The Best Men’s Underwear for Ball Support, According to Menswear and Movement Experts
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No matter how comfortable an outfit is, it can be sabotaged by underperforming underwear. The idea of “pouch” or “ball support” underwear is funny, sure, and a tad marsupial, but underwear’s sole purpose is to keep the family jewels cradled and polished. One wrong snag or bunch, and it becomes impossible to take care of business.
Luckily, brands have heard the call and answered, the days of letting everything hang for hours on end are gone. Many models now come with reinforced elastic support and strategic mesh construction to keep things supported yet breezy. There’s very little unnecessary fabric, a key saboteur in mediocre pairs of boxers, and there’s extra features like anti-microbial treatments to minimize odor.
Some pairs also include specialized cutouts to ensure everything is in its right place — queue the Radiohead.
What the Experts Say
For this piece, we spoke to three menswear experts: Champ Hammett, owner and founder of Guilty Party, a menswear store in Atlanta, NYC Fitness Professional Alan Filauro, and Gabi Meyers, Personal Stylist at Style Girlfriend. “When I am looking for a pair of underwear, it really boils down to two things: fit and material,” says Hammett. “Fit is obviously important because if the cut isn’t comfortable, you aren’t going to reach for them after the initial wear. I like a pair with a generous rise. No low rise, please, and a length to about mid-thigh. A waistband that has elastic that keeps its form without squeezing me to death is also critical.”
It’s not just about construction, according to Hammett. “If you’ve got a great fit with an itchy material or a material that doesn’t help regulate moisture, you might as well toss ‘em.”
BEST OVERALL
Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Boxer Briefs
Mack Weldon’s AIRKNITx has everything you could want in a pair of supportive boxer briefs. The flyless pouch provides a dedicated space to keep the valuables supported and cradled, while also ensuring that there’s nothing for them to catch or snag on. Other features like a no-roll waistband, stay-put legs, and moisture-wicking help to keep every other part of your nether regions comfortable. The knit-like construction just feels good to wear, something that Meyers highlights as well, stating that “they’re [easy] to wear.”
She also mentions that the briefs “stay in place, are chlorine- and seawater-safe, and have been described as ‘sexy’ in multiple reviews.” Function isn’t always described as sexy, which is why these shot to the top of our list.
BEST COTTON
Stance Cotton Boxer Brief
Why They Stand Out: Hammett recommends these cotton briefs from Stance with the utmost praise. “I don’t think about what underwear I am wearing when I’m wearing them, and that’s the ultimate compliment — in my opinion,” he tells us.
Made For: Those who want the feel of a boxer but with the support of a brief.
ROI: The “no-frills, comfortable underwear” falls within Hammett’s policy of “soft cotton and a bit of elastane” and even features a side-entry fly for easy access.
BEST FOR WORKING OUT
Nike Dri-fit Ultra Stretch Micro Boxer Briefs
Why They Stand Out: “They are great for keeping everything in place so you can really focus on your workout,” says Filauro.
Made For: Anyone who is worried about a snag or unnecessary tug during a PR lift or sprint session.
ROI: A three-pack clocks in at around the same cost as some high-end single pairs of briefs. Plus you get to rock the Swoosh.
BEST MULTIUSE
Rhone Essentials Active Boxer Briefs
Why It Stands Out: “From work to sports, to weight lifting and a night out, the soft active fabric blend of Pima-cotton and elastane with a comfort pouch allows for ease in movement,” says Filauro.
Made For: Those who want an all-in-one, multi-purpose solution they can reach for time and time again.
ROI: Sure, $38 is a little pricey for one pair, but since they apply in almost any situation the cost-per-use is sure to plummet.
BEST MATERIAL
Lululemon Built-to-Move Boxer Briefs
Why It Stands Out: “They’re made with extremely soft fabric and keep you cool due to the breathable material,” says Filauro. “They are quick-drying, sweat-wicking, have a four-way stretch, [and] are designed for training to prevent ride-up and an ergonomic pouch for support.”
Made For: Those who don’t settle for anything less than the lap of luxury. Think of the Built-to-Move briefs as a Rolls Royce for your nethers.
ROI: Lululemon’s technical material makes these durable, and built-to-last while ensuring everything is softly supported.
BEST VALUE
Hanes Sport Total Support Pouch
Why It Stands Out: “Hanes always come through with the best value for your money. This pair has cooling from mesh pockets and X-temp fabric,” says Meyers. X-temp fabric is built to keep everything temperature-regulated and prevent chafing as well.
Made For: Those who live for a bargain.
ROI: You’re getting three really comfortable and cooling boxers for less than $10 a pair (at least at the time of this writing).
MOST BREATHABLE
SAXX DropTemp Cooling Cotton Boxer Briefs
Why It Stands Out: “I like that this pair is more unassuming in appearance and lets the magic happen behind the scenes without visually announcing that they’re ‘lifting and separating the balls’ or whatever it is they’re doing,” says Meyers.
Made For: Everyday use, especially in hot or humid environments. The blend of cotton and modal results in a buttery smooth texture that makes them suitable for just about every single situation you could think of.
ROI: $32 for a brief is definitely expensive, but anyone who lives in a hot environment, or works outside most of the day will find them more than worth it.
BEST TECHNOLOGY
Tommy John Second Skin Hammock Pouch Boxer Brief
Why It Stands Out: “Tommy John: This cowboy of the underwear world has a quick draw fly so you can whip it out when you need to while your nuts are comfortably cradled in a hammock of support and tucked into place with breathable mesh sides,” says Meyers. Well, there you have it.
Made For: Those who are on the go. Moving around a lot can cause unnecessary swampiness. But, the cooling mesh helps to keep everything from boiling over and keeps you comfortable, too.
ROI: These have a really good return on investment in the sense that Tommy John offers a Best Pair Guarantee. Per its site, “If you’re not satisfied for any reason with your first purchase of Tommy John underwear, undershirts, tee shirts, bras and/or socks, we’ll make it right by issuing a refund (for one worn garment of each type) or allowing you to exchange the product for something more comfortable.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Ball Support Underwear
Can Ball Support Underwear Help with Sagging?
Yes, actually! Keeping everything together in one place helps to offset any drooping you might be having, but it’s not a silver bullet cure.
Can Ball Support Underwear Help with Chafing?
Definitely, especially if you get a pair with a mesh lining. That breathability helps to keep things from building up and causing that awful chafing feeling.
Is Ball Support Underwear Different From Other Types of Underwear?
Nope! The overall style or cut of most ball support underwear is a boxer brief, so it’s not like you’re trying something new or random. These should look and feel like men’s underwear you’ve seen before, just built smarter and more supportive.
Why Are All These Options Boxer Briefs?
Boxer Briefs are good because their close-fitting nature allows them to naturally cup and support. Briefs are too short, and boxers don’t provide support, so the hybrid boxer brief approach is the solution.