9 Best Tighty Whities Underwear For Men

Although they’ve been referred to “the equivalent of granny panties,” it is true that the earliest gentlemen’s original tighty whitie underwear briefs may actually be making a comeback.

First released in 1935, the style was initially shown publicly in Chicago via an iconic Marshall Fields’ display window on a chilly January day — ultimately selling all 600 pairs on site by the end of that very first day in spite of the cold.

Three months later, and the store had sold over 30,000 pairs.

So, they were quite popular back in the day, but who still wears them besides Homer Simpson? You might be surprised! From actor Tom Cruise to fictional character Walter White, plenty of gents still prefer a tightie whitie to today’s boxer briefs and other more modern styles. But what types of features do they look for in a pair? Let’s check into it -

Top 9 Best Types of Tighty Whities

1. Inskentin Men’s Cotton Classics

A nice, wide, tagless waistband: The fabric is an absolute delight with a perfect amount of stretch, with a superb waistband being wide enough to hold its place and not roll down. The cushy pouch is also nicely shaped, providing ample room and comfort for your little friend. Machine washable and okay to put in the dryer (although we always prefer air drying if you notice the least wear and tear or loosening stitches. Air drying in the sun is the best).

The downside: As we mentioned, sizes run small on these. If you think you might need to, go for a size larger than you typically wear. Familiarize with the return and exchange policies at the time of your order as well, just in case you may need to take them up on it.

2. Hanes Ultimate Full Cut Pre-Shrunk Briefs

Legs stay in place, no ride up: These traditionally styled briefs hold their own with a flexible waistband, pre-shrunk fabric, and a handy pull on closure that ties it all together. Leg bands won’t ride up like other less comfy versions. Available in 6 sizes and multi-packs of whities only, mixed greys and blacks, and blended blues. You may as well grab a few of these while you’re at it - they’re an Amazon best seller, maintaining #3 in men’s underwear briefs.

One negative aspect is their elastic seems to wear out with heavy use, washing, and drying. We recommend keeping them out of the dryer, and if you can, hand wash them to extend their longevity.

3. ExOfficio Men's Sol Cool Brief

Innovation in keeping cool:  This brand utilizes innovation in the form of Fresh Tech to maintain odor resistance, and HeiQ Smart Temp and Sol Cool jade-treated fibers to vaporize moisture, enhance breathability,  and keep you relaxed and cool. Available in 5 sizes, and not only the whities we love so dearly, but stunning colors like blackberry, navy, carbon, Atlantic blue, navy/graphic foulard, black/diamond stripe, Atlantic/modern argyle, and black.

For the downside on these, you may want to order a size smaller than usual. Some reported they run at least a size larger than expected, and after a few washes may get even roomier. Also, if they’re damp coming out of the dryer, go ahead and hang dry the rest of the way -- if you’ve got a spot where they can hang in direct sunlight, we love it even more.

4. Pair of Thieves Men's Cool Breeze Briefs

You’ll stay comfy and cool with a 4-way stretch: Pair of Thieves can be found for sale in many locales elsewhere, but their premium fabrications are only found here. An upgrade on the usual, every day type of briefs, these are cozy without being constricting, and packed with innovative features.

If you can only wear white, you’re in the wrong place with Pair of Thieves. If you’re into a range of colors and prints on your briefs, on the other hand, these will most certainly float your boat. Enjoy!

5. Gildan Men’s Briefs

Plush waistband hugs but won’t bind: These briefs are cozy as clams and you can be sure Gildan’s environmental program has the creatures of our earth in mind, too. Their two-fold goal is to reduce their environmental impact while preserving the natural resources used in their manufacturing process. Add to that a 6-pack with a variety of eye-grabbing colors, non-rolling leg bands, and convenient machine washability, and you’ve got the cream of the crop of modern day briefs.

Be sure to check the size and number of briefs per pack and keep an eye on the return policy in case you get the wrong pack. Some were confused to receive 5 pairs per pack instead of 6, and others weren’t thrilled about needing to hand wash and air dry to minimize shrinkage. You may need to exchange to get the right size as well.

6. Jockey Men's Underwear Classic Full Rise Brief

New tech keeps fabric pristine and pill-free: The makers of these undies use patented STAYNEW® and DIAMOND BRIGHT® technologies to reduce pilling and discoloration, keeping them looking bright and white as time goes on -- and you won’t even need to add any bleach to the wash cycle. 100% cotton matched with moisture wicking and full rise coverage gives these basic briefs the edge they need to become the instant favorites of your underwear drawer.

The problem with these? Some found the leg holes were a little too wide and loose. If you’ve got slender or average legs, you may want to go ahead and browse a little longer.

7. Munsingwear Full-Rise Pouch Briefs

Horizontal fly works easily for both left and right-handed gents: These kangaroo briefs are equipped with a horizontal fly and hook and eye closure, and are available in 7 sizes and three colors (white in a 3-pack, as shown, and black/grey in a 2-pack). 100% cotton and excellent quality work together for full-rise comfort. Covers the backside fully and won’t ride up.

The downside is you may experience irritation if you’re sensitive to tags, as well as leg holes being too loose if your legs are slim to average.

8. Emporio Armani Cotton Briefs

Prominent Emporio Armani eagle logo waistband: Founded by Italian designer Giorgio Armani in 1975, Emporio Armani creates high quality, timeless pieces in every type of clothing, watches, jewelry, and more. These briefs, as well as their trunks and boxer briefs, are right in step with the Armani line.

The downside is the silky fabric comprising the briefs, which most fellas love, isn’t confirmed as cotton on the garment label. Although Amazon confirms it’s 100% cotton, the Armani label says, well...nothing about the matter.

9. Van Heusen Low Rise Briefs

Stretchy pouch with no fly design: Easy, breathable fabric with no tags, moisture-wicking, and a cut that sits effortlessly across the hips. Machine wash and dry. Great for athletes and active guys. Tag-free for optimal coziness across the back. Pouch hugs your junk gently, keeping it separately apart.

What’s the downside? Well, if you’re a diehard tighty whitie fan, you’ll be a little disappointed in the colors offered in these packs. They do have some whites mixed in, but they’re more of a heathered grey.

Best Tighty Whities Buying Guide

Guys need underwear that breathes, holds them snugly, but also gives them room to move and flexibility to stretch out and relax. The best material for all of this is cotton, of course, which is often blended with other fabrics like modal for enhanced comfort.

Overall, our top criteria for seeking out the primo tighty whities are: 1. 100% cotton fabric, 2. a relaxed but cozy fit, 3. pinch-free design (including leg holes), and 4. a wide waistband. Now let’s check out the best of each category: