We all know that funny walk you get when you are trying to ¨unstick¨ yourself because your underwear doesn’t fit right. Or you are sitting on a plane, in the office and you keep reaching down to pull your boxers down because they keep riding up. No one likes to walk around in uncomfortable underwear all day, yet many of us never look for the best fitting underwear for ourselves
Underwear is an essential item of clothing. Choosing the correct underwear makes a huge difference in terms of support and overall comfort. You may even avoid wearing certain tight jeans, or just not wear underwear at all to avoid the discomfort.
For big and tall men, but men in general, finding the right underwear can be challenging and time consuming because you have to test different types out. But once you find your fit, you can use it as a guide to buy similar underwear from different brands.
In this article we will give you guidance on how to choose the best underwear for big and tall men, as well as how to choose the best underwear for men in general. If you just want our top picks, and don’t want to read the whole article:
Best underwear for men overall – BAMBOO COOL Men’s Underwear boxer briefs
Best workout underwear for men – Under Armour – Tech Boxerjock
Best cheap underwear for men – Organic Signatures 3-pack
Best underwear for fat guys – Ejis Sweat Defense Boxer Brief
Best everyday essential underwear – Gildan Men’s Underwear Boxer Briefs
Best underwear for tall men – American Tall Original Boxer Briefs
How To Choose The Best Underwear For Men
1 Consider Your Body Type
Every man has a different body type, so it is important to select underwear that is designed for and fits your body type. For big & tall men, this requires you to look for underwear designed to accommodate a larger waist and thigh size. This is also true for men that work out a lot. If you have more muscly legs, you will need boxers wider in the leg. There are some underwear brands that offer styles specifically made for bigger men.
2 Choosing The Right Fabric
When it comes to choosing the best underwear for men, you also want to be thinking about breathable underwear for men. This is where the fabric choice is very important as it will affect your comfort greatly. On the same topic, you also have the discussion of the best underwear for men to prevent chafing, and this is directly related to the fabrics you choose.
Here are some of the more popular fabrics used:
Cotton: Cotton is one of the best fabrics for breathable underwear for men. It’s a durable fabric, can withstand frequent washing and is comfortable for everyday wear.
Microfibre: This is more for when you are looking for the best workout underwear for men. It’s known for its moisture wicking properties, and a great choice for an active lifestyle to keep you dry and comfortable.
Modal: This is a silky and soft fabric, known for the luxurious feel, comfort and breathability. This type of fabric is best when considering the best underwear to sleep in for men.
3 Style of Underwear
One of the most important, if not the most is the style of underwear you choose. The best underwear for men is one that has the best fabric to accommodate your lifestyle, but also that fits good in all the right places. The style and shape you choose will greatly affect the support and comfort of your underwear.
Boxer Briefs: Boxer briefs give a combination of support and coverage. They are probably the most worn style of underwear by men. They are especially good as a choice of underwear for tall men because they provide more coverage for larger thighs and waist sizes.
Boxers: Similar to the boxer briefs, but looser fitting are Boxers. They don’t offer as much support, but you may prefer the looser fit for everyday wear.
Briefs: The good old tiny whities, a snug and supportive fit, making them a good option for very active men. They don’t seem to be all that comfortable for everyday use though.
The style of underwear you choose will also depend on your clothing style. If you wear tight jeans all the time, then a loose fitting boxer will ride up over time and be uncomfortable. A too tight pair of boxer briefs added to the support of tight jeans may also be uncomfortable. So you need to figure out what is most comfortable for your lifestyle.
A pro tip when choosing the best underwear for men, get boxers with long legs. When you have a tight pair of boxers on, and the legs are too short and ride up in the heat is a very uncomfortable situation to be in. So the longer the legs, the less likely they are to ride up.
4 Look For Good Support
When looking for underwear for big and tall men, support is very important, we have more to carry after all. Look for underwear that has a contoured pouch, a reinforced waistband and a comfortable but stretchy fabric. This will provide extra support for you in the right places.
If you have skinny legs, you want tighter boxers around the legs for a better fit and support. If you have really big legs, you may want the looser fitting boxers. Experiment a little with different styles and see what fits best for you. The best support all around will be the boxers tailored to working out.
These are some of the main points you want to look out for before you go and spend your hard earned cash. A lot of the time we just go to the shop, stare at the countless rows of underwear and kind of guess. Or we take the advice of the assistant, only to wear them a month later to find out they are not comfortable, and you can’t return them either.
