By Rifan Muazin 
The landscape of men’s undergarments has shifted dramatically over the last decade. Whether you are strictly a boxer briefs loyalist, a classic boxer shorts advocate, or a staunch "tighty-whitey" proselytizer, the modern market demands several non-negotiables. Comfort remains the paramount factor, which translates to high-quality fabrics that are soft, silky, moisture-wicking, and breathable. Durability is equally critical; if a fabric disintegrates after just a few months of wash cycles, it fails the test of value. For those who prefer a secure fit over a loose one, underwear must provide the right amount of support without bunching, chafing, or cutting off circulation. Finally, there is the aesthetic element: your underwear should look good on you, regardless of who else might see them. To help you maintain a drawer that is up to snuff, the GQ Recommends team tests and retests hundreds of pairs throughout the year, cycling in new disruptors and revisiting the longtime stalwarts.
The Heavyweight Champion of Boxer Briefs: Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch
Calvin Klein’s genre-defining boxer briefs continue to dominate the rankings for a simple reason: they are the blueprint. When the brand introduced them in the early 1980s, they revolutionized the industry by making designer underwear a cultural phenomenon, ushering in the era of the high-profile celebrity campaign. Four decades later, these megawatt briefs still set the standard for the "Average Joe" and the fashion enthusiast alike.
Our testers consistently return to the CK Cotton Stretch Boxer Briefs for everyday wear due to their dependable fit and unbeatable price point. The fabric is engineered with just the right amount of stretch—enough to move with you but not so much that they lose their shape by noon. They offer solid support in the pouch and surprisingly high levels of breathability compared to newer, synthetic entrants. Even those who find the logo-heavy waistband a bit loud concede that the value is undeniable, particularly during frequent sales. There is a quiet satisfaction in wearing the brand that essentially invented the category.
Modern Disruption and Unbeatable Value: Skims and Uniqlo
In recent years, the conversation around men’s basics has been disrupted by Skims. Since debuting its first collection for men in 2023, the brand has earned a permanent place at the top of our lists. Skims underwear feels considered and modern, utilizing a restrained color palette and clean design language. During testing, the 5-inch Cotton Boxer Briefs stood out for their consistency across a wide range of body types. Cut from a mid-weight cotton-modal blend, they are praised for their softness and "dialed-in" feel.
For those on a stricter budget, the Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Brief remains the gold standard of affordable tech-wear. While we are not entirely sure the "perfect" underwear exists, Uniqlo comes remarkably close for just $15. The AIRism fabric is a miracle of engineering—breathable, lightweight, and capable of wicking moisture away faster than almost any natural fiber. While they might not be the most tailored option on the market, their performance as a "gym buddy" or an everyday staple in humid climates makes them a steal. Our testers highlighted the lightweight-but-smooth feel of the fabric, a texture that many lesser budget brands struggle to replicate.
The Luxury Upgrade: CDLP and the Swedish Perspective
When you decide to graduate from the 12-packs found at big-box retailers, CDLP is the brand waiting at the finish line. This Swedish label emphasizes fit and fabric above all else. Eschewing gaudy logos and neon colors, CDLP takes a subtle, sophisticated approach. Their boxer briefs are primarily crafted from Tencel—an eco-friendly Lyocell fiber that offers a silk-like hand feel.
Andreas Palm, CEO of CDLP, notes that Tencel is a superior material because of its luxurious softness and moisture-wicking properties, which keep the wearer cool and fresh throughout the day. While these briefs are an investment, they are exceptionally durable and provide a "delusional level of confidence" according to our testers. One caveat: the Lyocell jersey can run a bit snug, so a judicious size-up is often recommended for those who prefer a slightly more relaxed fit.
Athletic Excellence: Lululemon and the Performance Frontier
For the fitness-focused, Lululemon’s Always In Motion Boxer Briefs are the undisputed leaders. Built with the brand’s proprietary Luxtreme fabric, these boxers are designed to handle the rigors of high-intensity training. They conform to the body like memory foam, providing support that mirrors an eagle-eyed spotter at the squat rack.
The moisture-wicking capabilities are top-tier, and the fabric is treated to protect against the odors associated with heavy workouts. They do not bunch, chafe, or ride up, even during deep lunges or sprints. While the lack of a functional fly and the higher price tag are minor drawbacks, the sheer breathability and range of motion make them the primary choice for anyone "slanging massive numbers" in the gym.
The Case for Boxer Shorts: Sunspel and Derek Rose
The boxer short apologist is a breed that values tradition and airflow. Sunspel, a generations-old British label, produces some of the crispest and classiest skivvies on the planet. Famously worn by Daniel Craig’s James Bond, Sunspel underwear carries an inimitable sense of retro Hollywood flair. Their Classic Boxer Shorts are made from long-staple cotton that is light, smooth, and far more durable than the average woven cotton.
A standout detail of the Sunspel design is the back panel, which is actually cut and shaped rather than just being a flat piece of fabric. This prevents the bunching that plagues cheaper boxers and allows them to sit comfortably even under slimmer trousers. Similarly, for those who refuse to compromise, Derek Rose offers a ridiculously luxe alternative. Their 100% cotton boxers feature a regal sheen and a silk-like feel that impressed even our most skeptical testers. At nearly $100 a pair, they are a significant splurge, but for those who live by the mantra of "quality over everything," Derek Rose is the ultimate destination.
The Brief Renaissance: Calvin Klein and Hanro
Briefs are currently enjoying a stylistic renaissance. No longer relegated to the "uncool" bin, modern briefs are designed with flattering cuts and high-performance fabrics. The Calvin Klein Icon Cotton Stretch Hip Brief is a favorite for its low-rise silhouette that plays well with modern denim. It balances softness with breathability, proving that the classic brief can be both functional and sexy.
For an upgrade in this category, Hanro’s Superior Cotton Brief is the pinnacle of the craft. Utilizing mercerized Egyptian long-staple cotton, these briefs offer a silken feel and a minimalist design that feels timeless. The cut is "tastefully sexy," providing a look that is classic without being reserved. While they lack the convenience of a multi-pack deal, the longevity of the mercerized cotton helps justify the premium price.
Honorable Mentions and Specialized Favorites
The market in 2026 is vast, and several other brands deserve recognition for their specialized contributions. Nike’s Dri-FIT Boxer Briefs are a reliable, accessible option for those who want a snug fit that won’t roll up. Ten Thousand’s A-L Boxer teeters the line between support and compression, utilizing silver ion technology to remain stink-free during the most grueling sessions.
For those who treat their underwear as an extension of their outerwear, Comme Si offers boxers made from Italian shirting material usually reserved for fine suiting. On the more affordable end of the organic spectrum, Quince provides organic cotton trunks that are soft and budget-friendly. Finally, for a touch of extreme luxury, Zimmerli utilizes Sea Island cotton—one of the rarest fibers in the world—to create briefs that are the closest cotton gets to pure silk.
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Conclusion: What to Look For
Choosing the right underwear is a deeply personal decision, but the core principles remain constant: fit, fabric, and feel. Cotton remains the classic choice for its natural breathability, but modern blends incorporating Modal, Elastane, or Tencel offer improved shape retention and moisture management.
When testing these products, we prioritize pairs that stay secure without squeezing, featuring waistbands that don’t roll and leg openings that don’t ride up. Whether you are buying a 5-pack of Calvin Kleins or a single pair of CDLP, the goal is the same: to find a foundation that makes you forget you’re wearing anything at all. In the end, GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t wear it ourselves. Your drawer deserves an upgrade; your comfort depends on it.
