Choosing the right men's underwear is about more than style. The right pair can improve comfort, reduce chafing, provide better support during daily activities, and help you feel confident throughout the day.
With so many styles, fabrics, and fits available, it can be difficult to know which underwear is best for your body and lifestyle.
This guide explains everything you need to know about men's underwear, from understanding different styles to choosing the best fabric and finding the right fit.
When shopping for everyday comfort, gym performance, travel, or something more adventurous, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Quick Answer
The best men's underwear depends on your body type, activity level, and personal preference. Most men benefit from supportive underwear made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that fit properly without being too tight or too loose.
Table of Contents
- Why Choosing the Right Underwear Matters
- Types of Men's Underwear
- How Underwear Should Fit
- Choosing the Right Fabric
- Understanding Pouch Underwear
- Choosing Underwear for Different Activities
- How to Prevent Chafing
- How Often Should You Replace Underwear?
- How to Wash Men's Underwear
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choosing the Right Underwear Matters
Underwear is the first thing you put on each day, yet it's often one of the least considered parts of a wardrobe.
Poorly fitting underwear can cause:
- Chafing
- Overheating
- Lack of support
- Constant adjusting
- Reduced comfort throughout the day
Good underwear should move with your body, provide support where it's needed, stay breathable, and remain comfortable from morning to night.
If you're constantly adjusting your underwear, read why men's underwear rides up and how to fix it.
Types of Men's Underwear
Briefs
Briefs provide maximum support with minimal fabric.
Best for:
- Everyday wear
- Office environments
- Slim-fit trousers
- Men who prefer a secure fit
Explore our Brief Collection.
Trunks
Trunks combine support with a modern silhouette.
Best for:
- Everyday wear
- Casual clothing
- Active lifestyles
Explore our Trunk Collection.
Jockstraps
Jockstraps offer support while allowing greater freedom of movement.
Popular for:
- Gym training
- Sports
- Performance activities
Explore our Jockstrap Collection.
G-Strings
Designed for minimal coverage while maintaining support.
G-strings are deal for:
- Special occasions
- Minimal tan lines
- Personal preference
Explore our G-String Collection.
Tangas
Tangas offer a balance between briefs and G-strings, combining comfort with reduced rear coverage.
Best suited for:
- Everyday confidence
- Fashion-conscious wear
- Minimal visibility under clothing
Explore our Tanga Collection.
How Should Men's Underwear Fit?
Well-fitting underwear should:
- Sit comfortably on your waist.
- Stay in place without rolling.
- Support without squeezing.
- Allow unrestricted movement.
- Prevent excess fabric bunching.
If you're unsure whether your current size is right, our guide to how men's underwear should fit explains what to look for.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Different fabrics perform differently depending on your lifestyle.
Cotton
Soft and breathable.
Best for:
- Everyday wear
- Sensitive skin
Microfibre
Lightweight and moisture-wicking.
Best for:
- Gym sessions
- Warm climates
- High activity
Performance Blends
Blends containing elastane provide stretch, durability, and shape retention.
Best for:
- Active lifestyles
- Long workdays
- Travel
What Is Pouch Underwear?
Pouch underwear is designed to support the natural shape of the male anatomy rather than compress it.
A well-designed pouch can:
- Improve support
- Reduce friction
- Increase airflow
- Reduce the need for adjustment throughout the day
At Bulge & Bum, engineered support is built into every design to help deliver comfort without unnecessary compression.
Read our complete guide to pouch underwear.
Choosing Underwear for Different Activities
Everyday Wear
For daily comfort, choose underwear that provides dependable support without feeling restrictive. Breathable fabrics and a well-designed fit help you stay comfortable from morning to night.
Recommended: Briefs Collection and Trunks Collection
Gym
Training demands underwear that stays in place and manages moisture. Look for supportive designs with moisture-wicking fabrics that reduce movement and help keep you dry. Support Jocks, Active Jock and Microfibre Briefs would work perfect at the gym.
Recommended: Jockstrap Collection
Running
Long-distance movement increases friction and heat, making support and breathability essential. Lightweight underwear that stays securely in place can help minimise chafing. A great example of these would be our Support Jocks, and Classic Briefs.
Recommended: Jockstrap Collection and Classic Briefs
Travel
Whether you're on a long-haul flight or spending hours on the road, comfortable underwear can make a noticeable difference. Stretch fabrics and breathable construction help maintain comfort throughout your journey, like our Classic Trunks and Royal Briefs.
Recommended: Trunks Collection
Hot Weather
In warmer conditions, lightweight, breathable fabrics help regulate temperature and manage moisture. Quick-drying materials can keep you feeling fresher throughout the day. These include Microfibre Briefs, Microfibre Trunks and G-Strings for those who prefer minimal coverage.
Recommended: Briefs Collection
How to Prevent Chafing
Chafing is usually caused by friction, heat, moisture, or poor fit.
You can reduce chafing by:
- Wearing the correct size
- Choosing moisture-wicking fabrics
- Selecting supportive underwear
- Replacing worn-out pairs
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Underwear
Replace underwear if you notice:
- Stretched elastic
- Loss of support
- Fabric thinning
- Persistent odours
- Holes or tears
- Reduced comfort
Most quality underwear should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on frequency of use and care.
How to Wash Men's Underwear
To extend the life of your underwear:
- Wash in cold or lukewarm water.
- Avoid excessive bleach.
- Use a gentle detergent.
- Air dry when possible.
- Avoid high heat in tumble dryers.
Proper care helps preserve elasticity, fabric performance, and colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best men's underwear?
The best underwear provides the right balance of support, comfort, breathability, and durability for your daily activities.
Are briefs better than trunks?
Neither is universally better. Briefs offer more support, while trunks provide additional leg coverage. The right choice depends on personal preference and intended use.
Is pouch underwear worth it?
Many men find pouch underwear more comfortable because it provides support while reducing compression and friction.
Which underwear is best for the gym?
Supportive, moisture-wicking underwear made from performance fabrics is generally the best choice for training and exercise.
How many pairs of underwear should a man own?
Most men benefit from owning at least 10 to 14 pairs, allowing regular rotation and extending the lifespan of each garment.
Why Bulge & Bum Focuses on Engineered Support
Every man deserves underwear designed around the way the male body moves.
Instead of relying solely on soft fabrics, Bulge & Bum focuses on engineered support, breathable materials, and thoughtful construction to help reduce distractions throughout the day.
From everyday essentials to performance styles, every collection is designed with movement, fit, and long-lasting comfort in mind.
Continue Learning With the Bulge & Bum Academy
Learn more about fit, support and choosing the right men's underwear with these Bulge & Bum Academy guides:
- What Is Pouch Underwear? Benefits, Fit & Who Should Wear It
- Briefs vs Trunks: Which Should You Choose?
- How to Measure Yourself for Underwear
- How Should Men's Underwear Fit?
- The Best Men's Underwear for the Gym
- Why Does Underwear Ride Up? Causes, Fixes & What to Wear Instead
-
How Should Men's Underwear Fit? A Simple Fit Guide
We'll keep this guide updated as we add new fit, fabric, support and underwear guides to the Bulge & Bum Academy.