5 How to measure underwear size for men
Before you start looking for a new pair, you need to know how to measure your underwear size. Probably something you never thought of, but there are hip, waist and inseam measurement for all boxer types. If you have these to hand when you are looking at size charts and understand how to size mens underwear, it can help you make a better choice and avoid sizing mistakes.
To measure your underwear size as a man, grab a measuring tape and take the following measurements:
Waist Measurement: Measure your natural waistline, which is not your hip, but at the level of your belly button. Wrap a tape measure around your waist at this level, jot that down, this is your natural waistline.
Hip Measurement: This is at the level of where you feel the sharp of your hip bone on the side. Again, wrap the tape measure around, not too tight, and make a note of your hip measurement.
Inseam Measurement: A very important measurement if you don’t like the feeling of your underwear bunching up. This is the length between your crotch and your ankle. Stan up with your legs straight parting your feet a little, and measure from the start of your crotch to your ankle, you have your inseam.
When you are buying anything, pay attention to the inseam measurement. The guide may say xl, but check the actual size guide to see this measurement. If you ever land between sizes, go for the larger.
In the rest of the article, we will talk about some specific brands of underwear for big and tall people, but also a variety of underwear brands for men in general. We will also talk about specific situation topics like:
-best underwear for men working out
-cooling underwear for men
-best breathable underwear for men
-nylon underwear for men
-best underwear for men who sweat
-hiking underwear for men, and much more.
Best underwear for men working out
When it comes to choosing the best underwear to wear while working out, breathable, form fitting and moisture-wicking fabric is a must. They also need to provide optimum support. Some things to help you choose:
Compression shorts: Form-fitting shorts that support the muscles and help improve blood circulation. They also help prevent chafing and provide a comfortable fit.
Performance briefs: Specifically designed for athletic activities. Made from moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry and comfortable. They also provide good support where it counts.
Boxer briefs: These provide good support and coverage while also being comfortable and breathable. Look for pairs that are made from moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry during your workout.
Here are a few choices of underwear to work out in:
If you are about to put in a solid session at the gym, the last thing you want is to have to adjust your underwear mid squat. The boxerjocks from Under Armour are may be the best underwear for working out we have ever tried. Also a great choice of underwear for tall men because the legs are so long. Support in all the right places and very comfortable to workout in.
Men’s Under Armour – Tech Boxerjock® – 2-Pack
$35.00
Stance was a brand we had never heard of, and after trying them out, they are up there with the best underwear for working out. The fabric is super comfortable, the extra long legs stop the underwear from riding up and you can barely feel the waistband or any of the stitching. It really supports you well and you feel comfortable for the entire workout. Definitely worth a look.
Stance Vine Boxer Brief
$25.00
As you can tell, we are a fan of the long leg boxers. The trunks are made of polyester, so a little different in feeling than cotton. The material is stretchy and breathable, and does not stick to your skin when you sweat. They are very lightweight, and give you great support throughout a workout.
Björn Borg Performance Boxer 5-pack
$54.95
Of all the underwear we tried out for working out, and we mean specifically a gym workout, or a CrossFit workout, these were the ones that stood out the most. The material was comfortable, they were all moisture wicking and comfortable the whole time. The most important thing for us though was the long legs, this makes all the difference.
Best running underwear for men
When I’m working out, I am pretty focused, and not much can distract me, but a pair of ill fitting underwear can really make a difference. Stopping to adjust yourself every few seconds running on a treadmill, getting chafed when you do high repletion’s of lunges. You know the struggles.
If you are a big guy as well, getting your underwear all tangled up is really uncomfortable. You just get used to it, but the first time you shell out and get yourself of underwear with your comfort in mind, consciously picking for your lifestyle, it really does change how you feel in your clothes a lot.
When choosing the best underwear for men for running, you’ll want to look for a pair that are comfortable, moisture-wicking, and provide good support.
Here are some options to consider:
Compression shorts: Compression shorts are a popular choice for runners because they provide support for the muscles and help reduce fatigue. They also wick moisture away from the skin, helping keep you dry and comfortable during your run.
Performance briefs: Performance briefs are similar to compression shorts, but with less coverage. They provide good support and wick moisture away from the skin so you don’t get a rash from the friction. Some performance briefs also have mesh panels for added breathability.
Boxer briefs: Boxer briefs are a good choice for runners who prefer more coverage. Especially if you are a big and tall guy, you want the legs on the boxers to be long. Look for boxer briefs that are made from moisture-wicking materials and feature a supportive pouch to help reduce chafing.
