Boxers are back, baby. Once relegated to the neglected corner of your upper dresser drawer, the freewheeling-est entry in the long list of underwear options has perhaps never been better suited to the situation than it is to this strange moment. What is getting dressed each day, after all, but an extended exercise in taking it as easy as possible (within the confines of societal propriety, of course)?
Boxers were made for this! Unlike their cousins, the brief and the boxer brief, boxers are about letting it all hang loose. Sure, some of the best ones out there these days are cut just slim enough to sit comfortably under your favorite jeans, but clinging to your thighs for dear life? That's out of the question.
Maybe you're a newly minted boxer guy or a lifelong devotee of the scene. Regardless, accept you're a boxer guy and own it. Once you do, it's time to find yourself some new breathable pals to shake up the garments down there. Choose from traditional cotton, stretchy jersey, knit—there's an endless world of options out there, and we are here to help you narrow it down. And now that you're ready to shop, you can scroll through these 13 picks our editors have tried and loved. Keep scrolling for our definitive list of the best boxer shorts on the market.
Pros
Anti-odor finish
Anti-sag design
Lie flat underneath your pants
Cons
Some buyers dislike the lack of a button fly
Mack Weldon made a name for itself in the fiercely competitive world of men's undergarments by letting its products speak for themselves, so this is me shutting up now. (Except to mention that this best seller also comes in a handy-dandy three-pack that'll save you a few bucks.) This anti-sag design is crafted specifically with your sleep comfort in mind, so you know they're soft as hell.
One buyer says: "These are great and lightweight and feel-good boxers. Wonderful material, delightful colors, good feeling and fun to wear."
Fabric | Cotton, Polyester, Spandex |
---|---|
Sizes | S-XXL |
Quantity | 1 |
Colors | 7 |
Pros
No-roll elastic waistband
Crafted from breathable and sustainable fibers
Cons
Some buyers report they're prone to pilling
MeUndies makes boxer shorts so soft you'll be clambering to call 'em YourUndies, too. (Sorry.) With over 100 colors to choose from, this is a breezy, non-bunching style that you may as well stock up on from the get-go, 'cause we know you'll fall in love with them.
One buyer says: "Love the look; love the feel. Perfect fit. LOVE wearing these."
Fabric | Micro-Modal, Elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | S-4XL |
Quantity | 1 |
Colors | 100+ |
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Pros
Buyers name this an iconic boxer for its longevity and comfort
Great price
Cons
Some buyers find the fabric too thick
If you're looking to spice up your selection by copping a few different pairs at once, Nordstrom's fan-favorite, in-house collection has you covered. These are classic, no-nonsense boxers, with button flys and a three-panel construction that offers plenty of freedom of movement.
One buyer says: "Very comfortable, well-fitting boxers. The material is incredible, soft, and light. I love that these are made to a specific waist size rather than S/M/L."
Fabric | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | 32-46 |
Quantity | 3 |
Colors | 5 |
Pros
Comfortable, stretchy waistband
Hold up in the wash
Cons
Some buyers find the fabric to be too thin
Could Ralph Lauren really call itself a lifestyle brand if it didn't sell the perfect starter pack of classic boxer-short styles? Who cares—it does, and it is. Made from soft, breathable cotton, these three-panel boxers are so good you should get a few of these five-packs.
One buyer says: "Soft cotton, nice fabric weight. Comfy fit. Good length for walking around the house."
Fabric | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | S-XL |
Quantity | 5 |
Colors | 1 |
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Pros
Hold up in the wash
Buyers love the cooling fabric
Cons
Some say they run slightly large
Comprising 70 percent bamboo viscose, these guys are breathable, elastic, and supersoft. The loose-fitting design only enhances the comfort. And with natural anti-odor properties, Bamboo Cool really brings the heat.
One buyer says: "The quality of the material was excellent. Not too thin or thick. My hubby has large thighs and these fit nicely. They are a bit more expensive than others but are able to wash and wash and wash. Good quality material and sewing."
Fabric | Bamboo Viscose, Cotton, Spandex |
---|---|
Sizes | S-3XL |
Quantity | 3 |
Colors | 7 |
Pros
Great for winter
Tailored fit ensures an easy wear under pants
Cons
Tend to be warmer and less breathable than non-knit options
Okay, to sing Mack Weldon's praises once more: It's also worth noting that the brand has a supersoft, jersey boxer, if that's more your thing. (And it, too, is available in a money-saving three-pack.) This one features a button fly and a stretch gusset, too.
One buyer says: "Soft and comfortable, great for lounging around. Sleep in them every night."
Fabric | Cotton, Modal, Spandex |
---|---|
Sizes | S-XXL |
Quantity | 1 |
Colors | 6 |
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Pros
Four-way stretch
Quick-drying and sweat-wicking fabric
Ergonomic pouch
Cons
Some buyers report the waistband rolls over easily
If you've never tried Lulu's boxers, what have you been doing with yourself? These are going to become your new g0-to. They have a soft, quick-drying fabric with four-way stretch, sweat-wicking properties that make 'em perfect for wearing at the gym, and a pouch designed for optimal support.
