Top 5 Men’s Athletic Underwear: Best Picks Reviewed (54)

Ever felt like your underwear is holding you back during a workout? That sticky, uncomfortable feeling can ruin even the best training session. It’s a common problem many guys face when trying to find athletic underwear that actually works.

Choosing the right pair can be a real challenge. You want something that breathes, supports you, and keeps you dry, but the stores are full of confusing choices. Some feel too tight, others don’t wick sweat well, and some just feel plain wrong. You deserve underwear that helps you perform your best, not distract you from it.

This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes great athletic underwear and guide you toward finding the perfect fit for your active lifestyle. Get ready to discover how the right underwear can boost your comfort and confidence, letting you focus on crushing your goals.

Top Men’S Athletic Underwear Recommendations

No. 1
PUMA Men's 5 Pack Performance Boxer Briefs, Black Grey, Small
  • BOXER BRIEF 5-PACK: The essential 5-Pack Active Stretch Boxer Brief from PUMA is engineered for working out or just being on the go. An ergonomic design keeps these boxer briefs in place and on high performance. And yes, we've gathered this favorite boxer brief into a 5-pack to ensure you always have a wear-it-wash-it rotation at hand.
  • BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE: We created these PUMA boxer briefs with quick-dry, moisture wicking fabric, so you can experience cool comfort no matter what you’re up to. Soft stretch fabric moves with you, so feel free to lunge, leap, reach, lounge—make your move and these favorite boxer briefs are right there with you.
  • GREAT FIT AND FEEL: Regular fit boxer brief from PUMA is designed to go the distance with comfort in mind. A soft, non-constricting waistband with PUMA logo creates that perfect intersection of style and comfort. Flatlock seams offer a high-performance wear without chafing. Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL.
  • PERFORMANCE MATERIAL: With 90% polyester and 10% spandex, you know you've got easy wear that's engineered to repel water and stay dry. And, wait, one more easy: our care instructions. Machine wash warm, do not bleach, tumble low dry at a low temperature, and wash with similar colors. Don't bother with dry cleaning or ironing. These boxer briefs are designed to make life easy.
  • GO FOR THE PACK: The essential 5-Pack Active Stretch Boxer Brief from PUMA is an excellent choice for high-performance activity and all-day comfort. They're sure to become your new fave boxer briefs, which is precisely why we recommend a 5-pack strategy. You’ll always have a wear-it-wash-it rotation at hand.
No. 2
adidas Men's Microfiber 3-pack Boxer Brief, Performance Boxer Briefs Underwear Pack for Men, Black/Onix Grey/Black/Microfiber, Large
  • 3-PACK: Contains 3 pairs of men's underwear.
  • ALL-DAY COMFORT: Experience comfort with men's underwear boxer brief, ideal for active lifestyles. Perfect option for athletic underwear men or mens underwear boxer briefs. Color: Black/Onix Grey/Black
  • QUICK-DRYING MATERIAL: Made from soft, stretchy fabric, this men's boxer briefs design offers a quick-dry comfort fit for men underwear pack. Enjoy boxer briefs for men with all-day freshness
  • FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Features a no-gap fly ensuring practicality. These mens underwear boxer briefs are ideal as underwear for men pack and perfect for mens athletic underwear needs
  • ATHLETIC FIT: Enjoy an athletic comfort fit with these mens underwear boxer briefs. The support and flexibility of our boxer briefs for men have breathable design and support active movements
No. 3
Champion Men's Everyday Cotton Stretch- 5 Pack -Boxer Briefs, Cotton Stretch, Total Support Pouch, Moisture-Wicking, No Ride-Up Fit
  • MESH POUCH: Mesh pouch provides breathable support where you need it most.
  • CLASSIC CHAMPION: Show your Champion pride with boxer briefs featuring a repeating script logo on contrasting waistbands.
  • SAY NO TO RIDE UPS: Stay-put fit with hemmed legs helps minimize ride-ups. No-fly pouch provides a secure, streamlined fit for all-day comfort.
  • STRETCH SUPPORT: Boxer brief underwear is made from a blend of polyester and spandex for the right amount of stretch and light compressive support.
  • VALUE PACK: Boxer briefs for men pack includes 5 pairs of black mens cotton stretch boxer briefs with contrasting Champion waistbands.
No. 4
PUMA Men's 5 Pack Performance Boxer Briefs, Red, Medium
  • BOXER BRIEF 5-PACK: The essential 5-Pack Active Stretch Boxer Brief from PUMA is engineered for working out or just being on the go. An ergonomic design keeps these boxer briefs in place and on high performance. And yes, we've gathered this favorite boxer brief into a 5-pack to ensure you always have a wear-it-wash-it rotation at hand.
  • BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE: We created these PUMA boxer briefs with quick-dry, moisture wicking fabric, so you can experience cool comfort no matter what you’re up to. Soft stretch fabric moves with you, so feel free to lunge, leap, reach, lounge—make your move and these favorite boxer briefs are right there with you.
