer briefs were more breathable and better at wicking moisture than any other boxer briefs we tested. While most synthetic underwear have some sweat-wicking capacities, this pair is especially well suited for exercise or strenuous activities (like hikes), especially in hot locations.

ExOfficio treats its fabrics with an antibacterial finish that’s formulated to reduce odor. “They definitely combat odor,” said one tester. “I have worn these for years, and they have never let me down.”

Their ultra-smooth material is delightfully comfy. The Give-N-Go 2.0 boxer briefs feel particularly light and smooth against the skin and under clothes. And compared with traditional cotton undies, they create much less friction and chafing, particularly when you’re in motion.

One Wirecutter editor confirmed that the Give-N-Go 2.0s are his go-tos for travel days and days that involve a lot of walking. “They don’t shift around, the legs stay put, and the fabric is really comfortable,” he said, adding, “I haven’t experienced any pilling.”

Note: If you want them to hold up over time, boxer briefs made from synthetic fabric blends need to be treated with even more care than those made from cotton blends. (For example, the high heat of a dryer can speed the loss of elasticity at the legs or thinning of the backside.)

They have a tailored fit. With multiple panels and quality stitching, the Give-N-Go 2.0 pair rivals any other pricey pair we’ve found. These briefs are built with five panels, which wrap around the thighs (to reduce chafing) and across the butt (to add shape and keep the fabric in place throughout the day). They have a fly, and their cup is deep enough to feel fully supportive without being overly pronounced.

The waistband on this underwear doesn’t dig into the skin, like waistbands on many other boxer briefs. It does, however, tend to flip over with even the slightest provocation, and this can be annoying. (Also, the large logo on the waistband may not be to everyone’s taste.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• They’re pricey.
• One tester noted that if these boxer briefs get wet while you’re wearing them—say, if you happen to be fording a river or get caught in the rain—they might stick to your skin uncomfortably.
• The waistband flips over too easily; also, the brandin is very pronounced.
• This synthetic blend fabric requires TLC.

Key specs

• Size range: S (30-inch waist) to XXL (44- to 46-inch waist)
• Inseam: 6 inches
• Material: 90% nylon, 10% elastane (solid colors)
• Colors: rotating colors and patterns
• Care instructions: Machine-wash cold with like colors; tumble-dry low or line-dry in the shade.

If you want boxer briefs with buttery-soft fabric: The Saxx DropTemp Cooling Cotton boxer briefs have the same basic cut and design as our Saxx Non-Stop Stretch Cotton pick, except these are made from a softer cotton-modal fabric with a touch of spandex. They were a former pick in this guide, and we’ve found them to be reliably moisture-wicking, breathable, supportive, and durable. However, they don’t hold their shape over the course of the day as well as our main Saxx pick (it’s the tradeoff of fabric integrity for softness). Also, the DropTemp boxer briefs have a slightly slimmer fit. But if you prefer a smoother material and a slim fit, these might be for you.

I’m a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. Over the past decade-plus, I’ve tested everything from backpacks to packing cubes to cooking equipment. And I’ve worn boxer-brief-style underwear for most of my life.

For this guide:

• I tested 30 pairs of boxer briefs from 16 individual brands. I’ve also continued wearing many of our boxer briefs picks for multiple years, and I’ve added in long-term feedback about them to the guide.
• Five panelists—with waist measurements ranging from 28 to 42 inches—were enlisted to test the underwear, and their feedback additionally informed our recommendations.
• I spoke with several industry experts: Michael Kleinmann, CEO of 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.
• I also spoke with designers and company representatives from Hanes and Mack Weldon, who provided important context about the way brands create designs for changing tastes.

In this guide, we’re recommending mid-thigh boxer briefs, intended for daily use. According to the experts we interviewed, boxer briefs are the most popular style of modern men’s underwear.

We sought out great boxer briefs based on the following criteria:

Fabric quality: We considered the softness of the fabric against your skin, and its durability. A lot of the underwear we tested is made from the commonly found cotton and modal blend, spiked with some spandex or other synthetic fibers for added stretch and form. Cotton is a workhorse fiber—it’s soft, strong, breathable—whereas modal is a type of rayon that’s cool and soft. But we also included pairs made from materials like nylon.

Comfort and fit: We considered the comfort and elasticity of each boxer brief. Testers noted if the waistband pinched the skin or rolled over; similarly, they noted if the leg bands restricted their circulation or pulled their thigh hairs. The waistband of your underwear should have enough elasticity to hug your body without pinching your skin, but it should remain stiff enough that it doesn’t flop over. The leg bands should hug your thighs without pulling hairs from your legs or restricting circulation. If the elasticity in these areas is lost, underwear can change from good to terrible over the course of several hours.

