I like to think I know how dudes think, and a lot of them think that the best compression underwear for men is no different than a pair of tights. If this sounds like you, I’m here to change your mind.
There’s underwear out there for every occasion, and men’s compression underwear is a gym bunny’s best friend. From circulation to muscle recovery, these things can do a lot for you when you’re working up a sweat. It just comes down to finding the best option for your particular needs.
If you ask me, every gym-goer needs a good thermal shirt and a comfortable pair of underwear. There are lots of ways to keep your family jewels in tip-top shape, and you can pull it off even with tight underwear if you know what you’re doing.
In case you don’t, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all about the best compression underwear for men in 2023.
Key Takeaways
I looked at every major retailer I could find, and I narrowed down my choice to the seven best. Make no mistake, Under Armour is a mainstay in the underwear industry for a reason. Their Boxerjocks are ideally suited to every body type out there, and they don’t mess with your range of motion, either.
Knocker compression shorts are a great bulk purchase, and it takes a long time for them to even budge when it comes to stretch. For something a bit more boujee and stylish, SAXX briefs look great and perform even better.
Why it’s great: Compression underwear for men doesn’t get much better than this. Available in over a dozen colors, the Boxerjock eradicates sweat and staves away itches like it’s nobody’s business. On top of that, you can find a size for any body shape out there.
How it feels: Under Armour have always put comfort first, and the Boxerjock’s cushy fabric is no exception. The waistband is very gentle on your thighs, and your groin will appreciate the lack of chafing inseams. And did I mention the incredible stretch, courtesy of the elastane?
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This model gets called out now and again for being a bit tight around the privates. Just to be safe, you may want to go a size over what you usually wear.
Sizes: XS – 5XL | Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane | Colors Available: Multiple (color combos) | Style: Boxer briefs | Length: 6’’ | Care: Machine wash | Closure: Pull on
Why it’s great: If this isn’t the best compression underwear for men on a budget, I don’t know what is. The snug build molds to even the meatiest of thighs, and you’ll look like a million bucks in front of your gym bros in the locker room.
How it feels: The best thing about these Jockeys is the generous length – you’ll have 13 inches to work with, meaning no upper thigh chafing. On top of that, the no-gap pouch keeps your member comfy and locked in place without feeling tight.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The waistband isn’t my favorite in the world, and it’s especially tricky if you have a jelly roll or two. Small price to pay for all the benefits it confers, though!
Sizes: S – XXL | Material: 80% polyester, 20% spandex | Colors Available: Black, red, blue, gray heather, midnight gray | Style: Midway briefs | Length: 13’’ | Care: Machine wash | Closure: Pull on
Why it’s great: These puppies are a little more out there, but that’s fine by me. No frills, no moisture, and no itching – exactly what you’d expect for the price. The single-color options are great, but I adore the camo and Black Beast variants for their personality.
How it feels: Polyester is a super-popular pick for underwear because of how comfortable it is, and you can expect the same here. Still, the real selling point is the “Ballpark Support” and its breathable pouch.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These are a bit shorter than most of our other picks, so they’re a bit harder to recommend for bigger guys. If you can pull them off, though, you can expect to get a lot of mileage out of them.
Sizes: XS – XXL | Material: 97% polyester, 3% elastane | Colors Available: Black, teal, camo, gray, multi-colored | Style: Boxer briefs | Length: 5’’ | Care: Machine wash | Closure: Pull on
Why it’s great: I’d argue this is the best package deal (pun slightly intended) for compression underwear for men. Knockers are one-size-fits-all, so if you want to make a purchase and get it over with, this might be your safest pick.
How it feels: The lack of inseams is always a huge plus for athletic clothes, especially when they’re snug around your man-parts. The waistband won’t lose its elasticity in a good long while, true to the “compression” marketing claim. Best of all, you won’t shrink them down to size after a cold wash, either.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This isn’t the most fashionable color palette that men’s compression underwear can offer. Still, I’d argue quality comes before style here, and these really get the job done.
Sizes: One-size-fits-all | Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Colors Available: Multiple (6-pack) | Style: Boxer briefs | Length: 6’’ | Care: Machine wash | Closure: Pull on
Why it’s great: Most compression underwear isn’t great outside the gym, but David Archy is the exception. Made of bamboo rayon, this is one of the most eco-friendly picks on the market today. Despite that, it doesn’t compromise on quality in any regard.
