11 best underwear brands for men to buy in 2024
Looking for good quality underwear that won’t leave you uncomfortable all day? Here are our recommendations, including a new brand worth knowing about.
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Underwear is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off. And while less visible compared to other fashion staples, underwear also plays an important role in getting you through the day.
But for many guys, shopping for undergarments isn't all that fun. It’s a very personal thing, and with lots of options to choose from, it can also be confusing and overwhelming.
That’s where news.com.au checkout has come in to help save you time and save you money, with our team rounding up some of the best men’s underwear worth your attention.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve road-tested the Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Stretch Low Rise Trunks and Step One’s Men's Bamboo Boxer Briefs, so keeping scrolling down for our honest reviews.
Some other options worth your attention include Lacoste's Iconic Three-Tone Waistband Boxer Trunks, Bonds Men's Hipster Briefs which are always a great staple, plus there's also the Tradie Man Front Trunks, which are only $55 for a 4-pack.
Read on for our roundup of the best men’s underwear out there right now.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST BOXER BRIEFS FOR MEN
Calvin Klein 3-pack Boxer Briefs, from $79.96 at THE ICONIC
You really can’t get anymore iconic than Calvin Klein. Not only are they a household name, there’s a reason they’re at the top of the game and that’s because they just get underwear.
These boxer briefs are a great staple, are made from an incredibly comfortable cotton, and come in a range of great colours (grey, black and white).
Ticking all the boxes across durability, breathability and style, customers are saying these are a great option for the warmer months.
“They're pure cotton so they keep cool during summer heat. They're a comfortable fit that doesn't squeeze sensitive areas,” said one buyer.
AIRism Ultra Seamless Boxer Briefs, $14.90 at Uniqlo
Since launching in Australia back in 2014, Uniqlo has quickly carved out a reputation for high quality garments, and that includes their range of mens’ underwear.
The AIRism Ultra Seamless Boxer Briefs are made with quick dry fabric, are seamless, and are breathable and lightweight, and we’re really a fan of the colour range, which includes grey, black, dark grey and navy.
These boxer briefs are also designed with a special knit to prevent fraying, and at $14.95, they’re also a great price.
“These are really well made and feel super comfortable when being worn. They have a cooling effect, which is great for summer wear. I'm looking forward to wearing them in the summer,” said one buyer.
Another said: “AIRism Ultra Seamless Boxer Briefs are a game-changer. The fabric is incredibly soft, lightweight, and breathable. No more discomfort or irritation. These boxer briefs are a must-try for unmatched comfort all day long.”
Lacoste Iconic Three-Tone Waistband Boxer Trunks 3-Pack, $100 at THE ICONIC
Made with soft and stretchy cotton, these boxer trunks look great, with the three-tone elastic waistband featuring the Lacoste brand name and giving them a designer luxe feel.
You’ll also notice the Lacoste green crocodile motif has been heat embroidered onto the garment, which is a really nice touch, and the red, navy and flecked grey colour options will really put a spring in your step.
Customers are really happy with the quality of Lacoste’s Iconic Three-Tone Waistband Boxer Trunks, with many saying they “love the soft fabric”, and the “nice and comfy” fit.
BEST BRIEFS FOR MEN
Bonds Men's Hipster Briefs 5-pack, $24.49 (down from $34.99) at Myer
We couldn’t write up a wrap of the best men’s underwear out there without including a mention of Bonds.
Not only are they a quintessentially Australian brand, Bonds has a fantastic reputation for making high quality and comfortable products, and the Bond’s Men’s Hipster Briefs are a great staple to consider.
These briefs are made from cotton, and feature a soft branded elastic waistband, making them super comfortable and breathable. The value pack of five also makes them perfect for the Monday to Friday working week.
Many customers say that Bonds are their go-to when it comes to selecting a great pair of men’s briefs. “Comfortable jocks. I have worn Bonds most of my life and will continue to buy them into the future. Well fitting and comfortable, wrote one buyer from Melbourne.
Another said: “Great product. Good quality. Affordable Price. Good quality materials.”
Calvin Klein Cotton Classics 4-pack, Myer, $62.97 (down from $89.95) at Myer
These Calvin Klein Cotton Classics are another great option if you’re on the hunt for briefs.
Made with cotton to ensure a comfy fit, they come in a range of colour options too and feature a classic cut.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the black, but Myer is also selling a four pack that includes these briefs in a mixture of black, white and grey.
Customers who’ve already bought these online from Myer are saying they’re durable and comfortable.
“Classic briefs that’s comfortable and good quality cotton that makes it breathable,” wrote one buyer from Sydney.
Another Aussie customer added: “Love these undies! Comfortable but stylish and a timeless classic!”