Construction: Boxer briefs’ construction and tailoring determine how much support and shaping a pair will provide (and in what ways). A well-designed pouch (made of darted fabric, for a little room and lift) and a defined cup (made of several panels of material to envelop you) will contour and flatter, while also 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 the underwear is held aloft. Seam construction matters, too: A good seam should run flat, without a defined edge to rub or chafe against the skin.

Value: We considered boxer briefs priced from $4 to around $35 per pair. (Anything beyond that quickly reaches the point of diminishing returns, in our opinion.) We made picks to suit a range of budgets, and believe that all of our picks are worthy investments. With that said, pairs at the pricier end of the spectrum—aka “premium” underwear—do wear better, over the short and long term. Their stitching won’t chafe, their waistbands won’t stretch out, and they should last longer (if cared for properly).

Since 2018, we’ve tested 30 pairs of boxer briefs from 16 individual brands. I wore each pair during my day-to-day life while doing activities like household chores, walking dogs, and hiking up a mountain. I compared the feel and comfort of every pair and tracked how they held up after washing.

Since underwear is highly subjective, we also enlisted a panel of five people to test the underwear and share their feedback. The panelists’ waist measurements ranged from 28 to 42 inches; we had four male testers and one transgender male tester.

The Hanes Ultimate Men’s Comfort Flex Fit Boxer Briefs 4-Pack is a former pick in this guide. And we still think these cotton-blend briefs are perfectly decent for the price. But after continued testing, we far prefer our similarly budget-friendly pick, the Kirkland Signature Men's Boxer Brief 4-Pack. Due to their cut, the Kirkland briefs shape and accentuate the body, whereas the Hanes boxer briefs tend to stretch and flatten across the skin.

A modal/spandex blend, the GoodFor The Greater Goods boxer briefs come in a 5- or 8-inch inseam, and they seem well constructed. Also, for every pair you buy, the company donates a pair of underwear. But testers found the horizontal fly unsettling.

We got multiple requests to test the Duluth Trading Company Men’s Buck Naked Performance Boxer Briefs, made from a nylon/spandex performance fabric. They weren’t terrible, but we didn’t find them particularly comfortable for all-day wear. Also, their large, flat front panel doesn’t offer much separation or support, and it looks a little odd. Still, if you spend most days on your feet working up a sweat, their moisture-wicking, odor-fighting material could come in handy.

The Bn3th Classic Boxer Brief has a cup design that’s similar to that of our Saxx Non-Stop Stretch Cotton pick. However, instead of offering two separate panels (like the Saxx pair has), the Bn3th Classic pair forms a complete U-shape, so it’s not unlike a codpiece that you have to deposit yourself into (unsettling, to say the least).

Although the Calvin Klein Cotton Classics Boxer Brief has a two-way fly—an interesting feature—our testers complained that this pair ran small. Worse, the material was rough and tended to chafe.

The Fruit of the Loom Men’s Breathable Cotton Micro Mesh Boxer Briefs’s leg holes didn’t flex well compared with the leg holes on our picks. We also weren’t thrilled with the quality of the fabric blend—it felt brittle and harsh against our skin.

The Jockey Classic 5” Boxer Brief lost its shape too quickly over the day, and the problem seemed to get worse with repeated washings.

The Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Boxer Briefs felt thinner and less durable than our picks—even those that were far cheaper. Also, the shape of the underwear changed a bit after being washed.

From the moment we held them, the Gildan Men’s 6” Boxer Briefs felt exceptionally cheap—ditto for when we put them on and took them off. Throughout the day these cotton underwear rode up, bunched oddly, and made for an overall deeply uncomfortable experience.

The Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer 5″ was a disaster. The stretchy modal fabric was too thin, and it felt oddly akin to a stocking material on the body.

The MeUndies Boxer Brief fell short on the durability front. The thin micromodal fabric doesn’t hold up (especially on the printed pairs) for the six-month minimum that we expect from underwear, especially in this price range (currently $26 per pair, or $18 for subscription members).

The Saxx Ultra boxer briefs are similar to our Saxx Non-Stop Stretch Cotton pick, except the Ultra pair is made from a viscose fabric (a type of rayon) as opposed to a cotton blend. Because of that, the Ultra briefs have a looser fit, and they’re thinner, less supportive, and less durable. These are worth considering only if you don’t mind reduced durability, and you seek underwear whose fit is a cross between boxer briefs and classic boxers.

The modal-blend Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief 8" is handsome, high-quality, and high-priced. Some of our testers were fascinated by this pair’s unusual horizontal fly, which looks like a guillotine and is intended to provide faster, easier access; others (rightfully) expressed concern that it cut off their urine flow, since the fabric’s bias tends to squeeze against your anatomy when it’s deployed.

This article was edited by Sri Rain Stewart, Ingela Ratledge Amundson, and Jennifer Hunter.