Our editors and testers considered dozens of underwear of a variety of moisture-wicking materials. We considered comfort, fit, pricing, and—most importantly—breathability after a day’s wear and during a variety of activities. Here’s what we took into account.
Fabric: Crucially, each pair had to contain expert-recommended quick-drying materials—such as cotton, nylon, polyester, modal, merino wool, or blends with spandex—that felt soft, durable, and didn’t lose shape after repeated washes.
Fit: We looked for underwear that stayed put without pinching or riding up. Our testing included a variety of styles—briefs, bikinis, thongs, and more—to suit different preferences and coverage levels.
Sizing: We prioritized brands that offer inclusive sizing, ideally up to 2X or higher.
Value: Cost per pair was weighed alongside comfort, durability, and availability in multipacks. Higher-priced options were included when the quality justified the splurge.