One buyer says: "Most comfortable underwear I’ve ever owned. A delight."
Fabric | Modal, Elastane |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-3XL |
Quantity | 3 |
Colors | 6 |
Pros
Breathable knit fabric
Iconic look
Ridiculously soft
Cons
Some buyers find them to have a too-snug fit
The Marty McFly–approved choice, and also the celebrity-approved choice. Hey—if you want to feel like a shirtless Jeremy Allen White lounging on a billboard for all of NYC to see, then Calvin Klein is the only way to go. These are classics for a reason, with unending softness, a lie-flat waistband, and a sleek and cool quality that never fails.
One buyer says: "Nice comfortable fabric, washes well, no shrinkage, no pilling. The elastic is quality, does not wear out or curl. Button closure is a plus. Fits well in the leg without being baggy or sagging. Favorite for comfort."
Fabric | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | S-XL |
Quantity | 3 |
Colors | 1 |
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Pros
Moisture-wicking fabric
High-end construction
Cons
On the pricier side
And in case you want something a little more like your favorite tee, there's this knit PRL option, too. They're sweat wicking and stretchy, with a comfortable lie-flat elastic waistband that says the three words every man loves: Polo Ralph Lauren, baby.
One buyer says: "Classic style, not to loose and not too tight. Thought they had quit making them but they just made them better. No more irritating tag in the back, just an imprinted label."
Fabric | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | S-XL |
Quantity | 5 |
Colors | 1 |
Pros
Buyers love the breathability
Back panel offers more coverage
Cons
On the pricier side
Some say they shrink in the wash
With a look this clean, it's almost a pity you're not wearing them on the outside. Almost. Derek Rose sets out to imbue your every day with a healthy dose of luxury, and lightweight, breathable poplin boxers do just that. No bells, no whistles (unless you include the two-button fly). Just pure cotton.
One buyer says: "High quality product delivered with remarkable speed."
Fabric | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | S-3XL |
Quantity | 1 |
Colors | 1 |
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Pros
Weightless feel
Seams designed for comfort
Option to bundle and save
Cons
On the pricier side
If poplin is your thing, consider this dose of English understatement from a brand that has specialized in luxury everyday essentials since 1860. Sunspel crafts these with flatlock seams for maximum, non-itchy comfort—and with a back panel to replace a center seam, too.
Fabric | Cotton |
---|---|
Sizes | S-XXL |
Quantity | 1 |
Colors | 9 |
Pros
Great price
Tag-free design
Cons
Buyers report they shrink upon washing
For ultra-affordable basic boxers, Gildan has a five-pack that you can snag for under 20 bucks. The moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool all day, and for even more comfort, these are designed without tags.
One buyer says: "These are perfect for pajama bottoms. My husband loves them. Comfortable and they wash up nicely."
Fabric | 55% Premium Cotton, 45% Polyester |
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Sizes | S-2XL |
Quantity | 5 |
Colors | 7 |
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Pros
Buyers love the soft fabric
Stretchy
Cons
Some buyers report they're too baggy
Here are high-quality, premium cotton boxers that'll make you eager to get to laundry day every week. This three-pack features a hidden-button fly, a soft and breathable fabric, and—perhaps most important—chic prints and colors.
One buyer says: "It undoubtedly sounds weird to be excited about boxer shorts, but I really like these boxers. I was told some years ago that Peter Millar has stopped selling them. So I tried boxers from several high-end clothing retailers. But none had the fit or, certainly, the quality of these. The others wore out much sooner. I was happy to find that these are still being sold. Call me weird, but I love these boxers."
Fabric | 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex |
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Sizes | S-2XL |
Quantity | 3 |
Colors | 1 |
What to Look For
Picking the right pair of boxers is easier said than done. Here are a few things to look out for to help guide you in your search.
Fabric: Some prefer lightweight and breathable, and some opt for some stretchiness and moisture-wicking properties. Consider how you want your underwear to feel when purchasing. Cotton is a great place to start, but knit cotton and cotton poplin offer very different feelings. The presence of spandex and elastane usually means you're in for some great stretch, too.
Features: For boxers that you'll work out in, a sweat-wicking, anti-odor pair will serve you well. Those who want boxers to sleep and lounge in will love the lightweight, soft pairs that act more like shorts. Are you a fly kind of guy? Do you prefer a tag-less design? All of these are things to pay attention to while shopping.
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How We Tested
Look—we all wear underwear (hopefully). If you've found yourself here, then you, like us, are searching for the perfect pick—the ones you won't have to switch up on any time soon, that you can fill your underwear drawer up with and continue to rely on. We want the same thing, and the boxers above bring just that. When testing, we considered material, fit, versatility, sizing, and cost. We also recruited our talented colleagues to shape this guide and consulted user reviews, Internet forums, and the honest opinions of our readers.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We won't say something is great unless it's great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
With boxers, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their daily wear and comfort. We've had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these boxers are the ones that are simply the best, from brands we already know, love, and trust.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.