Running tights: Running tights are another option. They provide support and compression for the muscles and can help improve circulation keeping you going for longer. Look for tights that are made from moisture-wicking materials and feature a comfortable waistband, and you may also want to consider wearing a thin pair of boxers underneath.
Ultimately, the best underwear for men for running will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Consider trying a few different styles and materials to find the one that works best for you. We tried a number of these options, and these are my picks for the best men’s underwear for running.
The best men’s underwear for running:
If you are running on trails, hitting the local pavements or mixing it up, go for a pair of ExOfficio running boxer shorts. The support around the pouch, and the stitching running down the front of the thigh give great support. The long legs stop them from bunching up, they’re light, antimicrobial, breathable and dry really quick. The top pick for running underwear.
ExOfficio Men’s Running Boxer Shorts
$27-35
These compression shorts will fit guys up to 6’5. If you have long legs, these are a great choice. They have stitching adding support and grip in all the right places, wicks moisture really well and no chafing. You can wear them under a pair of shorts when you are working out, but they feel great to wear alone when out on your daily runs.
Especially good support for bigger guys looking for running underwear. The thick waistband is also something to mention, not letting the shorts slip under any intensity.
Runhit Compression Shorts
$25.00
So these are not strictly underwear, but are my preferred option for running. Its hard to match the right underwear with the right shorts, but if you can get a good fitting pair of compression shorts, and have a cool pair of shorts attached to them, feels like a win. The legs are long so no bunching, you get no chafing, and the waist is really comfortable.
If you go for these, opt for one size above what the size guide says, they are a little tight if you get the exact size
Mens Athletic Shorts
$22
You have to pay a little more for quality, this is the case a lot of the time. New Balance have some of the most affordable Boxers for running that are cheap and give you all the performance that you get from a lot of the best out there.
A great option for running underwear, it keeps your package snug and comfortable, the material is really comfortable and keeps you fresh, and the thick waistband and long tight legs keeps them in place no matter the activity.
New Balance Men’s Premium Performance 6″ Boxer Brief Underwear
$15 – Pack of two
Best supportive underwear for men
Some of us need more support than others. Or we like to have a more secure fit, and like underwear that is designed it a way to have more snug fit. But you don’t want this to be uncomfortable.
When choosing supportive underwear, you want to consider things level of support needed, the specific activity for which the underwear will be worn, and personal preferences for style and fit. The underwear I wear every day isn’t the same as I wear to the gym.
If you want to feel comfortable in your underwear all the time, then you need to have the correct underwear for each activity. Here are some good options to choose from, or to serve as a guide to help you choose the best supportive underwear for men.
You feel so cool and comfortable wearing these. They are the top choice for everyday boxer shorts. Made with 92% bamboo + 8% Spandex, you get the breathability and softness from the bamboo, the comfort from the stretch from the spandex.
The support around the package is well designed too. You don’t feel flattened, it creates a pouch like space keeping everything in place and comfortable all day long. The label is also on the outside, never touching your skin, the small things matter.
BAMBOO COOL Men’s Underwear boxer briefs
$37
The boxer shorts have an internal mesh panel that keep you jewels separated giving you great support, and no chance of chafing. The fabric is moisture wicking, keeps you cool and dry all day, great for an active lifestyle. These boxer shorts are actually great for working out too.
They are also a great choice of underwear for big guys. They come in very large sizes, and are very comfortable for those who have long legs as well. They don’t bunch up when you are walking so you don’t need to be tugging at yourself every few minutes.
Hanes Total Support Pouch Men’s Boxer Briefs Pack
$18-27
These shorts are engineered to keep you and your package as comfortable as possible. With their patented Mypackage pouch tech, a three dimensional pouch that keeps you snug, dry and prevents any chafing is a game changer.
The pouch lifts and supports your package, separating it from rubbing up against you. Made from Modal, a very comfortable material, they are also moisture wicking and odor preventing. Another great choice for active lifestyles and larger men. Something to mention is they are a little pricey.
BN3TH Men’s Infinite Ionic No Stink Boxer Briefs
$38
Sure, they look like running or gym underwear, and you can use them for pretty much any activity. I come at everything from a big and tall guys perspective, as I am, and this underwear is very comfortable to wear on a daily basis.
Nike men’s elite use their signature Dri-Fit fabric, keeps you fresh and comfortable, but most importantly they are amazing at not holding on to any odor. They are also a little pricy at $20 a pair, but they are very durable so worth the investment.
