Summary
More than one in two men's underwear is boxers! ) I couldn't have boxers and briefs in the same folder, and a choice had to be made.- No ostentatious logo. Preferably no visible logo, or at least some discretion required. For what ? Because it seems strange to me, after all this time we spent convincing you to get rid of your logo t-shirts, to then find them when you take off your jeans. I personally find it annoying to have a brand name written in huge letters on the only item of clothing you have left when you undress...However, two brands were exceptions, due to their omnipresence on the market: I knew that you would have been disappointed not to have any opinions on them, and so I tested them anyway.
- No patterned designs: on the one hand, I am of the opinion, like most of the team members, that this type of humorous or "fun" type of underwear is not the most relevant choice past a certain age, especially for a BonneGueule reader, who will probably prefer something sober and well done.
However, as the underwear is completely intimate, you are free not to follow this recommendation and want to introduce humor into your pants. But it is in any case a choice which brings into play criteria so subjective that they would not have gone well with this file, the aim of which is to concentrate on the factual. - No "designer" brands: there are no boxers from Armani, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein... Quite simply because in addition to going against the first selection criterion, these are brands whose the value lies as much in the image conveyed by the “brand power” as in the product itself, and even more so on the most affordable products. It’s inherent to their strategy. Therefore, I was almost certain that at a comparable price, the quality/price ratio would always be lower than the less publicized competition. And the purpose of this file is above all to recommend good products to you.
Hey no friends, we're not going to talk about this kind of boxers here, sorry!
Note that for certain brands, it was relevant to test several models or colors, whether for differences in shape or cut. I did it when it was possible and the brand agreed to
A beautiful material is important! Here, Derek Rose's micromodal.
OVERALL APPEARANCE AND FINISHES
Scored from 0 to 10, this will involve judging the cleanliness and appearance of the seams, as well as any additional finishes such as elastic.
The beautiful finishes are a significant plus... Especially if you paid the price for it. (Here, a close-up view of a Tom Adam's belt)
DESIGN
A brief comment giving my opinion on the design. Yes, certainly... They are "only" boxers, but sometimes, a little comment is not too much!
The embroidered Seagale logo on their boxers. Whether you like it or not, this kind of choice can make a boxer stand out from the crowd, for good or bad!
THE WEARABLE TEST
We evaluate the feeling on the skin, comfort, support, size, and cut.
You will see in particular that certain types of boxers are better suited to certain body types than others, and that the sizes are far from uniform from one brand to another.
THE THREE WASHES TEST
Here, we observe how the boxers evolve after three washes. They will be made in the washing machine at 30°, over 1 hour, with high spin, except for materials indicated as delicate to maintain (for which the instructions indicated on the boxer label will be followed).
Note any significant shrinkage, change in appearance of the material, deterioration of finishes, or change in feel of the material.
My big regret is that this test probably cannot give any indication of long-term wear, such as over a year of weekly wear for example.
And for ecological, economic and time reasons, I couldn't bring myself to run 52 washing machines in a row for this test... (52 washes, that's what would have corresponded to about a year of worn at a rate of once a week!)
It will therefore be necessary to consider that this test gives us at least first indications or warning signs on the durability of the parts.
THE PLACE OF PRODUCTION AND PRICE POSITIONING
Yep, we're not going to lie: even if you took two boxers with an identical level of construction, made from the same cotton jersey, if the first is made in Portugal, it's normal for it to be much more expensive than the second made in Pakistan...
And regarding working conditions in the workshop, it is always difficult to get the end of the story.
Some countries clearly have a better reputation than others, but there are good workshops all over the world that provide decent work for workers. And conversely, no country is entirely free of unscrupulous workshops in the way they treat their employees.
In any case, it is a criterion which largely explains the price, and which it is important to check when possible.
ENTRY RANGE: FROM 1 TO 14€
This is the bracket in which most boxer brief purchases are made. Many men refuse to spend too much money on their underwear, and I can understand them. But even if it means staying cheap, let's try to choose the best options. Because a life without crotch comfort is not a life worth living...
H&M
Price: €9.99 for three (short) and €14.99 for three (mid-length)
The model runs, seen from the front and behind.
