If comfort is the #1 priority, I’d focus on soft, stretchy fabrics, flat seams, a waistband that doesn’t roll, and legs that stay put. Current testing and customer ratings point to these as the strongest choices:
$35.00
$38.00
$24.98
$75.00
$26.99
$42.00
My top picks
1. Smartwool Active Merino — Best overall comfort
OutdoorGearLab currently ranks Smartwool's merino boxer brief #1 overall, praising its comfort, construction, temperature regulation, and odor resistance. Its blend is particularly good if you tend to get hot or want underwear that stays fresh over long days. www.outdoorgearlab.comwww.outdoorgearlab.com
Best for: premium everyday comfort, travel, hot/cold conditions.
2. Tommy John Second Skin — Best silky-soft option
If you want that "barely wearing anything" sensation, this is the one I'd try. The modal fabric is silky and stretchy, with a stay-put waistband and contour pouch. The current 6-inch version has a 4.4/5 rating from 187 reviews in the shopping results.
Best for: lounging, office wear, everyday use.
3. Pair of Thieves SuperFit — Best value
A particularly good combination of soft microfiber, stretch, moisture management, and price. The 2-pack currently has 4.8/5 from 1,719 reviews.
Best for: inexpensive everyday underwear that still feels premium.
4. Bombas Cotton Modal — Best natural-feeling fabric
Cotton gives it a familiar breathable feel while modal adds softness and stretch. The 3-pack is currently rated 4.5/5 from 918 reviews.
Best for: people who dislike slick synthetic fabrics.
5. ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 — Best for travel/active use
OutdoorGearLab gives it an 8/10 comfort score and particularly likes its smooth four-way stretch, flatlock seams, moisture wicking, quick drying, and odor resistance. ExOfficio's own product page currently shows 4.6/5 from 1,051 reviews. www.outdoorgearlab.comwww.exofficio.com
One caveat: the current 2.0 version doesn't have a fly, which some reviewers dislike. www.outdoorgearlab.comwww.exofficio.com
Best for: travel, hiking, workouts, humid weather.
6. Jockey EverActive Zero Chafe — Best for avoiding thigh irritation
This one specifically emphasizes eliminating chafing and ride-up, with breathable moisture-wicking microfiber. It currently has 4.8/5 from 42 reviews.
Best for: bigger thighs, walking, workouts, or anyone prone to chafing.
If I were buying just one
- 🥇 Maximum overall comfort: Smartwool
- ☁️ Softest/silkiest: Tommy John Second Skin
- 💰 Best comfort for the money: Pair of Thieves SuperFit
- 🌿 Best cotton/modal feel: Bombas
- ✈️ Best for travel: ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0
- 🏃 Best for chafing/active use: Jockey EverActive Zero Chafe
My personal comfort pick: Tommy John Second Skin for normal everyday wear; Smartwool if you want comfort plus temperature and odor management.
If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $15/pair, under $25, or premium) and whether you prefer 5", 6", 8"+ inseams, I can narrow this to the 3 best buys.
