Men, we’ve gotten sloppy. So many of us have spent so much time thinking with our family jewels, we’ve forgotten to think about them. We’re not thinking about what cheap hunk of worn out cotton we’re putting on downstairs. We’re grabbing whatever is around, refusing to buy new drawers on the basis of the ones we have aren’t in worthless tatters yet. We’ve neglected to realize that getting dressed starts from the foundation up. If you’re dressed to the natty nines in your best pinstripe, you’re really only halfway there if your drawers game isn’t also on point.
True, only the most intimate of partners should be seeing your undergarments, but the point isn’t who you’re trying to impress, but rather how you feel about yourself. That begins with how you take care of yourself. What soap you use, what detergent you wash your clothes in, what the threadcount on your sheets is all play into helping you think more of yourself and define what kind of person you are. That then plays into how you approach the world. If you want to be the guy in used unmentionables that are battered and stained, that’s partly who you consider yourself to be.
Related Reading: Best Men’s Underwear Brands for Style and Comfort
We suggest you consider adding more comfort, more support, and a better feeling downstairs that translates into a better outlook from your upstairs brain. Do that by doing right by your testes and giving them a house that’s truly a home, with the best underwear for gentlemen.
Best Underwear Fabric
Underwear is the most worn piece of clothing that any person has, which means what it is made out of is of paramount importance.
Cotton – The most common material for underwear, cotton along with various elastic materials can breathe well and hold a shape, which is why it is so prolific. Generally, a cotton base is never a bad way to go with underwear. Be aware that sweating into cotton and then leaving it can result in mildew, so wash often.
Wool – Better for colder climates and long underwear, the best way to go here is with softer merino wool that can wick away moisture as well as circulate air for improved comfort.
Spandex – Perfect for working out, the stretchable fabric with its firm fit and porous nature also operates ideally for guys who tend to run hot and suffer from crotch sweat.
Modal – Newer on the scene, modal is a cellulose fiber that is partly synthetic. It absorbs a lot of moisture, nearly half again as much as cotton. It lasts a long time, won’t break down easily – it’s made of cellulose spun from beech trees – and feels amazing. Costly, but often worth the investment.
Boxers, Briefs, Boxer Briefs, or Thongs
The first step to getting the right underwear is to get the proper style for your life. You can load up on every different kind and whip them out when the time is right. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each should be deployed:
- Boxers – Men who live largely in loose-fitting pants that are baggy and blousy can get away with boxers. The blousy build offers enhanced airflow and coolness, working well with summery cotton pants. Boxers pair badly with tight pants, and should never be worn with shorts, because there’s always a chance of someone seeing up a leg and getting an eyeful of your special satchel. Tacky and vile no matter who you are. Bunching is a major issue, which as driven most men away from boxers. This can be helped by getting the right material, but it’s worth being aware of.
- Briefs – Those who opt for skinny jeans or more tightly fitted trousers should aim for briefs. They minimize material, allowing them to stay in place even when donning a set of leather pants or anything that locks down your groin. Briefs are also good for active lifestyles, particularly those who do a lot of running.
- Thongs – Thongs are much more of a speciality build when it comes to underwear. Meant partly to entice your partner and offer a little foreplay, many men find wearing them while working out helps give them support, make them feel sexy, and motivate them to get into better shape.
- Boxer Briefs – The Swiss Army Knife of undergarments, boxer briefs give the best coverage while staying snug against your body for added support. Their tight fit is ideal for any kind of activity, and their tendency to never ride or bunch also allows them to work with sedentary lifestyles. They can be problematic with tighter pants, but are still quite workable.
If you haven’t branched out in your underwear routine, maybe it’s time to try something different. You might not know what you’re missing. Here’s how to start it off.
Calvin Klein Cotton Classic Knit Boxer
CK has been making underwear for more than 30 years, and there’s a reason for that. A stylish fit that looks good without pants, a classy button closure up front, and branding that tells any partner who sees them that you have discerning taste, if you’re a boxer man, this is the way to play. Purchase: $29
Saxx Kinetic Long Leg
Active men who are more interested in getting quality moisture wicking in a bottom layer that will move as they do should snag these. The pouch keeps your tackle in place to reduce adjustment as you go, and prevents sticking when the going gets tough. Purchase: $40
Related Garments
RLTD is a personal favorite, as they’re fun and funky, while also being comfortable as hell. They come in a wide range of alluring colors, all of which show a lot of quad; a trait that is universally alluring to anyone undressing you. Good for daily wear, but perfect for when you know they’ll be seen. Purchase: $29+
Meundies Trunks
Streamlined and stylish, the “barely there” feel of Meundies is supremely comfortable, and they look excellent when you’re getting down to the skivvies. If you want the feel of true freedom and flow, but still get a good look, here’s how to do it. The style is also a nice cross between briefs and boxer briefs. Purchase: $20
2Xist Briefs
Briefs are a dying breed that are rarely thought of as being “sexy.” 2Xist is one of the few brands that manages to make them look fashion-forward with a trunk cut that is as cozy as it is well designed. They feel great and look athletic, avoiding the derogatory “tighty-whitey” stigma. Purchase: $32
C-IN2 Core Sport Brief
If you’re going to go with a brief/jock combo for exercise, that also looks smashing should you decide on a little after workout workout with your partner, these are the smart way to go. Functional but still fun and flirty, they look good and add in all the right accents. Purchase: $16
Voberry Sexy Stripe Boxer Briefs
More of an everyday wearer, here’s the way to be ready for playtime anywhere you are. Cheap and easy, we say live free or die. Purchase: $2
