All guys know the feeling: You’re all dressed up. You’re feeling good about yourself. Maybe you’re going out to meet a nice lady or casually hitting the bars with your boys. When suddenly, you feel the most uncomfortable, scrunched-up fabric right in your upper thighs.
Boxer briefs that curl up all into your business can drive a grown man crazy. So, when you find a pair of underwear that stays put, oh boy, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. With ultimate comfort in mind, here are the top 10 best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
Keep scrolling through these picks. I’m sure you’re going to find a pair of boxer briefs that just might change your day for the better.
Key Takeaways
For this lineup, I sifted through dozens of brands, plenty of reviews, and a big bucket (maybe too many) of photos from real customers. Overall, my top pick for the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up are Mack Weldon’s AIRKNITx Boxer Briefs because they have targeted “cool zones” for superior breathability.
It’s no surprise that they’re followed by my budget pick of the highly-reputable Kirkland’s signature four pack.
Why they’re great: Whether you’re punishing yourself in the gym or the temperature is climbing during the summer months, your nether regions need air just as much as your lungs do. That’s why you need the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
The AIRKNIT x Boxer Brief honors this ventilation dilemma with strategically placed cooling zones and a breathable synthetic blend while still staying compressed to your skin. Now you can stop looking like you’re solving a Rubix Cube in your pocket, adjusting that sweaty mess.
Hot tip (pun intended): if the problem persists, it might be time to look into some ultra-useful ball powder.
How they feel: If sharing why they’re great didn’t paint a vivid picture, they turn that humid hotbox into a wind tunnel. The no-roll waistband is a god-tier implementation, too. Fellas with muffin tops know the struggle.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some reviewers are saying that the colors aren’t exactly what they expected based on the website. That being said, there are so many colorways and patterns to choose from that you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
Sizes Available: 10 | Material: 50% polyamide, 33% polyester, 17% elastane | Colors Available: 23
Why they’re great: Who else in the game brings you golf balls, salted mixed nuts, and men’s underwear under one label? Kirkland, baby! Less than $20 gets you 4 briefs made of 96% Supima cotton for unrelenting dryness with a touch of spandex to keep them in place.
How they feel: Don’t be fooled by the bargain, the comfort is there. At 96% Supima cotton, the familiar softness brought to you by the natural fiber only gets better with each wash, making these a worthy inclusion in this list of the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The sizes of these boxer briefs that don’t ride up run from small only to XL, which might exclude some of our stockier fellas reading this.
Sizes Available: S–XL | Material: 96% Supima cotton, 4% spandex | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: Hanes is like Hamburger Helper — mostly enjoyed during our youth, but dependable when the bank account looks ugly. A steal? Yes. But their multi-packs featuring the ComfortFlex waistband are anything but guilt-inducing.
They’re soft, flexible, tight, and under $40 for a 12-pack. Is it any mystery how they’re Amazon’s top-selling men’s briefs?
How they feel: These Hanes boxer briefs are just as comfortable as my debut pair after being potty trained. These old reliables aren’t going to budge one bit.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some reviewers are saying they feel scratchy just out of the packaging, so make sure to give them a wash before sliding them on. Then, they’ll qualify as the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
Sizes Available: S–3XL | Material: Solids: 100% Cotton / Heather: 75% Cotton, 25% Polyester | Colors Available: 12
Why they’re great: Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, skier or snowboarder, team Halo over Call of Duty, suffering from swamp ass is a struggle that unifies men globally. Consider Saxx’s DropTemp Cooling Mesh boxers as the basement dehumidifier of your wardrobe, helping them stay put and not ride up those sweaty thighs.
Mesh paneling prevents moisture-induced chafing, and flat-stitched seams reduce friction caused by shoddy craftsmanship.
How they feel: Most boxers claim some degree of breathability, but these are the real deal. I like that the perforations are actually visible, and the vent along the buttcrack is legit.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I love the fun printed options, but it’d be nice if the “solids” options of the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up were truly one uniform color instead of stripes.
Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Material: 85% recycled polyester, 15% elastane | Colors Available: 12
Why they’re great: Wool boxer briefs might sound too hot, but Merino is a different beast. Smartwool, one of the best brands for outdoor thermal layers, strikes the perfect balance between snuggly warmth and temperature regulation.
If you’re an avid skier, hiker, or couch surfer, the natural fiber delivers the comfort, sweat control, and stay-in-place-ness needed for all three, making these among the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
How they feel: For outdoor activities, the Merino is worth the upgrade. It’s uber soft and feels broken in right from the get-go. I was worried about heat buildup during exercise, but the fabric’s weave lets the jewels breathe, and, of course, they stay in place.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because they’re made from wool, these boxers can only tolerate low heat. Smartwool says they can be tumble dried on low, but I hang dry mine for the sake of longevity.
Sizes Available: S–XXL | Material: 88% Merino wool, 12% nylon | Colors Available: 6
Why they’re great: For the eco-conscious underwear shopper, each pair of the Re:Luxe Classic Boxer Briefs keep two plastic bottles from landfills or the environment using recycled fabric.
All Citizens’ slapped reinforced stress points to avoid quickly becoming dump-destined. Not only that, but All Citizens offers this model in standard, athletic, and longer fits depending on thigh size and preferences.
How they feel: Between the 360° stretch fabric, mesh breathe zones, and smooth microfiber, enjoying all of the comfort and stability glory for less than $20 feels like theft. These are definitely some of the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Across size, fit, and Paradise Pocket options, finding the color you want can be a crap shoot.
Sizes Available: XS–4XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors Available: 25
Why they’re great: If you were expecting anything but lululemon for best gym boxer, I don’t know what to tell you. An avid runner myself, I find that the Luxtreme™ fabric is like a solid lubricant for my inner thighs.
