1. Best overall — Tommy John
★ Editor's top pick
Tommy John
Second Skin & Cool Cotton collections · USA
4.5/5
★★★★★
Tommy John redefined men's underwear with one obsessive goal: make it stay put. Their patented no-roll waistband and stay-tucked technology solve problems every man has experienced. The Second Skin line uses an ultra-soft modal blend that genuinely lives up to the name — it's the closest thing to wearing nothing. If you've never upgraded from basic cotton, Tommy John will ruin you for everything else.
Pros
- Patented no-roll waistband
- Exceptional all-day comfort
- Multiple fabric options
- Great for office & travel
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited sale opportunities
2. Best for sport — SAXX
SAXX Underwear
BallPark Pouch™ technology · Canada
4.6/5
★★★★★
SAXX's patented BallPark Pouch™ — a built-in hammock system — is genuinely one of the most useful innovations in men's underwear history. It separates and supports without compression, eliminating inner-thigh chafing entirely. If you exercise, travel long distances, or just move a lot, SAXX is the brand that solves a problem you didn't know had a solution.
Pros
- BallPark Pouch eliminates chafing
- Highest rated by active men
- Great for travel & sport
- Wide style range
Cons
- Takes 1–2 wears to adjust to fit
- Pricey for casual use
Pro tip: SAXX runs slightly smaller than standard sizing. If you're between sizes, size up — especially in the Vibe and Kinetic Ice styles.
3. Best performance — Mack Weldon
Mack Weldon
WARMKNIT & Silver technology · USA
4.5/5
★★★★★
Mack Weldon is the brand that treats underwear like performance gear — because it is. Their silver-infused fabric is naturally antimicrobial, which means odor stays at bay even on long days. The 18-Hour Jersey line is the brand's best-seller for a reason: it's soft, structured, and performs as well at the gym as it does in the boardroom.
Pros
- Silver tech for odor control
- Dual-purpose: casual & sport
- Excellent subscription program
- Great waistband quality
Cons
- Slightly stiff initially
- Fewer style options than rivals
4. Best prints — MeUndies
MeUndies
MicroModal & fun prints · USA
4.4/5
★★★★☆
MeUndies hit a sweet spot between comfort and personality. Their MicroModal fabric is genuinely buttery soft — among the softest on this list — and the rotating print library means you'll never wear the same pair twice. The subscription model makes them excellent value if you wear them consistently.
Pros
- Ultra-soft MicroModal
- Bold, fun print options
- Subscription saves money
- Matching couples sets
Cons
- Waistband less premium than TJ
- Prints aren't for everyone
5. Best budget — Hanes
Hanes
Ultimate Comfort & Stretch · USA
4.0/5
★★★★☆
Hanes doesn't need to try hard because it's been getting the job done for decades. The Ultimate Comfort Flex line specifically punches well above its price point — the tagless design and stretch cotton waistband are surprisingly good. For everyday use when you just need reliable basics in bulk, Hanes remains the king of value.
Pros
- Unbeatable price per pair
- Widely available everywhere
- Tagless and comfortable
- Bulk multi-packs available
Cons
- Basic fabric quality
- Waistband can stretch out
6. Best sustainable — Organic Basics
Organic Basics
GOTS-certified organic cotton · Denmark
4.3/5
★★★★☆
For eco-conscious buyers, Organic Basics is the clear choice. Every product is GOTS-certified organic and OEKO-TEX certified — the gold standard in sustainable textiles. The Danish brand's minimalist aesthetic and serious commitment to supply chain transparency make them the most credible sustainable option in the category.
Pros
- GOTS & OEKO-TEX certified
- Transparent supply chain
- Clean Scandinavian aesthetic
- Unisex options available
Cons
- Higher price for sustainability
- Slower shipping from Europe
Full comparison table
| Brand | Rating | Price/pair | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy John Top pick | ★★★★★ 4.5 | $36–$55 | Everyday comfort |
| SAXX | ★★★★★ 4.6 | $32–$52 | Sport & travel |
| Mack Weldon | ★★★★★ 4.5 | $28–$48 | Performance |
| MeUndies | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | $22–$34 | Fun prints & softness |
| Hanes | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | $5–$14 | Budget basics |
| Organic Basics | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | $28–$52 | Sustainability |
Buying guide: what to look for
Fabric matters most
The single biggest upgrade you can make is switching from standard cotton to MicroModal or cotton-modal blends. Modal is made from beech tree pulp — it's softer, more breathable, and holds its shape far longer than regular cotton. If you want all-day comfort, prioritize modal or a cotton-modal blend.
The waistband is everything
A waistband that rolls, slides, or digs in will ruin an otherwise perfect pair. Look for brands that specifically engineer their waistbands — Tommy John's no-roll design is the gold standard, but SAXX and Mack Weldon also do this well.
Fit by activity
- Office / everyday: Boxer brief in modal or cotton-modal. Tommy John or Calvin Klein.
- Gym / running: Trunks or athletic boxer brief. SAXX or Under Armour.
- Travel: SAXX for comfort, Mack Weldon for odor control on long trips.
- Budget stocking: Hanes multi-packs for everyday rotation basics.
How many pairs do you need?
The rule of thumb is 7–10 pairs for a comfortable weekly rotation without running low. If you're investing in premium pairs ($30+), start with 3–4 and see how you like them before committing to a full drawer overhaul.
Save money tip: Most premium brands (Tommy John, SAXX, Mack Weldon) run regular sales around major holidays. Black Friday typically offers 25–40% off sitewide. Sign up for their email lists to be notified.