If you are a fan of the brief, as many men are, you are probably someone concerned about comfort. Men’s briefs tend to be an unfairly maligned style, but they are considered by many who value comfort to be superior to the ubiquitous boxer brief because they keep everything in place and they don’t bunch or ride up.
There is a lot of choices, so we have researched the most popular and best-selling styles to determine the most comfortable men’s brief options available. Scroll down to see the best options for every budget.
Read More: Comfortable Men’s Boxer Briefs
David Archy Bamboo Rayon Soft Lightweight Pouch Briefs
An inexpensive, modern cut style with the latest fabric technology is the David Archy Bamboo Rayon Soft Lightweight Pouch Briefs. It is a popular option on Amazon with over 5000 glowing reviews that is loved because of its low price, nice cut, and super soft fabric.
This style is bamboo rayon (also known as bamboo viscose) that is notable for its exceptionally soft feel, thinness, breathability, and stretch. The feeling of the material is very silky, so you will hardly feel that you are wearing them. The fabric is somehow also able to keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The cut of this design is such that you have the right amount of rear and side coverage, although it isn’t a high rise fit. The cut is also much loved by the men who wear it due to the flattering pouch with a double layer front and the comfortable fit on the leg. The colors that it comes in are a little limited but should be fine for most people.
Available fromAmazon
Meundies Briefs
Meundies has developed a cult-like following for their incredibly soft underwear. These briefs are made from Medies signature MicroModal (a type of modal), so they are super-soft yet have a tight-knit, so they are supportive enough to keep you comfy all day long.
If you like your undies with a bit of personality, this is the brand for you, although they also have plain colors if you like to keep things normal. Meundies offers a membership subscription program that you can sign up to get a new pair every month or buy the styles individually.
Available from Meundies.com
Jockey Men’s Underwear Men’s Elance Bikini – 6 Pack
The Jockey Men’s Underwear Men’s Elance Bikini is a great choice if you are looking for a basic style with a simple form-fitting design. Reviewers love this design because it is supportive and stretchy, so it stays in place and feels great to wear for extended periods. They are cotton, so you get the lovely breathable cotton feel.
Men love the thin edge seams and the lack of bunching or excess material that keeps things comfy. They are said to wash really well and hold up well to use. The color selection is a bit limited, with only black or white options being available.
Available from Macy’s
Tani SilkCut Hip Brief
Tani SilkCut Hip Brief is a high-end style that is made from a combination of MicroModal® AIR that makes them soft and elastane that gives them stretch. This silky style holds up well to wear and washing and is notable for its durability despite the lightweight, soft feel.
The modal fabric means that these undies are naturally breathable and sweat-wicking, so you will stay cool and dry, even if you wear them for working out. They come in a variety of colors. Men’s Health included the Tani SilkCut Hip Brief in their list for Best Men’s Underwear of the year.
Available from Tani USA
Calvin Klein Steel Hip Brief
Those who like close-fitting underwear will love these Calvin Klein Steel Hip Briefs. These are a great option if you are athletic and lean, although if you aren’t, there is no reason that you can’t enjoy the silky softness of this particular style. This CK design has a seamed contour pouch with no fly that a lot of men love.
One of the nicest features of this style is the metallic microfabrication logo waistband, which is ultra-smooth and silky. It is a little bit wide, but it helps the design to stay up comfortably. The Steel Hip is known for being super comfy while at the same time being very sexy. They are a little on the pricey side, but they should last quite a long time as they wash very well and are reasonably durable.
The microfiber fabric gives this design the right amount of stretch so that you won’t feel constricted, but you will still have the right amount of support. The other great thing about the fabric, apart from just being soft, it is also able to keep you cool so that you won’t overheat in warmer weather. You can get this style in a rainbow of colors, so there is something for everyone.
Available fromAmazon
Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Classics Briefs
If you like your CK briefs a little more traditional, you will want to check out these Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Classics Briefs. They are 100% cotton and have a classic cut that works well for most men.
This style was chosen as one of NyMag’s best underwear options. Reviews rave about this style, saying they are soft, comfortable, breathable, and durable. These briefs come in an affordable six-pack and are offered in a variety of colors and patterns.
