We’ve tested the best moisture-wicking underwear for men, designed to give you ultimate support and comfort whichever way you work out.
Life’s too short to be suffering uncomfortable undies when you’re putting your shoulder to the workout wheel. Whether you’re pushing for your back squat one rep max, or you’ve got everything hanging from the chin-up bar, you deserve the ultimate comfort and unshakeable support you get from a proper pair of the best moisture-wicking underwear for men.
That’s why we have put the latest sports boxer shorts and workout briefs to the test, to bring you our pick of best men’s underwear for working out. We’ve looked at everything from their ability to wick sweat away from the body and to dry quickly to how comfortable the waistband is and how grippy the thigh cuffs. We’ve considered the quality of the material, the support it offers and how well it moves and stretches with your body as you work out, not to mention the possibility of seam chafing as you go deepper into long, sweaty workouts. We’ve even taken into consideration the range of sizes, eco credentials and longevity to bring you the best moisture wicking underwear currently available.
Why you can trust Men’s Fitness
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Our team of reviewers includes experienced product testers, PTs and fitness writers – as well as the core MF team – who know exactly what sets the best products apart from the rest. On this occasion, long-term contributors and expert kit reviewers Kieran Alger and Laurence McJannet teamed up to compile this review of the best moisture-wicking underwear. Find out more about how we test.
Best moisture-wicking underwear at a glance
| Best moisture-wicking underwear overall | Our pick of the best are the CXP Endurance XP Shorts. In our tests they scored full marks for support, comfort and durability, and you can’t ask more from a pair of workout briefs than that. |
| Best for hotter workouts | The Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers would be our underwear of choice when our workouts become sweat-fests. That’s because they’re super-light with minimal seams and great moisture management. |
| Most sustainable shorts | We were not only impressed by the performance of these BAM Jersey Sports Trunks, but also by the brand’s eco credentials. It really is saving the planet one pair of boxers at a time. |
| Best for breathability | Breathability on these Crossfly Pro 7 shorts is second to none, thanks to strategically placed mesh panels, while the silky smooth fabric offers superb comfort levels however hard you work out. |
| Best for running | Running’s repetitive nature and its inherent risk of chafing means you need a particular type of underwear. Something like the Runderwear Running Boxers, with smooth, comfortable fabric and excellent heat and moisture control. |
| Best for chafe-free comfort | The Step One Boxer Brief Sport is made from sustainable and ethically sourced bamboo viscose for chafe-free comfort and support whatever workouts you perform. |
| Best for support | The BallPark pouch on the Saxx Kinetic Shorts is one of the comfiest support designs we’ve come across, making these a great choice for dynamic workouts. |
| Best short-legged shorts | These And Then Bamboo Boxers combine a lightweight 3.5in / 8.5cm inseam design with the excellent heat and moisture management properties of bamboo. There’s plenty of stretch and support, and bags of comfort thanks to the minimal seams and silky fabric. |
| Best for odour control | You can’t beat natural fibres for nipping nasty niffs in the bud, so merino wool boxers like the Smartwool Merino Boxer Briefs are a solid choice for staying fresher for longer. |
1. CXP Endurance XP Shorts
Best shorts overall
Men’s Fitness verdict
The near-seamless design and multi-panel waistband make these a seriously comfy pair of shorts even over long endurance sessions. If you put serious training hours in, you want to be in these.- Mildly compressive
- Bonded anti-chafe seams
- Excellent durability
- Fairly expensive
| Specifications | CXP Endurance XP Shorts |
|---|---|
| Materials | 70% nylon, 30% elastane |
| Color | Black |
| Sizes | S – XL |
The CXP Endurance XP shorts are more baselayer-style compression shorts than workout boxers, so offer mild compression benefits as well as superb support and comfort. Bonded seams mean zero chafe risk and a multi-panel waistband spreads pressure out evenly.
They’re the lightest we tested, yet durability and moisture management are first-class. Whether you wear them for regular workouts or sports, longer sessions or multi-hour endurance events, you really can’t go wrong with these CXP shorts.
