We’ve tested the best moisture-wicking underwear for men, designed to give you ultimate support and comfort however 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 our expert product testers Kieran Alger and Laurence McJannet 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.
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 contributor and expert kit reviewer Kieran Alger and MF online writer Laurence McJannet teamed up to compile this review of the best moisture-wicking underwear. Find out more about how we test.
Our pick of the best moisture-wicking underwear for men in 2024
Our pick of the best of the best when it comes to moisture-wicking underwear 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. As the name suggests, if you’re undertaking any kind of endurance efforts, you really want to be wearing these.
Other moisture-wicking underwear recommendations
| 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. |
| Best for value | Pound for pound, these Reebok Performance Boxer Briefs punch well above their weight. For the price of a pint you get a durable pair of workout boxers with decent breathability and plenty of comfort and support. |
| 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 |
1. CXP Endurance XP Shorts
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
| Materials | 70% nylon, 30% elastane |
| Color | Black |
| Sizes | Small – 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
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
| Materials | 85% nylon, 15% elastane |
| Colors | 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 Sports Trunks
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
| Materials | 68% bamboo viscose, 28% organic cotton, 4% elastane |
| Colors | Black / ecru / Nordic sky / ocean blue |
| Sizes | Small – 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 Sports Trunks.
4. Step One Boxer Brief Plus
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
| Material | Bamboo viscose |
| Colors | 7 colors available |
| Sizes | Small – 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 Plus, 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
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
| 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. Under Armour Tech 6-Inch Boxerjock
Men’s Fitness verdict
What these UV boxers lacking in top-class support, they make up for in versatility. Comfort is up there with the best, helped by an ultra-soft waistband and leg cuffs.- Comfortable one-piece design
- Good versatility
- A bit loose for big-move workouts
| Materials | 90% polyester, 10% elastane |
| Colors | Black / blue / red / grey & blue / grey & red |
| Sizes | XS – 2XL |
Whether you wear them for long runs and HIIT workouts or yoga and pilates, Under Armour’s Boxerjocks feel snug and supportive in all the right places without being tight or restrictive, making them some of the best pairs of moisture-wicking underwear we tried.
Their one-piece design means very few seams to chafe delicate skin when you start to sweat, and lightweight material wicks moisture away well to increase comfort levels. We enjoyed the soft waistband and elastic leg cuffs, which ensure these boxers stay put no matter how energetic your workout.
Read our full Under Armour Tech 6-Inch Boxerjock review
7. Gymshark Boxer Briefs
Men’s Fitness verdict
Just like these Gymshark boxers, we’ll keep it short and simple: these no-nonsense, quick-drying shorts offer a winning combination of performance and value.- Reinforced supportive pouch
- Wide, soft and comfortable waistband
- Fat flat-lock seams
- Short legs can ride up
| Materials | 95% cotton, 5% elastane |
| Color | 5 different pack combinations, including: Reps Red / Cargo Blue / Utility Green |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
Another great value set of shorts, we found these Gymshark boxers to be simple but effective. Their textured finish gives them extra breathability, sweat-wicking and quick-drying performance.
They offer good support, stretchiness and flexibility and show no signs of chafing or rubbing when the going gets tough. For those that prefer a shorter-legged boxer, Gymshark’s briefs should be in the running.
Read our full Gymshark Boxers review
8. Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers
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
| 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
9. Crossfly Pro 7
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
| Materials | 85% polyester, 15% spandex |
| Colors | Black & blue / black & silver |
| Sizes | Small – XXL |
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.
10. Reebok Performance Boxer Briefs
Men’s Fitness verdict
So you don’t want to spend hours (or serious cash) on finding the perfect sports boxers? Then grab a three-pack of these no-nonsense shorts and be confident they’ll give you support and flexibility.- Reinforced supportive pouch
- Plenty of flexibility
- Excellent value
- Flat seams are quite chunky
| Materials | 92% polyester, 8% elastane |
| Colors | Black / white / grey marl / red |
| Sizes | Small – XL |
If you can’t stand splashing out on invisible functional kit like underwear, how about these great-value Reebok briefs? For less than £6 each you get comfy do-it-all workout pants that’ll double up as regular boxers.
There’s nothing basic in terms of fit, comfort, support or breathability, as Reebok’s boxer briefs perform as well as most on test when your workouts turn tough. For budget underwear, their durability is pretty impressive too.
Read our full Reebok Performance Boxer Briefs review
11. 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
| Materials | 88% merino wool, 12% nylon |
| Colors | Black / light grey heather / deep navy / sage |
| Sizes | Small – 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
12. Runderwear Running Boxers
Men’s Fitness verdict
It’s no surprise what Runderwear excel at making. You guessed it – underwear for runners. It’s textured material isn’t the silkiest but it’s great for preventing overheating.- Chafe-free seamless design
- Good durability
- Silicone leg grips sometimes irritate
| Materials | 92% recycled polyamide, 8% elastane |
| Colors | Black / teal |
| Sizes | Small – 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
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. 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.
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