The 14 Best Boxers for Women of 2025

Posted by

June 20, 2025

On June 20, 2025

Boxers are a staple from the sheets to the streets. These lightweight, elasticated shorts were originally designed as men’s underwear—and that’s still where we see them the most—but these days, they’re also so much more. Some are meant to be worn as underwear, others as loungewear, others as street or beachwear while some boxers can do it all!

“I grew up in the era of Aaliyah rocking Tommy Hilfiger and those iconic Calvin Klein campaigns with Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg, so I’ve long been a fan of incorporating boxers into both outerwear and loungewear,” says celebrity stylist Kristine Kilty. “When styled right, they can strike the perfect balance between comfort and cool.”

We scoured the internet, and spoke to experts in the know, to find the very best boxers for women out there. Our picks for boxers as underwear are soft, airy, and comfy, plus provide some extra support and prevent chafing under dresses.

Credit: Katydid

Size Range: S-XL | Materials: Cotton | Colors: 12

Can you say “obsessed?” Katydid’s signature boxers are a fan favorite thanks to cute designs like this pink and green stripe or these rainbow checks. Made from 100% cotton and coming in at a pretty accessible price point, these boxers are technically designed for outdoor sports such as tennis and pickleball, but they can be worn just as easily to the beach, to run errands, or to sleep in. These boxers’ biggest fans say they’re comfy and airy and just all-around a pleasure to wear.

Fruit of the Loom Women's 4pk Relaxing Comfort Boxers

Credit: Target

Size Range: S-2XL | Materials: Modal, polyester, spandex | Colors: Multi

Thanks to Fruit of the Loom, you can get your hands on a four-pack of boxers for less than the cost of one premium pair, and these really hold their own, too. Made from a super soft modal mix, they come in a cute range of colors and feel so comfy under a dress or skirt. They’re designed as underwear, but we wouldn’t blame you for wearing them on their own around the house.

Credit: SKIMS

Size Range: XXS-4X | Materials: Cotton, modal, elastane | Colors: 6

Whether you’re looking to lounge or swap out your bike shorts, these longline Boyfriend Boxers from Skims will likely do the trick. They’re inspired by a classic fitted boxer short and made with a lightweight, stretch jersey material with a comfortable waistband that makes them great for layering under clothing. Still, don’t let their fabric fool you, as they’re still durable enough to wear solo when running errands.

Wirarpa Women's Boxer Briefs Cotton Underwear Anti Chafing Boy Shorts Panties 5.5" Inseam 4 Pack

Credit: Amazon

Size Range: S-3XL | Materials: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 6

The wirarpa Boxer Briefs from Amazon are a brief-infused boxer for those looking for a snug fit. This five-pack comes in a variety of color options, including neutral hues like black and white. Highly recommended by Amazon customers, the soft, breathable, and lightweight shorts are considered “all-purpose” and have kept wearers comfortable whether they’re wearing loungewear or throwing on their best athleisure outfit for a workout session.

Credit: Zara

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Linen, viscose | Colors: 4

While boxers are casual by nature, linen definitely has the power to take them to that next level of dressed-up. Available in a range of neutrals, these Zara shorts pair perfectly with a nice top and a dressy shoe, perhaps for a summer brunch date or a stroll around the farmer’s market. The linen here is mixed with viscose, which gives these boxers a slightly smoother feel.

Credit: Fleur du Mal

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Silk, elastane | Colors: 3

These boxers crank the “stolen from your boyfriend” energy all the way up, given they’re a unisex product. We love how sexy these are—a traditional men’s Y-front style with a contrast logo waistband—yet made from lush silk for something truly luxurious. Available in black, icy blue, and a limited-edition floral, these are special occasion lingerie except they actually are comfy.

Credit: Aisle

Size Range: XXS-5X | Materials: TENCEL™ lyocell, organic cotton, spandex, recycled polyester, polyester, TPU, hemp | Colors: 4

When you’re on your period, you just want to wear comfy clothes and undergarments, and you definitely don’t want to have to worry about any unexpected leaks. These boxers from Period Aisle aren’t just cute, they’re also deeply functional. They absorb four regular tampons’ worth of blood worn alone but also come with a reusable booster pad to double their absorbency. Beyond rendering disposable period products obsolete, these period panties are made from soft, breathable materials, are ethically made and PFAS-free, and they come in an inclusive size range. Yes, please.

Urban Outfitters Out From Under Ribbed Seamless Boyshort Undie

Credit: Urban Outfitters

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Colors: 9

Somewhere between a boxer and a brief lies the humble boyshort, which is kind of like a boxer but typically shorter (and sadly, unlikely to make suitable outerwear). The ribbed fabric and lovely color options lend it a real nostalgic feel and we also appreciate the multi-buy offer, which makes it significantly more affordable. Thanks to these panties’ seamless knit, they’re ideal for slipping on under any outfit for all-day comfort.

Credit: Polo Ralph Lauren

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton | Colors: 4

While these boxers are inspired by men’s underwear, they’re absolutely nice enough (not to mention long enough) to wear as part of a relaxed summer outfit. Available in four colorfully striped options, they boast a loud logo waistband that makes a fun focal point for your look, but you can just as easily style them with an oversized top that hides the waistband if that’s more your speed. Airy and breathable, these also make fantastic pajama bottoms.