Available from Macy’s
2(X)IST Essential 3-Pack Contour Pouch Briefs
The 2(X)IST Contour Pouch Brief is a great option if you are looking for a good quality, classic design for a reasonable price. This particular style has a contour pouch that offers well-positioned support. The contoured pouch is the critical feature to the comfort of this style, as it keeps everything snug and not squished. It means that it is good underwear for everyday wear or for working out.
Apart from the pouch, it is a straightforward style that will look good on most body types. The elastic waistband has the logo detail and is reportedly not too tight, yet it can stay up even with rigorous movement. You get three in a pack for around $34, and they come in a good number of color options.
Available fromAmazon
Hanes FreshIQ Comfort Flex Waistband White Briefs
Hanes have a lot of different options for men’s briefs, some a little better than others. The Hanes FreshIQ Comfort Flex Waistband White Briefs is one of the great budget options Hanes offers. They will feel excellent because of the comfortable 100% cotton fabric. They should last a little longer than some of the other Hanes styles due to the high-quality material.
The fit is full rise, so they have a lot of coverage at the back and won’t ride up. The waistband is a comfort flex design with the Hanes logo. They wash well and are reportedly very comfortable.
Available from Walmart.com
Boody Original Brief
The Boody Original Brief Boody briefs are a great bamboo-based option to keep you cool, comfortable, and dry all day. This is a lightweight brief with no seams and a wide waistband. They also feature no-chafe support, and they stay in place with no bunching. They are designed to be a snug fit that offers a good amount of support.
Ex Officio Give-N-Go Briefs
Ex Officio underwear has a reputation for being one of the best options for travel, as well as activities like hiking and camping, mainly due to the fast drying fabric and moisture-wicking abilities. It means that you only have to take a couple of pairs of them with you when you travel. You can wash them and let them dry overnight so you can pack a little lighter.
Ex Officio’s more popular style is the boxer brief, but the classic design has the same great features in a compact design. They are comfy, cool, and have a lot of colors available. A lot of people find them more comfortable than cotton and wear them as their everyday underwear. Some of the other key features of this style are that they have the right amount of stretch while still feeling soft and breathable, and they provide excellent support. Some men do find the back of this style to ride a little high.
Available fromEXOFFICIO.com
Stafford® Cotton Full-Cut Briefs
If you are a man who loves tighty-whities, you should check out the Stafford® 6-pk. Cotton Full-Cut Briefs you can find at JC Penny. Stafford’s full-cut designs are a classic that has been around for years and has a devoted following. These are a very old-school style of briefs that will sit just below your belly button. The fabric is 100% cotton that is breathable, durable, and will last for years.
Stafford underwear isn’t expensive, as they work out to a bit below $5 per pair, so you can stock up without breaking the bank. They are tag-free and have a comfortable elastic waistband. Although the full rise waistband can be the height of comfort, be aware that this underwear isn’t the sexiest option around.
Tommy John Air Briefs 2.0
Tommy John boxer briefs are some of the most popular and buzzed-about underwear going. The Tommy John brief also appears to have quite a loyal following. These low-rise options are cut from a silky, super-soft microfiber with lots of stretch to it.
The Air Briefs 2.0 has a horizontal fly design that many people like and find more natural to use, while others prefer a vertical fly or no-fly at all. You also won’t get any riding up or bunching of the fabric, and you will find that everything stays where it should. The cost of the Tommy John briefs is around $38 a pair, so they are pretty pricey, but the success of this brand shows that men are willing to pay for a good quality pair of underwear.
Mack Weldon Briefs
Another favorite, newer brand that men seem to really like is the Mack Weldon brand briefs. One of the highlights of this underwear is the ultra-soft fabric that is a blend of long-staple cotton, modal, and a hint of Spandex, so the material is super nice and supportive. They cost around $20 a pair, and they come in quite a wide array of colors, some with interesting patterns.
The design is classic, so the fit is mid-rise at the back with the right amount of coverage at the front and the sides as well. This cut is flattering for most body shapes, and they are a great option if you are a fan of a classic brief style.
What makes this underwear a little bit different is that it has mesh zones to help you stay cool in warmer weather or if you are working out. Another comfort feature is a no-roll waistband, which shouldn’t be too tight and constrictive or slip down if you are moving around a lot. If you are interested in the brand but are a little unsure if they are right for you, Mack Weldon offers a try on guarantee on your first pair that you purchase, so if you find you don’t like them, they will either send you a different size or style or give you a refund.
