The Best Men's Underwear to Buy: 25 Editor-Approved Pairs for Every Budget
There’s a strange irony in men’s wardrobes: the most worn item is often the least considered. Jeans get debated, sneakers get researched, jackets get invested in — but underwear tends to be an afterthought. Until, of course, it’s not.
The best men’s underwear isn’t just about aesthetics or branding. It’s about support, breathability, fit, and how it behaves across a full day of movement, heat, and repetition. A good pair disappears. A bad pair becomes the only thing you can think about.
From luxury cotton boxers to performance-driven sports trunks and breathable everyday staples, this is a curated edit of the best men’s underwear to buy right now — tested through the lens of comfort, durability, and real-world wearability. For a deeper breakdown of the brands shaping modern essentials, see our guide to the best men’s underwear brands, which explores the names consistently delivering on fit, fabric, and longevity.
If you’re building a full wardrobe from the ground up, it’s worth starting with the foundation layers — including our guide to the best men’s sneakers, which covers the everyday footwear that completes a modern essentials rotation.
How to Choose the Best Men’s Underwear
Before getting into the edit, it helps to understand what actually matters when choosing underwear — because price alone is not a reliable indicator of quality.
Fabric is everything. Cotton remains the gold standard for breathability, but blends like elastane or modal improve stretch and shape retention. Performance fabrics are better suited to training and hot weather.
Fit determines everything else. Boxer briefs are the modern default for most body types, offering support without restriction. Loose boxers prioritise airflow but sacrifice structure.
Waistbands matter more than you think. A well-constructed waistband should sit flat without digging in or rolling — a common failure point in cheaper multipacks.
Purpose matters. What you wear to the gym should not be the same as what you wear under tailoring or in high heat.
Best Overall
This is the everyday rotation — the pairs that balance comfort, durability and design without compromise.
Sunspel
Sunspel remains a benchmark for British underwear: minimal, precise, and exceptionally well-made. The cotton is soft without losing structure, making it ideal for everyday wear with a slightly elevated feel.
Calvin Klein Underwear
Still one of the most recognisable underwear staples in the world. The appeal lies in consistency — reliable fit, breathable cotton, and a waistband that holds its shape over time.
SKIMS
SKIMS has reshaped the modern basics market with its focus on body-contouring fits. These are close-fitting, supportive, and designed to sit cleanly under tailored clothing.
For a closer look at the labels behind these staples, our guide to the best men’s underwear brands breaks down what each brand does best — from everyday basics to premium cotton specialists.
Best Luxury
Luxury underwear is less about branding and more about fabrication, finishing, and longevity.
TOM FORD
Minimal, sharp and unmistakably premium. The cut is engineered for a close, sculpted fit, and the waistband sits cleanly under clothing.
Zimmerli
Swiss-made and widely regarded as one of the finest underwear makers in the world. Ultra-soft cotton and exceptional stitching make these a long-term investment piece.
Versace
More expressive than most in this category, Versace combines luxury fabrication with a more visual, fashion-led identity.
Best Budget
Affordable doesn’t have to mean disposable — the best budget underwear focuses on breathable fabric and consistent fit across multipacks.
UNIQLO
A staple for a reason. Clean design, reliable fit, and excellent value. These outperform many higher-priced competitors in everyday wear.
M&S
Marks & Spencer remains one of the most consistent high-street options for underwear, particularly in cotton quality and sizing reliability.
JACK & JONES
A more design-led budget option, offering decent everyday comfort at a highly accessible price point.
Best For Running
Performance underwear prioritises friction reduction, sweat management and stability under movement.
Runderwear
Designed specifically for endurance movement, these reduce chafing and stay in place over long distances.
Step One
Known for anti-chafe panels and soft bamboo fabric, these are designed for all-day athletic comfort.
Nike
A blend of sports heritage and technical design, offering reliable support for training sessions.
Best For Gym
Gym underwear needs to balance stretch, breathability and sweat control under repeated movement.
Under Armour
Designed for performance layering, these offer compression-like support without restriction.
GYMSHARK
Lightweight, breathable and built for training environments — particularly weightlifting and HIIT.
Adidas
A dependable gym staple with moisture-wicking properties and a secure fit.
Best For Hot Weather
When temperatures rise, airflow and moisture control become the priority.
Saxx
Engineered with cooling fabric technology and ergonomic pouch design to reduce friction in heat.
M&S Autograph
Ultra-lightweight and smooth against the skin, making them ideal for summer travel or daily wear.
Hollister
A solid high-street option with extended leg coverage and breathable fabric designed for warmer climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Boxer briefs are generally considered the most versatile option, offering support, coverage, and comfort across most body types and lifestyles.
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On average, every 6–12 months depending on wear frequency. Loss of elasticity or thinning fabric is the key indicator.
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Cotton remains the most breathable and widely used, while modal and bamboo blends offer improved softness and moisture control.
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In many cases, yes — higher-end options typically offer better fabric quality, stitching, and long-term durability, but mid-range brands like Uniqlo and M&S remain highly competitive.