Other than loud cell phone talkers (sir, you’re in line at an ice cream shop, want to close this deal outside?), what’s one of my major pet peeves?
When I’ve taken fifteen steps out my door and I wish I never wore underwear altogether.
Swamp-crotch is real, gentleman, and it’s about as comfortable as spilling coffee on your lap five minutes into an hour-long meeting.
Unless you’re planning to go commando in a pair of jeans for the day, consider a pair of moisture-wicking underwear from this list.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Shinesty Ball Hammock®
Shinesty is a lighthearted underwear brand that set out “to force the world to take itself less seriously”. But don’t let their playful nature deceive you, they’re making ultra-soft underwear out of technical fabrics that are perfect for those hot, sticky, grueling days.
Shinesty claims their flagship line of Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are 3x softer than cotton and “kind of like a push up bra for your balls”. The Ball Hammock® in front is perfectly designed to cradle and secure your precious manhood.
These boxer briefs are 95% MicroModal and 5% Spandex. MicroModal is a high-end type of modal rayon fabric made from the pulp of beech trees, similar to bamboo. It’s an impressive semi-synthetic fiber that’s soft, stretchy, and 50% more absorbent than cotton.
Shinesty’s Ball Hammock® line also comes in dozens of kooky colors and patterns if you’re feeling frisky and wanting to break away from the mold of solid blacks, grays, and whites.
What I Like
- Shinesty’s cooling fabric blend has been scientifically proven to keep you an impressive 3° cooler.
- paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are made with cooling minerals and soft, moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from your body.
- The three separate mesh zones in high-friction areas help you stay aerated and cool where you need it most.
What I Don’t Like
- These are prone to ride up a bit.
What Other Reviewers Say
Most guys who have tried Shinesty’s Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are over the moon about them. One guy said “it’s like putting your balls in a fluffy cloud”. Almost all of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, however I saw one suggestion that the waistband could be a bit more durable.
The Verdict
From the soft, moisture-wicking fabric to the Ball Hammock Pouch® and fit, these are the best overall moisture-wicking underwear.
If you’re in need of one pair to slip on every day for work, leisure, or vacation, Shinesty’s Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are it. These can be worn under any outfit and for any activity.
Shinesty pouch underwear feature a special ball-hammock technology that cradles your marbles so gently, you'll forget they're even there. Ok...maybe that's too far.
Best on a Budget: Fruit of the Loom Coolzone®
Yep, the underwear brand your granddad, grandad’s granddad, and granddad’s granddad’s grandad wore is still innovating and producing timeless men’s boxer briefs.
Fruit of the Loom has been around since 1851, and when it got trademarked in 1871, it became one of the world’s oldest brands, even preceding cars and light bulbs. That’s some old-school threads.
Their Coolzone® boxer briefs feature soft cotton like the traditional line, but come with a hybrid cotton and polyester breathable mesh fly that lets air flow in and out where the sun doesn’t shine.
I don’t love polyester as it’s not a natural or performance-oriented fabric, but it only comprises 6% of the fly which is extremely minimal.
These boxer briefs come with Fruit of the Loom’s classic design that keeps the legs from riding up and a comfortable waistband with no tag for extra comfort.
What I Like
- The breathable mesh fly will help let air in and out and keep you cooler throughout the day.
- These are very affordable and come in packs.
What I Don’t Like
- The Coolzone® boxer briefs aren’t very performance-oriented and won’t wick moisture nearly as well as others on this list.
- These are blended with polyester, a cheap, synthetic fabric.
What Other Reviewers Say
Generally, most guys who bought these to replace their daily underwear were very pleased. One guy noted how convenient the fly was when you’re in a rush. Most who have been wearing Fruit of the Loom for years approved of how well they’ve held up over time.
The Verdict
With a breathable mesh fly, these are a subtle upgrade to your standard 100% cotton boxer briefs. Fruit of the Loom’s Coolzone® boxer briefs are affordable, but lack the performance and moisture-wicking qualities of other high-end boxer briefs.