What You Need to Know When Shopping for Briefs
There are so many options of briefs available it may be difficult for some men to find their perfect style, if you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few things to keep in mind before you go shopping:
Fit-The three basic fits are:
- Low rise -They sit just below the hip. They are generally regarded as the most fashionable option, and depending on your build they can be very flattering and sexy. They are a good option if you tend to wear pants with a lower waistline.
- Mid-rise – They go to your natural waist and are the most popular fit and work well for all body types.
- Full rise-They go to just below your belly button. A full rise is the least fashionable option and isn’t exactly flattering, but they can be very comfy.
Leg Opening- If your legs are bigger than average, you may need to check the measurements listed by the manufacturer or check reviews if measurements aren’t available for the leg openings spacing. If the space is too small, it can be too snug and uncomfortable for some men on specific styles.
Fabric– The most popular and newest fabrics that men are buying these days are modal, bamboo rayon blends, or microfibres. These new types of materials are loved for their softness and breathability. Cotton is still popular but seems to be falling out of favor slightly with the new fabrics that are being used.
Waistband– After a lot of wear, a waistband will start to lose its elasticity. The thicker bands appear to work better at keeping briefs up and stopping them from slipping or rolling over.
Fly- You can get vertical, horizontal, or no-fly options. They are all fairly self-explanatory, and you will know what your preference will be.
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Molly London
Molly London, is a comfort enthusiast, writer, computer programmer, and creator of ComfortNerd.com. Molly also has extensive experience with content creation and marketing.
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Tags:Briefs
FAQs
Which brief is best for men? ›
- Levi's Men Brief. ...
- Euro Men's Cotton Brief (Pack of 5) ...
- Rupa Jon Men's Cotton Brief. ...
- Jockey Men's Cotton Brief. ...
- VIP Frenchie Plus Men's Cotton Brief. ...
- Van Heusen Men's Antibacterial Brief. ...
- Dixcy Scott Men's Brief Snug Fit Solid Innerwear. ...
- ONN Men's Cotton Brief.
Boxers – Loose Around The Legs
As a grown man, you may want underwear that's a little more padded and dresses your thighs up. Boxers do that nicely. Since they resemble shorts, they also make the lower body look bigger. Boxers help adjust the slight disproportions for those on the skinny side.
Briefs have been one of the most popular men's underwear types since the 1930s and have seen something of a resurgence in recent years. Briefs are close-fitting pants, offering plenty of support where you need it most - they keep a firm grip on the front pouch.
Is it good to sleep in briefs? ›To put it bluntly: Yes, it's completely okay to sleep in underwear. Unless your underwear of choice is made out of hazardous and/or uncomfortable materials, you should suffer no issues by choosing to sleep in underwear. The key to sleeping in underwear is choosing a fabric that is breathable and comfortable.
Which is more comfortable briefs or trunks? ›In fact, men have said that briefs are “the most comfortable” as it gives them more freedom to move around, the flexibility to do whatever they need to do in their daily lives.
Why do my boxers ride up? ›Why do boxers briefs ride up? A number of factors can cause boxer briefs to ride up. If you wear boxers with loose fitting legs that don't fit your thighs properly, this can cause the boxers to inch their way up. The wrong choice of size leads to a poor fit, which can also cause your boxers to ride up.
Are boxers better than boxer briefs? ›Boxer Briefs vs Boxers
Both offer more coverage than briefs, hitting at the mid-thigh. Boxer shorts are a great choice if you are looking for a more relaxed everyday underwear, while boxer briefs provide a more supportive fit.
Boxer Briefs and Trunks provide more support than classic boxers and are form-fitting rather than relaxed. Many find the snug fit and adherence to the body's movements more comfortable than the "extra fabric inside the pants" downside of classic boxers.
Why are boxers so comfortable? ›The Benefits of Boxers
The baggier fit and loose weave of boxers make them the roomiest, most breathable type of men's underwear and a good bet for all-day comfort. The best men's boxers are also great for wearing solo while sleeping or lounging around the house (say, on an extra hot day).
Constraining your testicles too tightly in too-small briefs or too-tight pants may cause severe discomfort, especially over a prolonged period. In fact, one in ten men have experienced unpleasantness while wearing skinny jeans – and almost half of them have had groin discomfort.
