The 6 best boxer briefs for men in 2024, tested and reviewed

Best overall: Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief

"The very first time I put on a pair of Tommy John Boxer Briefs, I couldn't help but notice they were substantially longer than other boxers. It was a bit weird visually and it took a few minutes to get used to having material that far down my leg, but I came to appreciate the length almost immediately," says men's style editor Amir Ismael. 

The Second Skin boxer briefs are as light as air and exceptionally comfortable yet supportive. It's details like horizontal "Quick Draw" fly, front contour pouch, and won't-budge waistband that also make them a clear winner. They make boxer briefs with both stretchy, no-pill Modal fabric as well as a cooling pima cotton, with our favorite being the just-short-of-mid-thigh 8-inch cut.

Read our full Tommy John review for further insight into what makes these our absolute favorite brand for men's underwear.

Best cotton: Bombas Cotton Modal Blend Boxer Brief

Bombas makes some of the best boxer briefs (and of course, socks) with a second mission in mind – for every pair purchased, they donate special Bombas underwear to homeless shelters. And the quality really stacks up, especially with the brand's soft, stretchy, dependable cotton Modal underwear. It holds its shape over time and feels lighter than traditional cotton.

"The material itself feels soft against skin, but other design elements like minimal seams, no tags, and a wide waistband also add to the comfort. I like my underwear to have a fly and Bombas' diagonal fly is unlike any other design I've seen; it provides easy access and gets the job done," says Amir.

Read more about what TIME once called a best style invention in our full Bombas underwear review.

Best sweatproof: Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Boxer Brief

For a company that hung its hat on its underwear and T-shirts, Mack Weldon now makes daily office wear, from chinos to dress shirts.  And while their quality workwear is impressive, we must talk about what goes underneath. Mack Weldon's best boxer briefs use their trademark AIRKNITx fabric, a special weave and fiber that provides next-level breathability and air flow.

"I wear them during shorter jogs, during travel, and pretty much any time I want to keep things in place, as it were, when on the go (intense workouts or multi-mile runs aside)," writes freelance author Steven John.

There's a wide range of colors to suit every preference, but it's the performance details like the "targeted cool zones" that make a difference. 

See our full Mack Weldon review, where we found that they withstand years of wear and washing.

Best compression: Saxx Vibe Super Soft Boxer Brief

If you aim to dress for an active lifestyle on all fronts, you're very likely going to love Saxx. Saxx dials in all the details, starting with a range of eye-catching colors and prints that inspire confidence – but it's about more than just looks. Compression, comfort and performance are paramount, as Saxx boxer briefs have an exceptionally supportive trademark design.

"The cleverly named 'BallPark Pouch' is the most notable design element of a pair of Saxx underwear. The simple, yet innovative technology consists of two little flaps of fabric that keep a man's legs and his business separated," writes former senior reporter Owen Burke. "'The Pouch' also helps prevent the buildup of moisture down there, reducing irritation, odor, and general annoyance."

The Vibe's materials reduce chafing and wicks away moisture for ventilated security, great for if you prefer a close fit or need underwear specifically for exercising. They're also built with a shorter, streamlined 5-inch inseam that moves easily beneath slim trousers and even athletic shorts.

Read more about what six guys felt about their men's underwear in our full Saxx review. 

Best affordable: Jockey Organic Cotton Stretch Boxer Brief

At $12 a pair, Jockey's boxer briefs beat out other comparable pairs in terms of price. But beyond that, you'll find multiple reasons to score some new pairs from this long-running brand. There's the company's deep experience with making men's basics, of course. But they're going even more modern these days, using soft stretch organic cotton, keyhole fly, and a 6.5-inch inseam for a  streamlined, close-fitting design that works well with slimmer trousers and shorts. There are also design details like a tag-free back and stay-put legs that won't ride up. 

Best multipack: MeUndies Boxer Brief (3-pack)

MeUndies might not have been one of the first clothing subscription services for basics, but they're certainly one of the best. The company uses super-soft, comfortable MicroModal (a more eco-friendly alternative to rayon) to build its boxer briefs, of which you can customize inseam, fly closure, or inclusion of their signature "Ball Caddy Pouch". Special-edition designs, colors, prints and patterns dot the MeUndies Web site. These pairs are also size and gender-inclusive to suit everybody. 

You can build your own bundle and mix and match to your heart's content, or choose a surprise bundle. Another convenient option is signing up for MeUndies' monthly rolling subscription service.

Read more about the perks of their bundles in our full MeUndies review.

What to look for in the best boxer briefs for men

Boxer briefs are widely thought of as the most practical everyday underwear choice for men. Since boxer briefs more closely hug the skin, they work equally well with slim-fit or slim-straight pants, from blue jeans to corduroys. Boxer briefs also are a wise choice with suit pants, since more formal trousers follow the line of your leg. 

Even though boxer briefs hug the thigh, they should feel like an effortless protective layer for daily activities like commuting or lounging, while also providing enough ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable during nights out. Moisture-wicking, compression pairs are best suited for active pursuits like moderate hiking or outdoor exercise.

Most boxer briefs feature an inseam between 6 and 8 inches, which should hit mid-thigh for a stay-put fit. You'll find that boxer briefs forgo the typical button fly of the best boxers for men, and some are designed with no fly or even a horizontal fly, like Tommy John's. The best boxer briefs are also defined by a secure fit – look for a waistband that's made from smooth elastic, one that's wide enough to not roll over or bunch up.