Gentlemen, if you've had trouble finding and wearing underwear you can bear, know this: You're not alone. Some underwear, like certain briefs, can be a horrendous besiege on the groin and everything therein. But then again, more accommodating boxer briefs can result in a bunched-up, tangled, and constrictive mess, too. Where, oh where is that enigmatic middle ground?
Saxx, an explicatively named underwear brand, has moved the ball forward ever so slightly for all of mankind with their proprietary "BallPark Pouch" design, a simple-but-still-somehow-novel innovation that creates a pouch for, well, your pouch.
Designed to keep things in place, but not too firmly, the Ballpark Pouch is designed to reduce chaffing and perspiration while increasing breathability.
A few of the gents on the Insider Reviews team went ahead and tried Saxx out. Below, you'll find our thoughts.
Our reviews of Saxx underwear and loungewear:
Ultra Boxer Brief
Aside from Saxx giving the technology funny names like "BallPark Pouch," the brand is pretty serious about making better underwear for men. After the first wear, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and comfort. The material is so soft that you barely notice they're on when you're dressed.
I've worn other underwear with similar support systems as the Ballpark Pouch, but I like Saxx's version best because it still manages to include a fly opening. I've amassed an insane amount of boxer briefs from testing countless brands for Insider Reviews, so I can go a relatively long time without doing laundry, but Saxx is the pair I want to wash immediately so I can wear it again. I've washed and dried them a handful of times already and they fit just as well as when I got them. — Amir Ismael, senior reporter
The material of this pair was a little softer than I prefer, but I found them surprisingly supportive, more in line with what I expect from a heavier material. The light and breathable material made them fantastic to wear during a couple of the temperature peaks this summer. — Adam Burakowski, senior director of commerce
Vibe Boxer Brief
Saxx Vibe Boxer Brief, $22.89
The best thing I can say after testing out Saxx' Vibe underwear a few times is that I didn't notice them at all throughout the day. I didn't experience any uncomfortable riding up or waistband pressure points by the end of the day.
Plus, after a few tumbles in my washer and dryer the underwear have maintained the trademark fabric softness that garners the high price tag. Admittedly, the marketing might be overkill, but they are definitely a high-quality boxer brief that I don't have to think about once I put them on in the morning. — Danny Bakst, senior content producer
Quest Loose Cannon Loose Fit Boxer
I tried a few pairs of Saxx out before I found one that suited me. The first ones all felt like compression shorts, and while maybe breathable, felt uncomfortable and even stifling. However, compared with regular cotton and other synthetic briefs (especially compression shorts), I'll readily concede that they were still far more comfortable.
The pair I've settled on continuing to wear is the "Quest Loose Cannon," which, as the name suggests, gives one's parts a room of their own, dubbed the "Ballpark Pouch."
"Ballpark Pouch" may be a bit silly where branding is concerned, but then so is "Saxx," at least in my book. If you can get past all that, along with the price tag (upwards of $25 a pair), then a whole wide world of breathable, featherlight boxers and briefs awaits. I'll be picking up a pair or two more as I can. — Owen Burke, senior reporter
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed these boxers. They were soft but not the uncomfortable, silky-soft type, which usually feels weird on my skin. They had great support that made it pleasant to wear throughout the day. Washing and drying these worked out just fine — I didn't need to give them any special treatment. I highly recommend them and will definitely enjoy this pair of Saxx boxers for a while. — Shalom Goodman, SEO strategist
Undercover Briefs
Without revealing too much of my medical history, I suffer from contact dermatitis in my nether regions — it's something common that many men go through (or, at least, that's what my dermatologist told me). This occurs if I wear underwear that isn't breathable and has fabric that cuts into my skin, particularly with briefs. I've tried many types of underwear that either use moisture-wicking material or have an innovative pouch design (or both) and my favorite in the past few years has been underwear from Saxx. The fabric is soft and the Ballpark Pouch provides some breathing room.
I usually wear Saxx trunks and boxer briefs, so for this test, I thought I'd try the briefs (tighty whities, if you will, although I got the Undercover Briefs in black). It delivered the same experience except for less leg coverage. If you prefer briefs over boxers, I found the Undercover briefs to be very comfortable, and the quality remained intact after a few washes. If I had to complain, it would be that Saxx products (and other types of "high-tech" underwear) are expensive. However, the relief they provide for my sensitive skin is worth the cost. — Les Shu, senior guides editor
Saxx Sleepwalker
For some people, including myself, the easiest way to achieve ultimate nighttime comfort is to simply strip down to underwear. The Saxx Sleepwalker pants are hands-down my favorite way to achieve that same level of comfort while still wearing pants.
They're super lightweight, breathable, and incredibly soft next to the skin. And if you like to go commando, you won't have to worry about things moving all over the place down there. Just like Saxx's underwear, the Sleepwalker Pants also have the BallPark Pouch for comfortable support. — Amir Ismael, senior reporter
Saxx Nightcrawler Onesie
I usually look at onesies as novelty items that aren't really meant to be worn all the time, but the Saxx Nightcrawler Onesie is one that I find myself constantly wearing. Just like the Sleepwalker Pants, they're lightweight and incredibly soft against the skin. They have the right amount of stretch and plenty of room for comfort.
Even though it's a onesie, it has all the features of a pair of pants. You'll find an elastic waist with a drawstring, pockets, and a fly so you won't have to get halfway undressed to use the bathroom. The Nightcrawler Onesie is worth the $95 price tag, but if you can find an on-sale pattern, you'll really find great value in it. — Amir Ismael, senior reporter
Why the BallPark Pouch is special
The cleverly named BallPark Pouch is the most notable design element of a pair of Saxx underwear. The simple, yet innovative technology consists of two little flaps of fabric that keep a man's legs and his business separated.
The most immediate difference the BallPark Pouch makes is improved support. Whether you're doing something physical or lounging around, you won't find yourself constantly readjusting.
The Pouch also helps prevent the buildup of moisture down there, reducing irritation, odor, and general annoyance.
The bottom line
There are quite literally hundreds, if not thousands, of options when it comes to underwear. Most brands only do one thing well. You might find a brand with fun patterns and colors, but with lackluster performance and comfort. On the other hand, you might find some impressively comfortable underwear, but if you like adventurous designs, the options are limited.
Saxx stands out from the many because it manages to offer modern comfort technology and plenty of style options. Although you can absolutely find cheaper underwear, you get what you pay for with Saxx. Out of the handful of pieces we've tried, we've found solid value in them all.