The Foundation of Your Wardrobe
Let me be real - good underwear can make or break your day. It’s something you wear literally every single day but probably don’t think about until something goes wrong. Uncomfortable elastic? Riding up constantly? Not great.
I’ve tried a bunch of different brands over the past couple years, and here’s what I’ve found actually delivers all-day comfort.
My Top Picks - Men’s
1. Saxx Vibe Boxer Brief - Best Men’s Overall
I resisted trying these for a while because the price felt ridiculous for underwear. Then I tried them and understood what the hype was about.
That BallPark Pouch everyone talks about actually works. It keeps everything in place without feeling restrictive. I wear these for long days, travel, whatever. They just work.
What’s good:
- The pouch design legitimately makes a difference
- Flatlock seams mean no chafing
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Stays in place ALL day
- Tag-free
Any downsides?
- Premium pricing (around $30-35 per pair)
Perfect for: Men who want actual comfort, active lifestyles, anyone tired of adjusting.
2. Pair of Thieves SuperFit - Best Men’s Value
Target’s hidden gem. These cost a fraction of the fancy brands and honestly perform really well.
I bought them on a whim and ended up going back for more. The modal fabric is super soft, they fit well, and at this price you can stock up without thinking too hard about it.
What’s good:
- Super soft modal fabric
- Great fit without premium price
- Breathable mesh zones
- Fun patterns if you’re into that
Any downsides?
- Waistband can roll on some body types
Perfect for: Budget-conscious comfort seekers, anyone who wants quality without the markup.
3. Lululemon Always in Motion - Best Men’s Athletic
For when you’re actually moving. I wear these to the gym and they stay put through whatever workout I’m doing.
They’re pricey (it’s Lululemon), but the four-way stretch and quick-dry fabric earns that for me when I’m sweating.
What’s good:
- Four-way stretch
- Quick-dry fabric
- Seamless construction
- Stays put during workouts
Any downsides?
- Lululemon price tag
- Limited color options
Perfect for: Athletes, gym-goers, active lifestyles
My Top Picks - Women’s
4. ThirdLove 24/7 Seamless - Best Women’s Overall
The invisible underwear that actually works.
My partner switched to these and hasn’t looked back. They’re genuinely seamless under clothes - no panty lines even with fitted stuff. The silicone grip keeps them from rolling or shifting.
What’s good:
- Truly seamless under clothes
- No-slip silicone grip
- Cotton-lined gusset
- Size-inclusive range
- Multiple rise options available
Any downsides?
- Not the cheapest
Perfect for: Everyday wear, fitted clothes, comfort seekers
5. Aerie Real Me Boybrief - Best Women’s Value
Cute AND comfortable at a great price.
Good coverage without being frumpy. Tons of prints if you want something fun. And they’re usually on sale.
What’s good:
- Super soft fabric
- Great coverage without being grandma-ish
- Tons of cute prints
- No-show under most clothes
- Real-body friendly
Any downsides?
- Cotton can be slow to dry
Perfect for: Everyday comfort, cute factor, budget shopping
6. Athleta Unstinkable - Best Women’s Athletic
The name is… accurate, actually.
For workouts and travel, these are worth it. The antimicrobial treatment actually works - they don’t smell even after sweaty workouts. Quick-dry and they stay in place.
What’s good:
- Antimicrobial (really doesn’t smell)
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-dry
- Stays in place during workouts
- Chafe-free seams
Any downsides?
- Athletic price point
Perfect for: Workouts, travel, sweaty situations
7. Hanes Cotton Brief Multipack - Best Budget
Sometimes classic just works.
There’s nothing exciting here. But if you just want basic cotton underwear that breathes and doesn’t cost much, Hanes does the job. Stock up and don’t overthink it.
What’s good:
- Real cotton (breathable!)
- Very affordable multi-packs
- Basic but reliable
- Easy to replace
Any downsides?
- No special features
- Elastic wears out faster than premium options
- Not the most stylish
Perfect for: Budget buyers, everyday basics, stocking up
Quick Comparison
| Underwear | Material | Fit | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxx Vibe | Modal | Boxer brief | $$$ | Men’s comfort |
| Pair of Thieves | Modal | Boxer brief | $ | Men’s value |
| Lululemon | Synthetic | Boxer brief | $$$ | Men’s athletic |
| ThirdLove | Nylon blend | Multiple | $$ | Women’s comfort |
| Aerie | Cotton blend | Boybrief | $ | Women’s value |
| Athleta | Synthetic | Multiple | $$ | Women’s athletic |
| Hanes | Cotton | Brief | $ | Budget |
Materials Guide
- Cotton - Breathable, natural, can hold moisture
- Modal - Soft like cotton, better at wicking
- Microfiber - Smooth, quick-dry, great under fitted clothes
- Synthetic Blend - Performance fabrics for athletics
- Bamboo - Eco-friendly, naturally antimicrobial
Style Basics
Men’s Styles
- Briefs - Classic, full support, minimal coverage
- Boxer Briefs - Support plus coverage (most popular now)
- Boxers - Loose, breathable, relaxed fit
- Trunks - Shorter boxer briefs, modern look
Women’s Styles
- Thong - Minimal coverage, no panty lines
- Bikini - Classic coverage, sits at hips
- Hipster - More coverage on sides
- Boyshort - Full coverage, short-like
- Brief - Full coverage, sits at waist
Features That Matter
- Seamless construction - No panty lines
- Moisture-wicking - Stays dry
- Tagless - No irritation
- Flatlock seams - No chafing
- Breathable gusset
Care Tips
General Care
- Wash in cold water
- Use a mesh laundry bag for delicates
- Air dry when possible
- Skip fabric softener (it reduces moisture-wicking)
- Don’t use bleach
How Often to Replace?
- Daily wearers - Every 6-12 months
- Exercise underwear - More frequently (more wear and wash)
- Signs to replace: loose elastic, holes, fading, loss of shape
Bottom Line
For men, Saxx Vibe is worth every penny if you can swing the price. That pouch design is genuinely life-changing once you try it. Pair of Thieves is the smart budget pick that doesn’t sacrifice much.
For women, ThirdLove 24/7 Seamless disappears under everything and stays comfortable all day. Aerie is the go-to for cute plus comfortable at a reasonable price.
Just need basics? Hanes multi-packs do the job. Stock up and rotate.
Athletic? Go performance fabric - Lululemon for men, Athleta for women. Your workouts will thank you.
Prices change frequently - check current deals before buying.