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Fellas, we need to talk about down there.
Thankfully not your junk – but the attire that supports and surrounds it.
Let’s face it: getting hot and sweaty as you go about your business https://discerningcyclist.com/best-cycling-chinos-commuter/isn’t the sexiest thing in the world – and your midriff can bear the brunt of this as you ride about town in warm weather.
But, as I discovered recently, it’s not an impossible task to keep your nether regions feeling fresh throughout the day.
One of the best discoveries I’ve made in recent months are breathable boxer shorts… that look good.
In recent years I’ve been donning “designer” cotton boxer shorts. The stuff that costs a fortune but doesn’t actually provide any functionality. Essentially, you’re buying an expensive elastic waist band to show off. It tends to be appreciated by the opposite sex though, so this remains a key consideration when picking boxers.
With that in mind, I think I’ve found the best boxer shorts for men by testing out half a dozen pairs of boxer shorts in recent months.
Urban Cycling Boxer Shorts: Key Features
In order to determine which were best, I set out the following criteria.
The boxers must be:
- Breathable
- Fast-drying
- Comfortable
- Stretchy
- Anti-bacterial
- Good-looking
And they shouldn’t be baggy. Why? Because baggy boxers aren’t sexy. Sorry baggy boxer fans.
Below we’ll take a look at why we’re focussing on some of these features.
Breathable Boxers
It goes without saying that having breathable boxers should be your biggest priority if you lead any kind of active lifestyle – whether you’re cycling around town or backpacking, you want to keep as fresh as possible. Cotton is the one of the worst materials for allowing your skin to breathe, so keep an eye out for fabrics containing nylon, spandex, polyester or Merino wool – as these will fair much better in regulating your body temperature.
Quick Dry Underwear
Further to being breathable, quick dry underwear is also a huge benefit as if you do work yourself into a sweat, you want to alleviate this damage as quick as possible. Typically, breathable boxers are also fast-drying, which is ideal.
Anti-Bacterial Underwear
As well as staying dry, you also want your boxers to stay fresh. Therefore, anti-bacterial properties are also invaluable in underwear design.
Most Comfortable Boxers
Of course, there’s no point in having highly-functional, fast-drying, super-sexy, breathable boxers if they’re uncomfortable. But there’s no need to compromise on this front. Below I’ve reviewed three of the best breathable boxers for cycling and travel that tick every box. So here we go…
Best Boxer Shorts for Cycling + Travel: Top 3
My quest actually started not by looking for urban cycling boxer shorts, but instead boxers for travelling as this is a much more developed market and one which shares almost the same requirements.
Quickly, I discovered that ExOfficio boxers where seen by many as the go-to for men’s travel underwear. So, I tried them out…
ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxers (Price not available)
As soon as I tried the ExOfficio boxers on, I could tell they were pretty good. They felt light and comfortable, and the material was clearly breathable.
They also looked okay… but not great. A passable style, but not “ooh la la”.
Nevertheless, the ExOfficio boxers do a magnificent job in terms of functionality. Made from a winning blend of 94% Nylon and 6% Lycra Spandex, these boxers feel great and offer tonnes of stretch and breathability.
One of the reasons they are the most popular boxers for backpackers is because – as the website advises – you can travel with as few as two pairs of these boxers and simply wash them in the sink between uses – with the anti-bacterial properties preventing them from getting overly dirty or stinky.
Verdict: 8/10
- Antimicrobial treatment reduces odor in fabric
- Diamond-weave mesh fabric allows airflow, keeping you cool
- Easy-care so you only need two for any trip
Under Armour Boxers (Price not available)
Straight up: these are the favourite boxers I’ve ever worn. They’re comfy as hell, look damnnn good and are packed full of functionality for those with active lifestyles.
The Under Armour 6” Original Boxers offer four-way stretch thanks to their use of 90% polyester and 10% elastane. Coupled with moisture-wicking properties, anti-odour technology and mesh panels, these boxers tick every box. They’re also very flattering with their fitted/stretchy style.
After the first day of wearing these boxers, I returned immediately to Amazon and to buy six more pairs. I basically wear these full-time now. They come in various colours, but my favourites are the charcoal grey and black/red combinations. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Verdict: 9/10
- Fitted: Next-to-skin without the squeeze.
- Lightweight, smooth HeatGear fabric & articulated mesh fly panel
- Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries quickly
Lapasa Boxers (Price not available)
Similarly to the ExOfficio boxers, Lapasa boxers look good and are clearly very functional, but they don’t quite have the flattering styling as that of the Under Armour boxers. Of course, this is very much a personal preference: others may think they Under Armour’s boxers are too sporty and prefer the looser styling of either the Lapasa or ExOfficio boxers.
Again, though, in terms of functionality, Lapasa have done a great job. Their travel boxers are made from a blend of 95% nylon and 5% spandex to ensure plenty of stretch and breathability. They are also moisture-wicking and feature Silvadur anti-microbial treatment which also reduces unwanted odour. They also very quick to dry, making them ideal for travelling as you can wash them and they will be dry in just a couple of hours if left to air.
Verdict: 7/10
- 【ATTENTION】We offers 4 Pack Version and 3 Pack Version, please kindly double check before purchse.
- 【Ergonomic U-Cutting】 This LAPASA mens boxers bring more space for added support and fast evaporation of moisture and perspiration.
- 【Jacquard woven belts】 Designed in this boxer shorts for men provide 220% stretch and heat melt treated edges give you much more smother feeling on the waist.
Best Breathable Boxers Winner: Under Armour
Although both ExOfficio and Lapasa have created some excellent travel boxer shorts, for me Under Armour takes the crown based on how good they also look. All three offer outstanding functionality, but Under Armour has the edge because of how good the boxers also look with their slim-fitting style.
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