Knixwear FitKnix Athletic Thong
Size Tested: Small
Reviewer: Tasha Heilweil– 5’2” 125 lbs
MSRP: $20
I received the Athletic Thong to put to the test during some spring ski missions. Unfortunately, I blew my knee a few days after the KnixWear package arrived, and therefore have so far mostly worn the underwear on the couch and at the gym. But I’ll be adding some updates soon.
Still, I can report that the Athletic Thong is very comfortable for wearing all day long, and while working out. It has a full-coverage cut in front, and a mid-rise design that hits just at my hips. The thong doesn’t bunch up or get in the way of any movement. The lycra is breathable and stays comfortable while sweating, but feels much stronger and less likely to wear out than any other seamless underwear I’ve worn. And these underwear don’t show any lines beneath leggings or tight dresses.
Size Tested: Medium
Reviewers:
Cy Whitling – 6’, 180 lbs, 33” waist
Jonathan Ellsworth – 5’10”, 175 lbs., 33” waist
MSRP: $36.95
SAAX is one of a few men’s underwear brands that claim to offer revolutionary support and comfort by sewing a compartment into the front of the boxer. SAAX has actually patented the mesh panel pocket design, and describes it like this, “This comfort pouch keeps everything in place, preventing unwanted friction and movement to reduce chafe and allow contact-free support.”
For active pursuits, SAXX offers the Kinetic boxer. It features what SAXX calls a “semi-compression fit,” and we can verify that this is a great way to phrase it. The Kinetic boxer is much more supportive and a bit tighter than your average boxer brief, but it’s not quite as snug as a true compression short.
The mesh thigh panels breathe very well, they line up with the vents on most ski pants, and they make a very noticeable difference in breathability. The Kinetic Boxer is a top choice for warm-weather ski touring, running, and mountain biking.
And if you happen to end up at an unexpected hot tub or hot springs soak, the Kinetic Boxer dries quickly while maintaining a decent level of modesty.
SAXX also offers a longjohn version of the Kinetic that has the same mesh panels. It breathes better than any other longjohn I’ve used, although the pouch design means that you can’t wear any boxers or briefs beneath it. That’s fine on most days, it just means that you’re stuck in longjohns for your apres activities.
Size Tested: Medium
Reviewer: Cy Whitling – 6’, 180 lbs, 33” waist
MSRP: $31.95
For more casual excursions, SAXX sells the Vibe Boxer. The Vibe features the same “comfort pouch” as the Kinetic, but in a looser cut with a softer, less techy-feeling fabric.
They work very well as everyday underwear, while still wicking well enough. And they are supportive enough that they can still hold their own at the gym or on the skintrack. They dry quickly and keep everything comfortably in place, which is all you really need from everyday underwear.
Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief
Size Tested: Medium
Reviewer: Luke Koppa – 5’8″, ~155 lbs, 32″ waist
Fabric Weight: 150 g/m2
Material: 87% merino wool / 13% Nylon
MSRP: $45
With their soft, antimicrobial merino wool fabric, you can wear these boxer briefs way longer than you probably should without them smelling. The fabric is a little on the heavy side for really hot weather, but for everything else, these boxer briefs offer a great blend of soft feel, decent breathability, and a supportive yet unrestrictive fit that’s great for everyday wear and moderate activity.
Icebreaker Anatomica Long Boxers With Fly
Size Tested: Medium
Reviewer: Luke Koppa – 5’8″, ~155 lbs, 32″ waist
Fabric Weight: 150 g/m2
Material: 83% merino wool / 12% Nylon / 5% Lycra
MSRP: $40
These boxers are a bit tighter and lighter than the Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Briefs, and are correspondingly better suited for more active use. They also provide impressive odor-resistance, but the fit can feel a bit constricting at times (though they’re definitely still pretty comfortable).
Size Tested: Medium
Reviewer: Luke Koppa – 5’8″, ~155 lbs, 32″ waist
Fabric Weight: 160 g/m2
Material: 100% merino wool
MSRP: $33
If you’ve never tried wool underwear, we highly recommend trying it out. It’s expensive, but several of our reviewers find it to be way more comfortable than traditional cotton underwear. And, although it’s a bit gross, you can wear it for days without it smelling. Maybe you won’t do that on a regular basis, but it’s really nice when you also want to use the boxers on a trip where washing is not all that convenient.
The WoolX Daily Boxers are a great option, especially if you prefer a looser fit. They’re extremely soft, breathable, and they’re a bit less expensive than most other wool underwear.
WoolX Daily Boxer Briefs
Size Tested: Medium
Reviewer: Luke Koppa – 5’8″, ~155 lbs, 32″ waist
Fabric Weight: 160 g/m2
Material: 100% merino wool
MSRP: $33
Same story as WoolX’s Daily Boxers — the brief version is soft, comfortable, light, and moderately priced compared to the competition. One thing to note about the Daily Boxer Briefs is that the leg opening is a touch tighter than the other options here, so if you have huge thighs you might want to check out the Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief instead.
Do you (or someone) know of any silk baselayers of sufficient durability for outdoor use? Also, how about something regarding yak wool…I have read some good things about that, but never seen it reviewed by outdoors people.
Even as a former industry guy & lifelong gear nerd, g/m2 numbers mean *nothing* to me regarding garment weight or warmth.
Simply listing the overall weight & size of the garment tested would be a much more helpful starting point: folks at home can easily toss e.g. their favorite zip-T on a postal scale to get a point of reference.
g/m2 numbers are of no use to anyone who doesn’t work in a fabric mill.
I disagree, most merino wool baselayers have it listed, so after you own one or two, you get a pretty good idea for what you like. It’s not the be all-end all about fabric type, but it’s better than nothing.
I know that I prefer merino under 200g/m2, since its dries fast and isn’t too warm. But it’s not durable. 260g/m2 is getting pretty darn heavy for a baselayer, and in wool, will really impact dry time. Ok for resort skiing, but to warm for summer use, or active sports for me.
Hi guys. Thanx for such list. Could you please compare warmth of Trew NuYarn shirts and Mons Royale shirts? NuYarn site says that it’s fabrics 25% warmer. So their 145gms base layer must be indentical in warmth with 180-190 gsm.
All the problems with “stink” are easily fixed by simply putting some cologne on before you go out and play . I learned this from a friend, it works really well, and frankly everyone should be doing this, even if they use wool. Correct me if i am wrong, but cologne was originally invented to cover up the stink from pre-enlightenment Europeans who bathed once a year because bathing was frowned upon by the church (it encouraged sexual promiscuity). If it worked for them it will work for you.
Silk is awesome but it is so $$$. I have some silk glove liners and they are amazing.