It is the most representative name of fast fashion, the brand that people automatically cite when talking about cheap purchases. I can still hear the voices of my high school friends saying, “Well, I buy my boxers at H&M anyway, it’s really cheap.”
Many men probably have H&M boxers in their closet, so I thought it was essential to give you a review.
The mid-length model, front and back.
TOUCH AND HAND OF THE MATERIAL
Short model: 3/10 (cotton 57%, polyester 38%, elastane 5%) Strangely, the material is a little thicker and softer than the mid-length version. The surface appears to have been lightly scraped to soften it. A rather decent feel for this price range, but not sure that this will remain the case in the long term. The composition may also make you sweat when it's hot...
The material of the short model, seen up close.
Mid-length model: 3/10 (93% cotton, 7% elastane), neither soft nor rough feel, medium thickness material. Typical quality for this price range, which does the job, but nothing more.
The material of the mid-length model, seen up close.
OVERALL APPEARANCE AND FINISHES
Short model: 5/10 Apart from a few protruding threads, cleanly made for this price range.
The finishes of the short model once returned. The assembly work is decent, especially at this price.
Mid-length model: 4/10 Slightly messy construction, especially at the waist. Nothing to report other than that.
The finishes of the long model, once returned. The seams are a little messy.
DESIGN (OK)
Classic from classic for the mid-length model. Nothing to report!
The short model has an "invisible elastic" shape that I appreciate, the whole thing is more refined.
WEARABLE TEST
Short model: I was planning to test wearing the boxers after washing them. Problem: it was already quite small, but once it shrank, it's almost a size 12-14 boxer. It is therefore impossible to put it on and therefore give you my feedback...
Note that aesthetically speaking, this type of cut is more suitable for people with somewhat short legs. I also advise men with very strong or very muscular thighs to avoid this type of model, because they will lack range of movement in them.
The short model, worn by a model of the brand. Note that this is not necessarily ideal on such a slender physique.
So between the shrinkage, the choice of cut and the sizing of the piece, it could possibly be interesting for really short and slender men.
Mid-length model:
Sizing a little more normal than its short counterpart, but still quite small! I took an S, I would have needed an M.
Apart from that, it is rather comfortable, like most long models which give more ease. Note that aesthetically, they highlight tall and thin people more.
And here, the mid-length model, which suits her better in my opinion.
TEST AFTER THREE WASHES (BAD)
As said above, the short model shrank slightly in the wash even though it was already quite small, and unsurprisingly the material became rougher.
The mid-length model has little or no change in sizing, and the cotton has also become a little less soft.
PLACE OF PRODUCTION AND PRICE (BAD)
The label of the short boxer, Made in Sri Lanka.
Probably the cheapest boxers on the market... And you therefore get value for your money.
It is therefore not surprising that the short model is made in Ethiopia, and the mid-length model in Sri Lanka. Difficult to know under what conditions.
The brand at least has the merit of mentioning it on the label, which is not always the case with others.
The label of the mid-length boxer shorts, Made in Ethiopia.
VERDICT
Boxers that are worth the very low price you buy them for. You can't expect anything very good, but you can't say you don't get what you pay for.
UNIQLO (“SUPIMA COTTON” AND “AIRISM”)
The Uniqlo Supima boxer shorts, front and back.
Price: €5.90 (Supima cotton) and €9.99 (Airism)
Uniqlo is a bit like the Unicorn, the exception of fast fashion. The products are very inexpensive, but the quality almost always follows, and it is not uncommon for it to be comparable to significantly more expensive products.
I believe that as I write this, every man currently in the office owns at least one pair of Uniqlo underwear. In short, it was necessary to test.
Here we have chosen a more classic “Supima” cotton model, as well as a “Airism” technical material model. Both were chosen in their "regular rise" version (and not "low rise", which is a shorter cut option available for both versions).
TOUCH AND HAND OF THE MATERIAL
Supima model: 6.5/10 (cotton 93%, elastane 7%) No surprise from Uniqlo, the best cotton in its price range. We are looking at a softness and a touch that would be completely acceptable on boxers costing €15-20, or even more. Will probably age quite well although it probably won't keep this sweetness in the long term.
