Look, it’s not like we both want to be here talking about the best underwear to prevent chafing. Still, here we are. Why? Because body chemistry is body chemistry, thighs are thighs, and comfort matters.
Now that that’s out of the way, what do you say we try to have some fun with this? Fun. This’ll… this’ll be so fun.
Anyway, you’ll typically find that anti-chafing underwear is made of cotton, wool, or a synthetic blend of breathable, skin-friendly materials. And any pair worth your time should help wick away sweat, control odor, and allow for a comfortable range of motion. Beyond those core considerations, you could look to pairs made specifically for anything from working out to running summer errands in the city.
It’s tempting to rush decisions and cut financial corners when it comes to everyday basics like underwear. Trust me, though—you don’t want to do that if you’re prone to chafing.
And with that, here are six outstanding briefs to help get you started. Your inner thighs and outer balls are hanging in the balance. Don’t let them down.
Key Takeaways
To find the best underwear to prevent chafing, I began by researching dozens of pairs and analyzing their construction quality, customer reviews, photos, and my own experience.
The resulting six are the best of the best based on factors that include but aren’t limited to comfort, breathability, moisture-wicking abilities, materials used, price, and style. Edging out the competition is my top overall pick of Patagonia’s Sender Boxer Briefs, followed by Fruit of the Loom’s budget-friendly multipack of Coolzone Boxer Briefs.
Our Top Picks
Why they’re great: It’s likely no surprise that the overall best underwear to prevent chafing comes from Patagonia. The ubiquitous outdoor apparel company’s Sender Boxer Brief is made of recycled nylon and spandex which provides outstanding breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Designed to reduce chafing and generally make outdoor adventures more comfortable, this is a workhorse pair of boxer briefs that should be considered a staple for anyone with an active lifestyle.
How they feel: The stretch micromesh fabric and generous pouch conform to the contours of your body without constricting movement. They’re designed to be lightweight, breathable, and soft against the skin, even in the most rugged conditions.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Most anti-chafing underwear is form-fitting, and the Sender is no exception. It’s packed with technical details and prioritizes comfort but still won’t be right for you if you’re not into close-fitting briefs.
Sizes Available: S – XXL | Colors Available: 3 | Material: 89% Recycled Nylon, 11% Spandex | Length: 6 inches | Moisture Wicking: Yes
Why they’re great:
How they feel: Every inch of this luxurious pair of boxer briefs was constructed with lightweight, breathable, quick-drying comfort in mind. Translation: You’ll barely know they’re there.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times. Luxury products come with luxury price tags—yes, even basics. You’ll want to keep on moving if budget is a concern (or if you just can’t justify shelling out $50 for a pair of boxer briefs).
Sizes Available: XS – XXL | Colors Available: 1 | Material: 91% Recycled Polyester, 9% Elastane | Length: Not Specified | Moisture Wicking: Yes
Why they’re great: The best men’s underwear to prevent chafing when it comes to everyday wear comes courtesy of London Sock Co. Their boxers offer a borderline absurd level of comfort thanks to their Lyocell construction. A specialized fabric that’s softer and more comfortable than cotton, Lyocell also does an excellent job of wicking away sweat and providing breathability. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile pair of detail-packed boxers than these understated basics.
How they feel: Lyocell. That’s how they feel. But if you need more, it’s one of the plushest, most luxurious-feeling materials out there.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: By their very nature, everyday boxers are the ones you want to stock up on and reach for every day. Though London Sock Co’s boxers are just right for daily wear, their premium price tag won’t be a fit for every wallet.
Sizes Available: S – XL | Colors Available: 3 | Material: Lyocell | Length: Not Specified | Moisture Wicking: Yes
Why they’re great: Though Fruit of the Loom’s multipack of Coolzone boxer briefs is far from a technical option, it’s still a damn good one. Especially if you’re looking for anti-chafing details and an incredible value. The tag-free briefs come in plenty of assorted colors and have been constructed with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics (solid colors are 100% cotton while a handful of other colorways incorporate a small percentage of polyester). If you’re looking for a solid yet no-frills option, you’ve found it.
