There are no skirmishes more dank than the ancient battle between your loins and your loincloth. The best men's underwear, however, are firmly on your side. They'll escort your bits and bobs to the end of the day without so much as a chafe, a bead of sweat, or an air of funk. Settle for anything less and you may as well wear a plastic bag to defend your family jewels.

Whether you're strictly a boxer briefs boy, a boxer shorts advocate or a staunch tighty whitey proselytizer, good undies share several commonalities. Comfort is the first and most important factor. That means high-quality fabric that's soft and silky, moisture-wicking, and breathable. If the fabric doesn't disintegrate after just a few months, that'd be pretty swell. For the fellas that don't appreciate their balls swinging like a grandfather clock, underwear should provide the right amount of support without bunching or chafing or cutting off circulation. And, of course, your underwear should look good on you, whether or not you're the only one to see 'em.

To help you keep your drawers up to snuff, the GQ Recommends team tests and retests underwear throughout the year, cycling in new brands and revisiting longtime favorites. The result is a list of the underpants we'd happy wear ourselves, and recommend to anyone looking to upgrade.

The Best Underwear for Men in 2026, According to GQ

• Best Everyday Boxer Briefs: Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Briefs (5-Pack), $72 $46
• Best Value Boxer Briefs: Skims Cotton Boxer Briefs, $18
• Best Budget Boxer Briefs: Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Brief, $15
• Best Upgrade Boxer Briefs: CDLP Boxer Briefs, $45
• Best Athletic Boxer Briefs: Lululemon Built to Move Boxer, $38 $24
• Best Briefs Overall: Calvin Klein Icon Cotton Stretch Briefs (3-Pack), $53
• Best Budget Briefs: Skims Cotton Briefs (3-Pack), $44
• Best Upgrade Briefs: Hanro Superior Cotton Briefs, $65
• Best Boxer Shorts Overall: Sunspel Classic Boxer Shorts, $60
• Best Budget Boxer Shorts: Uniqlo Woven Trunks, $8
• Best Upgrade Boxer Shorts: Derek Rose Classic Fit Boxer Shorts, $100
• Most Comfortable Boxer Shorts: Mack Weldon AirKnitx Boxer, $38

Best Everyday Boxer Briefs: Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Brief

Calvin Klein’s genre-defining boxer briefs tend to dominate our rankings for good reason: when the brand introduced them in the early ‘80s, they made designer underwear a thing, ushering in the era of the celebrity campaign. Forty-odd years later, the brand’s megawatt briefs still set the standard—and they look just as great on Average Joes and the fellas who’d sooner go commando than adorn their waistline with the name of any other brand.

Our testers consistently come back to CK's cotton stretch boxer briefs for everyday wear, thanks to their dependable fit and hard-to-beat price point. The fabric comes imbued with just the right amount of stretch, solid support in the pouch, and more breathability than some newer entrants in the field—a major win for the old guard. Even testers who weren't fully sold on the fit agreed on one thing: the value is undeniable, especially when they go on sale, which is often. Not to mention the quiet satisfaction of shimmying into designer underwear from the designer that did it first.

Also worth it: For boxer short apologists, Calvin Klein’s knit boxers are a favorite among the GQ staff. The skivvies offer generous room through the thighs, all-day comfort, and a price that makes stocking up an easy call.

It used to surprise people when Skims came up in the men's underwear conversation. Not so much anymore. Ever since Skims debuted its first collection of undies specifically for guys in 2023, the brand has quickly earned a place at the top of our rankings thanks to skivvies that feel considered and genuinely modern. The color palette is restrained, the design is clean, and the overall effect is underwear that looks as good as it feels.

In testing, Skims' standard boxer briefs stand out for how consistently well they fit across a wide range of body types. The boxer brief is cut from a mid-weight cotton, and receives high marks for its softness and all-day wearability. Several testers noted how good they felt wearing them and how dialed-in they felt the moment they pulled 'em on.