BEST TRUNKS FOR MEN
Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Stretch Low Rise Trunk 3 Pack, from $49 at Amazon Australia
These trunks have a shorter cut than the Calvin Klein boxer briefs, which sit a little higher up on the leg, and they also feature the iconic CK branding on the waistband.
Made with breathable cotton, customers are really loving their comfort and fit, as well as the range of different colour options.
“Very comfortable and have a little bit of stretch to make sure they sit perfectly,” said one Aussie buyer, while another added they are “excellent” and “as expected”.
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au Checkout Shopping Writer
I’ve never owned or worn Calvin Klein underwear before but I was coming in with the brand’s reputation for quality in mind.
The fabric is soft and lightweight, and I’m also really happy with the quality of the elastic waistband. It’s a really nice fit too, and I don’t think I’ve been oversold on these at all.
I’m also a big fan of the colours available in the 3-pack, I think it’s always a safer bet picking understated colours for underwear and in this case, the blue, black and navy hues are all winners.
Suffice to say, the Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Stretch Low Rise Trunks are a great choice if you’re looking for new underwear.
Tradie 4pk Man Front Trunks, $55 at THE ICONIC
Much like Bonds, Tradie underwear is another great Aussie staple if you’re looking to update the underwear in your wardrobe
One of my favourite things with the Tradie Front Trunks is the fluro-coloured waistband, which comes in green, blue, pink or yellow, here you’ll be able to bring out your inner tradie no matter what your career path.
Its soft cotton design will keep you comfortable all day long, and it’s also great value with a four pack costing just $55 at THE ICONIC.
Thousands of happy customers agree, many saying they also help with chafing and getting them through the day.
“Been looking for long jocks that don't ride up and these are great. Well made and very comfortable,” one buyer wrote.
Another added: “These looked great online, but looked so much better in person. Very happy with the sizing and quality.”
BEST BOXERS FOR MEN
Hanro Sporty Cotton Boxers, $119.95 at THE ICONIC
If you’re looking for super soft cotton boxers, these ones from Hanro deserve your attention.
Hanro’s Sporty Cotton Boxers are made with a special cotton blend called mercerised cotton, which essentially means they’re durable but also come with a silky look and feel.
A Swiss brand focusing on everyday wear and underwear, yes Hanro is a little more expensive than other options out there right now, but if you’re wanting to splurge a bit these will go the distance.
Tommy Hilfiger 3-Pack Established Print Boxer Shorts, $79.95 (down from $99.95) at THE ICONIC
Tommy Hilfiger always delivers on creating products that look and feel sophisticated, and I’m pretty confident these Established Print Boxer Shorts will lift your wardrobe game.
Made with cotton, the three-pack has a nice blend of patterns giving a swimwear vibe (one pair is Ithaca black, and the Desert Sky and Shirting Stripe use two different styles of clean blue lines.
These are perfect for gifting for Father’s Day or birthdays, but also a great option if you’re after a great pair of boxers.
BEST ATHLETIC & SPORTS UNDERWEAR
Step One Bamboo Boxer Briefs 5-Pack, from $131.75 at Amazon Australia
Step One has a lot of fun with their marketing and they’re definitely targeting the regular Aussie bloke who is on the lookout for reliable underwear.
Safe to say, the Step One Bamboo Boxer Briefs ticks a lot of pockets when it comes to comfort and performance, plus they’re also great to wear while working out.
As the name suggests, they’re made with a bamboo fabric blend which feels cooling to wear, plus they’re anti-chafe, making them an ideal choice if you’re a guy with thicker legs.
There’s a good range of colour options out there too, but if you’re planning to use these during a workout, we’re a big fan of the classic black.
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au Checkout Shopping Writer
With Step One, I’d seen the funny ads for a while but hadn’t actually gotten around to trying them out.
I wish that I’d tried the Bamboo Boxer Briefs sooner, because the fabric is super soft and they’re also very comfortable to wear, both during the week to work, and also at the gym.
I really like that they’ve been designed in Australia, plus they also have a one-year satisfaction guarantee, which is pretty much unheard of when it comes to men’s underwear, most items you’ll buy these days have no option to refund or exchange.
Many customers online say these are breathable and durable and I tend to agree – if you’re after well designed, reasonably priced underwear, Step One’s Bamboo Boxer Briefs should be top of your next online order.
Built to Move Boxer “5, $49 from Lululemon
Lululemon has made a really good set of sporty boxers here.
Literally designed for high-sweat movement, the Built to Move Boxer “5 are fitted, but with a focus on comfort and breathability, are great for working out in.
That’s in part due to Lululemon’s trademark lycra fibre fabric, which absorbs sweat and is quick drying. We really love the colour range, with options in blue, black and grey.
Customers are also saying they’re durable and go the distance. “Best boxers I’ve ever worn to be active in, the perfect balance of lightweight material and not being Lycra. Great support for the chaps and anti chafe for my thick thigh-ed brethren,” wrote one buyer.
