What are the best boxers for guys who like a relaxed fit?

Left: An original graphic of men's boxer shorts against a colorful gradient. Right: A model wearing boxer trunks.
Bombas, Mack Weldon/Business Insider

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The best boxers for men are but one option for the best men's underwear, and everyone tends to have their own preference. Either way, there's a difference you can feel in the quality materials and construction that have come along since their origin back in the boxing ring. Boxers offer a more relaxed fit and a breezier look, for starters. Consider them a change of pace that every guy can use. 

Lest you feel concerned about variety, our favorite brands we've tested (namely Mack Weldon and Bombas) offer trunks that have that breezy fit enhanced with the support of boxer briefs, as well as inclusive and plus-size options. A good night's sleep, or a comfortable day out and about, is more than possible with a solid choice in the boxer shorts we've selected here.

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Our top 3 picks for the best boxer briefs for men

Mack Weldon 24/7 Woven Boxer
Mack Weldon 24/7 Woven Boxers

Made with moisture-wicking technology and an anti-odor finish, Mack Weldon's 24/7 Woven Boxer will keep you cool, dry, and fresh all day long.

Uniqlo Woven Checked Trunks
Uniqlo Woven Trunks

At just $7.90, Uniqlo's Woven Trunks are budget-friendly.

A model wearing the Bombas Cotton Modal Blend Boxer in the color Marine Stripe
Bombas Men's Cotton Modal Blend Boxer

Made from a blend of cotton and modal, Bombas' underwear are soft and comfortable, yet durable.

 

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Best overall: Mack Weldon 24/7 Woven Boxers

Someone modeling the Mack Weldon 24/7 Woven Boxers.
Mack Weldon

While not insignificant in price, the 24/7 Woven Boxers from Mack Weldon are one of the best pairs we've tested.

"Whereas other boxers from other brands have come and gone from my rotation in that time, with waistbands stretched out, fabric worn bare, and other such issues, these garments are going strong, maintaining their support, comfort, and color, too, and that despite lots of use and washes," writes freelance author Steven John.

The brand takes the basics seriously, as they were originally founded on making ultra-soft, performance-minded underwear with a proper fit. Here, that means these cooling boxers use advanced COOLMAX technology, yet also come in a design streamlined enough to wear under pants. The smooth waistband won't fold over or bunch up in our experience, while the anti-odor finish is a nice design touch.

Read more in our full Mack Weldon underwear review. 

Best affordable: Uniqlo Woven Checked Trunks

The Uniqlo Woven Checked Trunks.
Uniqlo

UNIQLO might already be supplying some of your favorite outfits on a budget. Unsurprisingly, their men's underwear section is also clutch for basic essentials.  For under $10, these cotton boxers for men (made with a stretchy elastic waistband) are a standout deal to top off your underwear drawer. The low price on each individual pair makes it worth buying multiple pairs at a time.

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Most soft: Bombas Cotton Modal Blend Boxers

A person modeling the Bombas Men's Cotton Modal Blend Boxer
Bombas

More than 300 reviews at a clip of nearly 5 stars speaks volumes about the popularity of this pair. Bombas boxers prove to be super-soft, breathable and relaxed. It's the use of a TENCEL Modal fabric blend that makes the difference – a sustainable fiber made from beech tree pulp, which is then bolstered with Spandex for stretch, rounding out the softest pairs of men's underwear we've tested.

"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," says men's style editor Amir Ismael.

Read more in our full Bombas underwear review.

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Most supportive: SAXX Daytripper Loose Boxer in Navy Heather

Someone modeling Saxx Daytripper Loose Boxers.
Saxx

SAXX pouched underwear is famously supportive and comfortable, and its boxer shorts are cut from the same cloth. There's still that signature BallPark pouch support in front, and the soft, stretch synthetic fabric echoes how SAXX normally makes its fan-favorite boxer briefs. Flat seams should provide a secure fit at the waistband, and these are also cut with what the brand calls "ample room" at the thigh.

Read more in our full Saxx review.

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Best athletic: Gymshark Sports Tech Boxer

A person modeling blue boxers for men.
Gymshark

Boxers quite literally have roots in the boxing ring, and these check all the right boxes for a more close-fitting pair of boxer shorts. They hit at mid-thigh, with a thick elastic waistband for a secure fit. They also come in a 3-pack for an easy purchase that just might make you come back for another set or two. That's comfortable, athletic support from boxers multiple days a week.

Best anti-chafing: Ibex Natural Boxer Briefs

A person modeling the Ibex Men's Natural Boxer Briefs in blue.
Ibex

For those times when you want boxers for men with a fit that's breathable and relaxed, but still supportive enough to wear all day long, opt for nature's wonder fabric in a versatile pair of boxer briefs. It can be tough to find underwear that reduces chafing, so a boxer-like pair of briefs is a safe bet – especially in moisture-wicking, anti-microbial Merino wool. And as to that anti-chafing touch, its flatlock seams prevent riding up or bunching.

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Best multipack: Nordstrom 3-Pack Classic Fit Boxers

Someone modeling the Nordstrom Classic Fit Boxers.
Nordstrom

While buying in bulk can sometimes lead to a loss in quality, that's not the case with this trio of boxers for men from Nordstrom. It seems the department store does a bit of everything these days, from dress shirts to pants and chinos – and they've got your sleepwear covered, too. Choose from three shades of blue or blue-black in a breezy 100% cotton fabric and a classic roomy fit.