  • GREAT FIT AND FEEL: Regular fit boxer brief from PUMA is designed to go the distance with comfort in mind. A soft, non-constricting waistband with PUMA logo creates that perfect intersection of style and comfort. Flatlock seams offer a high-performance wear without chafing. Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL.
  • PERFORMANCE MATERIAL: With 90% polyester and 10% spandex, you know you've got easy wear that's engineered to repel water and stay dry. And, wait, one more easy: our care instructions. Machine wash warm, do not bleach, tumble low dry at a low temperature, and wash with similar colors. Don't bother with dry cleaning or ironing. These boxer briefs are designed to make life easy.
  • GO FOR THE PACK: The essential 5-Pack Active Stretch Boxer Brief from PUMA is an excellent choice for high-performance activity and all-day comfort. They're sure to become your new fave boxer briefs, which is precisely why we recommend a 5-pack strategy. You’ll always have a wear-it-wash-it rotation at hand.
No. 5
TELALEO 5 Pack Compression Shorts for Men Spandex Sport Shorts Athletic Workout Running Performance Baselayer Underwear Black L
  • Compression support: Our compression shorts use Ergonomic design and 4-way stretch fabric, provide the best support for your hips and thighs muscles, increase muscle power and accelerate muscle recovery.
  • Breathable & Quick-dry: These compression underwear for men are made of spandex fabric, releases heat and wicks sweat quickly, keeps you dry and odor-free even after long time wear.
  • Flatlock Stitching: The sports compression shorts use flatlock Stitching, increase durability and prevent chafing during exercises, bring extremely comfort for any sports.
  • Elastic Waistband: Men’s running compression shorts using wide waistband design, fit close with your waist, provides comfort and anti-slippery, allowing you to move without limits.
  • Designed for All Sports: Men’s tights shorts provide UPF 50+ sun protection, perfect for all weather sports, such as: workout, running, basketball, fitness, cycling, baseball, tennis, weight training, surfing, squat, football, etc.
No. 6
PUMA Men's 5 Pack Performance Boxer Briefs, Black/Blue, Large
  • BOXER BRIEF 5-PACK: The essential 5-Pack Active Stretch Boxer Brief from PUMA is engineered for working out or just being on the go. An ergonomic design keeps these boxer briefs in place and on high performance. And yes, we've gathered this favorite boxer brief into a 5-pack to ensure you always have a wear-it-wash-it rotation at hand.
  • BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE: We created these PUMA boxer briefs with quick-dry, moisture wicking fabric, so you can experience cool comfort no matter what you’re up to. Soft stretch fabric moves with you, so feel free to lunge, leap, reach, lounge—make your move and these favorite boxer briefs are right there with you.
  • GREAT FIT AND FEEL: Regular fit boxer brief from PUMA is designed to go the distance with comfort in mind. A soft, non-constricting waistband with PUMA logo creates that perfect intersection of style and comfort. Flatlock seams offer a high-performance wear without chafing. Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL.
  • PERFORMANCE MATERIAL: With 90% polyester and 10% spandex, you know you've got easy wear that's engineered to repel water and stay dry. And, wait, one more easy: our care instructions. Machine wash warm, do not bleach, tumble low dry at a low temperature, and wash with similar colors. Don't bother with dry cleaning or ironing. These boxer briefs are designed to make life easy.
  • GO FOR THE PACK: The essential 5-Pack Active Stretch Boxer Brief from PUMA is an excellent choice for high-performance activity and all-day comfort. They're sure to become your new fave boxer briefs, which is precisely why we recommend a 5-pack strategy. You’ll always have a wear-it-wash-it rotation at hand.
No. 7
Under Armour 3-Pack Performance Tech Solid 6" Boxer Briefs Black LG
  • 3-Pack Performance Tech Solid Boxer Briefs - 6" Inseam
  • Soft, breathable fabric with articulated mesh fly panel & gusset
  • 4-way stretch material moves better in every direction
  • No side or back seams for ultimate comfort
  • Wordmark performance waistband; 6" Inseam Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
No. 8
Hanes Mens Total Support Pouch Pack, X-temp Cooling, Anti-chafing, Moisture-wicking Underwear, Trunks Available Boxer Briefs, Regular Leg - Black, Large US
  • SUPPORTIVE ANTI-CHAFING POUCH – Featuring a patented breathable mesh pouch that separates and supports, this chafe-resistant underwear delivers all-day comfort whether you're working, training, commuting, or lounging at home
  • CHOOSE YOUR LENGTH & STYLE – Available in a 3-pack of regular leg boxer briefs, long-leg boxer briefs, or shorter trunks. Select the fit that suits your lifestyle—all with the same Total Support Pouch comfort
  • X-TEMP TEMPERATURE CONTROL – Built with Hanes X-Temp tech, these men’s boxer briefs adjust to your body temperature to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable all day—no matter how hot life gets
  • ADVANCED ODOR PROTECTION – These moisture-wicking boxer briefs for men are made to fight odor at the source, helping you feel clean, confident, and fresh from your first meeting to your last rep
  • LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT & FLEX – Soft stretch fabric, a Comfort Flex waistband, tag-free interior, and stay-put legs make these men’s boxer briefs perfect for layering under any outfit without restriction