How it feels: These puppies don’t roll up, the waistband stays secure and in place, and I’d be amazed if you had any chafing issues. They also come in three different lengths to cater to all leg lengths and thigh sizes.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you wear them all day, you may get a bit irked by the compression by evening time. This largely comes down to what you’re packing downstairs, so be wary of that.
Sizes: S-XXL | Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex | Colors Available: Black, navy, dark gray, heather gray | Style: Boxer briefs, midway briefs | Length: 5.5’’, 6.5’’, 8’’ | Care: Machine wash | Closure: Pull on
Why it’s great: For guys who aren’t used to compression underwear, Bamboo Cool is a great introduction. Soft, comfortable, and sporting a good length, you’ll forget you’re wearing compression undies at all. On top of that, they don’t come in a single color that I dislike.
How it feels: I know what you’re wondering: how do they feel down there? The AIR series is designed with your gonads in mind, giving them lots of room to breathe and ensuring minimal sweating. Bonus points for having no annoying tag in the back!
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Bamboo-based fabrics are relatively new, and you’ll often hear reports of rips and other structural damage. Not a lot of criticism going around for this particular model, though.
Sizes: M – XXL | Material: 92% bamboo viscose, 8% spandex | Colors Available: Multiple (color packs) | Style: Boxer briefs | Length: 6’’ | Care: Machine wash | Closure: Pull on
Why it’s great: I can’t think of a more trusted sportswear manufacturer, so naturally, there’s no going wrong with
How it feels: There might be an inseam here, but the mesh keeps everything nice and comfortable. There’s also a double-layer gusset that offers supreme comfort where you need it the most.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Speaking of the gusset, these
Sizes: S – 4XL | Material: 90% polyester, 10% spandex | Colors Available: White, black, purple, navy, royal, red, green, anthracite | Style: Boxer briefs | Length: 7’’ | Care: Machine wash | Closure: Pull-on
Buying Considerations for the Best Compression Underwear For Men
If you’re a bit worried about picking the wrong compression underwear, who could blame you? There’s a lot at stake, after all, but we’re here to help you out. Here are some of the things to keep in mind before whipping out the credit card:
Size
It’s hard to give definitive advice when it comes to size, but the best compression underwear for men should be the same size as normal briefs. You may need to upsize with certain models, so consider two different sizes for your first-ever purchase and see what works best.
Material
There’s a lot of wiggle room when it comes to materials, but polyester, elastane and spandex are tried-and-true champions. After all, they offer the ideal mix of stretch, breathability, and stability. Bamboo fibers have been on the rise in recent years too, although they often sacrifice some durability for added comfort.
Style
Underpants come in a lot of styles, but you need to exercise caution when it comes to men’s compression underwear. Boxer briefs and midway briefs tend to be the safest choice since they’re easy on the thighs and offer a more modest look.
Why you should trust us
If I steered you wrong in choosing the best compression underwear for men, it’d be a nasty breach of the man code. Alongside fashion (heck, it’s in the name FashionBeans), our number-one consideration is customer satisfaction, so rest assured you’re choosing from the very finest. My many years of wearing underwear and (slightly) fewer years as a writer have made me the perfect candidate for this job.
Final Verdict
In summation, the best compression underwear for men has to be Under Armour’s Boxerjocks. The length is ideal, and there’s virtually no pair of legs they aren’t suited for. Jockeys are a great pick for how affordable they are, especially when you consider the length and solid fit.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, SAXX briefs offer all of the above and an even more stylish design. You could also join the Bamboo Cool craze and help the planet while keeping your pearls cozy and fresh.
FAQ
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Not only is the best compression underwear safe for men, but it’s actually better for exercising than regular underwear. Compression briefs are great for regulating your circulation and reducing your muscle soreness. That said, you may find them uncomfortable if you wear them all day, so try not to wear them when you aren’t working out.
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Guys with sensitive skin should avoid these things unless they’re wearing a regular pair underneath. Chafing is always an issue with tight clothes, so it’s the last thing you want around your privates if you’re prone to it. That said, if your workouts last up to two hours, odds are you’ll be fine. Also, if you’ve had any kind of surgery downstairs, it might be best to go for a regular pair just in case.
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