# Your underwear drawer needs an upgrade > After testing over 100 pairs, here's what actually makes underwear worth wearing. - Title: Your underwear drawer needs an upgrade · Men's Health - Summary: After testing over 100 pairs, here's what actually makes underwear worth wearing. Good underwear should stay put, feel smooth all day, and survive the wash… - Keywords: mens underwear, boxer briefs, boxers, trunks, fabric technology, moisture wicking, breathability, odor control, mens fashion, product testing, mens health, comfort - Source: Men's Health — https://menshealth.com/style/g19546347/the-best-mens-underwear - Author: Joseph Cheatham - Published: 2026-09-23T15:22:00+00:00 - Read time: 4 min - Topics: mens underwear, boxer briefs, boxers, trunks, fabric technology, moisture wicking, breathability, odor control, mens fashion, product testing, mens health, comfort ## Bad underwear ruins your day The wrong pair sabotages comfort before anything else goes on. Most men stick with the same style from college, missing out on modern improvements in softness, stretch, and breathability. > I've worn enough bad underwear to know it can sabotage your entire day. ## We tested over 100 pairs Men's Health has been testing underwear since 2015, cycling through 50-plus brands and 100-plus styles. The best pairs stay put, feel smooth from morning to night, and hold up after multiple washes. ## Mack Weldon Airknitx wins overall This boxer brief excels at comfort, support, and breathability. The polyamide-elastane mesh keeps you cool and dry, even during intense workouts. A supportive pouch cradles without suffocating, and mesh cool zones prevent odors. > Even during a four-mile run on the treadmill, this pair never once felt overheated, swampy, or in a rush to change. ## Calvin Klein is the classic choice The Cotton Stretch Boxer Brief delivers serious comfort and breathability with a 95% cotton, 5% spandex blend. Testers found it stays soft after countless washes and doesn't bulk up under slim pants. ## Under Armour for active days The Tech Boxer Brief features 4-way stretch polyester-elastane and anti-chafing design. No back or side seams, a performance waistband, and an articulated mesh fly keep everything secure during intense HIIT sessions and runs. ## Ralph Lauren keeps you cool The 4D Flex Cooling Boxer Briefs use a soft cotton-modal blend with moisture-wicking and four-way stretch. Breathable mesh panels prevent swamp crotch, and the slim silhouette won't ride up under dress pants. ## Skims has serious stretch The Stretch Boxer Brief nails the balance between function and finesse with modal-elastane fabric that snaps back to shape after every wash. The velvety waistband never digs in, and the fit works under jeans, gym clothes, or running tights. > You can barely feel it. ## Abercrombie for value packs The 7-Pack Boxer Briefs offer seven distinct colors in a washed cotton feel. The waistband sits comfortably without rolling, and the fit provides wiggle room without being too snug. Great for a quick, affordable refresh. ## Tommy John makes softest trunks The Second Skin Trunk features a micro modal and spandex blend that feels luxuriously smooth against skin. Four-way stretch moves with you, the quick-draw fly adds convenience, and odor resistance keeps them fresh all day. > A fabric so luxurious that it makes regular cotton feel rough in comparison. ## Sunspel boxers are premium Made from long-staple cotton by a UK brand with over a century of experience, these boxers feel ridiculously comfortable. A distinctive back panel eliminates chafing, and the lightweight fabric breathes well without bunching under pants. ## SAXX mesh keeps you cool The Multi-Sport Mesh Boxer Brief uses polyester-elastane with a dotted texture that allows heat and moisture to escape. The hammock-style pouch provides support, and the snug fit prevents bunching under any pants. ## CDLP is the upgrade choice The Boxer Brief uses Tencel Lyocell fabric with an incredibly silky, cooling feel. It's breathable, durable through multiple washes, and strikes a balance between luxury and practicality for everyday wear. ## Uniqlo AIRism is affordable At under twenty dollars, these seamless boxer briefs fit like a glove with a cutoff waist that sits flush against skin. The nylon-spandex blend is lightweight, breathable, and packed with moisture-wicking technology for all-day freshness. ## Cotton is the classic fabric Cotton is comfortable for everyday wear but doesn't wick moisture well, making it poor for workouts. Long-staple or organic cotton is more premium and durable than standard cotton. ## Nylon blends dry fast Nylon is moisture-wicking and durable without pilling or stretching out. Adding spandex, also called elastane, helps with movement and comfort while allowing quick drying after workouts. ## Modal feels like luxury Modal is smoother and fancier than cotton with a silky-soft feel that's light and cool against skin. Testers say their favorite modal boxer briefs almost disappear under clothes. ## Support matters for comfort Briefs provide the most security for your package. Boxer briefs offer a balance of support and comfort. If you need extra support, look for styles with a pouch or snugger waistband fit. ## Breathability prevents problems The best breathable underwear manages heat and moisture so sweat escapes instead of getting trapped. Mesh weaves and moisture-wicking fibers pull sweat away and help it evaporate faster. ## Odor control stops bacteria Sweat itself doesn't smell, but bacteria does. When moisture gets trapped, it creates the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria. High-quality underwear pulls sweat away and sometimes uses fibers designed to inhibit bacterial growth. ## Refresh your drawer every year Replace your underwear every six to twelve months. If the elastic is shot, they're sagging, developing holes, or the fabric is thinning, it's time to toss them. Gradually swap in new pairs to stay comfortable. ## Key takeaway Good underwear should stay put, feel smooth all day, and survive the wash. Upgrade from what you wore in college.