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The 14 Best Boxers to Dress Like a Cool Girl This Summer
Whether you wear them for sleep, lounge, or life.
Byrdie
TL;DR
With its accessible price point, breathable fabric, and fun colors, Katydid Cotton Boxer Shorts are our favorites. To get the most bang for your buck, we recommend the Fruit of the Loom Four-Pack of Boxer Shorts.
Boxers are a staple from the sheets to the streets. These lightweight, elasticated shorts were initially designed as men’s underwear—and that’s still where we see them the most—but these days, they’re also so much more. Some are meant to be worn as underwear, loungewear, or street or beachwear, while some boxers can do it all! “I grew up in the era of Aaliyah rocking Tommy Hilfiger and those iconic Calvin Klein campaigns with Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg, so I’ve long been a fan of incorporating boxers into both outerwear and loungewear,” says celebrity stylist Kristine Kilty. “When styled right, they can strike the perfect balance between comfort and cool.”
We scoured the internet and spoke to experts in the know to find the very best boxers for women out there. Our picks for boxers as underwear are soft, airy, and comfy, plus they provide some extra support and prevent chafing under dresses.
Top Picks
Katydid Cotton Boxer Shorts at Katydid.com
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Fruit of the Loom Relaxing Comfort Boxers at Target
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SKIMS Boyfriend Boxer at Nordstrom$34
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Wirarpa Cotton Boxer Briefs at Amazon$29$24
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Zara Linen Boxer Shorts at Zara.com
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Fleur du Mal Unisex Boxer Short at Fleurdumal.com
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Aisle Leakproof BOOST Boxer Short at Periodaisle.com
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Out From Under Boyshort Undie at Urban Outfitters$10
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Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Cotton Boxer at Ralphlauren.com
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POPFLEX High Waisted Supershort at Popflexactive.com
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Best Overall
Katydid Cotton Boxer Shorts
Size Range: S-XL | Materials: Cotton | Colors: 12
Can you say “obsessed?” Katydid’s signature boxers are a fan favorite thanks to cute designs like this pink and green stripe or these rainbow checks. Made from 100% cotton and coming in at a pretty accessible price point, these boxers are technically designed for outdoor sports such as tennis and pickleball, but they can be worn just as easily to the beach, to run errands, or to sleep in. These boxers’ biggest fans say they’re comfy and airy and just all-around a pleasure to wear.
Best Budget
Fruit of the Loom Relaxing Comfort Boxers
Size Range: S-2XL | Materials: Modal, polyester, spandex | Colors: Multi
Thanks to Fruit of the Loom, you can get your hands on a four-pack of boxers for less than the cost of one premium pair, and these really hold their own, too. Made from a super soft modal mix, they come in a cute range of colors and feel so comfy under a dress or skirt. They’re designed as underwear, but we wouldn’t blame you for wearing them on their own around the house.
Best Longline
SKIMS Boyfriend Boxer
Size Range: XXS-4X | Materials: Cotton, modal, elastane | Colors: 6
Whether you’re looking to lounge or swap out your bike shorts, these longline Boyfriend Boxers from Skims will likely do the trick. They’re inspired by a classic fitted boxer short and made with a lightweight, stretch jersey material with a comfortable waistband that makes them great for layering under clothing. Still, don’t let their fabric fool you, as they’re still durable enough to wear solo when running errands.
Best Briefs
Wirarpa Cotton Boxer Briefs
Size Range: S-3XL | Materials: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 6
The wirarpa Boxer Briefs from Amazon are brief-infused boxers for those looking for a snug fit. This five-pack comes in a variety of color options, including neutral hues like black and white. Highly recommended by Amazon customers, the soft, breathable, and lightweight shorts are considered “all-purpose” and have kept wearers comfortable whether they’re wearing loungewear or throwing on their best athleisure outfit for a workout session.
Best Linen
Zara Linen Boxer Shorts
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Linen, viscose | Colors: 4
While boxers are casual by nature, linen definitely has the power to take them to that next level of dressed-up. Available in a range of neutrals, these Zara shorts pair perfectly with a nice top and a dressy shoe, perhaps for a summer brunch date or a stroll around the farmers market. The linen here is mixed with viscose, which gives these boxers a slightly smoother feel.
Best Silk
Fleur du Mal Unisex Boxer Short
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Silk, elastane | Colors: 3
These boxers crank the “stolen from your boyfriend” energy all the way up, given they’re a unisex product. We love how sexy these are—a traditional men’s Y-front style with a contrast logo waistband, yet made from lush silk for something truly luxurious. Available in black, icy blue, and a limited-edition floral, these are special occasion lingerie, except they actually are comfy.
Best Period-Friendly
Aisle Leakproof BOOST Boxer Short
Size Range: XXS-5X | Materials: TENCEL™ lyocell, organic cotton, spandex, recycled polyester, polyester, TPU, hemp | Colors: 4
When you’re on your period, you just want to wear comfy clothes and undergarments, and you definitely don’t want to have to worry about any unexpected leaks. These boxers from Period Aisle aren’t just cute, they’re also deeply functional. They absorb four regular tampons’ worth of blood worn alone, but also come with a reusable booster pad to double their absorbency. Beyond rendering disposable period products obsolete, these period panties are made from soft, breathable materials, are ethically made and PFAS-free, and they come in an inclusive size range. Yes, please.