Zoom on the material of the Supima cotton boxers.
Airism model: 6/10 (polyester 89%, elastane 11%) Extremely thin and smooth. As it is polyester, the fiber has sufficient strength to be knitted so finely that it is difficult to distinguish the stitches
This makes it an ideal choice for hot weather.
Despite the softness due to the finesse, we nevertheless feel the slightly "plastic" side of the material when in contact with the fingers, and its slightly satiny appearance also betrays it. Very comfortable therefore, but it will not have the nobility of touch and appearance of a very beautiful natural fiber.
Note that the fineness of this knitting may result in a shorter lifespan in the very long term. Small snags and repeated friction will eventually cause holes.
Zoom on the material of Uniqlo's "Airism" boxer shorts.
OVERALL APPEARANCE AND FINISHES
Supima model: 7/10: Everything is clean and carefully done.
Neat finishes for a boxer of this price, on the Supima model
Airism model: 6/10: Clean too, perhaps slightly less than the other model on certain seams, but this is potentially due to the difficulty of working with such a fine material.
Seen upside down turned on itself, the Airism boxer reveals good finishes for its price range
DESIGN (OK)
Very classic for the Supima model.
For the Airism version, the shiny side of the material as well as the blue edging on the elastic convey the technical side well, without going in the slightly "loaded" style that techwear pieces sometimes have. It's not my favorite, but I find that it's coherent, and that the design reflects the functionality well.
WEARABLE TEST
Unfortunately the brand does not offer photos showing models wearing their boxers.
That said, the cut of these two models is really a standard intermediate cut, neither short nor long, which will suit the most common body types. Size wise, it's pretty standard too, take your usual size. But take the one below if you are between two sizes, because if I had to decide, I would say that it runs rather large than small.
In terms of comfort, no surprises: it does a very good job for both models. The Supima model, however, turns out to be a little hot for the summer, during which we prefer the Airism model.
Only one criticism to make, however: the label, which is quite long and flexible, has the annoying habit of slipping out of the boxers quite regularly, which means that it sometimes sticks out of your pants.
TEST AFTER THREE WASHES (GOOD)
Some softness has been lost on the Supima model, which like many cotton models, is softer when purchased than after washing. However, it remains above the rest of this first part, when compared to the rest of the entry level.
The Airism model, due to its synthetic nature, has absolutely not changed, and will probably retain its initial feel and appearance for longer.
PLACE OF PRODUCTION AND PRICE (OK)
The “Made in Thailand” label on Uniqlo’s Supima boxer shorts
Made in Thailand for the Supima, and in Vietnam for the Airism. No surprises, sold at this price, it is impossible to produce in more developed countries, with a higher standard of living. Given the quality of the manufacturing, we can assume that there is a certain modernity in the production equipment, and by extension in the safety rules and working conditions. But nothing is ever certain about that. Please note, however, that these are countries which are gaining more and more confidence in the textile sector, and where there are more and more good workshops.
The “made in Vietnam” label on the Uniqlo Airism boxer shorts
VERDICT
You probably already knew this, but just to confirm: if you have a small budget, go to Uniqlo. This is the most interesting brand in this price bracket, and to gain a little in quality, you will really have to move into the higher price category.
SINGLE PRICE
Price: €17.99 for both
Monoprix boxers, from the front and back.
TOUCH AND HAND OF THE MATERIAL
2/10: slightly rough cotton as is often found on entry-level boxers. Average thickness. Risk of not aging very well.
The material of Monoprix boxers, seen up close.
OVERALL APPEARANCE AND FINISHES
5/10: Rather clean despite the stitching being a little rough at times.
The finishes of the Monoprix boxer shorts
DESIGN (OK)
Classic from classic! Nothing to report.
WEARABLE TEST
Just like Uniqlo, the brand does not show photos worn by a model on its site.
In terms of cut, we are on "medium-short", therefore to be avoided for the most slender among us, and good for the others. The sizing is slightly small: for me who is often between two sizes due to my muscular thighs, I fit in the S, but I would have been more comfortable in the M.
