The Comprehensive Guide to Men’s Underwear: Benefits, Top Picks, and Shopping Tips

Types of Men's Underwear and Their Benefits

Boxers

Boxers are the traditional go-to for men seeking a loose, comfortable fit. They offer excellent breathability and a free range of movement, making them ideal for lounging or sleeping.

1. Calvin Klein Cotton Classics Boxer Briefs: Made from 100% cotton, these boxers combine comfort and a classic fit.

2. Hanes Men's Tartan Boxers: These boxers offer a relaxed fit and are made from a soft blend of cotton and polyester.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Cotton Woven Boxer: Known for their quality, these boxers are 100% cotton and offer a comfortable fit.

4. Tommy Hilfiger Woven Boxers: These feature a classic design, are 100% cotton, and come in a variety of stylish patterns.

Briefs

Briefs provide excellent support and a neat fit that stays in place, making them a good choice for physical activity.

1. Jockey Classic Full Rise Briefs: Made from 100% cotton, they offer a comfortable fit and durable design.

2. Fruit of the Loom Men's Briefs: These briefs provide a soft, comfortable fit and come in a variety of colors.

3. Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Briefs: Known for their superior comfort and stretch, these briefs are made from a blend of cotton and elastane.

4. SAXX Underwear Co. Vibe Boxer Briefs: These briefs feature a patented BallPark Pouch for friction-free support, making them perfect for physical activities.

Trunks

Trunks are a hybrid of boxers and briefs, offering the best of both worlds. They provide good support and a stylish, modern fit.

1. Runamante 80s Modal Trunks: Made from 80s modal with an anti-bacterial layer in the crotch, they provide excellent comfort and hygiene.

2. Runamante 60s Modal Trunks: These trunks feature a graphene layer in the crotch and are made from 60s modal, offering excellent thermal conductivity and bacteria resistance. These trunks are excellent for an active lifestyle.

3. Calvin Klein Micro Stretch Low Rise Trunks: These trunks are made from a blend of nylon and elastane, offering a stretch fit and enhanced comfort.

4. David Archy Micro Modal Trunks: Known for their superior softness and comfort, these trunks are made from micro modal and spandex.

Fabrics and Their Pros and Cons

Cotton

Cotton is the most commonly used fabric in men's underwear due to its natural origins and comfort.

Pros:

• Breathability: Cotton is a breathable fabric, which can help reduce sweat and keep you cool.

• Softness: Cotton is naturally soft, which increases the comfort level when worn directly against the skin.

• Hypoallergenic: Cotton is often recommended for people with sensitive skin or allergies, as it's less likely to cause irritation.

Cons:

• Moisture Absorption: While cotton is breathable, it does absorb moisture, which means it can feel damp and uncomfortable when you sweat.

• Durability: Cotton can shrink and lose its shape over time, especially when machine-dried.

• Temperature Dependence: Cotton doesn't insulate heat, which can be a disadvantage in colder weather.

Modal

Modal is a type of rayon, a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose, often from beech trees.

Pros:

• Softness: Modal is incredibly soft and smooth, even more so than cotton, which can add a touch of luxury to your underwear.

• Breathability and Moisture Wicking: Modal is breathable and also wicks away moisture well, keeping you dry and comfortable.

• Shrink Resistance: Modal retains its shape and size better than cotton, even with frequent washing.

Cons:

• Cost: Underwear made from modal tends to be more expensive due to the higher cost of the material.

• Heat Retention: Modal doesn't retain heat as well as some other fabrics, which could be a disadvantage in colder climates.

• Environmental Impact: The production process for modal can be less environmentally friendly due to the use of chemicals, but is far more friendly now due to the closed production process.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that's often used in sportswear due to its moisture-wicking properties.

Pros:

• Moisture Wicking: Polyester is excellent at wicking away moisture, which helps keep you dry and comfortable during physical activity.

• Durability: Polyester is resistant to shrinking and wrinkling, and it holds its shape well.

• Quick Drying: Polyester dries quickly, which is a plus for travel or gym use.

Cons:

• Breathability: Polyester is not as breathable as cotton or modal, which can lead to increased sweating and discomfort in hot weather.

• Skin Irritation: Some people find polyester irritating to their skin, especially if they're prone to allergies or sensitivity.

• Environmental Impact: Polyester is not biodegradable and its production can be harmful to the environment.

Nylon/Elastane Blend

This blend is common in more form-fitting underwear styles due to its stretch and recovery properties.

Pros:

• Stretch and Support: The elastane in the blend provides excellent stretch and recovery, meaning it can hug the body without sagging or bagging.

• Moisture Wicking: Like polyester, nylon is good at wicking away moisture, helping to keep you dry.

• Durability: This blend is resistant to tearing and will not shrink or wrinkle.

Cons:

• Breathability: The nylon/elastane blend is not as breathable as cotton or modal, which may lead to increased sweating and discomfort in hot weather.

• Skin Irritation: Some people find the synthetic nature of nylon irritating to their skin.