Nike Elite Micro-Men’s Long Boxer Briefs
$20
When it comes to comfortable and supportive underwear, a long leg and a well designed pouch are a must. Some may prefer briefs for this, but I have never found them to be comfortable for me. I am a big guy, and for other big men out there, going with a stretchy fabric and longer leg is always a better option.
Bigger thighs are more likely to rub together and cause chafing, so you want to get as much coverage as you can. You also want to choose the best type of fabric for this, and the examples above are great choices and serve as a guide in what you should be looking for when choosing the best supportive underwear for men.
Best cotton underwear for men
Cotton underwear comes with a lot of advantages. It is breathable, very durable, comfortable on the skin and Hypoallergenic. If you have sensitive skin, cotton underwear is a good choice, but you also need to find the correct fit and size for optimal comfort.
Cotton underwear is definitely a good choice of material, and is generally cheaper than underwear with hybrid materials with special properties. Cotton underwear is a great option for the summer, it keeps you fresh, absorbs any moisture away from your skin, and you can wash them again and again and they last for a long time.
There are variations of fabric, like 100% cotton underwear for men, organic cotton underwear, cotton underwear mixed with other fabrics to enhance functionality or moisture wicking properties. All depending on your preference and activity levels, they all have their use.
Lets have a look at some options of the best cotton underwear for men:
For every day use, you want underwear that is comfortable, supportive and not too expensive. Cheap underwear for men does not have to be low quality, it just take a little trial and error.
Hanes dri cool are a great choice of cotton boxers for men, the fabric is soft and comfortable, they don’t have a tag to rub on your skin, and the legs are long with a lot of coverage stopping any chafing.
Breathable cotton underwear for men at a great price.
Hanes Cool Dri Moisture-Wicking Boxer Briefs – 100% cotton
$35 – 12 Pack
Looking for light weight cotton underwear for men? Gildan are a well know brand for many things, but their cotton underwear for men are exceptional. The long legs, support, and fiction free seems give so much comfort to your daily wear.
They have a 90% cotton/10% polyester blend if you want a little more moisture wicking for sports, but their 100% cotton option is great for everyday wear, you wont get any chafing and the price is very good.
Gildan Men’s Underwear Boxer Briefs – 100% Cotton
$20 – 5 Pack
Functional, breathable, supportive, everything you want from a pair of comfortable cotton underwear. 100% cotton underwear for men is a good choice if you have sensitive skin. Also if you are bigger man with thicker thighs, cotton is very soft and flexible and prevents chafing.
If you have longer legs, these boxers have long fitting legs to stop bunching, and are very comfortable to wear with a pair of jeans. The pouch is flattering and gives you great support.
Mens 100% Organic Cotton Boxer
$44.95 – 3 Pack
Prefer a looser fitting pair of boxers? If you don’t like the tight feeling of underwear, you can opt for a pair of baggy cotton boxers. Loose boxers and a tougher fabric can be uncomfortable, it bunches up, rubs up on your skin, but cotton boxers that are loose are very comfortable.
If you have big legs, loose fitting boxers give you a lot more space and breathability. They can bunch up if you wear them with a pair of tight jeans, but for everything else they are a great option for every day use. Cheap underwear for men, but with great quality.
Lucky Brand Men’s 100% Cotton Underwear
$38.99 – 6 Pack
Underwear for fat men
The topic of best underwear for fat men may not be spoken about much, but we all put on some weight from time to time, and the reasons can vary. Being comfortable though is a must, and I have had my own ups and downs with weight, and had to look for the best underwear for a fatter person because comfort becomes an issue.
When you are larger, you can’t just go and grab underwear off the rack and hope the will fit and be comfortable. You need to be more selective of the materials, are they stretchy, comfortable, provide you support in the right places. All factors that will affect your comfort level.
So as someone that has been very overweight, and also tall, I have tried a lot of different types of underwear for different situations. Underwear for a fat guy to work out will not be the same as what you need to walk around in day to day. You naturally may wear more so you want moisture wicking, and you have larger legs so you want flexible and comfortable.
For bigger guys, cotton and bamboo underwear will be the best overall choice for comfort and flexibility. For working out though you need a little more support and flexibility, so a mixture with other fabrics like polyester or lycra also serve a purpose at times.
Here are some examples of what good choices of underwear for fat men would be. Use this as a guide to find the best fit you and your lifestyle.
Read the reviews of all the people that have bought these boxers. They are so well designed for bigger men, strong stitching and extra support in the pouch, a wide waistband that does fold over all the time. You can get them to fit waists of up to 50¨.
