ExOfficio Underwear Review: Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs

I’ve heard a lot about ExOfficio underwear over the years. Some of my buddies swear by the men’s Give N Go boxer brief for hiking, working out, and getting amongst the outdoors.

So I tried them. I loved them. At one point, they were my favorite underwear brand and the only brand I’d throw in my pack for a weekend in the mountains.

I went on like that for months, and aside from a few snagged seams and a small amount of pilling after dozens of machine washes (which ExOfficio underwear is approved for), there weren’t many negatives to report.

But something has changed. In this ExOfficio underwear review, I’m letting it all hang out so you know what to expect (and what to watch out for).

ExOfficio Underwear Review: The Facts

ExOfficio Underwear Review: The Honeymoon Phase

There’s a lot to love about this Seattle-based brand. It’s founders were active guys, and the company specializes in activewear, so you know you can count on ExOfficio to deliver a high-performing underwear for fellow active guys—and gals, if you want to check out the women’s line (which I did not).

Give N Go boxer briefs easily hit the brief.

Fit

The fit is true to size across the brand, with a good, snug waistband that doesn’t roll down or twist around on long hikes. The cut and flatlock finish of the seams minimizes chafing, and the synthetic fabric blend is ultra-soft, so you don’t end your day feeling like you’re wearing a sandpaper loincloth.

As someone of average height and build, I don’t mind the low-rise waist of the Give N Go boxer briefs, but bigger guys may want to opt in for the longer leg or higher-waist brief options.

Fabric

Odor-Fighting

Much of ExOfficio’s underwear line features anti-odor treatment to help you avoid that awkward swamp-butt smell. As a single guy—or maybe that’s why I’m a single guy?—sweaty ball-smell wasn’t a major concern…although, of course, I appreciate that the brand delivered on that promise.

Active Living

ExOfficio knows active lifestyles. They’ve made these underwear—and everything in the Give N Go line—easy care, ultra-low maintenance, and durable for life on the go.

I typically packed 2 pairs for any length of trip—1 pair for wearing, and 1 backup pair.

These are easy to hand-wash and can dry in minutes (seriously). You could do the towel trick (roll them up real tight in a towel and swing them around your head cowboy-style for a few minutes) but I find I can have these touch dry in 30 minutes just by hanging them from a hook in my tent.

Style

This line is incredibly size-inclusive. From a small (30” waist) to a 2XL (44” waist) it’s easy to find a comfortable fit.

Color and print options vary from cut to cut and season to season, but there are typically enough options in any given year that you’ll find something that suits, even if you’re ultra-minimalist or uber-bold. At time of writing, I can count 18 colors and patterns.

Sounds like a good deal at this price-point, right? I thought so, too. But as with so many things in life, eventually, the blinders will come off and—if you’re anything like me—you’ll stand there in your ExOfficio boxer briefs wondering WTH happened.

Here is that chapter of the story.

ExOfficio Underwear Review: The Honeymoon Is Over

Packaging

The first sign of trouble came when I ordered some replacements for my ol’ faithful Give N Go underwear: they arrived in a plastic bag. My first order arrived in ExOfficio-branded packaging.

Fit

I’d ordered the same style (Give N Go boxer brief) in 4 colors, and each of the colors fit differently—despite being the exact same size.

I’m usually an all-black kind of guy. I like black underwear, and I wear them under black hiking gear. The brightest thing about my wardrobe is my collection of crazy socks.

The black pair I ordered (re-ordered) weren’t on special. But I noticed I could buy a 2-pack of a color called ‘Curfew’ (it looked black, and the swatch looked black) for a good price, so I ordered those, too. Then I decided to branch out and get a bold red pair to get free shipping.

So, here’s how that worked:

And this leads me to my next point.

Returns

On the ExOfficio website, you’ve got a whopping 60 days to return any products—and it’s free via FedEx.

Unfortunately, I didn’t buy from the ExOfficio website, so that was a no-go for me. I returned via ExOfficio’s official Amazon store and waited around 2 weeks for my replacements.

Durability

Same deal. There is just a massive lack of consistency across the line. Eventually, I got the sizes I expected but the fit was never quite consistent across the four pairs, and their durability has gone from a solid 36 months to fraying seams at 12 weeks.

ExOfficio: Relationship Update

The ExOfficio Give N Go boxer briefs I met 4 years ago are the love of my life. But over time, things have changed—mainly fit, consistency, and comfort. They just don’t get me like they used to. But I'm not ready to break up with them just yet.

If you are willing to put your heart out there and give these a try—and I recommend that!—buy direct from the brand or a reputable third-party retailer.

What could be better than active-guy boxers from the activewear pros? If you’re ready to shop ExOfficio, I recommend you do it here.

References