Best Plastic Free Men’s Underwear Brands
Over the past couple of years, I’ve flipped the ratio of my closet from synthetic fabrics to natural fabrics. In my purging and reevaluation of what I’m putting next to my skin, I realized I had neglected my husband.
I think as Moms we naturally take extra precautions with our kids, but tend to overlook the men in our life. While I’m not about to do an overhaul on my husband’s wardrobe (not yet!), I gave him the opportunity to test out some plastic-free underwear. Thankfully, he was a willing participant and provided me with some good feedback that I’m now passing on to you for the man in your life.
*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you but is paid by the company. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.
Why Plastic Free Men’s Underwear Matters
Wearing plastic free underwear may seem cool and trendy at the moment, but it extends far beyond that to comfort, health, and the environment.
Most natural fabrics score high on the comfort index scale, because they allow for air flow and proper ventilation. Synthetic fabrics are usually uncomfortable, because they trap heat and moisture. This can promote skin irritation and allergies.
I think we can all agree that what you wear next to your intimate parts all day is more important than the polyester sourced coat you may wear from time to time. Persistent exposure to microplastic fibers can carry toxins and infiltrate the skin.
According to research, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides, perfluorinated compounds, and flame retardants, can increase male reproductive-related issues.
When it comes to the environment, synthetic fabrics shed microplastics that are not biodegradable and can build up in other living organisms through the rivers, oceans, and soil.
Related Content: How To Reduce Microplastics In Your Daily Life
One of the compounding issues with synthetic fibers is that they easily absorb other harmful substances such as oil residue or polychlorinated biphenyls. In addition, as the EMBO report points out, “microfibres are often treated with additives, such as flame retardants.”
While synthetic fabrics can outperform natural fabrics in certain athletic endeavors, natural fabrics usually feel more comfortable the longer they are worn, including retaining breathability. Plus, underwear made of synthetic materials often have to be replaced more frequently due to odor retention.
What To Look For In Plastic Free Underwear
The fabric used in plastic free underwear definitely matters.
Natural Fibers
Look for natural fibers such as:
Avoid synthetic fibers such as:
- Polyester
- Acrylic
- Nylon
- Elastane
- Spandex
- Rayon
Related Content: Best Organic Cotton Underwear Brands For Women
Certifications That Matter
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a good overall certification to look for. This certification requires organic natural fiber and strict standards on toxic chemicals and dyes and a ban on GMO seeds. However, if you want to make sure you are not exposed to any plastic, check the label for materials used, because GOTS allows up to 5–10% synthetics for trims or stretch.
IVN Best (Global NatureTextil) is one of the strictest chemical certifications. IVN denotes 100% natural fibers and is stricter than a GOTS certification.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a certification of chemical safety. This means that the product has been tested for harmful substances.
Fair Trade Certified means that farmers or producers of a product were given fair wages, safe working conditions, and the environment was also protected in the process.
Elastic and Waistbands
Elastane is used for stretch and flexibility, however is made from polyurethane, a type of plastic created through chemical processing of petroleum. Elastane is commonly known as spandex. This type of fabric is not breathable, therefore it can trap odors, besides that it can shed microplastics. A better alternative is natural rubber plastic. However you will find elastane in small amounts in some of the men’s underwear that were tested. There are options that don’t use any if you are looking for truly plastic free men’s underwear.
Best Plastic Free Men’s Underwear
Pact Everyday Organic Boxer Brief
**Best For Everyday Wear**
Product Options: briefs, boxer briefs, multi-packs, boxer shorts, trunks
Materials: 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
Why We Like It: Pact offers a wide range of men’s underwear so you’re not limited to one fit or style.
Things to Consider: In my husband’s experience, the underwear wears out quickly and the elastic band can rub against the skin making it feel itchy and scratchy.
Certifications:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- Fair Trade Certified
Price Range: $18 for single or $56 for a pack of four.
Review- My hubs did not like these. He’s even tried them a couple times because I thought maybe he got a bad pair. But unfortunately he still did not like them. My brother in law also tried them and he did not like them either. My hubs said they are itchy. It is specifically in the back of the underwear where the band is. It just rubs on the skin and itches. My brother in law agreed. It would be nice if they had a longer option he said too because it’s not comfortable when he’s working out. The length is 4 inches. He also felt like they wear out quickly- a couple of them already have holes in them.
Quince Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs
**Best For Everyday Wear**
Product Options: boxer briefs, multi-packs, trunks
Materials: 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Spandex
Why We Like It: Quince underwear is comfortable and budget-friendly.
Things to Consider: You can only purchase the underwear in packs of 3.
Certifications
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
Price Range: $39.90 for multi-packs.
Review – My hubs really liked these and declared them his favorite organic underwear! So cool, because they are one of the most budget friendly options! He liked the length. They have several length options to choose from which is nice. He got the 6” Boxer Briefs. He also liked how they were form fitting and how the cotton felt on his skin. He immediately told me he knew he was going to like them, and he has continued to sing their praises. They feel great working out too, he said. These happen to be really budget friendly too!
