What are the best underwear?

The Best Underwear Comes Down to Fit, Fabric, and Function

The best underwear for most people is a breathable, well-fitted brief or boxer brief made from cotton or moisture-wicking fabric. That said, the "best" choice truly depends on your body type, lifestyle, and the outfit you're wearing. With over $110 billion spent annually on underwear globally, it's clear people care deeply about what they wear underneath — and for good reason. The right pair impacts comfort, hygiene, and even confidence throughout the day.

Below is a comprehensive guide covering every major type of underwear, how they compare, and which options stand out as the best in their category.

Complete Overview: Types of Underwear for Men and Women

Understanding the landscape of underwear styles helps you make smarter choices for every situation. Here's a full breakdown of the most common types:

Men's Underwear Types

• Briefs — Classic Y-front design offering full coverage and strong support. Best for everyday wear and physical activity.
• Boxer Briefs — The most popular style in the U.S., combining the support of briefs with the leg coverage of boxers. Ideal for most men.
• Boxers — Loose-fitting with maximum airflow. Great for lounging but can bunch under fitted pants.
• Trunks — A shorter-cut version of boxer briefs with a square leg opening. Modern fit, popular for slimmer body types.
• Thongs / G-strings — Minimal coverage at the back. Designed to eliminate visible panty lines.
• Long Johns / Thermal Underwear — Full-leg coverage for cold weather layering.
• Jockstraps — Athletic support with an open back. Standard in sports and heavy physical training.

Women's Underwear Types

• Bikini — Sits on the hips with moderate coverage. One of the most popular everyday styles.
• Hipster — Wide waistband sitting across the hip bone with full seat coverage. Very comfortable for daily wear.
• Boyshorts — Full coverage shorts-style underwear. Great for under dresses to prevent chafing.
• Briefs / Full Coverage — High-waisted, full-back coverage. Preferred for comfort, postpartum wear, or period protection.
• Thong — Eliminates panty lines. A go-to for fitted dresses and trousers.
• G-string — Even more minimal than a thong. Mostly worn for aesthetic purposes.
• High-Waist / Shaping Underwear — Extends above the navel for a smoothing effect. Popular in shapewear and period underwear categories.
• Period Underwear — Absorbent inner layers to manage menstrual flow without pads or tampons.

Underwear Type Comparison: Comfort, Coverage, and Best Use

Best Underwear Fabrics: What Really Matters

Fabric is arguably the most important factor in underwear quality. The wrong material can cause irritation, odor, or infections — especially in sensitive skin areas. Here's what to look for:

Cotton

The gold standard for everyday wear. Cotton is breathable, hypoallergenic, and absorbs moisture well. Dermatologists consistently recommend cotton underwear — especially for women — to reduce the risk of yeast infections and bacterial buildup. Look for 100% combed cotton for the softest feel.

Modal and Micro Modal

A semi-synthetic fabric made from beechwood pulp, modal is 50% more absorbent than cotton and incredibly soft. It resists shrinkage and maintains its shape well over time. Brands like MeUndies and Jockey use modal extensively in their premium lines.

Nylon and Polyester (Synthetic)

These moisture-wicking synthetics dry quickly and are ideal for athletic underwear. However, they trap heat and may irritate sensitive skin with prolonged wear. Best used for workouts rather than all-day comfort.

Merino Wool

Premium and naturally odor-resistant, merino wool is a top pick for travel and outdoor activities. It regulates temperature effectively in both cold and warm conditions. Brands like Icebreaker and Smartwool specialize in this material.

Bamboo

An eco-friendly choice that is soft, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking. Bamboo underwear is growing in popularity, with brands like Nantong Tianhong Textile Technology Co., Ltd. leading the category.

Best Underwear Brands Worth the Investment

Not all underwear is created equal. Here are consistently top-rated brands across categories:

Best Overall (Men)

• Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Boxer Brief — A benchmark product with millions sold. Soft cotton blend, iconic waistband, reliable fit across sizes.
• Saxx Kinetic HD Boxer Brief — Features a patented BallPark Pouch™ that reduces friction and bunching. Rated highly by athletes and everyday wearers alike.
• Tommy John Second Skin Boxer Brief — Ultra-soft micro modal with a no-ride-up guarantee. A premium option around $36/pair that many users say never needs replacing for years.

Best Overall (Women)

• Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong — A cult classic. Lace construction that stretches to fit multiple sizes without digging in. Consistently rated one of the most comfortable thongs available.
• Aerie Cotton Seamless Hipster — Affordable, tagless, and widely praised for all-day comfort. Starts around $10/pair.
• Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini — Seamless and sweat-wicking, a top pick for active women who want something that works inside and outside the gym.

Best Budget Pick

• Hanes Ultimate ComfortSoft (Men/Women) — Reliable cotton construction, tagless waistband, and often available in multipacks for under $15. A solid everyday option without frills.
• Fruit of the Loom Breathable Cotton (Women) — Ventilated gusset design improves airflow. One of the most recommended drugstore brands by OB-GYNs.

How to Choose the Right Underwear for Your Lifestyle

Matching your underwear type to your daily activity makes a measurable difference in comfort. Use this guide to identify your ideal style:

• Office or desk job: Cotton briefs or hipsters. Low friction, breathable, and non-restrictive for long sitting sessions.
• Gym and workouts: Moisture-wicking boxer briefs (men) or seamless bikinis/boyshorts (women). Synthetic or modal blends reduce chafing.
• Formal wear / fitted clothing: Thongs or seamless styles to avoid visible panty lines under trousers, skirts, or dresses.
• Travel: Merino wool or modal — both resist odor naturally, meaning you can rewear them comfortably on long trips.
• Hot climates: Loose cotton boxers or lightweight briefs with mesh panels for maximum airflow.
• Postpartum or medical recovery: High-waisted full-coverage briefs for gentle support and easy access.
• Menstrual days: Period underwear (brands like Thinx or Modibodi) with up to 5 tampon equivalents of absorbency built in.

Common Underwear Mistakes That Affect Comfort and Health

Even high-quality underwear won't perform well if worn incorrectly. Avoid these frequent errors:

1. Wearing the wrong size — Too tight can restrict blood flow or cause skin chafing; too loose leads to bunching and poor support. Always measure your waist and hips and cross-check with brand size charts.
2. Keeping underwear too long — Most underwear should be replaced every 6–12 months with regular wear. Stretched elastic and thinning fabric dramatically reduce support and hygiene.
3. Wearing synthetics all day — Polyester and nylon trap moisture, especially in warmer months. Reserve these for workouts; switch to cotton or modal for extended wear.
4. Ignoring seamless options under fitted clothing — Seams create visible lines through leggings or slim trousers. Seamless or laser-cut styles solve this instantly.
5. Sleeping in restrictive underwear — Many health professionals recommend sleeping without underwear or in very loose styles to allow skin to breathe overnight.

Price vs. Quality: Is Premium Underwear Worth It?

The price jump to premium is often justified by:

• Longer lifespan — Premium fabrics maintain shape and elasticity significantly longer, often 2–3x the lifespan of budget options.
• Better fit engineering — Higher-end brands invest in ergonomic design, reducing friction points and improving anatomical support.
• Specialty features — Anti-odor technology, no-roll waistbands, tagless construction, and performance-grade moisture management.

For most people, a mixed strategy works well: invest in 3–5 premium pairs for daily rotation and use budget options for lounging, sleeping, or travel where wear-and-toss is acceptable.