Credit: POPFLEX

Size Range: XXS-3X | Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Colors: 13

Those who have been following Cassey Ho’s peppy Blogilates workout videos since the start will know the fitness guru has since expanded into designing her own exercise gear—which is just as adorable as it is functional (just ask Taylor Swift). Poplex’s high-waisted shorts are just one of Ho’s many designs that keep the customers coming back. They’re a cross between a bike short and a classic gym short, and boast fab design features like pockets and a no-camel-toe guarantee. Plus, they come in so many pretty colors and a really good size range.

Credit: With Nothing Underneath

Size Range: UK 6-18 | Materials: Organic cotton | Colors: 6

With Nothing Underneath is a British fashion girl sweetheart and for good reason. Though the brand’s boxers are on the more expensive side, they’re also some of the most elegant ones on our list. We can’t get enough of this sweet seersucker pair, which you can complement with the matching shirt if you so desire. They’re really comfortable as well as being incredibly stylish, which we’ll take as a definite win.

Credit: Amazon

Size Range: S-XXL | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Colors: Multi

Designed without side nor front or back seams and made from four-way stretch material, these affordable boyshorts from Hanes are ideal for those whose pet peeve is a scratchy seam or tag in their underwear (which, really, is all of us). Considering all the five-star reviews, you can certainly trust this multipack to become your absolute go-to underwear. Happy customers say they’re especially great for the postpartum period since they’re just so dang soft and comfy.

Credit: Nordstrom

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, Lyocell | Colors: 4

With a relaxed fit, stretchy waistband, and breathable material, these Free People boxers are just the best for lounging around your home. Worn with just a bra or bralette, they’re sure to make you feel super sexy and cool, but you can just as easily pair them with a nice tank top for running errands or a casual park walk.

Stripe & Stare Soft Brushed Woven Pajama Shorts

Credit: Stripe & Stare

Size Range: XS-4X | Materials: TENCEL modal, elastane, nylon | Colors: 8

What’s not to love about these Stripe & Stare pajama shorts? They’re made from extra soft and planet-friendly modal, and they feature a logo waistband which is designed to be a little loose to avoid that dreaded nighttime pinching. They also come in beautiful pattern options and in all sorts of soft colors, plus they go up to a size 4X, so more people can enjoy the sustainable comfort they offer.

What to Look for in Boxers

Material: Kilty, as well as personal and celebrity stylist Amanda Massi, recommend prioritizing extra breathable fabrics when purchasing boxers, such as cotton, modal, bamboo, silk, TENCEL, or Cupro. “These allow airflow, help prevent irritation, and feel soft against the skin,” says Kilty.
Color: Like with any piece of clothing, which color of boxers you pick is really up to personal preference. “White boxers are a classic choice and never go out of style.” says Kilty. “But if you’re styling boxers as outerwear, don’t be afraid to play around with color. Experiment with stripes, checks, bold prints, or go tonal with pastel shades or vivid bright colors.”
Open Fly: Men’s boxers typically feature an open fly, but for the women’s version, you can choose whether you prefer a pair with or without one. “An open fly is a traditional feature but not essential for women, and a closed fly often provides a smoother, more secure fit,” says Massi. Meanwhile, an open fly can be a fun detail if you’re going for the “boyfriend” look.
Style: In terms of style, the choice of boxers pretty much comes down to loose vs. fitted. “Loose boxers offer classic comfort and movement, great for lounging or styling as a chic alternative to shorts,” says Kilty. “Slim-fit styles work better under clothes, especially under trousers or skirts, as they reduce bulk and maintain a cleaner, streamlined silhouette.”

FAQ

Glad you asked! Boxer shorts are ridiculously versatile, so if you don’t know where to start, Massi has some tips to get you started. “For a laid-back yet elevated daytime look, I love pairing crisp cotton or silk boxer shorts with a fitted tank or a ribbed knit top, then adding an oversized linen button-down worn open or knotted at the waist,” the expert says. “Slip on a pair of chic sandals or white sneakers, and you’ve got that effortless off-duty vibe that’s perfect for brunch, errands, or a casual coffee date.” For an extra step up, pair your boxers with a tailored shirt and some statement accessories for example, says Massi.
On the other hand, just because you’re wearing a pair of boxers to lounge in doesn’t mean you don’t want to look cute in them. “At home, embrace the cozy by styling your boxers with a soft, slouchy sweater or an oversized tee—loungewear that feels intentional and polished,” says Massi. “The most important thing is to play with proportion.” So with fitted boxers, opt for an oversized top à la Princess Diana. With relaxed boxers, try a fitted tank top or tee.

Yes, but it depends on the style of boxers and what you’re planning to wear over them. “If you prefer a loose, unstructured boxer, they’re dreamy for lounging or sleeping, but they can sometimes bunch up under more tailored pieces like skinny jeans, fitted skirts, or form-fitting trousers,” says Massi. “If you’re planning to wear boxers under clothes during the day, opt for a slimmer, more tailored boxer. That way, they’ll give you the breathability and comfort you crave, but with a smoother silhouette that disappears under your outfit.” Also, make sure to choose a thinner fabric to avoid any unwanted VPL.

Meet Our Experts

To write this article, Byrdie consulted the following experts:

Kristine Kilty is a UK-based fashion director and stylist to the likes of Jourdan Dunn, Naomie Harris, Nick Jonas, and Lewis Hamilton.
Amanda Massi is a personal and celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles and Las Vegas who has worked with the likes of Kate Upton and Macy Gray.

Why Trust Byrdie

Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best drugstore makeup essentials.

Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with over 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle. Iris has been a contributing commerce writer for Byrdie since 2024, writing fashion and beauty shopping stories.