Is it healthier to wear boxers or briefs? ›
They found that men who reported wearing looser styles of underwear, such as boxers, had higher sperm concentrations and total sperm count, as well as healthier sperm, than those who reported wearing briefs.
Are boxers more comfortable than briefs? ›Boxers are loose-fitting and provide less support than briefs. Boxers provide more coverage of your leg (up to half of your thigh), but, due to their loose fit, are more breathable than all other men's undergarments.
Do briefs lower testosterone? ›And, he said, the sperm produced by brief wearers looked just as healthy as the sperm produced by boxer wearers. Blood tests also showed no association between underwear choices and testosterone levels.
When should men wear briefs? ›Choose A Pair For Your Body Type
Briefs are better designed for men with thin, fit and muscular body types. Trunks look great on men who are thin, fit, muscular and have wide hips. Boxer-briefs are designed to complement all body types. And boxers are better for men with fit, muscular and large waist body type.
It's hard to think of a more classic look for men's underwear than tighty whities. They're simple and practical, creating a clean and timeless silhouette. Though they lack some of the formality of some other styles for many guys, they're the ideal go-to underwear.
Is it good to sleep commando men? ›Surveys show that between 5% and 7% of men don't wear underwear at all. And they just might be onto something because going commando can definitely be beneficial. It can allow more air circulation, lower the risk for infections, and even help with sperm production and fertility.
Is sleeping commando good for you? ›Wearing underwear keeps that moisture close to your genitals. This allows bacteria and yeast to grow, which can cause infection and other problems. If you are prone to yeast infections, vaginal infections or vaginal irritation, going commando at bedtime could be a great—and healthy—choice.
What happens if you don't wear briefs? ›This can damage skin and expose you to injury, bleeding, or even infections. Plus, it just hurts. Losing the underwear, especially if you're wearing loose-fitting clothes, can reduce or completely remove the possibility of chafing or damage.
Can boxer briefs cause jock itch? ›However, one of the commonest risk factors identified for jock itch is tight clothing, especially underwear. If the underwear is not a proper fit for the body, and instead it is tight, then the fabrics of the underwear trap moisture to the detriment of our skin.
Which inner is best for men? ›- Boxers – Underwear for More Breathability. ...
- Boxer Briefs – A Combination of Boxers and Briefs. ...
- Trunks – The Most Popular Type of Men's Underwear. ...
- Briefs – Best Types of Underwear For Men. ...
- The Slimmer Physique. ...
- The Tall Lads.
Are boxers better for sperm count? ›
Boxer shorts and loose pants can boost sperm count. For about one-half of couples with fertility problems, experts say low sperm count is the cause.
What are the two types of legal briefs? ›Trial briefs are presented at trial to resolve a disputed point of evidence. Legal briefs are used as part of arguing a pre-trial motion in a case or proceeding. Amicus briefs refer to briefs filed by persons not directly party to the case. These are often groups that have a direct interest in the outcome.
What are the 4 types of Army briefings? ›The types of military briefs are dictated by purpose. There are four (4) basic types: the information brief, the decision brief, the staff brief, and the mission brief.
What are the types in briefs for men? ›Some of the common styles of briefs are a boxer, bikini, Boser brief, Trunk, Brief, Long underwear, Mesh underwear, Tapered boxers, String Bikini, Long John's, Jockstrap. Each of this style has been designed keeping certain factors in mind.
How can men avoid wedgies? ›...
- TAKE INVENTORY. ...
- WEAR THE RIGHT SIZE. ...
- TRY DIFFERENT STYLES. ...
- BE CHOOSEY WITH YOUR FABRIC. ...
- OPT OUT OF UNDIES—OCCASIONALLY. ...
- EMBRACE LOOSE CLOTHING.
It's also important to remember that it generally takes around 20 days for your body to get used to wearing something new. If you're trying out boxer briefs for the first time and they feel too tight, don't give up – you'll likely get used to it within a few days.
What is the difference between boxers and briefs? ›Boxer is used more generally now and loose-fits as boxer shorts. BRIEFS - as the name suggests are tighter and tinier… Also known as slips and male bikinis, briefs range from minuscule micro and mini underpants to midi shapes with more fabric covering the body.