If you want something cooler than traditional boxer briefs without emptying your wallet just to keep your gonads in check, this is the best budget option you can find.
With a breathable mesh fly, these are a subtle upgrade to your standard 100% cotton boxer briefs. They're affordable, but lack the performance and moisture-wicking qualities of other high-end boxer briefs. If you want something cooler than traditional boxer briefs without emptying your wallet just to keep your gonads in check, this is the best budget option you can find.
Great Value: Shinesty paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock®
Made with patented fabric that’s (in their words) scientifically proven to keep you 3° frostier, Shinesty’s paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® boxer briefs take the frozen cake for the best cooling men’s underwear.
Shinesty claims they’ve created the end-all, be-all moisture-wicking, cooling underwear with three unique features.
The fibers of these boxer briefs have been permanently infused with natural cooling minerals helping keep the entire garment cooler. The proprietary structure of Shinesty’s boxer briefs works to pull sweat away from your body, instead of absorbing it. Lastly, performance drying keeps you feeling fresher for longer.
I like that Shinesty added three mesh zones to these boxer briefs, one right above the butt on the back of the briefs, one between your thighs, and one in the ball-cradling pouch for breathability and support. These areas tend to get the hottest and most uncomfortable for guys, especially if you’re sitting down all day.
The paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are the souped-up sports car of moisture-wicking boxer briefs. You see it out of the corner of your eye and think “do I really need all of those fancy features?” But when you’re actually driving the car, you realize they’re pretty dang nice.
Only, no one will be making fancy sports car judgements about you because only you and your balls will know you’ve got these on!
What I Like
- Shinesty’s cooling fabric blend has been scientifically proven to keep you an impressive 3° cooler.
- paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are made with cooling minerals and soft, moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from your body.
- The three separate mesh zones in high-friction areas help you stay aerated and cool where you need it most.
What I Don’t Like
- I wish the waistband was a bit more durable.
What Other Reviewers Say
Nearly all the reviews on Shinesty’s paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are positive with the majority being 5-stars. Guys like these for their true cooling effects, anti-bunching design, and comfort throughout the day.
The Verdict
Shinesty’s paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are the ultimate cooling, moisture-wicking underwear.
They’re ideal for hot weather or if you’re a guy who generally runs hot and needs a little extra help cooling down. If coolness is your top priority during the workday, workouts, or weekend outings, these will keep clamminess far, far away.
These boxer briefs come in a slew of colors and patterns, but my favorite is a rich, sheeny blue called The Hurricane.
Shinesty’s paradICE™ Cooling Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are the ultimate cooling, moisture-wicking underwear. They're ideal for hot weather or if you’re a guy who generally runs hot and needs a little extra help cooling down. If coolness is your top priority during the workday, workouts, or weekend outings, these will keep clamminess far, far away.
Best Active: Chill Boys
More than just a really cool, really laid back name, Chill Boys are my top pick for moisture-wicking underwear that doubles as a workout layer.
The anti-chafing glide zone made from micro-mesh is what makes these the standout pick for workouts and activities. The glide zone covers the groin and thigh areas where you feel the most friction during running or other athletic movements.
Chill Boys are constructed of 95% soft, moisture-wicking bamboo viscose, with 5% Spandex for added stretch. Viscose is a semi-synthetic material made from pulp that is washed, cleaned, and bleached, then treated to create fibers.
Bamboo is known to have soft, antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for fabric you’ll be sweating in. Chill Boys are also equipped with a soft waistband, a cradling front pouch, and an easy-open fly—all subtle but effective features that work to keep you cool and comfortable during a workout.
What I Like
- Chilly Boys are made with 95% bamboo viscose, an anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking material.
- The anti-chafing glide zone in the groin and thighs reduce friction in high-movement areas.
