Mens underwear for sensitive skin

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If you’re trying to build a great wardrobe, your first step needs to be finding the very best underwear for men. Underwear is the first thing you put on, the last thing you take off, and the one garment that gets closer than any other to your, uh, prized possession. More than you know, the wrong pair could throw off your whole day—or worse, your whole fit. (Ain’t nobody got time for bunching and chafing!) It's for those very reasons that we firmly believe that guys (yes, you) should spend a few extra dollars for top-quality skivvies when re-upping their underwear drawers.

To put it in precious cargo terms, going budget on your underwear is like buying a car seat based solely on the lowest price (i.e. don't do that). So break up with whatever shrink-wrapped eight-pack you've been buying, because a proper underwear restock requires the good stuff. We're talking quality fibers that move with you whether you're shifting weight at a standing desk or going beast mode on some kettle bells. We're talking a cut that's both comfortable and flattering. And we're talking about a design that won't raise an eyebrow in the locker room or when your third date goes really well. That might sound like a lot to look out for in a simple pair of undies—and it would be, if we hadn't already done all the looking for you and settled on these 30 unassailable pairs for every taste and body type. Here's the best underwear for men.


The Best All-Around Underwear

Calvin Klein boxer briefs (5-pack)

The best men's underwear that covers all the bases we just listed above? It still comes from the brand that changed the men's underwear game in the first place: Calvin Klein. The American designer's foray into men's undergarments turned them from something guys had to wear to something they wanted to wear (and okay, yes, still had to) and maybe even wanted to show off. Plenty of it had to do with those ads, but most of the change happened because Klein and Co. started cutting them way guys wanted to wear their underwear (read: not at their belly button). Cue the now-standard-issue below-the-navel stance, the wider waistbands (and yes, the logos on those waistbands), and the idea that underwear should show off your goods, not hide them. Add to that a super soft cotton blend (with just the right amount of stretchy elastane), a waistband that's equal parts robust and comfy, and a price (for two pairs!) that's tough to beat, and you get an iconic pair of trunks that won't be relinquishing its throne anytime soon.

The Best Hot 'n Steamy Underwear

Tom Ford silk zebra boxers

If you're looking for an extra-special pair to keep aside for your steamiest nights, you go to Tom Ford—a menswear god so inherently sensual he famously doesn't wear underwear himself. “Let's say you're going on a date,” Ford told GQ's Mark Anthony Green back in 2018. “When you take off your pants, you want it to be kind of a great moment—which of course it will be when you take off your underwear. But before you get to that point, why wouldn't you want silver metallic underwear? Or zebra? Or leopard? Or something a little crazier?” It's hard to argue with that logic, especially once you see his signature skivves up close. The zebra print is rendered in pure silk, with a touch of equally luxe velvet at the waistband—and it's a boxer short, a cut we might not normally advise, but it's a Tom effing Ford boxer short, so it feels sexy and just plain works. And it's guaranteed to make for a unforgettable moment anytime you're lucky enough to show 'em off.

The New Old School Boxers

Industry of All Nations jersey boxer shorts

$26

Industry of All Nations

25 years ago, big, billowing boxers were the undisputed champion of the men's underwear world. As pants got slimmer, underwear naturally got tighter. But as men's trouser trends swing the other direction towards fuller (sometimes giant!) silhouetters, something that allows for a little more room is back on the table as a viable—and seriously comfortable—option. That doesn't mean you have to rush out and pick up a pair of critter print boxers just yet, though. Instead, ease back into the free-wheeling thighs era with something that puts coziness first, like these jersey boxer shorts from Industry of All Nations. They're not woven like a dress shirt (as many boxers are), but instead are knit to feel like your favorite tee. Plus, they're au naturale courtesy of an undyed, unbleached cotton and a 100% recycled polyster waistband, which means you can breathe easy knowing your underwear is as sustainbale as can be.

The Best Sensible British Underwear

Sunspel superfine cotton boxer briefs

For going on 160 years now, U.K. outfitters Sunspel have been turning out some of the finest cotton goods on the planet: they invented the T-shirt, perfected the polo, and, to the surprise of no one, make a damn good pair of underwear, too. There's something about crisp white undies that just feels practical, honest and true—and these boxer briefs live up to that billing. The jersey cotton fabric they're cut from is soft and light, the elasticated hems keep them sturdy and fitted, and the fly-front pouch makes for easy, button-free access when it's time to hit the bathroom. Just one more notch in the belt for the storied British maker.

The Best Underwear for Hitting the Gym

Lululemon Always In Motion boxer

When you need your underwear to be as active and flexible as you are, try these unsurprisingly stretch-forward boxers from the first name in premium yoga gear. The four-way stretch fabric molds to your body and goes wherever you go while also retaining its shape. And no matter how steamy your workout sesh gets, they'll keep things breathable and dry down low. As far as we're concerned, they're the best gym partner you could ask for.


25 More Pairs of Underwear We Love

Stussy boxer briefs (3 pack)

For skaters, downtown streetwear obsessives, and anyone who just appreciates an ultra-economical three-pack.

Ami de coeur boxers

Wear your heart on your...um...boxers.

Sunspel stripe boxer shorts

Grown up boxers for the guy who wants a little more breathing room.