TEST AFTER THREE WASHES (GOOD)
The cotton, which was rather rough when new, has at least one merit: it hardly changed in feel after washing. This probably means that Monoprix had skipped the softening treatments at the end of production (regularly used to make the piece more attractive for purchase, when you touch it in store). In the end, it turns out better after washing than H&M cotton.
PLACE OF PRODUCTION AND PRICE (GOOD)
These boxers are made in Romania. It is a country full of good workshops, which has taken an important place in textiles in recent decades, and which is rather known for good working conditions. We can welcome this choice given the price of the boxers.
The “made in Romania” label on Monoprix boxers. We still note that the assembly is not the most neat in this place...
VERDICT
A correct choice for its manufacture, its price, and its place of manufacture. It's a shame that the material is a little left behind, but you can't always have everything...
SUN
Price: €12.00 (“colors” range)
The Dim boxer shorts, from the front and back.
It's hard to never have heard of this brand. Highly publicized, present in most of your supermarkets, on posters in the metro... In terms of notoriety, Dim is considered a reference in underwear. But does the quality of the product live up to the reputation?
TOUCH AND HAND OF THE MATERIAL
1/10 (cotton 96%, elastane 4%): To the touch, the worst cotton in the comparison. Probably won't age very well.
OVERALL APPEARANCE AND FINISHES
3/10: It's poorly cut and poorly finished. It's an entry-level boxer, certainly, but given that it remains the most expensive on this list, we have the right to expect something better made.
Once the boxers are turned over, you quickly see that the seams are not very clean.
DESIGN (BAD)
I would have done without this multicolored band, and even more so the big Dim logo. And again, it's the most sober model they offer...
WEARABLE TEST
In terms of cut, we are more on the medium-short side. Good for a standard physique and for the smallest too, but avoid if you are very slender.
Size slightly small. I took an S that I can put on, but an M would have been ideal for comfort. (I'm often between the two sizes).
Photo of the boxers worn by a model of the brand (here the same model in its white version). A model cut slightly short, therefore less advantageous if you have a very slender figure.
TEST AFTER THREE WASHES (GOOD)
As with the Monoprix, if the material was already quite rough at the start, it at least has the merit of not having changed too much after washing.
PLACE OF PRODUCTION AND PRICE (BAD)
The country of manufacture is not mentioned anywhere on the label or sales page. I don't know if it's legal, but as a customer, I wouldn't find it normal, especially for a "specialist" brand where a good number of products are positioned in the mid-range.
On top of that, these boxers are expensive for their quality. Even fast fashion brands seem to be doing better.
The label of the Dim boxer shorts, "made in"... "Made in" where, by the way?
VERDICT
Perhaps this "colors" range is a bad example of what is done at Dim and does not reflect the quality of the brand as a whole, but in any case, it is not a good surprise. Just move on.
CONCLUSION
And that's it, that's the end of the first part, which dealt with the method and entry-level brands!
In the second, we will find mid-range brands as well as the high-end .
And in the third, we will talk about very high-end brands, at the very top of the basket, and we will conclude the subject.
HOW I TESTED THEM
If you've already read my shirt comparison, you know that I have trouble with the "grades" or "points" systems in tests.
Even if it is pleasant for the reader to access the simplified version of things, it often makes the judgment too simplistic, and sometimes evaluates products that are not comparable in the same way.
However, for this file, some criteria will be exceptions to my rule. On the one hand because from one boxer to another, it is quite easy to say that the finishes are generally better or that the feel of a cotton jersey surpasses that of the boxer next to it.
And on the other hand, for the sake of readability, so as not to complicate things for a purchase which should remain simple!
So here are my six testing criteria.
THE TOUCH AND THE HAND OF THE MATERIAL
Rated from 0 to 10 for all cottons, to judge the softness and hand of the fabric. For other subjects, the commentary accompanying the grade is particularly important since each of them is a particular case.
For the record, know that I take this very seriously... I compare the feel of the materials blindly, to be sure not to be biased. (Jordan and David have been looking at me like an alien since I was fiddling with boxers with my eyes closed in the office.)