Best Amazon: Pair of Thieves SuperFit 3-Pack

Pair of Thieves Men's AMZ Exclusive Super Fit 3 Pack Boxers.
Amazon

This Amazon exclusive deal from a trusted basics brand like Pair of Thieves uses the company's famed cotton and viscose blend for extreme softness. You'll also find a no-roll waistband and an innovative quick-draw button fly. Here you have all the features you want in a pair of the best boxers for men, plus the convenience and unbeatable prices from Amazon.

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Best lightweight: Banana Republic Cotton Boxers

Banana Republic Cotton Boxers 3 pack.
Banana Republic

One of the prime benefits of wearing the best boxers for men is that they're supremely breathable, especially in the heat. Take your pick everytime you open your top drawer from three neutral, stylish colors, and feel the timeless fit and 100% cotton construction on days and nights where it's simply too hot to be constricted. Plus, if you shop carefully, this trio is available at a discount every now and again.

Best sustainable: Patagonia Essential Boxers

The Patagonia Men's Essential Boxers.
Patagonia

Patagonia has long taken a famously sustainable approach just about everything the brand dreams up. That goes for its organic cotton T-shirts and its hemp-canvas workwear jackets, as well as the little details beneath your outfit – like easily wearable boxers for off-duty lounging. These are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory from a stretchy TENCEL and spandex blend for durability and a smooth finish.

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Best plus size: Adidas Big and Tall Performance Boxers

Adidas Performance Boxers Three-Pack (Big and Tall)
Adidas

Finding the right fit in the underwear department can be a struggle for bigger guys or those with wide, athletic builds. Not anymore though, as the athletic performance designers at Adidas made this trio of boxers specifically with the plus-size boxer wearer in mind. Stretch quick-dry fabric helps you move around with ease while staying cool, and smooth stitching combines with a tagless waistband for a smooth feel against your skin.

Best gender inclusive: TomboyX 6" Fly Boxer Briefs

Tomboy X 6" Fly Boxer Briefs.
Tomboy X

Despite its name, this pair has the look and feel of classic boxer shorts, with the added features most folks seek from briefs. TomboyX took great care to test out this pair on all body types. They're available in a size XS to 6XL, and have the thoughtful touch of a decorative fly. These details go nicely with a blend of OEKO-TEX Certified cotton and spandex for stretch and durability. Even the waistband is super soft and silky-smooth.

Read more in our full Tomboy X review.

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Best plaid: Pact Everyday Knit Boxers

Pact Everyday Knit Boxer 4 Pack.
Pact

Pact's Everyday Boxers live up to their name, starting with the fact that they come in an affordable four-pack for plenty of comfort and performance, well, every day. This variety pack of the best boxers for men includes plaid and solid pairs you can alternate throughout your wearing cycle, all made with  soft, organic cotton and a practical vertical-button fly. A relaxed fit makes them perfect for sleepwear, too. 

Best silk: Majestic International Herringbone Silk Stripe Boxer Shorts

Someone modeling the Majestic International Herringbone Stripe Silk Boxers.
Nordstrom

Majestic International's premium sleepwear for gentlemen serves as an inspiration for what kind of boxers you can luxuriate in while relaxing. These spacious, luxe boxer shorts are made with ultra-premium 100% silk. They're also outfitted with a functional fly, but the use of soft, cooling silk makes them an ideal pair for lounging or special occasions.

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Best pinstriped: Uniqlo Woven Striped Trunks

Uniqlo Woven Striped Trunks.
Uniqlo

There's something about a pair of pinstripe boxers (or pinstripes in general) that has an old-school feel to it, and that sentiment is a nice touch in terms of personal style points, too. Like other pairs of Uniqlo boxers, these are made with 100% cotton for softness, while the wildly affordable price and multibuy offerings are a major bonus.

Best splurge: Sunspel Cotton Boxer Shorts

Someone modeling the Sunspel Cotton Boxer Shorts
Mr Porter

The layer closest to your body should prove the most premium and easy to wear, right? Sunspel has been making boxers, underwear and T-shirts that live up to that ethos for decades – it's a difference you can quite literally feel. There must be a good reason for James Bond to wear Sunspel polos, and he very well might appreciate Sunspel boxers for men, too.

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When to wear boxers over boxer briefs

The best boxers for men tend to feature a wider, more loose fit, so honing in on the best pants to wear over them is important. 

Extremely slim pants or jeans aren't going to be the best fit for boxers – they will inevitably bunch and ride up, and the silhouette will look strange and feel uncomfortable. Jeans or chinos with a wide, straight leg or even a tailored "relaxed" fit are more often a wise bet with boxers.

For a snug fit, avoid wearing slim suit pants with boxers, and consider selections from our guide to the best boxer briefs for men instead.

What to look for in the best boxers for men

When considering length, seek pairs that hit about mid-thigh or higher (as with a 4 or 5-inch inseam) As per their construction, look for boxers with a waistband that's wide enough to avoid rolling over or bunching up. Some boxers are constructed with a relaxed fit around the thigh, while others (especially athletic pairs) fit more closely. 

As with any wardrobe basics you rely on a daily basis, the quality and durability of the best boxers' material will make a lasting difference. Cotton can be bolstered with spandex or TENCEL fibers for extra stretch, or even a Merino wool blend for its moisture-wicking capabilities.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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