Men’s underwear has come a long way from the good ol' basic white briefs. These days, men can find options for underwear in different styles and fabrics that offer a great balance of support, style, and breathability. There are even some brief brands that can regulate body temperature and minimize chafing.
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are worth trying. To help you out, we've prepared a buying guide reviewed by fashion stylist, Aina Ampil, and our list of the 10 best brief brands out there that will give you great value for your money. Read on to know more!
Aina is a fashion stylist based in the Philippines who has done celebrity fashion styling and personal styling. Nothing excites her more than seeing her clients happy with how they look and feel. During her free time, Aina enjoys catching up on her favorite K-pop groups and going to the mall—whether it’s to shop, window shop, or have a cup of coffee.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
When buying underwear, it is essential to know and understand the characteristics of the fabric. They determine the durability, softness, and comfort you will get from the underwear. Below are the most common types of materials used in men's underwear.
Cotton is probably the most commonly used fabric in manufacturing underwear, as it is soft, light, and very comfortable to use. It allows for great breathability, ventilation, and circulation. Cotton underwear is also highly absorbent - definitely a plus in hot and humid climates like ours.
Sometimes, cotton is mixed with other materials like modal. Modal is made from the beech tree pulp and is very soft and 50% more water-absorbent than cotton. It is also comfortable, strong, and durable, even when machine-washed a bunch of times. Another fabric often used is rayon, which has a silk-like texture and is very lightweight, airy, and luxurious.
Natural fabrics include cotton, silk, hemp, linen, merino wool, and bamboo viscose. These fabrics are the healthiest option for you to wear every day. Since natural fabrics are breathable, it gives you comfort, and it poses a low risk for infections.
Next to cotton, nylon is the second most used fabric in underwear. It offers durability and has greater color retention even after many washes. It has a smooth texture and is non-abrasive, although it doesn’t have the best breathability.
Another synthetic fabric, polyester, gives the wearer a soft and smooth feeling on the skin. This fabric is resistant to wrinkles and abrasion and doesn't shrink or stretch, which is why it's often also used in men’s swimwear.
When wearing synthetic underwear fabrics, it is best to use them for a short period of time and not for the whole day. Synthetic fabrics are not breathable and don’t absorb sweat, thus may cause irritation or infections.
Silk is really smooth and feels luxurious to the touch. It is durable, extremely soft, comfortable, and can help your body stay cool. However, it tends to trap heat and may cause sweat stains and body odor; thus, it is not recommended in warm conditions or for people who sweat profusely.
More often than not, men just wear whatever underwear that they can pick from the closet. But to experience maximum comfort, it is best to use the most suitable style according to the activity or occasion.
Classic briefs are usually 5 inches wide from the upper thigh to the waist. This type of short, form-fitting underwear is best suited for physical activities because briefs offer good support on the crotch, stays in place, and you don’t need to adjust them as much. They are also an ideal choice for men with bigger thighs, and they give an illusion of longer legs as well.
Boxer shorts are loose, do not have tight leg openings, and don’t put pressure on the skin as much. They are the most comfortable and breathable style. However, because they are loose, they offer almost no support in the private area and are thus best used when lounging at home or sleeping.
It’s better to avoid using boxer shorts for sports as it offers minimal support. When wearing shorts, make sure that they’re longer than your boxers. It is best to go for shorter boxer shorts in a slimmer cut. You can wear boxer shorts with relaxed-fit jeans/pants or regular-fit shorts.
Boxer briefs or trunks are tight-fitting and have a longer leg compared to classic briefs. They can also absorb or wick away sweat depending on the fabric used, so they are a good choice for intense physical activities. They can be worn with anything, and they won't show up as a visible underwear line through the pants.
Boxer briefs are best paired with slim, straight, skinny, or relaxed-fit jeans/pants and slim or regular-fit bottoms. Boxer briefs will give you a more streamlined look from waist to hem.
Bikini briefs are usually worn by professional bodybuilders and recommended if you are wearing something that needs more skin exposure, such as tribal costumes of some sort. The garter line is usually designed to rest above the thigh up to the love handles, exposing the belly button.
Thongs, on the other hand, are tiny triangular panties that only provide front coverage, exposing the butt. While they are skimpy, they do offer maximum support, much like a jockstrap. Some men find thongs comfortable and helpful for avoiding visible underwear lines when they wear tight jeans or pants.
It goes without saying that the size you pick is important. Just like all our clothes, underwear is not a one-size-fits-all item. Online stores usually provide the measurements on the size chart. They usually range from small to XXL, and with the help of a tape measure, you can determine the size that fits you!
The good thing about many brands and underwear shops is that they come out with sets and bundles that usually end up being cheaper than those sold as singles. So aside from quality and fit, opt to choose the pieces of underwear that are sold in bundles or with additional freebies if you want to get the best bang for your buck.
From ₱3,650
When it comes to men's underwear, Calvin Klein has been an industry leader and practically a household name for its consistent quality and stylish designs. This set of three comes in bright basic colors with the iconic looped logo printed across the elasticated webbing waistband.