Read our full CXP Endurance XP review
2. Saxx Kinetic Shorts
Best shorts for support
Men’s Fitness verdict
If you value support above all else, these Saxx Kinetic shorts will do the trick. In 5-inch and 8-inch versions, they’re a great choice for the most dynamic of workout sessions.- Unique BallPark pouch support
- Selection of leg lengths
- Slightly scratchy waistband
- Can struggle to move sweat
| Specifications | Saxx Kinetic Shorts |
|---|---|
| Materials | 85% nylon, 15% elastane |
| Color | Black / grey / grey stripes |
| Sizes | XS – 2XL |
For dynamic workouts, Saxx’s trademark BallPark pouch means everything stays put no matter how much you move in these Kinetic shorts. That means no rubbing or chafing even during all-out cardio efforts, helped by numerous flatlock seams and good sweat-wicking performance.
We found the long 8-inch inseam gives them a baselayer-like feel, with plenty of stretch without losing their shape. For those that prefer a boxer-style brief there’s also a shorter 5-inch version. If you want moisture-wicking underwear to tackle box jumps, burpees and sprints, look no further than the Saxx Kinetic.
Read our full Saxx Kinetic review
3. BAM Jersey Sports Trunks
Best shorts for sustainability
Men’s Fitness verdict
We should all be looking at more sustainable sportswear, but it’s difficult when performance doesn’t match a brand’s eco credentials. No such worries here: comfort and breathability are top notch.- A sustainable choice
- Good stretch and comfort
- Wide, soft waistband
- Support could be better
| Specifications | BAM Jersey Sports Trunks |
|---|---|
| Materials | 68% bamboo viscose, 28% organic cotton, 4% elastane |
| Color | Black / fog / storm navy |
| Sizes | S – XL |
BAM uses bamboo in all its clothing because it’s the planet’s fastest-growing crop, so is a truly sustainable material. It also helps that it provides impressive next-to-skin comfort, making these sports trunks one of the comfiest we had the pleasure of testing.
Long, sleek-fitting legs means no riding up, and the bamboo-cotton-elastane blend provides plenty of stretch where you need it most. If you want to save the planet one pair of boxers at a time, you can’t go wrong with these BAM Jersey Sports Trunks.
- The BAM Jersey Sports Trunks have now been replaced by the similar BAM Air Sports Boxers
4. Step One Boxer Brief Sport
Best shorts for chafe-free comfort
Men’s Fitness verdict
If comfort is key when choosing boxers (and why wouldn’t it be?) then Aussie brand Step One should be in the mix. Unlike some brands, you don’t have to sacrifice support for it either.- Excellent support
- Zero rubbing of chafing
- Waistband sits a little low
- Lacks the lively designs of its regular boxers
| Specifications | Step One Boxer Brief Sport |
|---|---|
| Materials | Bamboo viscose |
| Color | 12 colors available |
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
Aussie brand Step One makes all its underwear from sustainable and ethically sourced bamboo viscose. This makes for chafe-free comfort and support whatever workouts you perform.
We enjoyed the silky smooth polyamide gusset panel of the Boxer Brief Sport, which improves breathability, while the elasticated 3D comfort pouch keeps the jewels perfectly in place. Step One is so confident you’ll love these trunks it even offers a money-back guarantee on your first worn pair if you don’t.
Read our full Step One Boxer Brief Plus review
5. And Then Bamboo Boxer
Best short-legged shorts
Men’s Fitness verdict
These bamboo boxers are one of the best short-legged workout shorts we’ve tried. Support and breathability are excellent with a silky panel where it matters to prevent overheating.- Ideal fit-and-forget comfort
- Plenty of support
- Good heat and moisture management
- Washing instructions quickly disappear
- Some might prefer more leg coverage
| Specifications | And Then Bamboo Boxer |
|---|---|
| Materials | 95% bamboo, 5% elastane |
| Color | Black / light grey / dark grey / white / blue / green / purple |
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Materials | 95% bamboo, 5% elastane |
| Colors | Black / light grey / dark grey / white / blue / green / purple |
| Sizes | Small – 3XL |
These And Then Bamboo Boxers combine a lightweight 3.5in / 8.5cm inseam design with the excellent heat and moisture management properties of bamboo. There’s plenty of stretch and support, and bags of comfort thanks to the minimal seams and silky fabric.
We appreciate And Then’s support of charity movement Movember, donating 50% of its profits to help change the perception of men’s mental health and shed light on testicular as well as prostate cancer. But ultimately it’s the company’s Bamboo Boxers that do the supporting.