What I Don’t Like
- As a workout layer, these could have a bit more durability and structure to them.
- These run a little long for boxer briefs.
What Other Reviewers Say
Chill Boys lack the sheer quantity of reviews that others on this list have, but most of their reviews are very positive. Guys like these for being true anti-chafing boxer briefs and minimizing sweat below the belt on especially hot days.
The Verdict
Chill Boys are the ideal boxer briefs if you’re going to a workout, then meeting friends or running errands after and don’t want to bring a change of clothes with you.
Anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking bamboo viscose will keep you cool and help you dry off after a sweaty workout and the glide zone will reduce chafing in the places you need it most.
If you’ll be starting your day at a desk, but finishing it at a squat rack, these moisture-wicking underwear are for you.
Chill Boys are the ideal boxer briefs if you’re going to a workout, then meeting friends or running errands after and don’t want to bring a change of clothes with you. Anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking bamboo viscose will keep you cool and help you dry off after a sweaty workout and the glide zone will reduce chafing in the places you need it most.
Best Wool: Smartwool Merino 150
The ultimate makers of soft, performance-driven wool apparel, Smartwool was born in the Colorado Rockies first making performance socks for outdoor explorers and sportsmen.
Today, Smartwool makes their products in America using some of the highest-quality Merino wool from around the world.
Merino wool is a natural fiber grown by none other than…Merino sheep. Unlike regular wool, it’s a bit thinner and cushier, giving it an ideal texture to be worn over skin.
Wool is one of the best natural fibers in existence, helping your body regulate its temperature, managing moisture build up, and resisting odors.
The Merino 150 boxer brief is made from 87% Merino wool and 13% Nylon core. In this garment, Smartwool wrapped Merino fibers around a nylon core to add durability and sturdiness to the structure. But while the core of each fiber is Nylon, the only texture touching your body is the softer, cozier Merino fibers.
A wide waistband gives this brief a comfortable, relaxed fit.
What I Like
- Merino wool is a soft, natural fiber that’s perfect for underwear and other garments.
- Merino 150 boxer briefs will help you regulate your temperature and resist odors throughout the day.
- Smartwool is known for producing high-quality garments across the board.
What I Don’t Like
- These are very pricey for one pair of boxer briefs.
- There are no padded, vented, or mesh zones on these boxer briefs.
What Other Reviewers Say
Smartwool has a lot of die-hard fans, and it’s no different for their Merino 150 boxer briefs. Most guys found these to be comfortable and worthy of outdoor adventuring in various climates. I did see a complaint that these wore out too quickly in the crotch for being such an expensive pair of boxer briefs.
The Verdict
Smartwool is known for harnessing the soft, durable powers of wool and infusing it into various outdoor garments.
Like other wool garments, The Merino 150 boxer brief is composed of soft, temperature regulating, odor-resisting Merino wool that will keep your package dry and comfortable even in extreme climate conditions.
These are versatile enough to be worn every day and are an ideal underlayer for a long day outside hiking or adventuring in the sun.
Like other wool garments, The Merino 150 boxer brief is composed of soft, temperature regulating, odor-resisting Merino wool that will keep your package dry and comfortable even in extreme climate conditions. These are versatile enough to be worn every day and are an ideal underlayer for a long day outside hiking or adventuring in the sun.
Upgrade Pick: Tani Hybrid Boxer Brief
Tani is a high-end men’s underwear and loungewear brand based in Brooklyn, NY using patented construction and quality fabrics.
The brand claims their garments were designed to last for years and we can confirm that they do.
The Hybrid Boxer Brief with Horizontal Fly is a Micro Modal ® Air & Micro Tencel ® blend that is remarkably soft, moisture-wicking, and stretchy with a functional fly for added breathability and access.
The non-chafing pouch gives you a subtle lift that’s ideal for everyday walking and supplies you with extra support during a workout. However, these fit pretty snug which might lead to them riding up depending on your body shape.