Best Boyshort
Out From Under Boyshort Undie
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Colors: 9
Somewhere between a boxer and a brief lies the humble boyshort, which is kind of like a boxer but typically shorter (and sadly, unlikely to make suitable outerwear). The ribbed fabric and lovely color options lend it a real nostalgic feel, and we also appreciate the multi-buy offer, which makes it significantly more affordable. Thanks to these panties’ seamless knit, they’re ideal for slipping on under any outfit for all-day comfort.
Best Cotton
Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Cotton Boxer
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton | Colors: 4
While these boxers are inspired by men’s underwear, they’re absolutely nice enough (not to mention long enough) to wear as part of a relaxed summer outfit. Available in four colorfully striped options, they boast a loud logo waistband that makes a fun focal point for your look, but you can just as easily style them with an oversized top that hides the waistband if that’s more your speed. Airy and breathable, these also make fantastic pajama bottoms.
Best Sporty
POPFLEX High Waisted Supershort
Size Range: XXS-3X | Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Colors: 13
Those who have been following Cassey Ho’s peppy Blogilates workout videos since the start will know the fitness guru has since expanded into designing her own exercise gear, which is just as adorable as it is functional (just ask Taylor Swift). Poplex’s high-waisted shorts are just one of Ho’s many designs that keep the customers coming back. They’re a cross between a bike short and a classic gym short, and boast fab design features like pockets and a no-camel-toe guarantee. Plus, they come in so many pretty colors and a really good size range.
Best Striped
With Nothing Underneath The Boxer
Size Range: UK 6-18 | Materials: Organic cotton | Colors: 6
With Nothing Underneath is a British fashion girl sweetheart, and for good reason. Though the brand’s boxers are on the more expensive side, they’re also some of the most elegant ones on our list. We can’t get enough of this sweet seersucker pair, which you can complement with the matching shirt if you so desire. They’re really comfortable as well as being incredibly stylish, which we’ll take as a definite win.
Best Seamless
Hanes Seamless Underwear Pack
Size Range: S-XXL | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Colors: Multi
Designed without side or front or back seams and made from four-way stretch material, these affordable boyshorts from Hanes are ideal for those whose pet peeve is a scratchy seam or tag in their underwear (which, really, is all of us). Considering all the five-star reviews, you can certainly trust this multipack to become your absolute go-to underwear. Happy customers say they’re especially great for the postpartum period since they’re just so dang soft and comfy.
Best for Lounging
We The Free Day To Day Solid Boxers
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, Lyocell | Colors: 4
With a relaxed fit, stretchy waistband, and breathable material, these Free People boxers are just the best for lounging around your home. Worn with just a bra or bralette, they’re sure to make you feel super sexy and cool, but you can just as easily pair them with a nice tank top for running errands or a casual park walk.
Best for Sleeping
Stripe & Stare Woven Pajama Shorts
Size Range: XS-4X | Materials: TENCEL modal, elastane, nylon | Colors: 8
What’s not to love about these Stripe & Stare pajama shorts? They’re made from extra soft and planet-friendly modal, and they feature a logo waistband which is designed to be a little loose to avoid that dreaded nighttime pinching. They also come in beautiful pattern options and in all sorts of soft colors, plus they go up to a size 4X, so more people can enjoy the sustainable comfort they offer.
What to Look for in Boxers for Women
- Material: Kilty, as well as personal and celebrity stylist Amanda Massi, recommend prioritizing extra breathable fabrics when purchasing boxers, such as cotton, modal, bamboo, silk, TENCEL, or Cupro. “These allow airflow, help prevent irritation, and feel soft against the skin,” says Kilty.
- Color: Like with any piece of clothing, which color of boxers you pick is really up to personal preference. “White boxers are a classic choice and never go out of style,” says Kilty. “But if you’re styling boxers as outerwear, don’t be afraid to play around with color. Experiment with stripes, checks, bold prints, or go tonal with pastel shades or vivid bright colors.”
- Open Fly: Men’s boxers typically feature an open fly, but for the women’s version, you can choose whether you prefer a pair with or without one. “An open fly is a traditional feature but not essential for women, and a closed fly often provides a smoother, more secure fit,” says Massi. Meanwhile, an open fly can be a fun detail if you’re going for the “boyfriend” look.
- Style: In terms of style, the choice of boxers pretty much comes down to loose vs. fitted. “Loose boxers offer classic comfort and movement, great for lounging or styling as a chic alternative to shorts,” says Kilty. “Slim-fit styles work better under clothes, especially under trousers or skirts, as they reduce bulk and maintain a cleaner, streamlined silhouette.”
Meet Our Experts
To write this article, Byrdie consulted the following experts:
- Kristine Kilty is a UK-based fashion director and stylist to the likes of Jourdan Dunn, Naomie Harris, Nick Jonas, and Lewis Hamilton.
- Amanda Massi is a personal and celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles and Las Vegas who has worked with the likes of Kate Upton and Macy Gray.
Why Trust Byrdie
Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best drugstore makeup essentials.
Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with over 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle. Iris has been a contributing commerce writer for Byrdie since 2024, writing fashion and beauty shopping stories.
Emily Cieslak
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