- Read our full And Then Bamboo Boxer review
6. Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers
Best shorts for hotter workouts
Men’s Fitness verdict
If, like us, you’re skeptical about wearing underwear made from trees, slip on a pair of Lululemon’s finest. Those natural fibres make them a great choice for hotter workouts as well as everyday wear.- Incredibly comfortable
- Subtle crossover styling
- Not the most supportive
| Specifications | Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers |
|---|---|
| Materials | 91% Modal™, 9% elastane |
| Color | 10 colors available |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Materials | 91% Modal™, 9% elastane |
| Colors | 10 colors available |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
While we’re still not sure how Lululemon manage to make underwear from trees, its wood-based Modal fabric helps produce some of the lightest, comfiest moisture-wicking underwear on test.
These 5-inch Always In Motion Boxers are versatile enough to wear all day, every day. They have minimal seams and great moisture management, making them the ideal choice for those hot, sweaty endurance sessions.
Read our full Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers review
7. Crossfly Pro 7
Best for breathability
Men’s Fitness verdict
It might take a while to get used to the X-fly pouch but the satin-soft comfort benefits are immediate. Breathability is one of the best on test too, though support could be better.- Mesh panels boost breathability
- Silky smooth comfort
- Support doesn’t quite match the best on test
| Specifications | Crossfly Pro 7 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 85% polyester, 15% spandex |
| Color | Black & blue / black & silver |
| Sizes | S – 2XL |
We’ve worn these Crossfly Pro 7 pants for day-long outdoor adventures and short HIIT blasts in the gym and they cope admirably with both – and anything in between. The 7-inch legs won’t ride up, however dynamic your workout, though support isn’t quite as locked-in as some. But breathability is first-class thanks to strategically placed mesh panels.
They might be a little on the pricey side, but buying three-packs cuts the cost a little. Every March (Prostate Cancer Awareness month), Crossfly donates £10 to Prostate Cancer UK for every pair sold – so you can do your bit for a worthy cause while enjoying their soft and silky support.
8. Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief
Men’s Fitness verdict
No chance of cooking your cojones with these shorts from Smartwool. They use merino to help regulate temperature, combat odour and improve ventilation and it works well on all counts.- Reinforced supportive pouch
- Plenty of flexibility
- Lacks lock-tight support
- Loose leg cuffs can ride up
| Specifications | Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief |
|---|---|
| Materials | 88% merino wool, 12% nylon |
| Color | Black / light grey heather / deep navy / sage |
| Sizes | S – 2XL |
If you’re after a natural solution to under-short support, we recommend giving Smartwool’s Merino Boxer Briefs a go. Merino wool is hard-wearing, versatile and sustainable, and feels luxuriously soft against the skin.
The natural properties of wool also mean this pair of underwear has great moisture-wicking properties, as well as being ace at regulating temperature and resisting odour. Nylon reinforces their shape while keeping plenty of stretch in all directions.
Read our full Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief review
9. Runderwear Running Boxers
Best shorts for running
Men’s Fitness verdict
It’s no surprise what Runderwear excel at making. You guessed it – underwear for runners. Its textured material isn’t the silkiest but it’s great for preventing overheating.- Chafe-free seamless design
- Good durability
- Silicone leg grips sometimes irritate
| Specifications | Runderwear Running Boxers |
|---|---|
| Materials | 92% recycled polyamide, 8% elastane |
| Color | Black / teal |
| Sizes | S – 2XL |
These 5-inch boxers carry Runderwear’s no-chafe guarantee and deliver support where it matters most to runners of any distance. The circular-patterned fabric feels smooth and comfortable against the skin – a prerequisite if you’re logging serious miles.
We found heat and moisture management to be first class too, with reliable sweat-wicking performance and impressive breathability. It’s no surprise that for serious runners, Runderwear’s Running Boxers have got you covered.
Read our full Runderwear Running Boxers review
| Specifications | CXP Endurance XP Shorts | Saxx Kinetic Shorts | BAM Jersey Sports Trunks | Step One Boxer Brief Sport | And Then Bamboo Boxer | Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers | Crossfly Pro 7 | Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief | Runderwear Running Boxers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | S – XL | XS – 2XL | S – XL | S – 3XL | S – 3XL | XS – 3XL | Small – 2XL | Small – 2XL | Small – 2XL |
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
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| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
I would say this comes down to personal preference as both moisture-wicking underwear and 2-in-1 shorts are great choices for working out. Lined 2-in-1 shorts tend to be more comfortable over endurance efforts, while moisture-wicking underwear is often a better choice for day-long comfort and general exercise and tends to offer better support.