These come with a pretty price tag but were designed to keep you dry, aerated, and comfortable no matter where you take them.
What I Like
- The lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric will keep you aerated and cool during any activity.
- The non-chafing, slightly lifted pouch will keep your goods in place when walking long distances or hitting a workout.
What I Don’t Like
- The price on these boxer briefs is quite steep.
- The snug fit may cause these to ride up more easily depending on your body shape.
What Other Reviewers Say
Guys who have worn the Hybrid Boxer Briefs praise these for being especially soft, stretchy, and lightweight. A few guys commented that the horizontal fly is unique, but tends to stay open which was a bit annoying.
The Verdict
Tani set out to make high-end, lasting underwear using unique fabrics and patented construction.
While the price is steep, their Hybrid Boxer Brief with Horizontal Fly is a worthy choice for all-day moisture-wicking underwear. I especially like the lightweight, breathable fabric blend.
These boxer briefs are perfect for everyday use, especially if you’ve got date night later and want to stay extra fresh.
While the price is steep, their Hybrid Boxer Brief with Horizontal Fly is a worthy choice for all-day moisture-wicking underwear. I especially like the lightweight, breathable fabric blend. These boxer briefs are perfect for everyday use, especially if you’ve got date night later and want to stay extra fresh.
The Difference Between Moisture-Wicking and Sweat-Proof Underwear
Why are moisture-wicking materials a better solution than sweat-proof materials for a garment you’ll be wearing over your nether region all day long?
Sweat-proof means something that is resistant to sweat, but for clothing manufacturers, this resistance is often achieved by using moisture-absorbing materials. These materials hold onto sweat which helps reduce sweat marks, but still leaves you clammy and sweaty at the end of a long day.
Moisture-wicking materials, instead work to actively pull sweat or moisture away from your body to the surface of the material. This allows sweat to evaporate off the surface and keep you dryer for longer.
In other words, sweat-proof or moisture-absorbing materials are a short-term solution to sweat, while moisture-wicking materials are a better ongoing solution to staving off sweat and remaining cool and dry.
3 Key Things to Consider When Choosing Underwear for Working Out
Choosing underwear to sweat in is like choosing your seat at a concert. It’s going to affect your entire experience.
When working out, look for underwear with these three characteristics.
Moisture-wicking
As I detailed above, you want underwear that actively moves sweat and moisture away from your body so it can evaporate and disappear.
Supportive
When you’re running, squatting, box-jumping, or whatever the heck you do in your workouts, you need a little structure to your underwear to hold your boys in place. This can come from thick, tighter-fitting material, or a specially-designed pouch.
Anti-chafing
Aim for material that easily slides against itself and won’t create friction between your thighs. Chafing creates ongoing discomfort that is unnecessary and easy to avoid with the right underwear.
Get Wickin’
As simple as it sounds, if your balls aren’t happy, you probably won’t be either.
For those hot, sticky, grueling days, pick up a pair of moisture-wicking underwear that work to pull sweat away from your body so it can evaporate and disappear.
Our top overall pick is Shinesty’s Ball Hammock® boxer briefs for a pair that is equal parts soft, moisture-wicking, and supportive for your boys down below.
Shinesty pouch underwear feature a special ball-hammock technology that cradles your marbles so gently, you'll forget they're even there. Ok...maybe that's too far.
FAQs
What kind of men’s underwear is best for sweating?
Moisture-wicking underwear deals with the sweat better than any other type as it actively pulls sweat away from your body and allows it to evaporate and disappear. Shinesty’s Ball Hammock® boxer briefs are our best overall pick.
What is the best fabric for moisture-wicking underwear?
MicoModal is one of the best synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics and Merino wool is one of the best natural moisture-wicking fabrics.
Are boxers moisture-wicking?
It depends on what they are made of. A few of the best moisture-wicking fabrics include MicroModal, Merino wool, bamboo, and nylon.
