Our Co-Op results call for an intervention. It’s 2016 and you’re allowed to have nice things.
Premium underwear can be classified as such by several criteria, but material is typically the defining factor, and that material is typically some variation of modal.
Modal is a type of rayon, a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose, in this case often from beech trees. - Wikipedia
The ideal underwear would check as many of the following boxes as possible:
- Composed primarily of modal or other premium fabric
- Antimicrobial
- Moisture wicking
- Maintain shape throughout the day
- Breathable
- Construction that dedicates space and support to your package
- Many colors available
- Prevent chafing
- Available in both boxer briefs and trunks lengths
- Make your junk look good
Is there money to be saved by buying cheap underwear instead? Sure. But as always, we’re situated firmly in the spend your money where you spend your time camp. Throw on a pair of cotton underwear and you’ll be rocking the dreaded swamp crotch, or spend the day in a pair of American Apparel boxer briefs and they’ll fit like boxer shorts by the time you take them of.
MeUndies are, for many, the gateway drug to premium underwear, socks, and tees.
What I like:
- Soft as hell
- Lots of colors
- Affordable, with subscription discount available
- Your package will never look better
What could be better:
- Get rid of the tag
- Waistband is prone to flipping
- Could use more structure in the legs
- Limited edition designs are niche
Our Promotions Team [Sponsored] frequently runs discounts on MeUndies.
Everything about Mack Weldon screams premium, especially their antimicrobial Silver line.
What I like:
- Fit the same after a full day, or two
- No tag
- Lots of colors, including stripes
- Winner on pure aesthetics
What could be better:
- Expensive, but large order discounts are available
Our Promotions Team [Sponsored] frequently runs discounts on Mack Weldon.
There’s certainly sticker shock to be had when upgrading your underwear drawer, and if that’s where you’re at, we have some alternatives.
- Uniqlo’s AIRism boxer briefs retail for just $10 when they’re not on sale, and share many of the features of more luxury options. They’ll keep you cool, dry, and fresh on a budget.
- Banana Republic’s performance trunks are surprisingly great and among the most fit-durable underwear I’ve ever worn. They retail for $22.50, but you should never, ever buy anything from Banana Republic without a 40% off coupon, bringing the price down to under $14.
- Ex-Officio’s Give-N-Go line is wildly popular with our readership, and placed in the top four of our reader vote after being nominated by our own Corey Foster. The right combinations of deals, sizes, and colors at the right time bring them under $10/pair.