Nads Organic Cotton Boxer Brief
**Best For Athletic Builds**
Product Options: Boxers, Boxer briefs, Shorts, Multi-packs
Materials:
Genital liner: 100% organic cotton
Main fabric: 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton, 5% BPA and PVC-free elastane
Why We Like It: Tagless back. A lot of bundle options. The elastane used is BPA and PVC-free.
Things to Consider: While the underwear may be good for athletic builds, in my husband’s experience, the underwear aren’t the best for workouts as they don’t stay in place.
Certifications:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- OEKO-TEX certified
Price Range: $34.00-$218.00
Review- He liked how they fit initially. They were more fitted and not loose which he liked. However, he did say that when he worked out and would bend over they would slip down and he didn’t like that. He said they didn’t stay in place well. He’s very active with having four kids and working out, so he wouldn’t choose these for a future underwear option.
Ryker The Titan 100% Merino Wool Boxer Brief
**Best For Athletic Builds**
Product Options: boxer briefs, single and multi-packs
Materials: 100% organic cotton or 100% merino wool
Why We Like It: They are truly 100% plastic-free and offer both wool and organic cotton boxer briefs. Tagless back.
Things to Consider: Ryker boxer briefs are expensive and can stretch out.
Certifications:
- 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Price Range: $34.00 – $368.00
Review- He liked the Ryker. They didn’t hold structure as well as the Quince ones he said. He felt like they stretched out, however, they were still comfortable and he did like how the material felt on his skin. They were 5 inches but felt like they could be longer. He tried the 100% wool boxer briefs- not the 100% organic cotton.
Woolly Everyday Boxer Brief
**Best For Everyday Wear**
Product Options: Briefs, boxer briefs, classic boxers, multi-packs
Materials: 100% Merino wool
Why We Like It: Woolly backs up their products with a one year guarantee, which means they will replace their product up to a year if it isn’t meeting your standards.
Things to Consider: Wool can snag and pill and requires a little more TLC.
Certifications:
- OEKO-TEX certified
- RWS (Responsible Wool Certified)
Price Range: $36.00-$106.00
Review- He liked these. He tried the Everyday Boxer Brief. They do have a MerinoAire Boxer Brief which I want my hubs to try because they are specifically made for more active guys. The Everyday Boxer Briefs weren’t form fitting like the Quince ones (his fave). The material is wool and he said it felt fine, but he prefers cotton. He did like the longer length of these. They have two options for their boxer briefs- 5” and 7”, he got the 7” length. When working out he felt like they bunched up which he didn’t like. Also, when washing them, they easily get knotty- little bits of lint get on them. They just don’t look as clean after washing. I agreed with him on this too.
Use code SUZIS15 to save 15% off your purchase!
Subset Organic Cotton Men’s Boxer Brief
**Best For Everyday Wear**
Product Options: Boxer briefs, bundle option.
Materials:
Fabric: 95% Certified Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane for stretch
Waistband Elastic: 70% Recycled polyester, 30% Spandex
Why We Like It: They use organic cotton. They also offer a recycling program and provide $25 to use on your next Subset order.
Things to Consider: The waistband on their underwear consists of synthetic fabrics. Subset doesn’t have as many underwear options as other brands and it does have a tag that can feel itchy.
Certifications:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- Fair Trade certified
Price Range: $30.00-$80.00
Review- He didn’t like these. He said these were similar to Pact Boxer Briefs. They would itch him in the back where the tag was sewn in. He also wished they were longer in length too, especially for workouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there truly plastic-free men’s underwear?
Yes, truly plastic-free underwear exists in the form of organic cotton, hemp, linen, silk, and wool fabrics. Fabric is one part of the underwear equation, however, because of the need for elastic, plastic-free underwear is harder to find, but it does exist.
2. Is organic cotton underwear better for men?
Yes. Organic cotton underwear is more breathable and it decreases chemical exposure. Breathable underwear is important because it can reduce chafing, bacterial overgrowth, fungal infections, and odor. Less chemical exposure can reduce different skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
3. What underwear is best for sweat and odor?
Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, temperature regulating, and breathable. Organic cotton is breathable, soft, and non-irritating.
4. Does men’s underwear contain PFAS?
Men’s underwear can contain PFAS if they consist of stain-resistant, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, or antimicrobial fabrics.
5. Are natural fiber underwear worth the cost?
If you value comfort, breathability, durability, and skin health or even the environment, then yes, natural fiber underwear is worth the cost!
Final Thoughts: Choosing Healthier Underwear for Men
Making the switch to plastic-free underwear can be an expensive and time consuming process and not one that many men would embark on on their own. As you can see from my husband’s experience, finding the right fit can be challenging, that’s why I wanted him to eliminate some of the guesswork for you. I think once a man experiences the comfort and breathability of cotton/wool underwear, he won’t want to go back to the synthetic materials. This is to say nothing of the long-term benefits both for personal health and the environment.
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