The rigor we’ve devoted to our testing might’ve clued you in to a little secret: we’re not entirely sure that the perfect undies exist. But there are options that consistently impressed us across a range of crucial factors. Exhibit A: Uniqlo’s AIRism boxer briefs. Our testers noted their support, breathability, and moisture-wicking abilities—all three of which make them solid gym buddies—but really emphasized their overall value.

According to our panel, Uniqlo’s famously breezy briefs weren’t the best in any given category, but at $15 a pop, the combination of properties they offered was too good not to mention. GQ’s skivvies braintrust liked the lightweight-but-smooth feel of the fabric, a matrix lesser brands struggle to approximate. They’re more expensive than Calvin Klein's boxer brief, but when you factor in the gym-ready benefits they start looking like a steal.

When the time comes to nix the 12-pack and upgrade your skivvies drawer, there’s only one brand for the job. That brand, according to our testers, is CDLP, the upstart Swedish label that emphasizes fit and fabric above all else, and charges accordingly for its expertise. These days, plenty of brands hawk undies adorned with billboard-sized logos or done up in gaudy colorways, but CDLP’s approach is a lot more subtle, and in our opinion, a lot more effective.

CDLP CEO Andreas Palm says that Tencel fabric is a great, eco-friendly material that performs exceptionally in fit, fabric, and feel. “What truly sets it apart is its luxurious softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you cool and fresh throughout the day,” he adds. One thing to note: CDLP crafts almost all of its briefs from that silk-like lyocell jersey, which feels decadent (and is plenty durable), but can run a little snug. Size up judiciously.

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Lululemon

Always In Motion Boxer Brief 3"

$34

Lululemon

In a not-so-shocking development, Lululemon’s Built to Move boxers scored highest marks among GQ’s resident fitness buffs. According to that lovable crew, who swear they're “totally natural," the brand’s signature boxers outperformed the competition by a healthy margin, providing reinforcements at every hard-earned PR. They supported our testers more ably than an eagle-eyed spotter; wicked away sweat while allowing crucial airflow; and protected against the inevitable odors associated with “slanging massive numbers” in the squat rack—without bunching, chafing, or riding up.

Unsurprisingly, they were also among the most breathable undies we tested, largely thanks to Lululemon’s proprietary Luxtreme fabric, a silky-but-dry miracle blend that conforms to the body like memory foam without constricting your range of motion. Two downsides: If we were designing them from scratch, we’d probably opt for a functional fly—and make ‘em twenty bucks cheaper.

How do you do, fellow boxer short apologists? We see you, we hear you, and we have not forsaken you. That’s mostly thanks to the efforts of Sunspel, the generations-old British label responsible for some of the crispest, classiest skivvies on the planet. Sunspel tees were worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond, so naturally, the brand's underwear is endowed with an inimitable sense of retro Hollywood flair. And just like the clothes of that era, its basics are made better. In this case: Long-staple cotton that’s light, smooth, and far more durable than most of the newfangled schlock.

I'm an avowed boxer shorts-wearer, and I swear by Sunspel for one detail: a back panel that’s actually cut and shaped. Not only does it make for a better fit, it means they don't bunch at all. At the end of the day, they're very well made, super comfortable, and actually elegant. And while some boxer shorts include a button fly, the majority of our testers preferred Sunspel’s open-fly alternative. They might be multiple factors more expensive than the big-box store fare, but who says you need to replace your underwear drawer in one fell swoop?

We tested plenty of mid-range skivvies, but generally speaking, expensive underwear is much better than the stuff you buy in bulk. “Generally speaking” being the operative words, of course. And Uniqlo being the exception to the rule. The Japanese juggernaut’s boxer briefs earned top marks in our value category, and its impeccably crisp boxer shorts are poised to do the same.

