Many men struggle to figure out the right underwear to wear. They wonder whether to go with thongs, bikinis, or briefs.
Boxershorts are a good choice for larger guys who want underwear that is more padded and dresses their thighs up. Unlike tighty-whities, they also don’t leave their cherries exposed for all to see.
Comfort
The comfort of boxershorts depends on several factors, including the type and thickness of fabric used, the waistband’s construction and overall fit. Choose a pair that isn’t too tight or binding but also ensures good support for the hips, waist and crotch area to reduce discomfort from chafing or riding up throughout the day.
Boxer shorts are looser than trunks, but not as tight as briefs, making them a good choice for men with slimmer legs who want to emphasise their width. For extra comfort, look for a pair that bisects the thigh at its widest point to minimise sweat and odor, like this one from Merz B. Schwanen.
Start-up Sir Cadian took things a step further with their soft, eco-friendly Second Skin range, which is constructed from non-pilling micro modal and has a built-in pouch, non-roll waistband and tag-free design to prevent irritation. The company also uses recycled materials and palm tree-free buttons, and the entire range is available in sizes from small to 4XL.
Breathability
Breathable men’s boxershorts keep your balls cooler and drier, reducing the chance of infections caused by excessive moisture build-up. They also help regulate body temperature, prevent chafing, and feel comfortable against the skin all day long.
Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that fit snugly without restricting movement. These are better for active men than loose-fitting underwear. A soft, stretchy waistband adds to the comfort.
Bamboo viscose fabric is incredibly soft, absorbent and wicks away moisture. It’s also naturally cooling, so the Shinesty brand boxer briefs feel like a second skin. They feature a comfy waistband with no itchy tag and are 3x softer than cotton.
Hanes’ breathable X-Temp fabric is designed to keep the skin cool, dry and fresh. It’s also odor-resistant and helps prevent sweat from staining clothes. It’s great for hot weather and up-tempo training, cardio and recreational activities. If you’re a bigger guy, look for men’s breathable boxer briefs with longer leg lengths and performance stretch that stay put during activity.
Appearance
Ladies seem to love boxers – the tight fit and sexy shape help to highlight muscles and make a man look more muscular. They also work well for guys who are on the skinny side, as they add a little weight to the lower body and can balance out an otherwise heavy midsection.
The open fly style is the most common form of men’s boxer briefs. You can find these in a variety of styles, including high and low-rise fits and even a few designs that feature a waistband that cinches at the waist for a more snug fit.
Look for the classic open fly design when shopping for men’s boxershorts – this is the type that’s most likely to be found on the shelves of your local department store. Brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein offer a selection of this style, as do British label Hamilton + Hare, which offers an open fly option in shirting-grade cotton and lyocell.
Support
The right underwear can make a big difference in the support your manhood receives. Testicular swelling can occur for various reasons, and it’s important to wear support underwear that helps you avoid painful chafing and rubbing. Trunks, which sit from the mid- to lower-thigh, are another men’s underwear style that can offer extra support for your manhood, as well as other parts of your body. They’re often made with a balloon seat, which features two seams on the center rear seating area that form a generous panel of fabric.
The briefs are an easy-to-identify underwear type that offers maximum support for the pelvic region. They’re a popular option for guys who prefer a slimmer fit under clothing and are less prone to bunching and rising than some other styles of underwear. They’re also a good choice for men with smaller legs who need additional coverage to avoid their pants from riding up when they walk or run.men’s bamboo boxershorts