When it comes to traveling, choosing the right underwear is often overlooked, but trust me, comfort and functionality in this department are crucial. After years of trial and error, I’ve finally found some game-changers that won’t leave you shifting uncomfortably throughout your journey. So, let’s break down what makes the perfect pair of travel underwear and which brands are truly worth your attention.
What Makes the Best Travel Underwear?
To start, there are a few non-negotiable features that any great pair of travel underwear must have. While underwear may seem simple, the right design can make all the difference, especially when you’re on the move.
Here’s what you need:
- 3D Front Panel: A well-constructed front panel that contours to your body will keep everything in place without discomfort.
- High Inseam: A longer inseam ensures that the legs won’t ride up or shift during wear.
- Leg Separation: Proper separation helps avoid that annoying feeling when things shift into places they shouldn’t.
- Stretchy Fit: A body-hugging, stretchy material that moves with you is essential for long days of travel.
- Quick-Drying and Wicking Properties: Moisture-wicking fabrics that dry quickly are a must, especially when you’re sweating through long days of sightseeing.
- Odor Resistance: Let’s face it: You don’t always have access to laundry, so odor-resistant fabrics are a lifesaver.
- Minimal Seams: The fewer seams, the less chance there is for discomfort or irritation, especially on long flights or bus rides.
For me, synthetic fabrics often outperform natural fibers, especially when it comes to quick-drying and maintaining shape. I also swear by boxer briefs because they stay in place without the need for constant adjustment.
The Best Travel Underwear Brands
Here are my top picks based on years of personal experience:
1) Uniqlo Airism
Uniqlo’s Airism line is an absolute favorite. These underwear are light, breathable, and quick-drying—all for a budget-friendly price of around $10 per pair. The regular version is great, but I personally prefer the Low Rise, which offers a more defined fit with a unique pouch-within-a-pouch design for added support and comfort.
While the legs could be a bit longer, these are perfect for everyday travel. I highly recommend sizing up in the Low Rise version for a better fit.
2) Mack Weldon Airknitx
Mack Weldon’s Airknitx boxer briefs are a newer addition, and they’ve quickly become a favorite. The fabric is incredibly soft and stretchy, making them perfect for all-day wear. They also address a major issue I had with earlier designs—no more riding up in the back!
While they do feature a gusset (which I’m not a fan of), these are still my top pick for comfort and breathability. They’re especially great for hot days or workouts, as the mesh fabric allows for excellent ventilation.
3) Saxx Quest 2.0
Saxx is known for its “ballpark pouch” design, and the Quest 2.0 version is no exception. While I don’t necessarily rely on the pouch to keep things in place, the design of the front pouch and long legs makes these a reliable travel option. The fabric is breathable and quick-drying, perfect for long days on the move.
I would recommend going a size down, as the fit can run large, but once you get the size right, these are hard to beat.
4) Ex Officio Sport Mesh Boxer Brief
Ex Officio has long been a favorite for travelers, but the regular version never quite lived up to the hype. Enter the Sport Mesh Boxer Brief—a vast improvement with a 3D front panel and a more comfortable fit. The fabric is stretchy, breathable, and quick-drying, although it does have some pilling issues after extended use.
One downside is a T-shaped seam in the back that can be a bit uncomfortable, but overall, these are solid for travel.
5) Tommy John Air
Tommy John’s Air line of boxer briefs is one of the more premium options on the list, but they’re certainly worth the splurge. The fabric is soft and stretchy, with a snug, 3D front pouch that stays in place all day. However, they do tend to pick up lint more easily than some other options, which can be a bit annoying.
Despite that, these remain an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a sleek, comfortable fit.
6) Oliver’s Boxer Brief
Oliver’s boxer briefs are a bit less known, but they’re an excellent option for those who prefer a more substantial, natural-feeling fabric. The 3D front pouch and quick-drying, meshy fabric make them a great choice for travel. The fit is snug, so if you’re in between sizes, I recommend going up.
The only downside is that the seams in the back aren’t as stretchy as the rest of the fabric, which can cause discomfort if you’re moving a lot. Still, for those who prefer a more natural feel, these are a top contender.
7) Wool & Prince Boxer Briefs 2.0
I’m a little biased here since I had a hand in designing these, but I’m proud of how they turned out. We spent years perfecting the design, and it paid off. The merino wool fabric is perfect for travel, offering odor resistance and moisture-wicking properties. The 3D front pouch ensures everything stays in place without any need for constant readjustment.
These are definitely up there with my all-time favorites.
What About Rayon Fabrics?
Rayon fabrics like bamboo, modal, and Tencel are known for their softness and comfort. They’re highly absorbent, making them a great option for mild weather or short trips where you have access to laundry. However, they don’t dry as quickly as synthetic fabrics, which can be a downside for long-term travel.
Tencel is more absorbent than other rayons, but it can become oversaturated and take longer to dry. A Tencel/polyester blend would be ideal, but until then, these fabrics are a solid choice if you’re traveling in moderate climates.
Conclusion
Choosing the best travel underwear comes down to a few key features: comfort, durability, and performance. Whether you prefer synthetic fabrics or merino wool, there are plenty of options out there to keep you comfortable and supported on your next adventure. From the affordable and breathable Uniqlo Airism to the premium comfort of Tommy John Air, there’s something for everyone—so choose wisely and thank me later!
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