• Heat Retention: Nylon does not retain heat as well as some natural fibers, which can be a disadvantage in colder temperatures.

How to Choose the Right Size and Fit for Men's Underwear

Choosing the right size and fit for men's underwear is critical for comfort and support. Here are some tips:

1. Know Your Size: Measure your waist at the narrowest point and refer to the brand's size chart. Sizes can vary between brands.

2. Consider Your Lifestyle: If you lead an active lifestyle, you might prefer briefs or trunks for their support and snug fit. If you prefer a looser fit, boxers might be the right choice.

3. Prioritize Comfort: The most stylish underwear is not necessarily the most comfortable. Pay attention to how the underwear feels when you wear it, not just how it looks.

4. Consider the Fabric: As discussed above, different fabrics have different characteristics. Choose the one that suits your needs the best.

5. Avoid Too Tight Underwear: Underwear that is too tight can lead to discomfort and health issues. It can cause skin irritation, chafing, and even problems with circulation and sperm production1.

Conclusion

Choosing the right men's underwear is a personal decision that depends on many factors, including comfort, style, health, and lifestyle. By understanding the benefits of different types of underwear, the characteristics of various fabrics, and how to choose the right size and fit, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect pair for you.

Questions and Concerns

When it comes to buying men's underwear, there are several common questions and concerns that may arise. Here are some considerations for each of the topics we've discussed:

Types of Men's Underwear

Q: I lead a very active lifestyle. Which type of underwear is best for me?

A: If you're highly active, you might prefer briefs or trunks. Both of these styles offer a close fit and good support, which can be beneficial during physical activities. Look for versions made from moisture-wicking fabrics like modal polyester or a nylon/elastane blend. Some brands have additional features that help with your comfort and health; Runamante's 2 styles both offer anti-bacterial linings that help prevent odor and other microbes. Although for an active lifestyle, we recommend their Open-Fly 60s product.

Brands and Products

Q: I have sensitive skin. Which brands or products should I consider?

A: If you have sensitive skin, you might want to choose underwear made from hypoallergenic fabrics like cotton or modal. Brands like Jockey and Fruit of the Loom offer a variety of styles in these fabrics. Runamante's 80s and 60s Modal Trunks also have anti-bacterial layers in the crotch area, which can help reduce irritation and provide a more hygienic experience.

Fabrics

Q: I often find myself sweating a lot. Which fabric should I choose?

A: If you tend to sweat a lot, you'll want to look for underwear made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. Polyester and nylon/elastane blends are both good at wicking away moisture. Modal is good at wicking away moisture, and also offers good breathability and moisture absorption.

Size and Fit

Q: I'm not sure what size to buy. How do I ensure a good fit?

A: To ensure a good fit, it's crucial to know your measurements. Measure your waist at its narrowest point and refer to the brand's size chart. Remember that sizes can vary between brands, so always check the specific size chart for the brand you're buying.

Q: My underwear often feels too tight. What should I do?

A: If your underwear feels too tight, it might be the wrong size or style for you. Consider going up a size, or try a different style with a looser fit, like boxers. Wearing underwear that's too tight can lead to discomfort and even health issues, so it's important to prioritize comfort and fit.

Choosing Underwear

Q: I'm looking for underwear that will keep me warm in colder climates. What should I choose?

A: While many underwear fabrics are designed to be breathable and cool, some do offer better heat retention than others. Cotton is a good insulator and can provide some warmth. However, if you're in a particularly cold climate, you might want to consider thermal underwear made from fabrics like wool or a wool blend.

Q: I'm concerned about the environmental impact of my clothing. Which fabric should I choose for the least impact?

A: Cotton is a natural fiber and is biodegradable, making it a fairly eco-friendly choice. Organic cotton is even better, as it's grown without harmful pesticides. However, keep in mind that the water usage in cotton production can be quite high. Modal is another relatively eco-friendly option, especially if it's sourced from sustainably managed forests. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon have a higher environmental impact due to their petroleum-based production process and non-biodegradability.

Q: I'm looking for a luxury experience in my underwear. What should I consider?

A: If you're looking for a touch of luxury, consider underwear made from premium fabrics like modal, which is incredibly soft and smooth. Brands like Runamante and Calvin Klein offer high-quality, luxurious underwear options that combine comfort, style, and premium materials.

Conclusion

Choosing the right underwear involves considering various factors, from the type and fit to the fabric and brand. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect pair for your needs. Remember that the most important thing is your comfort and health, so don't compromise on these aspects to follow trends or styles. Always prioritize good-quality underwear that fits well, feels comfortable, and suits your lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here.

Footnotes

1. Mínguez-Alarcón, L., Chavarro, J.E., Mendiola, J. et al. (2018) 'Tight underwear and its association with sperm quality', Human Reproduction, 33(4), pp. 588–596. DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey023 ↩

In the world of men's fashion, underwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about style, comfort, and health. However, it plays a crucial role in all three areas. This guide will delve into the world of men's underwear, discussing the benefits of different types, the best brands and products in the market, the pros and cons of various fabrics, and tips on choosing the right size and fit.