Made from 94% Bamboo fiber and 6% Spandex, soft, breathable and designed to nut bunch up. You get great coverage and avoid chafing, and they are also moisture wicking to keep you dry and comfortable. The best choice for daily underwear for fat guys.
ZONBAILON Bamboo Underwear
$47.95 – 6 Pack
Workout underwear for fat men? or if you just have a very active lifestyle, then you will probably sweat more than the average person. You don’t want to have sweat stains, and you want to stay dry and comfortable. Ejis sweat defense boxers are a really good brand for bigger guys, and those of us who sweat a lot more in general.
They are made with super soft 95% Modal and 5% Spandex fabric. Also silver infused to stop any odor build up. They are good for a workout because they keep you dry, give you extra support with the pouch and a lot of coverage on your legs to stop chafing.
Ejis Sweat Defense Boxer Brief
$36.99
We cannot talk about underwear bigger guys and not mention American Tall. This is a brand for big guys, so all of their underwear is specifically designed for men that are taller, bigger, longer, wider. High waisted men’s underwear is really important for big guys. American Tall have this down to perfection.
Made from Micro Modal fabric. their underwear is very comfortable, the legs are wide and long, and the waistband is thick and sturdy. Whatever you see on the size chart is what you get so no worrying about buying a bigger size. The best underwear for tall men that have a little extra weight.
American Tall Original Boxer Briefs
$47.95 – 6 Pack
Frequently Asked Questions
Best underwear for men who sweat?
The best underwear for men who sweat will be made from a mixture of fabrics. You want to look for moisture wicking fabrics mixed in with cotton for optimal comfort and to stay dry when active.
What is the best workout underwear for men
The best workout underwear needs to combine comfort, flexibility, durability, moisture wicking and overall comfort under intensity. Long legs, a high waist band, extra pouch support and odor preventing underwear are the most desirable factors for workout underwear.
How to measure underwear size for men
You simply need your natural waist, hip, and inseam measurement, and you can match these to size guides and make sure you buy the right size.
What are gym underwear for men called
Underwear for the gym is typically referred to as performance or athletic underwear. Their design is made to provide extra support and moisture wicking during intense workouts. Also great for an active lifestyle.
What kind of underwear is best for obese men
What is the most comfortable underwear for fat men? Loose fitting, breathable, moisture wicking underwear with extra support and a high waistband are good factors to include in your search. Try different brands, find what works for you best, but follow the tips in this article to find the perfect fit for you.
Best underwear for men who run
There is a lot of personal preference here. Some men like briefs, compression shorts, tights, running shorts. It is best to experiment with different types to find what works best for you. You want to look for moisture wicking and supportive materials and designs, but ultimately it will come down to your body type and preference.
How to fold men’s underwear?
You can’t just have all this great underwear and not know how to fold it. Just jamming them in a drawer are not the best way to store your underwear.
Lay the underwear flat with the front facing down.
Fold the sides of the underwear inwards to meet in the center.
Fold the bottom of the underwear about a third of the way up to waistband.
Fold the top of the underwear down towards the waistband, so that the waistband is facing you.
Fold the underwear in half lengthwise, with the waistband at the top.
You can fold them once more to create a neat little square, but this is the correct way to fold a pair of men’s underwear to save space.
Why is there a hole in men’s underwear
The hole in men’s underwear, also know as the fly is a functional feature introduced in the mid 1800´s so men didn’t have to remove their underwear entirely to urinate. You can get underwear with no fly, but it is there purely for functionality, and adds breathability.
What is the pocket in men’s underwear for
The pocket in men’s underwear is called a “contour pouch” or “front pouch¨. It’s designed to provide extra support and comfort for your important parts. Some contour pouches are designed to enhance the look of your anatomy and are popular among male models.
Some other articles that may interest you:
The Best Watch Bands For Larger Wrists-2023
Best Costumes For Tall Guys 2023
How To Stretch Jeans, 9 Of The Best Methods
Conclusion About Best Underwear For Fat Guys
In conclusion, choosing the right underwear can make a significant difference in a man’s comfort and confidence. Understanding the different types of men’s underwear and their features can help men make informed decisions when purchasing underwear.
Whether it’s for everyday wear, a special occasion, or a workout, there are a variety of options available to meet different needs and preferences.
It’s important to consider factors such as material, style, fit, and support when choosing men’s underwear. With the comprehensive guide we have provided, we hope that men can now make confident and comfortable choices when it comes to their underwear.
A lot of this guide is also geared toward taller men, as you can see from the choice of underwear. But the same aspects for comfort are true for men of all shapes and sizes.