The fabric is a blend of nylon and elastane, which aren't just smooth and skin-friendly; it wicks sweat away, too. The pouch in front is contoured to provide adequate structure and support for your private parts. And because the waistband is low-rise, it's suitable for use with low-rise jeans as well. All of these add up to a pair of briefs that's worth its hefty price!
From ₱590
For innerwear that feels absolutely breathable no matter the weather, the AIRism Boxer Briefs from Uniqlo immediately comes to mind. These briefs are made with a special proprietary blend of materials like polyester, spandex, and nylon to give you a smooth texture that just glides so easily on the skin.
The AIRism technology is what makes it a standout among other brands, and while this is also what makes it pricier, it's definitely a worthy investment. The 3-dimensional design is intended to keep you cool and dry whenever you perspire. It also has anti-odor technology to provide some odor control.
From ₱396
You can't have an underwear list without mentioning Hanford, the quintessential underwear brand for Filipino men. While so many brands have popped up in recent years, Hanford remains one of the most trusted brief brands, and their classic white briefs are still a bestseller. It's available in a wide range of sizes, showing that this brand can cater to users of different body types.
This style may be old-fashioned, but it is a classic for a good reason - it offers the best of comfort, ease of movement, and affordability in one. It's made of premium ribbed cotton that's breathable and easy to clean. It also has a front-fly opening that provides just the right support for the crotch area.
From ₱260
Keeping an active lifestyle means that you have to be a bit more choosy when it comes to your underwear. After all, no one wants to go running or lifting weights at the gym in a pair of undies that will feel hot and sticky after a little exertion. With these running briefs from Decathlon, you won't have this problem at all.
It's designed by a team of running enthusiasts to give active people an option that works for them. The technical fabric is efficient at wicking moisture away and soft enough to prevent chafing during your run. Best of all, this special type of briefs can be yours at a very affordable priceーit's definitely a winner that deserves a space in your closet!
From ₱695
Old Navy's boxer shorts are always popular everywhere you go, and rightly so. Since they are made of 100% cotton poplin, you can't beat their softness and comfort. The waistband is elasticized for a comfortable fit, and it has a fly front opening for convenience. The relaxed fit makes these shorts the perfect pair for hanging out at home on a lazy weekend!
Their unique and quirky patterns always add a touch of whimsy to this wardrobe essential. You can choose from designs like bright watermelons, chameleons, pineapples, and a Pride-inspired print. Whichever you pick, it will definitely make your wardrobe much more fun to look at!
From ₱3,289
Abercrombie & Fitch is a US brand known for creating apparel with a distinctive preppy and classy look, and these boxer briefs do not disappoint. Made with a blend of 95% premium cotton and 5% elastane, each pair is body-hugging with just the right amount of stretch.
It also has a functional fly opening and a mid-rise waistband bearing the brand logo, adding further to its Ivy League appeal. Many users love its lightweight and comfortable feeling, making it suitable for the Philippine climate. Just make sure to follow the wash instructions carefully, and this pack will last you a long time.
From ₱1,450
If you're looking for underwear that feels absolutely comfortable and easy to wear all day, look no further than this pack from Marks & Spencer. Containing 2 light blue and 2 navy blue mid-rise, classic-style briefs, this set should be in your stash of essential clothing.
Each piece is made with a blend of 90% cotton and 10% elastane lycra, a combination that gives it its patented Flexifit four-way stretch. This means you get a pair of underwear that moves as you do and doesn't feel restrictive at all. Users love how the quality is so good and that it gives them great value for their money.
From ₱192
Walker briefs are another popular choice among Filipino men. You can find this brand in practically any department store, as it aims to be as accessible as possible to many users. These boxer shorts are made of a cotton-polyester blend and has a loose fit for better breathability.
It has a soft, elastic garter which makes for a stable fit that doesn't cut harshly into the skin. The button placket also allows for easy access when you have to go to the restroom. This pair comes in different sizes and colors, and it's lightweight, easy to clean, and quick-drying.
From ₱749
If you prefer underwear that sits below your love handles, this is definitely a must-have for you! Hanes' hipster briefs are made out of prime-quality cotton and spandex; they have a soft texture, and the breathable garter design and stretchable leg piping ups the comfort level.
To ensure durability and resistance from wear-and-tear, each brief is woven and stitched using the twill technique. It also has reinforced seams and a 2-layer front panel to protect the private parts. It comes in a pack of three, and you can choose from neutral colors and several different sizes.
From ₱175.2
Who says boxer shorts have to be plain and boring? Baleno shows otherwise with this pair of boxers that have cute drink print designs - a style that would click with the younger set who prefers fresh and upbeat designs. This pair is made of cotton and has a relaxed fit, so it's great for lounging around on lazy days or for sleeping at night.
It's available in two colors - light and dark blue - and in four sizes ranging from small to XL. The store has a size chart you can refer to as a guide to ensure that you get a pair in your size. You might also want to check out their other print designs in the store; there are so many other Baleno briefs in fun styles to choose from!
I would recommend only wearing synthetic underwear fabrics for a short period of time and not for the whole day.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Ready to level up your grooming routine? Take a look below at some of our reviews about different products made for men. You're sure to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle!
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Re-editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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