How they feel: Extra length in the legs helps reduce lower-thigh chafing and the 100% cotton construction provides soft, breathable comfort.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though the Coolzone boxer briefs are perfectly adequate and feature anti-chafing details, they lack some of the specialized features that you’ll find in more technical briefs.
Sizes Available: S – 5XL | Colors Available: Assorted Multipacks | Material: 100% Cotton (Solids) | Length: 8 inches | Moisture Wicking: Yes
Why they’re great: You just can’t beat merino wool when it comes to comfort and breathability. Smartwool gets this, as evidenced by its super cozy, anti-chafing Merino 150 Boxer Brief. 88% merino wool and 12% recycled nylon join forces to provide outstanding breathability and natural odor-fighting properties. This is another highly technical pair of boxer briefs that will serve you well on your daily run, while running errands on a hot summer day, or during your next epic outdoor adventure.
How they feel: Not only does merino wool help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it’s an extremely comfortable and lightweight material.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The 150’s 5.75-inch inseam is ample and provides coverage to more common chafing areas, but it’s not as long as some of the other options on this list.
Sizes Available: S – XXL | Colors Available: 6 | Material: 88% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon | Length: 5.75 inches | Moisture Wicking: Yes
Why they’re great: Under Armour’s HeatGear Compression Shorts are a far cry from everyday briefs but still a force to be reckoned with—especially if you’re training for an athletic event or generally like to break a sweat every day. The polyester-elastane blend and ergonomic design does an excellent job of holding everything in place while maintaining breathability thanks to integrated mesh panels. And these being technical compression shorts, you’re working with formidable sweat-wicking, odor-fighting, and anti-chafing properties.
How they feel: Whether worn as shorts or briefs, you’re working with a skin-tight fit designed to hug every contour it touches. Despite that, the blend of materials and strategically placed seams and vents still allow for a non-restricting fit and feel.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Compression shorts aren’t for everyone and this is a specialized product for specialized use. Consider accordingly.
Sizes Available: XS – 4XL Tall | Colors Available: 21 | Material: 84% Polyester, 16% Elastane | Length: 6 inches | Moisture Wicking: Yes
Buying Considerations for The Best Underwear To Prevent Chafing
Technical Details
One of the biggest culprits leading to discomfort and chafing is moisture. Much like its brethren of thermal underwear and thermal shirts, the best underwear to prevent chafing must be made of moisture-wicking materials to help keep things dry and odor-free down below. The briefs should also be breathable and preferably incorporate elastane to increase your range of movement and overall comfort.
Materials
When shopping around for the best underwear to prevent chafing, look for soft, breathable materials like cotton, merino wool, and Lyocell. While plenty of excellent briefs also incorporate a blend of polyester or elastane into the mix, make sure the higher percentage of fabric used is going to be cozy, durable, and breathable.
Length
Particularly important for helping to prevent chafing of the inner-thighs, look for briefs with an inseam of at least six inches. The exact length that’s right for you, of course, depends on your size. Up the inseam length if you’re a big guy, decrease as necessary if you’re short or of average height. The moral of the story? Cover those thighs.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, dozens of brands, materials, customer reviews, and my own dresser to understand what makes the best underwear to stop chafing. After comparing over 40 pairs, I chose the resulting six based on considerations like comfort, breathability, moisture-wicking abilities, materials used, price, and style. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the right briefs for them.
Final Verdict
The best underwear to eliminate chafing should excel at wicking away moisture and also be soft, comfortable, breathable, and incorporate odor-fighting properties. My top overall pick of Patagonia’s Sender Boxer Briefs excels in all of those categories and more.
FAQ
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Look for soft, breathable materials like 100% cotton, merino wool, or semi-synthetic fabrics like Lyocell. The material should also be effective at wicking away sweat and reducing odors.
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Yes. Chafing is caused by moisture and friction, both of which can be greatly reduced by covering your thighs and groin area with underwear made of a soft, breathable fabric.
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Yes, wearing low-quality, ill-fitting underwear can absolutely cause chafing. Avoid rough, scratchy fabrics and underwear that’s either too loose or too tight. The best underwear to prevent chafing, length-wise, is almost always going to be boxer briefs.
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