The Best Briefs for Men: The Pairs I Wear

I have always been more of a briefs guy. For me, they strike the right balance between comfort, support and actually looking good, without the extra fabric that can come with boxer briefs or trunks. And yes, I do think underwear should look good. Even if no one else is going to see it, there is something about putting on a pair that fits properly and flatters you that just makes you feel a little more put together. I also find briefs sit better under most of what I wear, whether that is jeans, tailored pants, gym clothes or something a little more fitted. A good pair should stay in place, hold its shape and feel comfortable enough that you are not thinking about it throughout the day. That sounds simple, but there is a surprisingly big difference between a pair that fits properly and one that does not.

Fabric matters too. I tend to prefer something soft with enough stretch to move with you, while still giving enough structure and support. The waistband is another thing I notice straight away, because if it rolls, digs in or loses its shape after a few washes, the rest of the pair really does not matter. I am also fairly particular about the cut. Some briefs sit too low, some too high, and some somehow manage to add fabric in all the wrong places. When the cut is right, though, they are hard to beat. A flattering cut can make a real difference, especially if you want something that feels a little sexier without trying too hard.

That does not mean briefs are the only thing in my drawer. I will throw in a jockstrap from time to time, particularly for the gym or simply when I want something different. Over the years I have tried plenty of brands, from the obvious classics to newer names, and a few have become the ones I keep going back to. These are the pairs that have earned a regular place in my underwear drawer.

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Calvin Klein: The Classic Brief That Still Works

If there is one brand most people immediately associate with men’s underwear, it is probably Calvin Klein, and there is a reason the briefs have remained such a staple. They are simple, comfortable and flattering, with that instantly recognizable waistband that somehow still looks good decades after it first became iconic.

My favorite is the Calvin Klein Icon Cotton Stretch Hip Brief. The fabric is 95% cotton with 5% elastane, so it has the softness and breathability I want for everyday wear, but enough stretch to keep its shape and move with you. Calvin Klein has also given this version a moisture-wicking finish, a supportive contoured pouch and a smooth stitch-free waistband, all of which help make it a pair I can comfortably wear all day.

What I particularly like is the cut. It sits at the hip without feeling overly low, gives enough coverage without looking old-fashioned, and has a clean shape through the leg that I find much more flattering than a lot of fuller-cut briefs. White is still the classic for me, although I tend to keep several colors in rotation.

I have linked my favorite Calvin Klein briefs here through, but Calvin Klein underwear is also widely available on Amazon. If Amazon is where you prefer to shop, you can browse Calvin Klein men’s underwear on Amazon here, including briefs, multipacks and other styles.

BIKE Athletic: From Everyday Briefs to Something a Little Bolder

BIKE Athletic has a definite athletic DNA, but it also knows exactly how to have a little fun with men’s underwear. You can start with a straightforward brief, move into something designed for training, or go straight for one of the jockstraps when you are in the mood to show a little more.

The briefs are an easy option for regular wear, especially on days when I know I am going to be moving around more. They feel secure without looking overly technical, and the cuts have enough shape to make them feel more considered than basic sports underwear.

Then there are the jockstraps, which are probably where BIKE really comes into its own. Historically, the jockstrap was all about sport and support, and BIKE has genuine heritage there. These days, though, the appeal goes well beyond the gym. A good jockstrap can still be practical, but it is also one of those pieces of underwear that has become undeniably sexy. The cut is simple, confident and a little daring, which is probably why it has moved so comfortably from athletic wear into something you might choose simply because you like how it looks and how it makes you feel.

That is really what makes BIKE work for me. It can be practical when I am heading to the gym, easy enough for everyday wear, and just a little more fun when practicality is not necessarily the main objective. From briefs to jockstraps, it is one of those brands that understands underwear does not always have to take itself too seriously.

Kumori: The Briefs Scott and I Both Reach For

Some underwear earns its place because of performance. Kumori earns it because it is simply very easy to wear.

Scott and I both wear the brand, and the bamboo fabric is a big part of the appeal. It feels noticeably softer and lighter than traditional cotton, with a smooth texture that works just as well for a full day out as it does for lounging at home. There is enough stretch to keep the fit neat, but the overall feel is less rigid and more relaxed.

That versatility is what makes Kumori such a regular for us. They are comfortable enough for travel days, weekends and everyday wear, but they still look good enough that you do not feel like you have defaulted to something purely practical. And on slower mornings, coffee in hand and nowhere urgent to be, it is not unusual for one of us to still be wandering around the house in a pair long after the first coffee is gone.

The cut is clean, the fabric sits nicely on the body, and the styles feel modern without trying too hard. For me, that combination of softness, comfort and everyday wearability is exactly why Kumori keeps ending up back in the rotation.

AWRY: A Little More Fun

Another brand you will catch Scott and me in a lot is AWRY, whether we are at home or on the road, and for good reason. The brand has a playful edge to it, with bold waistbands, confident cuts and enough personality to make the underwear feel like more than just another basic in the drawer.

For me, the brief styles are where AWRY really works. They feel modern and considered, with enough variation in the cuts and colors to keep things interesting without making everything feel overly complicated. And if you do want something a little bolder, there are jockstraps and more sculpted styles that lean further into the fun side of the brand.

You can also use THEVONBKS for 20% off non-sale styles, which is worth knowing if you have been eyeing something from the collection.

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For something we wear every single day, underwear probably deserves a little more thought than most of us give it. The right pair can be about comfort, fit, confidence, or simply wearing something that feels a little more like you, and I like that there is no reason to stick to just one style or one brand. Some pairs are the dependable ones you reach for without thinking, others are better for the gym, travel, a lazy morning at home, or just because you feel like wearing something with a bit more personality that day. That is really what this list is about: the briefs and jockstraps that have found a place in my drawer and actually get worn, rather than a roundup of everything currently on the market. I am sure the collection will keep evolving, because trying a new pair of underwear is hardly the worst form of research. And if this guide leads you to add another favorite to your own drawer, I think we can call that time well spent.