Stance Underwear Review: Can The Sock Stars Do Underwear?

You’ve probably heard of Stance. Either because they’ve sold over 50 million pairs of socks or because they were responsible for socking—that’s a word, right?—the NBA.

If not for either of those things, then maybe you’ve heard of them because Rihanna has a line of Stance socks, Will Smith and Dwyane Wade are major investors in the brand, or because Jay-Z even gave them a shout out on his latest album.

But that’s all socks. We know their socks are the ultimate performers when it comes to design, comfort, and craftsmanship.

Now Stance is doing underwear and tees, too.

I copped a pair of the Stance Butter Blend boxer briefs to answer one question:

Are Stance a one-trick pony?

It’s an expensive question to ask, given that Stance underwear are sitting in a price bracket only slightly lower than luxury brands like Tommy John.

But ask it I did—and here’s the answer.

The Test: Regulation Boxer Brief

First Impressions

The Regulation boxer brief was my first choice because it comes in a neutral grey or black with an exposed Core-Flex waistband (we’ll get to that in a minute).

Straight out of the packaging, the first impressions in unboxing Stance underwear is that these are soft. I expected it with a proprietary fabric named Butter Blend, but it still kind of took me by surprise a little.

So who doesn’t like ultra-comfortable underwear?

The Butter Blend material is lightweight but not too stretchy, soft without being flimsy, and smooth without snagging on every-damn-thing.

Getting Technical

Construction

Even at a glance, I figured Stance Butter Blend boxer briefs were going to be good—mainly because all the basics are taken care of:

Effectively, it looks like Stance are applying the same quality design principles and superior craftsmanship to their men’s underwear line as they’ve used in their iconic sock collection.

I’m relieved to say Stance underwear isn’t a desperate attempt at capitalizing on early success—it is a quality line of products in its own right.

Comfort

I’m giving Stance Regulation Boxer Briefs an A+ for comfort.

For me, there’s really no faulting the fabric feel, the fit, how these underwear move with the body, or how comfortable and flexible they are as I lounge around my apartment or knock out a solid 8 hours of work (JK. I generally need a power nap after hour 3).

The Butter Blend fabric—although it’s a mouthful to keep saying that—feels comparable to a merino wool or Micro Modal blend in terms of softness and weight, and doesn’t snag like silkier synthetics can.

The exposed Core-Flex waistband is thick and high-quality, and with its solid construction and thoughtful design there’s little chance of annoying roll-down as I’m out here living my best life.

Finally, the side fly access is roomy enough to keep things simple as you haul the big fella in and out, but the seam stays flat and holds its shape when not in use.

Breathability

Let’s talk about the Butter Blend fabric for a second—because it’s going to become fairly important in this section.

First up: Modal. Stance’s Butter Blend material uses 65% Modal, well-known as a partially synthetic, super-smooth, absorbent fabric.

Stance have combined this with 26% Lyocell, which is sustainable, anti-bacterial, soft, and absorbs up to 50% more liquid than cotton (I’m talking sweat, here).

Finally, you’ve got 9% Elastane thrown in the mix. Elastane—also known as Spandex—is what gives Stance Regulation Boxer Briefs such excellent stretch and resilience.

Spandex is moisture-wicking like Lyocell and Modal but, as anyone who was a teen at the height of 80s Spandex culture can attest, it is not breathable. Like, at all.

So, what we have here is a combination of materials that might encourage sweatiness, but will also absorb a lot of it before it becomes an issue.

Drying Time

This is where Stance underwear really shine for me. They’re essentially hydrophobic, thanks to all that cellulose in the fabric, so they dry quicker than nearly any other fabric I’ve been testing.

When I’m road tripping with my buddies, there are a few things I always forget: toothpaste, sunglasses case, and to pack enough underwear. The latter is easy to work around with Stance Butter Blend boxers, because I can handwash them and dry them in minutes with the old towel roll trick.

Not familiar with the towel roll trick? Check it out here, and you’re welcome.

Durability

In some of the Stance underwear reviews I read, there were complaints about durability. For me, the trick is to maintain the boxer brief’s elasticity and keep them looking good for longer by following the cleaning and care advice.

The waistband is pretty durable—which you can tell by the feel and build of it—but the fabric itself is soft and slick.

Cool washing and avoiding the tumble dryer has worked for me, and after almost 8 months of near continuous use, I’m not seeing any pilling or wear-through in the fabric. There’s definitely fading between the thighs, but I’m guessing that’s more to do with my body shape than the boxers themselves.

And that’s all I’m saying about that.

Value

Price is a tricky one. Stance underwear sits somewhere between mid-budget high performer Everlane and premium-budget icon Tommy John.

Are they worth it?

Yes and no.

For construction, durability, and comfort, they deserve their price point 100%.

But that doesn’t make them a great fit for every guy.

Is Stance Underwear As Good as Their Socks?

In my opinion, Stance Butter Blend Boxer Briefs deliver the ultimate in comfort, construction, and durability best suited to chilling at home, working, commuting, or winter wear.

If you lead a physically active lifestyle, or live in a tropical climate, they may not be the brand for you.