Boxers and briefs and jockstraps — oh, my! Your underwear serves a purpose and carries very precious cargo, so it is essential that it is well-made, well-fitting, and finally, comfortable.
There are many different types of men’s underwear available on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, and it can be overwhelming when faced with such a large selection. What is the most comfortable underwear for men? More importantly, which is right for you?
Boxers
One of the most commonly worn styles, boxers are at the top of the list for the most comfortable men’s underwear. Loose and breathable, boxers provide a much-needed buffer between your sensitive regions and the harsh fabric of your pants (especially denim and zippers!). They are long, usually hitting mid-thigh, offering men coverage and comfort.
Boxers are great for everyday wear and can even be worn on their own in the comfort of your own home, as they allow for free movement without the fear of accidentally exposing yourself. Again, they are very breathable, making boxers a fantastic option for hot days.
However, the loose, breathable nature of boxers is one of their biggest downfalls. Especially when worn under slim or tightly fitting pants, boxers can bunch up and become bulky, which is both uncomfortable and can make it look like you are wearing a diaper. Additionally, boxers offer no support whatsoever, which can be a disadvantage for many men during high activity, such as working out.
Briefs
As the name suggests, briefs are, well, brief. They are shorter than other types of men’s underwear, leaving the upper thigh and leg exposed, but still offer full coverage on all of the important bits. Additionally, they have a snug fit without being too tight, giving you full support without the risk of uncomfortable movement.
Generally, briefs come in three different cuts: low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise. Each cut sits at different places along your waistline. Depending on your preference, one of these types may be more comfortable than the others.
Briefs are one of the most comfortable types of men’s underwear due to how supportive they are. Additionally, their slim profile makes briefs a great option to wear under almost any outfit, as they do not bunch up or look bulky under pants.
However, briefs may not be the most comfortable option if the fit is too snug, as they can feel quite stifling and even painful if they are too tight. Additionally, briefs are best in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, as other fabric types may not be comfortable or retain too much moisture — bad news if you get sweaty!
Boxer Briefs
Are boxers too loose, but briefs make you feel a little bit too exposed? If so, boxer briefs are the most comfortable men’s underwear for you! A perfect mix between the two, boxer briefs offer the extra coverage of a boxer paired with the support and protection of a brief. Boxer briefs hit mid-thigh, snug throughout.
Boxer briefs are one of the most popular choices of men’s underwear due to its comfort, stretch, and lack of chafing. Due to their close fitting nature, boxer briefs also perform well when worn under almost any outfit, though tight pants may lead to some bunching. However, like with any men’s underwear, the fabric choice on your boxer briefs is very important, as some synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.
There is also another variation of the boxer brief, called trunks, which are just a bit shorter than boxer briefs but longer than briefs, usually falling just to the top of the thigh. These are a great option for those with slim thighs that may not fit well in a traditional boxer brief.
Jockstraps
Though jockstraps are by far the least popular type of men’s underwear on this list, they fit an important niche and are still worth mentioning. Featuring a minuscule amount of fabric, jockstraps focus solely on protecting your genitals, lifting them up and away from the body and preventing any kind of squishing or jostling. Because of this, jockstraps have become a popular choice of underwear for those who do high activity sports, such as biking.
However, jockstraps have one major downfall that makes them one of the least comfortable types of men’s underwear: the straps. Though jockstraps offer superior coverage in the front, you will be left with two measly straps around the back, leaving your rear end completely exposed. This makes them very breathable, but is often uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing for some men.
Fit and Fabric Matter Most
When searching for the most comfortable men’s underwear, you may realize that the type of underwear has little to do with how confident and secure you feel in your underwear. In fact, the two most important factors of how comfortable your underwear feels is what type of fabric is used and how the underwear fits you.
When purchasing underwear, you need to ensure that it is properly fitted. Each type of underwear will fit you a little bit differently, as briefs and jockstraps will be snug, while boxers may be looser. However, it is imperative that your underwear is never too tight, which can lead to uncomfortable squeezing or chafing, or too loose, which can result in your underwear bunching, riding up, and even some embarrassing moments.
Additionally, not all fabric is created the same, nor does every fabric work best for your underwear’s specific purpose. Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics used in men’s underwear, as it is breathable and soft, though it is not very stretchy and retains moisture, which can make it a bad option to wear during a workout. On the other hand, polyester is a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric and is great to wear during sweaty activities, but it is not very breathable and can become stinky — it also is not the most comfortable fabric for lounging around the house.
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