The Best Men's Athletic Underwear for Total Freedom in Motion
Michael Charboneau
·8 min read
When you’re pushing the limit in a difficult workout, your underwear should be the last thing you’re thinking about. But if you’re wearing the wrong underwear, it might be hard to ignore: Your average boxers or boxer briefs have a propensity for bunching, scrunching, and chafing during workouts, and they can derail your entire routine. To stay comfortable and focused, you’ll need quality athletic underwear.
Men's Athletic Underwear: Features to Look For
There are a few different features to consider when selecting men's athletic underwear. Freedom of movement is paramount, so look for pairs that have a four-way stretch fabric (usually made with elastane) that can move with your body rather than scrunching up. Breathability is also essential, so look for pairs made with a mesh construction or pairs that utilize performance fabrics like polyester or merino wool, which offer breathability to vent hot air and moisture.
Choosing underwear with a seamless construction or streamlined flatlock stitching will help you avoid the painful chafing that often comes with normal seams and stitches. Flatlock stitching is when the edges of two pieces of fabric are lined up side-by-side (rather than one piece on top of the other) and sewn together, creating a smooth, flat seam on both sides of the garment.
Finally, a supportive internal pouch to house the crown jewels can make a big difference during a tough workout by separating the boys from your thighs, which prevents chafing and discomfort. It’s not for everyone, but don’t knock it until you try it.
How We Selected the Best Athletic Underwear for Men
With firsthand experience of how cheap underwear can ruin a workout, we take these selections seriously. Using a combination of personal testing, extensive research, and real-world customer reviews, we pared down dozens of potential candidates to the 15 options below.
While overall performance is the most important factor, the list is curated to include a variety of price points, features (pouch vs. no pouch), and fabric materials (synthetic vs. natural), so you can find the pairs that best fit your preferences. It’s also worth noting that we only included the best pair of underwear from each brand, so you get a wider variety of options.
When it comes to increasing your overall performance, the right underwear makes all the difference. To ensure you’re at your peak during your next workout, consider these options from top brands including Saxx, REI, Path Projects, and more.
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