Like its rainbow of straight-ahead socks, Uniqlo’s range of woven boxer shorts (which they insist on calling “trunks”), is a great value proposition. I swear by them on the days I'm not wearing Sunspel. The cotton fabric is soft, the fit is roomy, and the elastic waistband is noticeably pinch-free. I've been wearing them for years, and haven't noticed any of the telltale sagging that defines cheapo boxers. All that room does have a slight downside, though—when some of our testers wore them with slimmer pants, the extra fabric was prone to laying a little funny.

If you love the feel of a knitted material but want the freedom to go with it, a pair of knit boxer shorts are the underrepresented undies you need. Our favorite pair comes from the meticulous fabric nerds over at Mack Weldon. GQ commerce director Michael Nolledo alternates between Mack Weldon’s 24/7 Woven Boxer and the AirKnitx Boxer, noting that he likes the latter for its traditional fit and tailored look.

“They’re cut in a way where I have full range of motion throughout the day,” he says, adding that they're “easily the most comfortable boxers" he's ever worn, “no contest.” With Mack Weldon’s proprietary AirKnitx material, these boxers have even more breathability than traditional cotton boxers and can wick away more moisture, too.

Also worth it: While Mack Weldon’s AirKnitx fabric underwear is among our favorites, the brand’s jersey fabric is worthy of honorable mention. The cotton-modal blend is breathable, comfortable, and stood up well to our testing. While the boxer was a favorite in our testing, the brand also uses the material for boxer briefs and briefs.

Best Upgrade Boxer Shorts: Derek Rose Classic Fit Boxer Shorts

When we say that expensive underwear tends to be better than its cheaper counterparts, Derek Rose’s ridiculously luxe boxer shorts are exactly what we’re talking about. The version our testers tried was cut from 100% cotton with an eerily silk-like feel—augmented by a downright regal sheen befitting the brand’s generations-long pedigree.

Even the staunchest members of GQ’s “never boxer shorts” crowd walked away impressed, praising the extra top buttons and the second-to-none quality. A word to Mr. Rose: our intrepid undies experts would love to see a couple of side seams for added comfort.

At $85 a pop, would they buy a pair themselves? Well, that’s a slightly more complicated question—but if you don’t live on a writer’s salary, and refuse to compromise when it comes to your skivvies, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more worthy splurge.

The Best Briefs Overall: Calvin Klein Icon Cotton Stretch Hip Brief

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Calvin Klein

Icon Cotton Stretch 3-Pack Hip Brief

$53 $45 (15% off)

Calvin Klein

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Breathable cotton fabric
• Flattering cut, great for low-rise pants
• Common to find on sale

Cons

• Lacking in color options

Calvin Klein's underwear reign extends to all forms of the genre, including briefs. Most of GQ's brief proponents cited CK's hip briefs as among their favorites for their comfort and flattering fit. While some pointed to the synthetic versions of the hip brief, the classic cotton-stretch version was the clear favorite for it's balance of softness and better breathability.

Fit is ever imperative, especially where there isn't much fabric to begin with, and the CK hip briefs balance just the right amount of stretch with deftly cut panels and a low-cut silhouette that all sums up to a pair of skivvies that play well with low-rise pants. Of course, they also look flattering on their own.

The Best Budget Briefs: Skims Cotton Brief

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Skims

Cotton Brief (3-pack)

$44

Skims

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Wide, inclusive size range
• Luxurious fabric feel
• Somewhat discreet branding

Cons

• Could be more breathable

Kim Kardashian has a chokehold on vibe-y basics, and her grip hasn't loosened; in fact, many of GQ's own have praised her Skims cotton briefs as a great budget pick. It has that characteristic streamlined look and comes in a slate of sober colorways with more interesting seasonal tones to choose from. The cut itself rides the line between low-rise and full-brief. The cotton-modal blend has a luscious hand that's much softer than most all-cotton versions, and the 14% stretch gives it enough range of motion to hug without feeling restrictive. That said, the briefs seem to sacrifice some breathability in the name of softness with the injection of modal into the fabric.