Do briefs affect sperm count? ›Here's a quick answer: Yes, tighter underwear may reduce sperm count. That said, it's unlikely to reduce sperm health enough to cause infertility. In healthy fertile men, even when briefs reduced sperm counts, vital sperm health measurements were still in the normal range.
How do you wear briefs properly? ›They should sit against your skin on the legs and hold your package comfortably in the front. The waistband should sit (unsurprisingly) at, or just below, your waistline where you normally wear your clothing - it's different for everyone, so we'll leave it to you to find the most comfortable spot.
Which is better boxers or tighty whities? ›Briefs are undoubtedly better than boxers. But that isn't saying much. These tighty-whities leave your inner thighs exposed and the wrong fabric can easily cause chafing, especially while you are wearing briefs for long-periods. As such, briefs are great for protection and support.
Which is more comfortable briefs or trunks? ›
In fact, men have said that briefs are “the most comfortable” as it gives them more freedom to move around, the flexibility to do whatever they need to do in their daily lives.
What's the difference between briefs and boxer briefs? ›BRIEFS - as the name suggests are tighter and tinier… Also known as slips and male bikinis, briefs range from minuscule micro and mini underpants to midi shapes with more fabric covering the body. BOXER BRIEFS – a hybrid between baggy boxers and tighty whities once known as maxi undies.
Are boxer briefs better than boxers? ›Boxer Briefs vs Boxers
Both offer more coverage than briefs, hitting at the mid-thigh. Boxer shorts are a great choice if you are looking for a more relaxed everyday underwear, while boxer briefs provide a more supportive fit.
Why do boxers briefs ride up? A number of factors can cause boxer briefs to ride up. If you wear boxers with loose fitting legs that don't fit your thighs properly, this can cause the boxers to inch their way up. The wrong choice of size leads to a poor fit, which can also cause your boxers to ride up.
Does wearing briefs increase testosterone? ›Blood tests also showed no association between underwear choices and testosterone levels. There was a difference in another hormone, known as FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone. That hormone, produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, stimulates sperm production in men.
Are briefs more comfortable than boxers? ›Briefs are undoubtedly better than boxers. But that isn't saying much. These tighty-whities leave your inner thighs exposed and the wrong fabric can easily cause chafing, especially while you are wearing briefs for long-periods. As such, briefs are great for protection and support.
Which is healthier briefs or boxers? ›They found that men who reported wearing looser styles of underwear, such as boxers, had higher sperm concentrations and total sperm count, as well as healthier sperm, than those who reported wearing briefs.
Does wearing briefs lower sperm count? ›Here's a quick answer: Yes, tighter underwear may reduce sperm count. That said, it's unlikely to reduce sperm health enough to cause infertility. In healthy fertile men, even when briefs reduced sperm counts, vital sperm health measurements were still in the normal range.
Should I wear boxer briefs or briefs? ›“Studies have been done to analyze temperatures of men who wear boxers versus briefs, and it makes absolutely no difference in fertility.” So in Werthman's opinion, is the best option boxers, briefs, or commando? “It boils down to this: do whatever's comfortable,” he says. “There's no difference.”
Are trunks better than boxer briefs? ›While trunks may provide a more slim look for men with a slim build, they're not the most functional choice in men's underwear. On the other hand, boxer briefs are optimal underwear for any activity or career seeing as the longer leg prevents bunching, sliding, chafing, and irritation.
Are boxers better for jock itch? ›
Soleymani says boxers are great because they're breathable and retain less moisture, unlike briefs. “Infectious skin conditions like tinea cruris (jock itch) are less likely since fungus, yeast and bacteria like warm, moist environments,” he says.
Why are boxers so comfortable? ›The Benefits of Boxers
The baggier fit and loose weave of boxers make them the roomiest, most breathable type of men's underwear and a good bet for all-day comfort. The best men's boxers are also great for wearing solo while sleeping or lounging around the house (say, on an extra hot day).
...
- TAKE INVENTORY. ...
- WEAR THE RIGHT SIZE. ...
- TRY DIFFERENT STYLES. ...
- BE CHOOSEY WITH YOUR FABRIC. ...
- OPT OUT OF UNDIES—OCCASIONALLY. ...
- EMBRACE LOOSE CLOTHING.
It's also important to remember that it generally takes around 20 days for your body to get used to wearing something new. If you're trying out boxer briefs for the first time and they feel too tight, don't give up – you'll likely get used to it within a few days.