Whatever type of workout you do, your underwear should promote good support and comfort. That means shifting moisture away from your skin, moving and stretching with your body and strategically placing or minimising seams so that they don’t chafe while you work out. If your undies can do all that, you’ve made the right choice.
Most sports boxers will have anything upwards of a 3in inseam. That’s towards, the shorter end of the spectrum, particularly if like wearing short shorts and tend to do more dynamic or high-intensity workouts. Short inseam underwear can roll up and gather around the groin too – a recipe for disastrous chafing – so I’d suggest going with at least a 5in inseam in your workout underwear.
How we test moisture-wicking underwear
Kieran and Laurence put these sports boxers through their paces in a range of workouts, from gentle jogs to sweaty sessions, testing them in terms of fit, comfort, support and durability. They also paid special attention to how well the fabric wicked moisture from the skin, alongside any additional high-tech features such as four-way stretch and anti-chafe seams.
Given the name of this group test, our testers’ main focus was on each pair of underwear’s moisture management so the majority of testing was carried out during high-intensity exercise. Think heavy gym or track sessions, squash and badminton, HYROX and HIIT. They would try to gauge any post-exercise discomfort as well as moisture wicking properties and drying times. They would also look for any soreness or chafing, as well as imprints on the skin from hems, seams and waistbands. They wore each pair for at least six weeks, noting their ability to cope with multiple washes. Rest assured: their rigorous testing process is designed to bring you the best of the best.
Benefits of moisture-wicking underwear for men
When it comes to working out, your underwear may not be the first thing on your mind. But chafing, discomfort and a lack of support are not what you need when you’re working hard. That’s why investing in a good pair of sports boxers or moisture-wicking underwear is a smart move.
Sporting the right pair of pants during your sweat sesh not only offers superior comfort and support, but moisture-wicking materials like polyester, nylon, polyamide and merino wool keep you cool and dry, cutting your risk of chafing and irritation.
Some longer baselayer-style briefs even offer compression for targeted support for your muscles, improving circulation and reducing fatigue.
What the experts say about moisture-wicking underwear for men
We talked to athletes and coaches about what they look for in moisture-wicking underwear. Jake Dearden, HYROX master trainer and 247 Represent head coach and athlete, says: “I like the trunk-style underwear whilst running as this stops chafing of the thighs.”
Jonny Mellor, New Balance athlete and online running coach, adds: “It’s important to pick underwear that fits well and offers moisture wicking technology with a breathable fabric to help you keep cool and dry.”
Finding your fit
Then there’s fit. Sports underwear is designed to move with you. Whether you’re running, jumping or lifting weights, the last thing you want is to be constantly adjusting your boxers mid-set. With a snug fit and stretchy material, sports underwear stays put without feeling restrictive, so you can focus on your workout without distractions – or wedgies.
And let’s not forget about hygiene. Sweaty, damp underwear is a breeding ground for stink-making bacteria. Some sports underwear features antimicrobial fabrics that combat odour. Though you’re still going to need to wash them regularly and the best workout smalls survive multiple spin cycles without losing their shape.
Should runners wear baselayers?
Whether you do your running on road or rocky ridgelines, the right baselayer can make the difference between a rewarding session and a miserable experience. They’re designed to fit close, like a second skin and preserve your body heat by providing an extra layer of warmth. This stops any extra energy from being used to heat your muscles, helping to avoid exhaustion.
The moisture-wicking properties of running-specific base-layers help to draw sweat away from the skin, while the quick-drying properties of the material help it to evaporate quickly. That can help to stop any excessive sweat saturation, which may lead to discomfort and can cause you to feel cold quickly after exercise.
Having efficient moisture-wicking saves runners energy (either from having to keep warm in cold weather, or from having to keep cool in warm weather) which can then be redirected into running faster, for longer.
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Updates
- November 2025: Step One Boxer Brief Sport updated and added to summary box. Prices and affiliates checked.
- December 2025: How we test section expanded. Prices and affiliates checked.
- February 2026: Gymshark and Under Armour boxers removed as no longer available. BAM trunks and Crossfly shorts added to the summary box.
- May 2026: New template introduced, including Schema spec and comparison tables. Every item is now included in the ‘at a glance’ box