If you’re a vascular muscle-head, you can expect minimal shifting while you hit new PRs during Hungarian deadlifts. Both runners and lifters will adore the fast-drying, breathable design and compression capabilities.
How they feel: These do a
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you prefer a longer length, you may want to look elsewhere. The Built to Move Boxer is available in only a 5” inseam.
Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Material: Pouch: 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane / Body: 76% Nylon, 24% Lycra elastane | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: The name Jack Archer exudes superhero alter ego, and their Jetsetter Briefs feel like a synbiotic tech suit thanks to minimalist, form-fitting MicroModal. A convenient horizontal fly and zero-G pouch layer on even more technological excellence.
How they feel: The feeling can only be described as state-of-the-art. The stability provided by the zero-G pouch isn’t a gimmick, and the silky texture of the MicroModal/elastane blend feels premium. These are nothing if not sturdy.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Going off of their size chart, the large I ordered in these boxer briefs that don’t ride up felt roomier than it should, so keep that in mind if you’re in between sizes.
Sizes Available: S–2XL | Material: 92% MicroModal, 8% elastane | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: Cotton’s durability, availability, and softness have made it the backbone of all apparel, but Everlane doesn’t let the fiber rest on its laurels. The Supima Boxer Brief gets durable, US-grown cotton in a tailored fit, enveloping the tush in a velvety embrace and staying put while you’re on the move.
How they feel: The tailored fit suits my remarkably average build perfectly. No roominess or irritating constriction, and the cotton-infused waistband is worlds better than abrasive synthetic ones. These are some of the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Based on other reviews, men with larger frames should consider sizing up because of the tailored fit.
Sizes Available: XS–XL | Material: 93% Supima cotton, 7% elastane | Colors Available: 5
Why they’re great: When I saw Sunspel’s disclaimer that they’re dry cleanable, I knew the Superfine Cotton Trunks were the blue-blood carriage my sensitive bits deserve. Made of silky, thin cotton, it’s as if they’re a second skin (great to combat bunching up).
And don’t worry, “superfine” doesn’t mean flimsy, these bad boys are shockingly stable, given their wispy texture.
How they feel: The superfine cotton can be understood only once it’s cradling your family jewels, without the extra fabric pouch underwear has. I usually don’t spend large amounts of money on boxers, but I do now, especially for these best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I’m not sure $50 white boxers sound like the smartest long-term investment; but if you have the cash, why not?
Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors Available: 3
Buying Considerations For The Best Boxer Briefs That Don’t Ride Up
Size
The size of your boxer briefs is probably the most important thing to be aware of when buying them. Naturally, size is vital to get right because if they’re too baggy, then, of course, they’ll scrunch up.
And if they’re too tight, you’re going to stop blood flow through your thighs. Make sure to always check a brand’s sizing guide so you get the proper fit for your body type. The best boxer briefs that don’t ride up are the ones that fit you perfectly.
Materials
Boxer briefs get up close and comfortable with the most sensitive area of your body. The best boxer briefs that don’t ride up have to have fabric that is soft. I recommend getting either an extremely soft cotton (not the rough cheap kind), a synthetic blend like polyester, or a semi-synthetic modal.
Occasion and Use
Not all boxer briefs are good for all situations. I wouldn’t recommend wearing cotton briefs during a sweaty workout as, over time, they’ll smell worse and worse. If you’re buying just one style and want to get plenty of pairs, I’d go with a pair of Mack Weldon’s or Jack Archer’s briefs that are versatile and won’t ride up on you.
How We Chose
As a men’s fashion and style writer at FashionBeans, I research and test a ton of gear. I also see a lot of brands and marketing campaigns. And let me tell you what, it certainly gets tricky keeping track of all the features, materials, and specs of each one.
To come up with this list of the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up, I first researched a wide range of brands, styles, and fabrics to get a grasp on what people actually like. From there, I delved through real customer reviews to hear first-hand how the product actually performed vs. what the brand marketed.
Brand history: Has the brand been around and consistently provided quality goods for customers? Do they have name recognition? These are tough things to achieve, so I pay close attention to the brands that pass this test.
Number of reviews: It’s easy to make one person happy, but has this product been tested by thousands of people, and are the vast majority of them happy?
Content of reviews: The reviews actually had substance and talked about specific features — they weren’t generic.
Price-to-value ratio: Are the boxer briefs priced appropriately? Are you getting what you paid for? Value is huge for me, and I want to make sure your hard-earned money is being well spent.
A combination of high marks on all of those make these the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
Why Trust Us?
Joe Niehaus has been testing men’s products for years for sites like The Quality Edit, Travel + Leisure, and more. Aside from testing different brands like Kirkland and Lululemon in daily life and in workouts, he has extensive experience with many of the brands listed.
Trust in his expertise comes from a blend of thorough research, personal testing, and a genuine passion for grooming and fashion. Whether you’re looking for the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up or seeking to refine your grooming regimen, Joe will provide you with information that’s not only relevant but also rooted in sustainable, practical wisdom.
Final Verdict
Boxer briefs are one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe. Most people will likely never see them (er, hopefully not), but they can deeply affect your day and how your body moves.
My top pick for the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up is Mack Weldon’s AIRKNITx Boxer Brief because of their breathability and proven track record. When looking for briefs, remember to check for fabric, size, and value.
FAQ
-
-
Boxer briefs are the best type of boxers for not riding up. Their compression fit ensures that they’ll stay tight to your legs. They aren’t loose like traditional boxers.
-
The best way to keep boxer briefs from riding up is simply by picking the right pair for you from the start. You’ll want to make sure that you get the right size and material, as this will greatly affect how well they stay put. Opting for tighter, more compression-type briefs to ensure that they’ll stay throughout your day is the surest way to get the best boxer briefs that don’t ride up.
-