Men’s Athletic Underwear: Your Guide to Comfort and Performance

Choosing the right athletic underwear makes a big difference. It keeps you dry, comfortable, and supported during any activity. This guide will help you find the best pair for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

  • Moisture-Wicking: This is super important. Good athletic underwear pulls sweat away from your skin. This keeps you dry and prevents chafing.
  • Breathability: You want underwear that lets air flow. This helps keep you cool when you’re working out hard.
  • Support: Athletic underwear should offer good support for your anatomy. This prevents bouncing and discomfort during movement.
  • Comfortable Waistband: A waistband that is too tight can dig in. Look for one that stays in place without feeling constricting.
  • Flatlock Seams: These seams lie flat against your skin. They help prevent irritation and chafing, especially during long workouts.
  • Odor Control: Some underwear has special treatments to fight odor. This is great for keeping you feeling fresh.

Important Materials

The fabric your underwear is made of greatly impacts its performance. Here are the most common and best materials:

Synthetic Blends

Many athletic underwear options use a mix of polyester, nylon, and spandex (or elastane). These fabrics are great because they:

  • Are strong and durable.
  • Dry very quickly.
  • Stretch well for a good fit.
  • Are usually lightweight.
Natural Fibers (with a twist)
  • Merino Wool: While it sounds warm, fine merino wool is surprisingly good for athletic wear. It wicks moisture, breathes well, and naturally resists odor. It’s also soft.
  • Cotton Blends: Pure cotton is generally not ideal for intense workouts because it holds moisture. However, cotton blended with synthetics can offer some softness and breathability. It’s better for lighter activities.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all athletic underwear is created equal. Here’s what makes a pair great or not so great:

What Makes Them Good
  • High-Quality Weave: A tighter, well-made weave in the fabric means the underwear will last longer and perform better.
  • Reinforced Stress Points: Areas that get a lot of pulling, like the leg openings or waistband, are sometimes reinforced. This adds durability.
  • Reputable Brands: Brands that specialize in athletic wear often put more research into their designs and materials.
What Makes Them Less Good
  • Cheap, Thin Fabric: This can wear out quickly and won’t offer much support or moisture-wicking.
  • Poorly Constructed Seams: Bulky or weak seams can cause chafing and fall apart easily.
  • Non-Breathable Materials: Fabrics that don’t let air through will make you feel hot and sweaty.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you feel in your underwear and what you do in it matters. Think about your typical activities.

For the Gym Goer

If you lift weights or do cardio, you need underwear that wicks sweat and provides support. Synthetic blends are usually the top choice here. They keep you dry through tough workouts.

For the Runner or Cyclist

Longer periods of intense activity mean chafing is a big concern. Look for seamless designs and smooth fabrics. Moisture-wicking is also critical to prevent discomfort.

For Everyday Comfort

Even if you’re not hitting the gym daily, athletic underwear can offer superior comfort. Blends with a bit of cotton or merino wool might be good for general daily wear and light exercise.

For Outdoor Adventures

Hiking or camping often involves changing temperatures and long days. Merino wool shines here for its temperature regulation and odor resistance.


Men’s Athletic Underwear FAQ

Q: What is the most important feature in athletic underwear?

A: Moisture-wicking is the most important feature. It pulls sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable.

Q: Are synthetic fabrics good for athletic underwear?

A: Yes, synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex are excellent. They are durable, quick-drying, and offer good stretch.

Q: Can I wear cotton underwear for sports?

A: Pure cotton is usually not recommended for intense sports because it holds moisture and can cause chafing. Cotton blends might be okay for light activities.

Q: What does “moisture-wicking” mean?

A: Moisture-wicking means the fabric pulls sweat from your body and moves it to the outer surface of the underwear where it can evaporate. This keeps you feeling dry.

Q: How important is support in athletic underwear?

A: Support is very important for comfort and to prevent bouncing during movement. Good athletic underwear offers adequate support for all your activities.

Q: What are flatlock seams?

A: Flatlock seams are seams that lie flat against your skin. They are used to prevent irritation and chafing, especially during activities where there is a lot of movement.

Q: How often should I replace my athletic underwear?

A: You should replace athletic underwear when it starts to lose its elasticity, support, or moisture-wicking ability. This can be anywhere from 6 months to a couple of years, depending on quality and how often you wear and wash them.

Q: Does merino wool work for athletic underwear?

A: Yes, fine merino wool is a great material for athletic underwear. It wicks moisture, breathes well, resists odor naturally, and is soft.

Q: What is a common problem with low-quality athletic underwear?

A: Low-quality athletic underwear often uses thin, non-breathable fabric and has poorly constructed seams, leading to discomfort and quick wear and tear.

Q: How can I tell if athletic underwear is good quality?

A: Look for well-made, durable fabric, reinforced stress points, and a good reputation from the brand. The fit and feel should also be comfortable and supportive.