Another added: “Just the right length for under shorts. Long lasting.”
Under Armour 3-Pack Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjocks, $48 (down from $60) at THE ICONIC
When I think of Under Armour, I straight away imagine high-quality products that have been made specifically for fitness and sport.
And thankfully, the brand’s 3-Pack Performance Cotton 6" Boxerjocks are keeping this reputation alive and well.
These boxerjocks are lightweight and quick-drying, making them perfect for working out, while the stretchy cotton fabric blend is extremely comfortable to wear.
They’ve also been designed with a special hem that won’t ride up, and there’s no side or back seams in the garment, which will also be a dream to wear.
Customers say Under Armour is their “go to” choice for men’s underwear, and is a brand that consistently performs.
“Love the UA brand especially in these boxer briefs! Worth spending a little more,” wrote one customer.
Another added: “This underwear is high quality. The fit and material is top notch. The legs don’t slide up at all. The underwear stays in place. The material is cool breathing, and I never feel hot while wearing them. Excellent purchase.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING MEN’S UNDERWEAR
Fabric
There’s now a lot of different options available in terms of the material used in men’s underwear. Cotton is perhaps the most commonly used fabric, and it’s popular because it’s breathable and durable.
We’re also seeing more products that incorporate a cotton blend, typically with bamboo, nylon or polyester. Many guys love boxers that are made with satin or silk too. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what you’re up to while wearing the underwear.
Cut and design
As with fabric, personal preference and intended use plays a big role here. Some men like the cut of classic briefs, while others find boxer briefs or trunks more comfortable for daily wear.
Many guys will also prefer to wear boxer shorts to bed, and if you’re working out, you may opt for products specifically designed for physical activity and athletic performance.
Price
Undergarments are something you’ll wear every day, so you’ll want to invest in products that are long-lasting and that will go the distance. Here lies the opportunity to spend a little more money on a product that will really deliver, and you can rest assured from our round-up there’s a good spread of options to match your budget.
However, if you’re are watching your spending, the good news is there’s also a range of cheaper options out there that still perform highly, and you might also consider buying underwear in a value pack (often three, four or five packs are available) to help make your dollar go a little further.
Colour and design
This is largely down to personal preference, but many guys will opt for neutral colours such as black, navy or white when it comes to underwear, others will choose brighter colours or patterns in order to add a little more personality to their wardrobe and their day.
Size and fit
Let’s face it, you’re going to be wearing underwear most of the day so you want to make sure it’s comfortable to wear.
Sizing plays a big part here, you’d ideally want to choose a product that won’t ride up your legs and cause chafing, and that also ensures there’s enough room in the front pouch to keep everything in order across the day.
Climate
Where you live should play a factor on the underwear you choose to wear. If you’re based in a warmer region like Queensland, you’re going to want products that are a little more breathable and suited to things such as sweat absorption.
However, if you live in a cooler place like Tasmania, you’ll want fabric blends that keep in the warmth.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you make a confident decision on buying your next pair of men’s underwear, our team went through hundreds of customer reviews online and social media, in order to see what has been trending, and what are the brands and products people are loving right now.
We also “Tried and Tested” a number of products, including Step One’s Bamboo Boxer Briefs, and Calvin Klein’s Men's Cotton Stretch Low Rise Trunks, so we could give you honest and first hand feedback on whether the men’s underwear brands we’ve covered really do pass the pub test.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE RETURNS POLICIES ON MEN’S UNDERWEAR?
As a blanket rule, safely assume most brands of men’s underwear won’t let you return the product if it’s been open or already worn. On that note, always consider brand new products for hygiene reasons.
There are some brands that will give you a trial period to return them – for example, Step One has a very generous 12-month satisfaction guarantee, but as with anything you buy, make sure you’re across the returns policies prior to purchase.
WHAT IS THE BEST FABRIC FOR UNDERWEAR?
Typically this comes down to individual preference but as a general starting point, you’ll always have a pretty safe bet to pick a product that’s made with 100 per cent cotton. These undergarments are light, breathable and regulate body temperature quite well.
For something more heavy duty – worn during exercise, say – technical fabrics are where it’s at. They’re designed for function, and are made for wicking away any moisture that may come about when hitting the gym.
HOW MANY PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR SHOULD YOU OWN?
At any given time, there should be at least seven to 10 pairs of underwear in rotation. That will ensure you can change into a fresh pair at the start of each week, and also if it’s laundry day, you won’t be coming up short. You may also want to have a few pairs set aside specifically for working out, and also a pair or two of boxer shorts for sleeping in.
HOW DO I WASH AND CARE FOR MY UNDERWEAR?
Always check the garment tag for washing instructions, but as a very general rule, most underwear can be machine washed with detergent. Whether you need to use a hot or cold wash will come down to the fabric and style, and personal preference.
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