Boxer briefs vs boxer shorts: which men's underwear is right for you?

Most men pick an underwear style in their teens and never think about it again. But the right pair makes a real difference on a long workday, at the gym or on a hot flight.

Here's the short version: boxer briefs for support, boxer shorts for airflow. The details below help you pick the right ones from our men's underwear collection.

Boxer briefs: fitted and supportive

Boxer briefs hug the body from waist to upper thigh. They don't bunch under slim trousers, and they hold everything in place when you move. That makes them the best all-round choice for work, travel and sport.

For everyday wear, a multipack in plain colors is hard to beat. The Luke Seamless Stretch Boxer Briefs 10-Pack ($94.72) gives you ten pairs with no side seams to rub. The Arlo Soft Stretch Boxer Briefs 8-Pack ($60.93) is all black, so you never have to match anything.

If you run, cycle or play football, longer legs stop the fabric riding up. The Heath Sport Long Boxer Briefs 8-Pack ($108.67) are cut longer for exactly that.

Boxer shorts: loose and breathable

Boxer shorts are loose, like a pair of short shorts. Air moves freely, which many men find cooler in hot weather and more comfortable for sleeping. The downside: they can bunch up under fitted jeans.

Cotton boxers with an elastic waist are the classic. The Colton Cotton Plaid Boxer Shorts ($21.49) have a wide leg and a small button at the front, and they double as lounge shorts at home. For a full drawer, the Kent Plaid Loose Boxer Shorts 6-Pack ($73.64) gives you six.

Which fabric?

• Cotton breathes well and is soft on skin. Good for daily wear and sensitive skin. See the Harvey Cotton Boxer Briefs 4-Pack ($51.23).
• Stretch blends with spandex keep their shape all day and dry faster after the gym.
• Modal is extra soft and cool, and stays smooth after many washes.
• Silk feels cool and light, and it makes a good gift. Try the Wilder Silk Boxer Briefs ($50.50).

Getting the size right

Measure around your waist where the waistband sits, usually just below the belly button. Then check the Size Guide and the size notes on the product page. Sizing varies from pack to pack, so go by the numbers rather than ordering your usual letter.

If you're between sizes, take the larger one for boxer shorts and the smaller one for boxer briefs, which should feel snug.

When to replace them

Most underwear lasts six months to a year with regular wear. Swap them when the waistband stops springing back or the fabric goes thin. Buying a multipack makes that easy: replace the whole drawer at once.

Shop all men's underwear, or browse Forge for Men for the rest of his wardrobe.