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First Thoughts On An Amazing Underwear Roundup
Now, I know you saw that title, and thought, “oh yeah, I’ve got to check out those undies”? Or maybe not. My wife thinks I’m sexy, and that’s what counts, right? For the past 5 years, I have had the pleasure of wearing a handful of “designer” underwear boxers. MyPakage and Saxx opened my eyes to what a simple pair of underwear can really do for fit, comfort, and look. And by look, I mean that they add a certain sex appeal to what can otherwise be considered a mere functional piece of under clothing.
I run a lot and I bike commute quite a bit, so underwear has to really perform in a myriad of ways. Having been presented with a host of leading industry brands for this underwear roundup (plus some you’ve maybe not heard of), I hope to dissect some differences and qualities as I wear these in daily life as well as more extreme uses.
The Fit Of Underwear
DISCLAIMER*** This is something that needs to be mentioned from the get-go. I am about 6′-1″ and 165 pounds. Plenty of biking, running, and snow sports have proven successful to avoid getting that “Dad-Bod”, so I am what you call a fairly average athletic size. I do have what some would call a more rounded behind. So, when I say they fit really well, and you are lacking in that department, you have been warned. Different sizes, shapes, and personal preference play a role here, but in the case of this underwear review, I am a Medium!
icebreaker Anatomica Boxer Briefs
Icebreaker with its New Zeeland roots has always emphasized its Merino Wool product, and “Wool with Sex Appeal” which is a moniker that resonates with me.
This summer we experienced 95 plus degree temperatures, and I’ve been bike commuting quite a bit. Hence the Temperature Control + Cool-Lite really caught my eye. Cool-Lite is a combination of Merino wool with Tencel which is a sustainably sourced natural wood fiber from a Eucalyptus tree. Now, ‘bare’ with me, because wool and fiber from trees don’t necessarily inspire visions of blast of cool air. That said, the Icebreaker Merino is very comfortable and super soft. The breathability factor is what’s helping Zoned undies live up to their Coolness name. The “zones” are pockets of material to allow each to function separately based on the anatomy of the person wearing them. I like it, and they really look good.
One element as part of this Underwear Roundup is that I will wear these on longer runs and bike rides. A 12 mile commute and a 6 mile run thrown in for good measure gave me a good test on day 1 of wearing these underpants. No bunching with a snug fit in all the important places, and good airflow did the job for my first test ride. Subsequent days of wearing these have given me a comfort and joy that’s second to none. Icebreaker touts a naturally odor resistant quality as well. I won’t be really putting that to the task, but with all these wonderfully natural ingredients, it is bound to smell much nicer than grandpas white cotton underpants.
MSRP: $40-$50 unless you can find a good sale item.
For more details please visit Icebreaker
Marmot Men’s Performance Boxer Brief
The nice thing about these boxers is that they are super light. Three Ounces light, and it’s almost like wearing nothing at all. Very thin, and made out of recycled materials these Marmot briefs really deliver. The quick drying, moisture wicking, and antimicrobial treatment to reduce odor are nice added benefits. Marmot’s color schemes are quite pleasing. I tend to reach for these a lot when fumbling through my underwear drawer in the early morning.
The look is solid, the fit is really seamless, and are a good value. Time will tell if the thinness will hold up to the “wear and tear” I put my clothing through. The pouch in this case has a horizontal front flip option. That’s a little different than what you may be used to, but it works. The Marmot team has actually given thought to how this pair of Performance Boxer briefs would function when harnessed up. I will mention that these undies did not fit skin tight, but a bit more loosely. Not bad loosely, but more relaxed loosely, I suppose. Quite comfortable!
MSRP: $34. On sale right now for $19.99
For more information and some really good deals, click HERE
Saxx Volt Boxer Briefs
The Saxx Volt is full of unique and spicy designs, and are catered toward the active and sport-minded. A slim fit that really allows for full range of motion is what you should take away from this pair as part of this Underwear Roundup.
The Ballpark pouch is an aptly named protruding piece of cloth to cuddle one’s most prized possession. The phallic symbolism always brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s below the belt humor that is fun, innocent, and brings me back to my teenage years. I’m sure, over the years, the designers and marketing teams have come up with lots of clean and probably not so clean references. In the end, it’s about a message or branding that seems to hit the spot. Obviously, quality design and material has to fall in line if sustained staying power is the end goal. Breathable, moisture wicking, and odor resistant. The Saxx Volt is cut from a breathable pin-dot mesh which lends itself to an active lifestyle.
MSRP: $33
For more information and purchase please check out: Volt
Smartwool Men’s Merino 150 Boxer Briefs
These are also “oh so comfortable”. It’s Merino wool! They are soft, smooth, and comfy. The Men’s Merino 150 Boxer Briefs are marketed as a sport underwear. Perfect for any active activity, and in my world that would look like a gym, yoga, or commuting workout. These are probably not a pair I’d break out if I’m running a longer distance, say a 12 plus miler. The Merino 150 fabric is breathable, soft, and has “next-to-skin comfort.” The wide elastic waist band is also a really good fit. Not too tight to leave lines.
MSRP: $48
Check it out HERE
Exofficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh
Now these britches are smooth! Does anyone even use that term anymore? No matter! The Exofficio ‘silky-feeling’ 4-way stretch fabric makes for a really comfortable fit. The “pouch” is rather standard in my opinion. Hence, if you are a traditionalist when it comes to underwear, these may work rather well for you. Extra space is given to provide room, yet keep it all together when active. Two things you can take away from these briefs. One, the breathable mesh fabric is ultralight and supplies airflow to keep the nether region cool. And second, the anti-odor treatment is new and improved to help keep things fresher for a longer time period. Exofficio has put a real focus on travel and adventure, so longer and highly active use makes these a perfect companion.
MSRP: $30
Check out all their options at exofficio
Final Thoughts On This Underwear Roundup
Underwear doesn’t get the limelight like it should. They are a vital piece of clothing that I truly value. This underwear roundup of so many diverse unique boxers showed me the possibilities and thought that has been put into what was once a mere afterthought. “These ain’t your daddy’s Tighty-Whitties!” Design, functionality, fit, and look have come to the forefront. With that ingenuity does come a bit of a price bump. The days of a 3-pack for $7.99 are over. That said, you will be pleasantly surprised at how good you feel wearing these. Quality is far superior, so I’d guess that doubling the lifespan is certainly something to consider. That brings the price of these boxers more in line, and then you have to simply put a value on always having that good fit feeling.
If you’ve not had the pleasure of wearing any of these, ask for one for your birthday, Father’s day, or Christmas. You will treasure that one pair, and I’m sure more will get added. If this is not your first rodeo with the pouches, the assortment and options allow one to really provide for a different experience every single day.