Patagonia men's boxer briefs

Hiking up a mountain? Schlepping to an afternoon coffee meeting? These boxer briefs can do it all with ease.

Versace "Greca" boxer briefs

Will these boxers imbue their wearer with god-level confidence? The answer is not "no."

Falke nylon seasonal blend boxer briefs

These trunks come with an extra dose of stretch for added breathability and movement—and a bold blue color to break up the black and gray in your rotation.

Merz B Schwanen 254 loopwheeled boxer briefs

These boxer briefs are made by the same brand behind the hearty tees favored by Carmy on "The Bear", using cotton that's spun the old school, pre-mass production way. The result is extra soft and built to last.

Derek Rose "Woburn" silk boxer shorts

Nothing like a silk pair of boxer shorts to make you feel like absolute royalty in your own home.

Handvaerk pima cotton-jersey boxer briefs

The soft as hell Pima cotton would fool anyone into thinking the fabric was engineered in a lab.

Flint and Tinder Heritage boxer briefs

From the makers of hardy denim and waxed cotton goods comes a surprisingly silky and soft pair of undies.

Anonymous Ism pattern boxer short

Big cat energy.

Saxx sport mesh boxer briefs

Boxers built to the exacting specifications of a NASA spacesuit.

2(X)IST no show briefs (3-pack)

Don't call them tighty-whities.

Nike Dri-FIT ReLuxe boxer briefs (2-pack)

The Swoosh's high-quality, quick-drying boxers combine the best elements of its Dri-FIT technology with extra-soft recycled polyester fibers engineered to hug your lower body in all the places they should.

J.Crew patterned boxers

Tired: matching your dress shirts to your socks. Wired: matching your dress shirts to your *undies*.

Polo Ralph Lauren 4D cotton and modal boxer briefs (4-pack)

Your lower half needs horsepower too.

Adidas performance boxer brief underwear (3-pack)

The moisture-wicking, activewear base layers to reach for when you've got an extra heavy gym sesh planned.

CDLP boxer brief

True minimalists will go nuts for these black-on-black, tagless, softer-than-silk briefs.

Hanes ultimate tagless boxers (6-pack)

Take it from His Airness: tagless is the way to go.

Zimmerli micromodal-blend jersey boxer briefs

Micromodal is a specially-treated form of rayon prized for its unparallaled softness. The Swiss underwear wizards at Zimmerli put it to use, in tandem with a touch of elastane, to ensure your most sensitive parts never feel anything but sheer bliss.

Jockey classic full-rise briefs (3-pack)

Classic-as-they-come briefs from the brand that put briefs as we know 'em on the map.

Everlane boxer brief

Everything you need (super soft Supima cotton and just the right amount of elastane), nothing you don't.

American Trench boxer briefs

The blend of Supima cotton and micromodal feels like being swaddled in velvet.

Hanro sporty knit boxer

More substantial than your typical woven boxer short—and way, way softer.

Smartwool merino 150 boxer brief

The idea of wool skivves in the summertime sounds like a punishment, right? Turns out, though, that merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, temperature regulating—once you try these on, you'll want 'em all year long.

Tommy John Second Skin boxer briefs

True to the name, Tommy John's Second Skin boxer briefs fit like a glove (for your junk).

MeUndies trunks

Be honest with yourself—are you really using the fly on your underwear? These silky soft micromodal trunks from MeUndies offer up a less bulky, near-seamless fit.

Allbirds Trino boxer briefs

You did not see this coming and, to be honest, neither did we. Allbirds' employs a trifecta of materials which includes lyocell for a luxurious handfeel, merino wool for temperature regulation, breathability, and odor control, and a smidge of spandex for movement and fit.

Savage Fenty Tagged by Savage trunks

Leave it to Rihanna to make some of the hottest, feel-good underwear for men around.

Organic Basics rib-flex boxers 2-pack

100% organic cotton + 0% synthetics = all-natural, super soft stretchy undies.

Nice Laundry slim fit boxer

Didn't think there was an option between boxer briefs and boxers, did you? These slim-fit boxer shorts will slot into your slim jeans while still giving you enough breathing room.

Uniqlo AIRism boxer briefs

Uniqlo's lauded AIRism technology makes these boxer briefs one of the literally coolest undies on the market, especially for the price.

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What type of underwear is best for sensitive skin?

Bamboo underwear is softer and much more absorbent than cotton, reducing the likelihood of irritation and making it a natural choice for those with sensitive skin.

What underwear is best for irritation?

Organic cotton underwear is a great choice when it comes to protecting your skin from recurring rashes and irritation as it is a breathable, sweat-absorbent material. Since there can be harmful chemicals in cotton, we recommend Certified Organic or OEKO-Tex Certified Cotton.

What underwear is best for eczema?

Cotton tends to be the most commonly recommended textile for people with eczema. Cotton is soft, cool, great at absorbing sweat, easily washable and allows the skin to 'breathe'.

What underwear is best for preventing jock itch?

“Increased moisture can lead to infectious skin issues like tinea cruris (jock itch),” Soleymani says. If you do opt for briefs, choose moisture-wicking synthetic materials and be sure to shower and put on a fresh pair after working out. “Pro tip: put on socks before putting on underwear,” Soleymani says.