Best Men's Boxers and Underwear UK (2026)
The wrong underwear can ruin a workout, or a long day, through chafing, poor support or fabric that traps sweat instead of moving it away. This guide is based on Men's Fitness UK's tested roundup (updated 15 September 2026), where reviewers Kieran Alger and Laurence McJannet wore each pair for real workouts and everyday use, assessing sweat-wicking and drying speed, waistband and thigh-cuff comfort, material quality, support, stretch, chafing risk on long or sweaty sessions, and available sizing.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
CXP Endurance Shorts
Best overall
Men's Fitness UK's top pick, scoring full marks for support, comfort and durability. More baselayer-style compression short than everyday boxer, with bonded seams eliminating chafe risk and a multi-panel waistband spreading pressure evenly. Testers found them the lightest on test, with first-class moisture management even over long endurance sessions.
- Full marks for support, comfort and durability
- Bonded seams mean zero chafe risk
- Lightest pair on test
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| CXP Endurance Shorts | Best overall | 70% nylon, 30% elastane, near-seamless design, bonded anti-chafe seams | Check price |
| Saxx Kinetic Shorts | Best support | 85% nylon, 15% elastane, trademark BallPark pouch, available in 5-inch and 8-inch leg lengths | Check price |
| Step One Boxer Brief | Best for chafe-free comfort | Bamboo viscose, silky polyamide gusset panel, elasticated 3D comfort pouch | Check price |
| Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers | Best for hotter workouts | 91% Modal, 9% elastane, minimal seams, 5-inch leg | Check price |
| Crossfly Pro 7 | Best for breathability | 85% polyester, 15% spandex, strategically placed mesh panels, 7-inch legs | Check price |
| Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief | Best for odour control | 88% merino wool, 12% nylon, reinforced supportive pouch | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
CXP Endurance Shorts
Men's Fitness UK's top pick, scoring full marks for support, comfort and durability. More baselayer-style compression short than everyday boxer, with bonded seams eliminating chafe risk and a multi-panel waistband spreading pressure evenly. Testers found them the lightest on test, with first-class moisture management even over long endurance sessions.
- Materials
- 70% nylon, 30% elastane
- Sizes
- S to XL
- Test rating
- 5/5
- Price guide
- Check current price (at time of writing)
Pros
- Full marks for support, comfort and durability
- Bonded seams mean zero chafe risk
- Lightest pair on test
- Excellent moisture management
Cons
- Fairly expensive
Best support
Saxx Kinetic Shorts
Men's Fitness UK found Saxx's trademark BallPark pouch keeps everything securely in place no matter how much movement is involved, with no rubbing or chafing even during all-out cardio, helped by numerous flatlock seams. The longer 8-inch version has a baselayer-like feel, while a shorter 5-inch option suits those who prefer a boxer-brief style.
- Materials
- 85% nylon, 15% elastane
- Sizes
- XS to 2XL
- Test rating
- 4.5/5
- Price guide
- £32 (at time of writing)
Pros
- Unique BallPark pouch keeps everything secure
- No chafing even during intense cardio
- Choice of two leg lengths
Cons
- Slightly scratchy waistband
- Can struggle to move sweat as well as top-rated pairs
Best for chafe-free comfort
Step One Boxer Brief
Men's Fitness UK found this Aussie brand's bamboo viscose delivers genuinely chafe-free comfort and support whatever the workout. Testers particularly liked the silky smooth gusset panel for breathability and the elasticated pouch design, and the brand backs it with a money-back guarantee on your first worn pair.
- Materials
- Bamboo viscose
- Sizes
- S to 3XL (12 colours)
- Test rating
- 4.5/5
- Price guide
- Check current price (at time of writing)
Pros
- Excellent support without sacrificing comfort
- Zero rubbing or chafing in testing
- Money-back guarantee on first wear
- Sustainable, ethically sourced bamboo viscose
Cons
- Waistband sits a little low
- Fewer bold designs than the brand's regular boxer range
Best for hotter workouts
Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers
Men's Fitness UK found this wood-based Modal fabric produces some of the lightest, comfiest moisture-wicking underwear on test, with minimal seams and great moisture management ideal for hot, sweaty sessions. Testers noted they're versatile enough for all-day everyday wear too, not just workouts.
- Materials
- 91% Modal, 9% elastane
- Sizes
- XS to 3XL (10 colours)
- Test rating
- 4/5
- Price guide
- £25 (at time of writing)
Pros
- Incredibly light and comfortable
- Great moisture management for hot workouts
- Versatile for everyday wear
Cons
- Not the most supportive option on test
Best for breathability
Crossfly Pro 7
Men's Fitness UK rated breathability on these as second to none, thanks to strategically placed mesh panels and silky smooth fabric. Testers wore them for both day-long outdoor adventures and short HIIT sessions, finding the 7-inch legs stayed put through dynamic movement, though support falls slightly short of the very best on test.
- Materials
- 85% polyester, 15% spandex
- Sizes
- S to 2XL
- Test rating
- 4/5
- Price guide
- £24.99 (at time of writing)
Pros
- Exceptional breathability from mesh panels
- Silky, comfortable fabric
- Legs don't ride up during dynamic movement
Cons
- Support doesn't quite match the best on test
- On the pricey side per pair (cheaper in three-packs)
Best for odour control
Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief
Men's Fitness UK recommends natural merino fibres for genuinely nipping odour in the bud, and found this pair regulates temperature and resists smells effectively while feeling luxuriously soft. Nylon reinforcement adds shape and stretch, though it lacks the lock-tight support of dedicated compression-style options.
- Materials
- 88% merino wool, 12% nylon
- Sizes
- S to 2XL
- Test rating
- 4/5
- Price guide
- Check current price (at time of writing)
Pros
- Excellent natural odour resistance
- Regulates temperature well
- Luxuriously soft merino feel
- Plenty of stretch
Cons
- Lacks lock-tight support
- Loose leg cuffs can ride up
Buying guide
Compression short, boxer brief, or regular boxer?
Men's Fitness UK found a compression-style short like the CXP Endurance Shorts gives the most support and is best suited to serious training, while a boxer brief like the Saxx Kinetic or Step One balances support with everyday comfort. Choose based on how intense your typical use is: gym and sport favours more compression, everyday wear favours a looser boxer brief.
What fabric should I look for?
Synthetic blends like nylon-elastane (CXP, Saxx) generally wick moisture fastest and dry quickest for intense workouts. Natural fibres like merino wool (Smartwool) or bamboo viscose (Step One) are prized for odour control and softness, while Modal (Lululemon) is exceptionally light and breathable for hot conditions.
How does Men's Fitness UK actually test underwear?
Reviewers wear each pair for real workouts and everyday situations, judging sweat-wicking speed, waistband and thigh-cuff comfort, material quality, support, stretch, and chafing risk over long or sweaty sessions, rather than just assessing them on a shop rail.
Do I need dedicated sports underwear, or will everyday boxers do?
For light daily wear, a comfortable, breathable pair like the Lululemon Always In Motion works fine for both gym and general use. If you train intensely or run regularly, dedicated support and anti-chafe features like those on the CXP or Saxx make a genuine difference over long or sweaty sessions.
Sources
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