The Best Upgrade Briefs: Hanro Superior Cotton Brief

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Hanro

Cotton Brief

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Hanro

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• High-quality Egyptian long-staple cotton
• Minimalist design
• Balance of support and comfort

Cons

• No multi-pack deals

Judging by the number of guys who said they either adored their Hanro briefs or dreamed of owning a pair of Hanro briefs, crowning them the best upgrade briefs was an easy choice. The cut is tastefully sexy, giving the briefs a look that is classic, but not reserved; flattering, but not insanely horny. Part of the aesthetic appeal is also its ultra-clean seams and minimalistic design, which is matched by its high-quality materials. This particular pair is a step up from its regular cotton briefs and features mercerized Egyptian long-staple cotton, which is silken-like in feel, refreshingly breathable, and long-lasting, which should theoretically help offset the $65 price tag.

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Quince

Organic Cotton 4'' Trunk (3-pack)

$40

Quince

Quince's organic cotton trunks are the kind of undies that you don't have to think hard about. They're soft, they fit well enough, they don't cost too much.

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Vuori

V1 Boxer Brief

$32

Vuori

If this is just the first version of Vuori's boxer brief, we can't imagine V2 being much of a leap forward. Four-way stretch, moisture-wicking action, clean design—ideal boxer briefs with very little to improve.

Choosing underwear is a very personal decision. While our preferences may vary, there are several common threads that every guy can agree on. Whether it’s boxer shorts, tighty whities, trunks or jock straps, underwear should be comfortable, soft to the touch, and breathable. Hitting those marks comes down to triangulating fit, fabric and feel to come up with the right combo to make for a perfect pair of underwear.

Fabric is one of those things you don't think about, until you very much do. The short version: cotton is a classic for a reason, but modern blends might actually bve better suited for you, depending on your climate, activity and general swamp tolerance. That's why our winners span a range of fabrics, because no single material works best for every body or every day.

Cotton mixed with modal, elastane, or polyester result in underwear with better shape retention, and better stretch and moisture control, making them ideal for warmer climates or gym days. Plant-based fibers like modal and Tencel resist odor better than cotton, and are soft and smooth on the skin. These fibers feel premium, and are typically pricer than basic cotton.

In plain English: Pure cotton will always be king, especially if you prefer a natural fiber against your skin. But blends exist for a reason, and could be better suited for your needs.

Fit can often be overlooked. When the fit is right, everything stays where it should without squeezing or sagging, and the fabric moves with you instead of fighting back through the day. Our testers gravitate towards pairs that felt secure without pressure, with waistbands that stayed put and thighs that didn't demand constant readjustment.

Details decide everything. Leg openings that grip too hard ride up, while loose ones bunch under pants. We also found that flat seams are key to maximizing comfort and ensuring a smooth feel against the skin during long wears. If the waistband rolls, the cut isn't doing you any favors.

How We Test and Review Products

Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.

Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.

Personal style, as we’re wont to remind you, is just that: personal. Nowhere is that more true than underwear, the first piece of clothing you put on in the morning, and the last piece you (or a lucky someone) removes at the end of the day. The right underwear for Jack isn’t the right underwear for Joe—especially if Jack swears by all-cotton boxer shorts, and Joe prefers silky, thigh-hugging trunks.

That's why our testing is both expansive and ongoing. We're constantly cycling in new brands and revisiting old favorites, putting pairs through real life with a wide range of GQ staffers and contributors. That means shimmying into them before work, to the gym, on travel days, and everywhere in between, and wearing them day in and day out until our laundry machines cried uncle.

From there, our crack (heh) team of testers compare notes, scoring each pair on comfort, breathability, fit, quality, support, value—and, perhaps most importantly, overall style. Based on those evaluations, we ran the numbers, collated the anecdotal evidence, and emerged with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best underwear for men right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the cheap multipacks to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) solo buys. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)

Production Credits
Photographs by Bowen Fernie
Styled by Tyler Austin