<p>The seven pairs of underwear below get the job done, and they do it exceptionally well, whether your preference is boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs. Our editors tested and tried all of them out, and reviewed them on the basis of comfort, looks, and performance. You could go the classic supermodel route with an <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a62043482/alexander-skarsgard-calvin-klein-campaign-2024/” target=”_blank”>infallible pair from Calvin Klein</a>, or keep things <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g61159352/best-athletic-shorts/” target=”_blank”>workout-ready</a> and sweat-free with a pair from <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a41779660/lululemon-abc-pants-review-endorsement/” target=”_blank”>Lululemon</a>. Sunspel brings the high-end vibes to your basics, and <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a62612499/polo-ralph-lauren-oxford-shirt-review/” target=”_blank”>Polo Ralph Lauren</a> has a pair that your girlfriend might be stealing from you soon.</p><p>Get your underwear game together, and the rest is sure to follow. Below, seven absolutely fantastic, editor-approved pairs of underwear that’ll be there for you through thick and thin. <em></em></p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Florence Sullivan
best soft underwear
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Brief
Cons
Some buyers find them too small
Thick waistband
On the pricey side for one pair
Mack Weldon’s 18-hour fabric has developed a cult following, and honestly, it’s what it deserves. The signature blend is ridiculously soft—exactly what you want, in underwear—and this style has features like a no-roll waistband, mesh cool zones, and stay-put legs that enhance the comfort tenfold. This one was a standout pair for our editors, and passed our stretch test with flying colors.
Colors
12
Inseam
6″
Materials
47.5% Cotton, 47.5% Modal, 5% Spandex
best performance underwear
Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer (3-Pack)
Lululemon’s trio of boxers is a great, easy addition to your underwear drawer. Because the athletic giant thinks of everything, these are designed to get you through the day-to-day, whatever that means for you—and especially if it includes a sweat sesh. The stretchy, quick-drying fabric is light and breathable, and the ergonomic pouch is thoughtfully designed to give you optimal support.
Colors
6
Inseam
5″
Materials
91% Modal, 9% Elastane
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best iconic underwear
Calvin Klein Cotton Classics Boxer Brief (7-Pack)
Cons
Runs slightly large
No elastic around legs
Channel your inner Jeremy Allen White or Skarsgård brother on a billboard, why don’t ya? Personally, Calvin Klein is the only underwear brand I wear—it’s just infallible. The look is sleek and iconic, and the waistband is stretchy, lays flat, and never rolls. It’s like having a second skin that just gets better with each wash, really. Don’t expect any holes or pilling, either—you won’t find it here.
Colors
4
Materials
100% Cotton
best classic underwear
Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Woven Cotton Boxer (5-Pack)
Cons
Runs large
Prone to wrinkling after being washed
This five pack of PRL boxers ends up being about 14 bucks a pop, and if you know PRL, you know that’s a great deal. If you aren’t familiar, allow me to explain: the quality on these boxers is unbeatable, from the soft, breathable fabric to the stretchy elastic waistband. These are classic boxers that you sip your coffee and read the newspaper in, with a handful of timeless prints and patterns that’ll always look good.
Colors
1
Materials
100% Cotton
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best luxe underwear
Sunspel Superfine Cotton Briefs
If a softer pair of underwear exists than this style from Sunspel, I have yet to hear of it. These briefs are lightweight and breathable, with a front opening and a good amount of stretch, too. The superfine cotton is flexible, and it holds up well in the wash, too; pilling will never be a problem.
Colors
2
Materials
100% Cotton
best flexible underwear
Tommy John Second Skin Brief
It’s in the name: these briefs are like a second skin. Tommy John expertly crafts this pair with a soft, stretchy, pill-resistant fabric, and it feels silky-smooth. The horizontal fly and curved pouch are all about comfort and functionality, and the stay-put waistband is snug, but never tight.
Colors
8
Materials
47% Modal, 43% Polyester, 10% Spandex
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best comfy underwear
Saxx Vibe Super Soft Comfort Blend Trunk
Saxx’s trunks have it all. Comfort? Check—these are soft and breathable, with a lightweight, thin fabric. Functionality? Duh. With a moisture-wicking, odor-resistant fabric, contoured pouch, and four-way stretch, this is the kind of pair you wear until laundry day inevitably hits.
Colors
3
Inseam
3″
Materials
95% Viscose, 5% Elastane
Why You Can Trust Esquire
Everyone wears underwear—even Esquire editors. We only want the best for ourselves, and every option above is a pair of underwear that our editors would (and do) actually wear. Only the best for you, too—we put all of these and more to the test, and only the ones that rated the best in terms of comfort, function, and, of course, style made the cut.