Men’s underwear has come a long way from being an afterthought hidden beneath the rest of the wardrobe. Today, the right pair can be about much more than coverage. Fabric, fit, movement, and the feeling against your skin all matter, particularly when underwear is something you wear every single day.

From instantly recognisable names to brands that have made comfort their calling card, there is plenty of choice beyond the usual drawer essentials. Some favor classic cotton, others lean into silky-soft fibers, while a few bring performance technology into the mix. And then there are those that make a case for underwear as something that can feel quietly luxurious.

Here are seven men’s underwear brands worth knowing, each bringing its own approach to what belongs below the belt.

Calvin Klein

Few names are as closely associated with modern men’s underwear as Calvin Klein. Since launching its underwear offering in the early 1980s, the brand has built a recognisable aesthetic around clean silhouettes, signature waistbands, and body-conscious design. Its current range includes boxer briefs, boxers, trunks, and briefs, with fabrics spanning cotton, modal, and microfiber.

There is something reassuringly familiar about Calvin Klein. Whether you prefer a close-fitting boxer brief or a more relaxed boxer, the collection keeps the styling streamlined while giving you plenty of choice when it comes to coverage and rise. It is underwear that knows exactly what it is supposed to look like.

Best suited to: Men who want an iconic, fashion-conscious everyday staple with a recognisable aesthetic.

CDLP

Swedish brand CDLP takes a more design-led approach to men’s underwear, combining contemporary silhouettes with a strong focus on materials. The brand says its underwear is designed in Sweden and crafted in Portugal, with its collections including boxer briefs, boxer trunks, Y-briefs, jock straps, and classic boxer shorts.

Its Tencel™ Lyocell styles are particularly central to the brand’s fabric story, using a soft, breathable material with moisture-wicking properties and a smooth, silk-like feel. The result is underwear that feels considered rather than purely functional, with clean design and a distinctly understated European sensibility.

Best suited to: Men who appreciate minimalist design, premium fabrics, and a more luxurious take on everyday underwear.

Sunspel

Sunspel brings a sense of heritage to the underwear drawer. The British label has been making underwear since 1860 and has built its reputation around refined essentials and carefully chosen cotton fabrics. Its current men’s collection includes boxer shorts, trunks, boxer briefs, briefs, and tops, with materials including superfine cotton, Sea Island cotton, stretch cotton, and Tencel™ Lyocell.

For anyone who appreciates timeless wardrobe staples, Sunspel has a quietly elegant appeal. There is little need for unnecessary fuss when the fabric, cut, and construction do the talking. Its classic boxer shorts, in particular, bring a relaxed, traditional feel to an otherwise very modern underwear market.

Best suited to: Men who favor classic British style, quality natural fabrics, and timeless underwear.

Mack Weldon

Mack Weldon approaches underwear with a distinctly practical mindset, focusing heavily on comfort, performance, and everyday wear. Its current collection covers boxer briefs, boxers, trunks, and briefs, with styles built around different fabric technologies and features.

Its AIRKNIT™ boxer briefs, for example, are marketed with moisture-wicking and targeted cool-zone features, while its 18-Hour Jersey styles focus on soft, everyday comfort. The brand also offers micromodal styles and anti-odour technology in its Silver range. It is a useful choice for anyone who likes their basics to work a little harder without making a spectacle of themselves.

Best suited to: Men who prioritise technical fabrics, everyday comfort, and underwear that can handle active lifestyles.

Lululemon

Lululemon may be better known for activewear, but its men’s underwear collection brings that same performance-minded thinking into everyday basics. The current range includes the popular Always In Motion boxer briefs in different inseam lengths, alongside mesh and Soft Stretch Active styles.

This is underwear designed with movement in mind, making it an especially natural fit for busy days, travel, and anyone who dislikes feeling restricted by their clothes. The collection also offers different cuts, from shorter three-inch options to longer seven-inch styles, so fit can be tailored to personal preference.

Best suited to: Men who want versatile underwear for work, travel, workouts, and everyday movement. workouts,

Derek Rose

Derek Rose brings a distinctly luxurious sensibility to men’s underwear. The British brand works across Pima cotton, micro modal, silk, and cotton, with options ranging from briefs and boxer briefs to trunks and more traditional boxer shorts.

Its boxer briefs use Pima cotton stretch and micro modal, while the classic boxer shorts move into more indulgent fabrics such as silk, cotton batiste, and jacquard. The brand also introduces patterns and prints into the collection, giving its underwear a little more personality than the average pair of everyday basics.

Best suited to: Men who enjoy luxury fabrics, refined details, and a more sophisticated approach to loungewear and underwear.

Tommy John

Tommy John has built its name around the idea that men should not have to tolerate uncomfortable underwear simply because it is considered basic. Its current men’s collection includes fabrics and styles designed around softness, breathability, moisture management, and movement.

Its Second Skin fabric is positioned as soft and breathable, while DriComfort®, Cool Cotton, Air, and 360 Sport are designed for different preferences and levels of activity. The brand’s focus on fit is equally central, making it an interesting option for anyone who pays close attention to how underwear feels after a full day rather than just when it comes out of the packet.

Best suited to: Men who put comfort, softness, and a secure everyday fit at the top of their list.

Editor Note

Men’s underwear has become a surprisingly sophisticated part of the wardrobe. Whether the priority is heritage craftsmanship, technical performance, soft luxury, or simply finding a pair that stays comfortable from morning to night, there is far more choice than the old basic brief suggests.

The most interesting thing about these eight brands is how differently they approach the same small piece of clothing. Calvin Klein brings iconic fashion appeal, Sunspel leans into heritage, and CDLP explores material innovation, while Lululemon and Mack Weldon focus strongly on movement and performance. Derek Rose adds a touch of luxury and keeps functionality accessible, and Tommy John places comfort at the center of its offering.

Because when it comes to what sits closest to the skin, comfort, fit, and fabric are not details. They are the whole point.

FAQs About Men’s Underwear Brands

What should men look for when buying underwear?

Look for a comfortable fit, breathable fabric, good support, and a waistband that stays in place without digging into the skin.

Which fabric is best for men’s underwear?

Cotton is a classic choice, while modal, TENCEL™, and performance fabrics can offer a softer or more moisture-wicking feel.

How often should men replace their underwear?

It depends on wear and care, but underwear should generally be replaced when the fabric becomes thin, stretched, damaged, or uncomfortable.

Are boxer briefs better than boxers?

It comes down to personal preference. Boxer briefs offer more support, while traditional boxers provide a looser fit and greater freedom of movement.

Should men wear underwear when exercising?

Yes. Supportive, breathable underwear can help reduce friction and manage moisture during exercise.

How should men’s underwear fit?

It should feel secure without being too tight. The waistband should sit comfortably, while the fabric should not bunch, pinch, or ride up.